As the Jewish High Holidays approach, tensions have escalated within Brooklyn’s Jewish community due to ongoing pro-Palestine protests. Concerns have arisen among parents and administration members of a prominent Reform Jewish after-school program about safety and the necessity for heightened security measures amid fears of targeted protests.
In November 2023, one community leader decided to attend a protest in Bay Ridge, a neighborhood known for its pro-Palestinian sentiment, to witness the situation firsthand. Contrary to expectations of hostility, the protest featured Jewish participants, including elders displaying Stars of David and children holding signs with Jewish symbols. This unexpected sense of solidarity was highlighted when a Palestinian man expressed gratitude for Jewish participation, sharing his own family’s struggles.
As Rosh Hashanah, which begins on October 2, approaches, reflection becomes paramount for the Jewish community. This year’s observance coincides with the anniversary of October 7, 2023, a significant date that has prompted discussions about fear and understanding within the community. Leaders emphasize the importance of addressing perceived threats and the narrative surrounding Jewish safety, particularly in light of statements from political figures like President Joe Biden, who suggested that Jewish security is contingent on Israel’s strength.
The conflation of American Jewish safety with Israel’s political landscape has raised concerns among community members. Critics argue that this perspective blurs the lines between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, particularly following the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This definition includes claims against Israel’s right to self-determination as potential antisemitism, complicating discussions about legitimate criticism of Israeli policies.
The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) recent report on antisemitism has been scrutinized for conflating political protests against Israel with antisemitic incidents, leading to fears of persecution within the Jewish community. Detractors argue that such narratives oversimplify the complexities of the situation and fail to accurately assess the safety of American Jews.
As the conflict in Gaza escalates, community leaders assert that true safety lies not in isolation but in solidarity and shared justice efforts. Rather than retreating into fear, many have found strength and security through interfaith dialogue and collaboration.
Jewish tradition emphasizes the pursuit of peace, and community leaders advocate for a ceasefire and an arms embargo until Israel commits to ending its military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. As the Jewish community navigates these challenging times, a collective call for understanding and justice resonates, offering hope for a more secure future for all.