Latest news with #JCRC
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
This Passover I'm holding on to my Jewish story and making space for yours
Imagine being told that to stand for justice, you need to leave part of yourself behind. That's what many Jews are hearing right now − that being proudly Jewish, or identifying as a Zionist, disqualifies us from participating in movements for justice and inclusion. It's a painful message. But for Jews, it's also familiar. Across our history, we've known what it feels like to be othered − to be asked to choose between belonging and being ourselves. That's why Passover − a holiday that retells our journey from oppression to freedom and calls us to use that freedom with purpose − feels especially relevant this year. In some circles, Zionism is treated as a slur − shorthand for injustice. We understand the pain of others. We also know Zionism has been used in ways that others experience as harmful. But that's not the full story. For most Jews, Zionism is deeply personal. It connects us to peoplehood, safety, and the belief that we − like all peoples − deserve the right to self-determination in our ancestral homeland. It's not about exclusion or domination but about survival, community, and the ability to live openly and without fear. More: I'm a Zionist. That shouldn't prevent me from speaking at a rally against Nazis. | Opinion We heard this firsthand at our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Annual Meeting when Jake Powers, a senior at the University of Cincinnati and president of Bearcats for Israel, bravely shared what happened to him. Someone broke into his apartment, tore down his mezuzah − and defecated in the space. He wasn't targeted for speaking out or leading a protest. He was targeted simply for being visibly Jewish. For identifying as a Zionist. His story is horrifying. And sadly, not isolated. Across the country, Jewish students are facing pressure to hide who they are − not just from extremists but even in communities and causes where they once felt safe. And online, the pressure is even more intense. Disinformation campaigns − led by humans and bots − are flooding conversations about Israel and Zionism, distorting dialogue and drowning out authentic voices. One recent study found that nearly one in four posts attacking Israel or Zionism on social media are generated by fake accounts. Even well-intentioned people can get swept up in that noise. Some in our community have shared that when they respond to antisemitic content − to correct falsehoods or offer a different point of view − their replies are quietly deleted. That kind of silencing doesn't just stifle debate − it pushes people out of conversations they care deeply about and have every right to be part of. The story of Passover doesn't end with liberation. It continues in the wilderness − with uncertainty, disagreement, and the challenge of building something better together. That's where real freedom exists. It's not about always seeing eye-to-eye, but in choosing to stay in conversation − even when it's complicated. More: Antisemitism concerns push more American Jews to hide their faith | Opinion This moment isn't easy − for any of us. The way forward isn't always clear; I feel that, too. But I believe we can start by making more room for each other. Room for questions. For listening. For conversations that don't fit neatly into "right" and "wrong." What I'm asking for isn't certainty − it's nuance. A little more space for curiosity. A little more courage to stay in dialogue, even when it's hard. Maybe the most meaningful thing we can offer this Passover is not just our story but space for someone else's, too. To my Muslim friends, I wish you a blessed Eid. To my Christian family and friends, a joyful Easter. And to my Jewish family, a meaningful and peaceful Pesach. Danielle V. Minson is CEO of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: This Passover I'm holding tight to my Jewish identity | Opinion
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Eric Adams claimed to Jewish leaders an antisemite is running for NYC mayor: ‘Spewing antisemitism'
There's an antisemite running for City Hall, Mayor Eric Adams claimed to Jewish leaders in a closed-door meeting last week. Adams made the allegation during a March 19 appearance before the Jewish Community Relations Council — but did not reveal the name of the candidate he believes is 'spewing antisemitism,' sources in attendance told The Post. The mayor attended the private meeting to discuss security and other preparations for the May 18 Salute to Israel Parade. Community leaders who were there started out by expressing appreciation for Adams' support for the Jewish people amid anti-Israel protests amid rising antisemitism. Then Hizzoner went off script, sources said. 'In our great city, with a large population of Jewish residents, one of the candidates running for mayor is spewing antisemitism,' an attendee recalled the mayor telling JCRC members. Another participant confirmed that Adams said there was an antisemite running for City Hall. Sources at the meeting assumed Adams was referring to state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist running for mayor who is an Israel-basher. Mamdani was arrested at an anti-Israel protest outside US Sen. Chuck Schumer's home in Brooklyn in October 2023, when he demanded a ceasefire in Gaza seven days after Israel responded to Hamas's invasion of the Jewish state a few days earlier. In Albany, Mamdani also introduced the 'Not on Our Dime!: Ending New York Funding of Israeli Settler Violence Act' — legislation aimed at barring New York-based charitable groups from engaging in 'unauthorized support of Israeli settlement activity.' He is part of the Democratic Socialists of America, a political group that backs the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel, which critics claim is antisemitic. Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis, is among the Jewish leaders concerned about the rise of Mamdani and what he said is his slanted view against the Jewish state of Israel. 'When you hold Israel to a different standard, you have some explaining to do. We have every right to question whether you're antisemitic,' Potasnik told The Post. Mamdani's camp denied he promotes antisemitism. 'Zohran is running a positive and visionary campaign to lower the cost of living for working-class New Yorkers being priced out of the city they built,' said Mamdani's campaign spokesman, Andrew Epstein. 'He believes in universal human rights and strongly denounces antisemitism, as he does all forms of bigotry, racism and hate.' Asked if Mamdani supports the BDS movement against Israel, Epstein said, 'Zohran supports the right to nonviolently protest against apartheid, including consumer boycotts.' Adams, through a campaign rep, did not deny making the comment to JCRC saying one of the candidates was antisemitic. Instead, he expanded his claim, saying there is 'more than one' candidate who is refusing to fight Jew hatred. 'Mayor Eric Adams has always been clear: The next mayor of New York City must be someone who stands firmly against antisemitism and all forms of hate and who embraces the values of respect, unity and inclusion,' said Adams campaign spokesman Todd Shapiro. 'New York is a city built on diversity, and its leader must love and represent all New Yorkers — regardless of race, religion, or background. 'We encourage everyone to look closely at the comments and actions of the candidates,' Shapiro said. 'More than one has demonstrated an unwillingness to take a strong stance against hate and antisemitism. The mayor believes that our city's leadership must be unwavering in their commitment to fighting hatred in all forms and ensuring every New Yorker feels safe, valued, and protected.'
