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Shalom, chaveirim - hello, friends -
There are so many elements of why Jewish life has been so difficult since October 7th. And we have learned so much over the last four months ...
There are two resources I want to share today - which both need far more unpacking than this column can offer. Nonetheless, these resources explain and stand solidly on their own and certainly do not need my editorial comment.
The first is a video and the second is a podcast.
ANTISEMITISM IN THE IVORY TOWER
It is not an easy video to watch. But it summarizes what has happened in the last four months on college campuses.
Several years of misguided education and the promotion of a false binary of "oppressed-oppressor" has led to heckler's vetoes, blocking of safe passage to campuses (let alone bridges, airports, and train stations), and worst of all: indirect at best - or blatant at worst -support for the terrorism, jihadism, and antisemitism that frightens not just Jews but liberal-minded people around the globe.
In a 20-minute video, "American Miseducation: How did our universities become hotbeds of hate?" Olivia Reingold of The Free Press, raises important points to help us understand the reality of this moment for the Jewish people and Israel.
ANTISEMITISM & ANTI-ISRAEL EFFORTS FUNDED BY OUR TAX DOLLARS
It would seem that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) exists to turn back the clock to 1948 and Israel's founding. It is one of two refugee agencies of the U.N. While it deals specifically with Palestinians, the other agency, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, handles all other refugees in the entire world. Refugees from all other countries have been and are resettled and their children allowed to become citizens of their new country. ONLY Palestinians maintain their refugee status - even if they become citizens of their new country - and that status is transferred to subsequent generations.
UNRWA has been in the news recently as some of its workers are being investigated - and the evidence is already clear - for having actively participated in the Hamas terror of October 7th. Long before this recent charge, UNRWA is a known source of anti-Israel instruction and propaganda. The agency's 13,000 person staff in Gaza serve to support and at the pleasure of Hamas.
Dan Senor and Haviv Rettig Gur in "Call Me Back: UNRWA and Hamas - the perfect affair," explain and layout details of UNRWA in a very clear and cogent manner. I highly recommend listening and sharing their conversation to grasp the depth of the corruption and evil which Hamas - and subsequently UNRWA - has perpetrated against Israel and namely: Palestinians.
AZ MAH ~ עז מה? ~ SO NOW WHAT?
We are remarkably lucky and well-equipped to respond to the challenges of this moment. And there are students like Talia Khan from MIT whom we heard from last month who give us great inspiration about Jewish students on campus who not only stand up to those who attack Jews and Israel but also seek to deepen their Judaism, connection to community, and understanding and support of Israel.
I share this information not from a place of despondency but rather to inform and encourage you to do your part by supporting organizations that fight antisemitism and by reconsidering your relationship to institutions that do not responsibly address the reality of the antisemitism of our day. I have had to reassess my giving .
One last video from which you might find encouragement: a tank unit from Israel that, like a phoenix, has risen from the ashes. You'll find the video here on Israel from the Inside, which is an excellent blog from Rabbi Daniel Gordis.
L'shalom,
Rabbi Mark Cohn
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Join me for a one-week solidarity mission to Israel!!
March 26 - April 2
Together with Temple Beth El in Springfield, MA, my wife and I have created a week-long trip to show support to Israelis, volunteer in meaningful ways, and to bear witness to the reality of the last four months in Israel. For more information, consult the itinerary and the expenses. This trip is not for people who want to explore the whole of the country. Now is not the time to do that. This is a time to ensure that our brothers and sisters in Israel feel the love and support of our community. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at rabbicohn@tsholom.org.
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