When there is an increase of anti-Semitic incidents across the country, does a resolution to condemn it deserve to stand alone, or as part of the “kitchen sink” that includes other forms of discrimination? Last Sunday, nearly 500 people gathered at Haym Salomon Square in Kew Gardens Hills to condemn this centuries-old form of hate, which included strong words against Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and the Congressional resolution that lumped her anti-Semitic statements with other forms of hate.
Having taken place two days after a white supremacist massacred 50 worshipers in two New Zealand mosques, there was a feeling of fear that anti-Semitism may lose the attention of public officials concerned about Islamophobia.
“They tried to pin the blame of what happened in New Zealand on Chelsea Clinton,” said Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, rav of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills and the Rabbinic Consultant of the Queens Jewish Link. He was speaking about the videotaped incident where a leftist heckler berated Clinton for her condemnation of Omar, connecting it to the massacre. After this example of misplaced blame, he spoke of a double-standard among public officials. “Judge Jeanine Pirro was removed from her show for anti-Muslim remarks, but Congresswoman Omar remains on the Foreign Affairs Committee with impunity. Anti-Semitism must be addressed alone.”
Fortunately, in Queens, civic and elected leaders recognize that anti-Semitism should be condemned on its own without being lumped together with other forms of hatred. “We are here as Democrats, Republicans, Jews, and non-Jews to stand against anti-Semitism,” said Rep. Grace Meng. “These have been a tough few weeks for our community.”
“As someone who has faced the claim of dual loyalty based on my own heritage, I know how dangerous that accusation can be,” said Meng. She noted the increase in anti-Semitic incidents, mentioned recent examples, and her efforts to fund security for synagogues and the missile defense shield for Israel. “It is reprehensible on its own merits,” she said about anti-Semitism.
Borough President Melinda Katz spoke of unity in purpose for victims of hate, noting that on the same day she would be speaking at Borough Hall in solidarity with the local Muslim communities and their coreligionists in New Zealand. “It’s not just about the fact that they’re allies. It’s about fairness and equity.”
The rally was billed as nonpartisan, and Rabbi Schonfeld acknowledged the presence of local Republican activists Phil Orenstein and Joe Concannon, with an introduction for Jeffrey Wiesenfeld. The Great Neck resident is a former CUNY trustee and active in various pro-Israel causes. “Justice for the Jewish people is to be treated by the body politic as any other group. Just because we are polite doesn’t mean that we should be ignored. Our sages teach us to assume the good in people unless proven otherwise. Ilhan Omar has proven otherwise,” said Wiesenfeld. “We want to be treated like anybody else. You don’t create a kitchen sink resolution.”
Councilman Rory Lancman noted that even as the Jewish community is polite, it is not complacent. “We will not be silent, we will not be quiet. We spoke up when the Queens Museum did not want to honor the anniversary of Israeli independence. We expelled Kuwait Airlines from JFK Airport for their refusal to seat Israeli passengers, and public funding for nonprofit institutions in the community. “We believe in ourselves, we are positive, and we reach out to other people. That is the answer.”
They were joined at the podium by their colleagues Rep. Gregory Meeks, State Senators Toby Ann Stavisky and Joe Addabbo, Councilman David Weprin, Councilman Donovan Richards, Councilman Barry Grodenchik, and former Council Members Morton Povman, Jim Gennaro, and Elizabeth Crowley. Assemblyman Dan Rosenthal was represented by his Chief of Staff Tim Thomas. Although the average age of rally participants leaned towards older local residents, nearly 30 talmidim from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim were also present, along with the school’s Executive Vice President, Rabbi Hayim Schwartz.
Among the sponsoring organizations, David Mordukhaev spoke for the Alliance of Bukharian Americans, Rabbi Chaim Schwartz represented the Vaad Harabonim of Queens. Zionist Organization of America Vice President Dr. Arthur Cook spoke on its behalf: “Yesterday, Jews around the world read Vayikra. A witness has the moral responsibility to speak up. Truth and justice are fatally compromised when one does not speak the truth.” Cynthia Zalisky and Michael Nussbaum of the Queens Jewish Community Council were also among the organizers of the event.
Much of the anger relating to Rep. Omar was directed at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who refused to remove Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee after her anti-Semitic remarks, and for approving a watered-down version of the resolution condemning anti-Semitism. “If Haman were alive today, she would say that he is an unintentional anti-Semite,” said Rabbi Moses Birnbaum of the Kew Gardens Hills Jewish Center. “Before there were Jewish defense agencies, there was Mordechai. He saved King Achashveirosh. I say to all the Jewish members of the House, if you don’t stand up for Jewish rights, who will? Then I ask, where’s Chuck?” He was referring to New York’s Senior Senator Chuck Schumer.
Rabbi Schonfeld said that with the Purim parties around the neighborhood and so many other things to do, it was remarkable to see so many people show up on a Sunday afternoon. He urged participants to contact Speaker Pelosi directly to demand the removal of Omar from her committee posts. As her Washington office phone line may not receive voicemail due to high call volume, there is an email form on her website: pelosi.house.gov. As leftists succeeded in pressuring Pelosi to go easy on Omar, rally organizers hope to do the opposite through a sustained public campaign.
Feeling inspired by the turnout and message, Great Neck resident Dr. Paul Brody said that his community is also planning a rally against anti-Semitism on Sunday, March 31. With increased incidents of anti-Semitism, such as a Congresswoman’s tweet, a Bukharian teen being attacked on 108th Street, and swastikas in chalk in a Rego Park schoolyard, the Jewish community as a whole has become more vigilant. Likewise its elected officials, who diligently attend every briefing, public forum, and rally relating to hate crimes and bias as it relates to the Jewish community.
The momentum gained from this rally bodes well for the upcoming NORPAC mission to Washington on Tuesday, May 21, and the Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday, June 2.
By Sergey Kadinsky
Rally Against Anti-Semitism Draws Large Crowd In KGH
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