COMBATING ANTISEMITISM THROUGH THE LAW

It was an important week for our Jewish community, especially with Brooke Goldstein’s recent speaking engagement at Temple Israel. Goldstein, an attorney and activist, is the founder of the #EndJewHatred movement, working tirelessly to combat antisemitism. She discussed her significant efforts, including Lawfare: The War Against Free Speech and the upcoming End Jew Hatred: A Manual for Mobilization. Hundreds of people turned up to listen and financially support her efforts and proudly wear the #ENDJEWHATRED pin. Not only has Brooke given us examples of how to change antisemitic rhetoric, but she also proves the point that we must continue to speak out against it.

I caught up with special friend, Doron Levin, journalist and writer who recently wrote an informative article in The Jewish News about Goldstein. We both agree on the importance of fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel. Check out Doron’s article and visit endjewhatred.com for more information. Since 2020, the #EndJewHatred Campus Fellowship, across the U.S. and Canada, is growing rapidly, empowering Jewish students on campuses to hold solidarity rallies, and report antisemitic incidents.

Doron recommended Jonathan Haidt’s book The Righteous Mind, which explores how moral foundations influence behavior in politics and religion. Haidt suggests that “differing views on Israel and Palestine stem from competing moral values, empathy for Palestinian suffering versus loyalty to Israel’s survival.” Understanding these differences is key to bridging the gap.  So how can we come together from opposing viewpoints? Michigan Regent Jordan Acker, who faced violent attacks for his support of Israel, also spoke during Goldstein’s event, highlighting the urgency of ending Jew hatred.

Both Israel and a Jewish communal setting like Jewish Senior Life play an important role as vehicles for preserving Jewish culture and spiritual practices. Just as our residents at Jewish Senior Life may celebrate Jewish holidays, engage in Torah study, and maintain their traditions, Israel stands as a place where Jewish culture is not only preserved, but also nurtured. It represents the fulfillment of the ancient yearning for a return to the Jewish homeland, a place where Jewish culture can thrive without fear of being attacked or erased. Both are driven by the desire to protect survivors of the Holocaust and preserve Jewish life, culture and values in the face of external threats.  And both require active, sustained efforts to maintain and protect the fabric, history and traditions of the Jewish people, whether it’s in our local community or on a global scale.

Om Yisrael Chai.

Shabbat Shalom.