Tuesday's #SafetyinSolidarity interfaith rally featured at a number of anti-Zionist speakers. A police officer asked ppl if they were Zionists as a barrier was erected to separate the rally from protestors. One officer told me, "Zionists on the other side of the barrier."
The officer also asked someone holding an Israeli flag to move to the other side of the barrier. Some clearly came to counter-protest Linda Sarsour and JVP, so the separation is understandable. But they also removed Zionists and ppl w/ Israeli flags who did not disrupt the event.
One advocate at the rally wore this "Resist Zionism" shirt.
One speaker once Tweeted "Every Jewish person" has "ex-officio citizenship in Israel" and is "responsible for its leaders."
One speaker once Tweeted "Every Jewish person" has "ex-officio citizenship in Israel" and is "responsible for its leaders."
Another speaker earlier in December asked, "How can you be against white supremacy in America and the idea of being in a state based on race and class, but then you support a state like Israel that is based on supremacy?"
I am so thankful for interfaith solidarity and support at these trying times. It was inspiring to see diverse faith & civic leaders come together to take a stand against white supremacism and antisemitism. It gives me hope that we are not alone and that we will overcome. But...
I also left disconcerted & anxious. The rally did not make me feel safe as a Zionist Jew. It made me feel like I have the support and love of those at the march only IF I abandon a core part of my Jewish identity. It made me feel like I'm one of the "bad Jews."
When an antisemitism rally in Brooklyn gives a platform to vocal anti-Zionists, and participants are wearing "Resist Zionism" shirts, I am left thinking that their solidarity is conditional on the type of Jew I am.
That does not make me feel safe. It scares me.
That does not make me feel safe. It scares me.
