The call from the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County intended to send a “strong message” ahead of a planned anti-Israel picket of ZAKA volunteer commander Simcha Greiniman speaking at Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck this past Monday.
“It is imperative that all our behavior and conduct at this demonstration reflect the kiddush Hashem that we seek to create tonight, both inside and outside of the shul,” the statement read. It outlined the ideal response to a hate rally: not to use hate language, not to engage the protesters, convey a positive message. “Recognize that the entire Teaneck Jewish community will be judged by your conduct at this event.”
Located a short drive from the sizable Palestinian Arab community in Paterson, Teaneck has experienced hostility in recent months as cars and demonstrators with anti-Israel banners brought their message to its streets.
“This harassment stops here and tonight. The Jewish community of Teaneck will not stand and let our houses of worship be targeted again and again. They will not run us out of town,” one rabbi said to the counter-demonstrators who greatly outnumbered the unwelcome visitors.
Having attended counter-demonstrations in the past, I’ve seen cameras focus on individuals who cursed back at anti-Semites, calling for blood and destruction. With social media focusing on the most inflammatory elements of an event, the attention given to the heckler or punch-thrower overshadowed the speeches, songs, and T’hilim. For this reason, the discipline shown by hundreds of Jews in Teaneck, neighboring communities, and their allies, made for a kiddush Hashem.
By 10:30 p.m., anti-Israel demonstrators returned to their cars to the tune of “Hatikvah” coming from a truck and amplified by the crowd as they waved American and Israeli flags. For those of us who do not have time to attend such gatherings, the lessons of civility should be applied to our virtual lives on social media.
There is nothing productive in calling out lies by anti-Semites, because your “fact-check” reply is drowned out by like-minded voices until you’re either exasperated enough to lose your cool or give up entirely on social media. You’re unlikely to change their minds, and the time is better spent promoting positive content relating to Israel and Jewish life. I’ve thought whether it would be prudent to have a pro-Israel caravan driving down Paterson’s Main Street as an exercise of our First Amendment rights, but then recognized that there’s nothing productive about it and it would appear to uninvolved masses as Jews and Arabs employing the same tactics against each other. We can do better, and we have.
The apparent security that is felt from typing thoughts on the war in Gaza and avoiding downtown Paterson is an illusion. When the pro-Hamas crowd returns to their homes, residents of Jewish neighborhoods such as Teaneck remain wary. When will they return, and how often?
If my car has a Jewish bumper magnet, will it be safe to leave it parked in public? If my lawn has a poster of a hostage, is my home safe from vandalism? How much expense must be devoted in ensuring security for our shuls, schools, nonprofits, and homes? More than a half century ago, there were sizable Jewish communities in the inner city that emptied out quickly as crime rose and people feared for their lives. Having a volunteer patrol, good relationships with law enforcement agencies, and electing supportive representatives are some of the methods we have in preserving our sense of place. Our institutions have this country’s flag at their entrances in gratitude to this country and our status as its citizens.
But there’s still that lingering thought: How safe are we? British and French Jews have also valiantly rallied to defend their communities, but they are outvoted in elections and have become examples for aliyah to the Jewish homeland. A few outspoken American olim have been calling for their former neighbors to do the same.
Most of us are not ready to make that life-changing decision. We believe that Israel is protected when it has allies abroad as its advocates, speaking for its sovereignty, defense, and place among the nations. To fulfill this role, we are visible, outspoken, and – as the Teaneck example proved – disciplined with a specific message.
On Wednesday, May 15, we have the opportunity to speak from a set of talking points on Capitol Hill with the annual NORPAC mission to DC. In contrast to leftists who accost lawmakers in hallways, our groups will speak politely and firmly, as Americans concerned for an ally and our personal security. Those of us who have the opportunity to make this kiddush Hashem should do so.
By Sergey Kadinsky