In the heart of Queens, where Dr. Paul Brody, affectionately known as “Pinky,” spent his youth, a legacy of Jewish activism has been nurtured for decades. This evening, at the Queens Jewish Link’s annual event, that legacy will be formally recognized, as Dr. Brody is awarded the prestigious Jewish Activism Award, a testament to his lifelong commitment to the Jewish community both locally and abroad.
Dr. Brody, a dermatologist by trade, has woven activism into the very fabric of his life, with his wife Drora by his side. From smuggling religious texts into the Soviet Union in 1985, an act of defiance against oppression, to organizing one of the most significant Jewish cultural events in New York, his dedication has been unwavering. “My wife Drora has been an integral part of my activism,” Dr. Brody shares, underscoring the partnership that has driven much of his work.
The journey into activism began when Brody, inspired by the Kew Gardens Hills community he grew up in and the influence of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, decided to take action beyond the borders of his neighborhood. His father, Harvey Brody, was a significant figure in the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, which undoubtedly shaped Paul’s path.
One of the most remarkable stories from Brody’s activism is his 1985 trip to the Soviet Union. “We smuggled in t’filin and siddurim,” he recalls, sharing a tale of courage where he openly read Megillas Esther in the Great Synagogue of Leningrad, which was ordinarily a clandestine act. This was a time when such acts could lead to imprisonment, yet Brody’s resolve was clear, “Better read than dead,” he quips, reflecting on the era’s slogan. He passed his Megillah-reading skill on to over 400 students at the North Shore Hebrew Academy, which has since honored him with the creation of the “Dr. Paul Brody Megillah Readers Program.”
Back in New York, his activism took on different forms. In 2004, Dr. Brody and his wife Drora committed to being chairpersons at the Israel Day Concert in Central Park following the Salute to Israel Parade, organized by Dr. Joe Frager, a position they would hold for 14 years. This event wasn’t just about entertainment; it was, as the Brodys dubbed, “a concert with a message,” featuring notable figures like Ted Cruz, Alan Dershowitz, Pete Hegseth, and Mike Huckabee. The concert aimed to engage the community, drawing attendees with no admission charge to hear not only music but also messages of support for Israel.
His involvement serving on the Executive Council of the Ateret Cohanim’s Jerusalem Reclamation Project since at least 2003 further showcases his dedication to Jewish continuity in Israel. This project, buying land to ensure a Jewish presence, reflects a strategic activism that Brody sees as open to all, whether on a “small scale or a large scale.”
Organizing trips to Israel alongside Dr. Joe Frager has been instrumental in increasing support for the Jewish people among the political elite. Influential figures like former Arkansas Governor and Ambassador to Israel nominee Mike Huckabee (who is a frequent traveler to Israel in his own right) and his then-young daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who would later become Governor of Arkansas herself. These trips were not just tours, but strategic engagements aimed at deepening the understanding and support for Israel among American leaders. By including personalities like Pete Hegseth, who has since gone on to become Secretary of Defense, Brody and Frager sought to influence these individuals’ ideology and philosophy, fostering a stronger, more informed alliance with the Land of Israel and the Jewish people. Through these journeys, they’ve managed to cultivate advocates who carry forward the message of Israel’s significance, security, and the right of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland.
Brody’s activism has not been without its controversies. He recounts efforts in 2015 with Jeff Wiesenfeld to protest the Iran Nuclear Deal, and his vocal opposition to the UJA’s association with the New Israel Fund, an anti-Israel masquerading as a pro-Israel one. His activism has included organizing rallies, such as one outside the UJA, where he spoke against the partnership, stating, “When it comes to a shidduch in real life...if there’s something glaringly wrong with it, you’re allowed to talk.”
His connection with political figures is also noteworthy. He facilitated an early speaking engagement for Naftali Bennett at the launch of his political career, showcasing Brody’s influence in bridging community activism with political advocacy.
Dr. Brody is not slowing down. He has recently been named President of the Long Island and Queens Division of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), an accolade that further cements his commitment to the Jewish cause. ZOA, known as the leading major American Jewish organization courageously defending Israel and the Jewish people, fights against all forms of anti-Semitism, and promotes the Jewish people’s lawful right to live in and settle historic Jewish lands. Under Dr. Brody’s leadership, the division continues to advocate vigorously for Israel, ensuring that the voices of support from Long Island and Queens resonate strongly within the broader narrative of Jewish advocacy.
The Queens Jewish Link, which Brody has supported since its inception 13 years ago, is where this evening’s honor will be bestowed. His commitment extended beyond his activism; he physically distributed the newspaper in Great Neck, ensuring its message reached as many community members as possible, even after his quadruple bypass in 2011.
Dr. Brody’s contributions also include his role on the Founders Board of Migdal Ohr, led by Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman, known as the “Disco Rabbi.” Here, he’s not just an activist but a supporter of the life-changing work done for underprivileged children in Israel. His involvement as perennial emcee with Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation further highlights his commitment to Jewish education and community.
As Dr. Paul Brody stands to receive his award, it’s not just for individual acts but for a lifetime of service, marked by humility and a relentless drive to better the Jewish community. His story is one of resilience, faith, and an unyielding commitment to Jewish activism, proving that one person’s dedication can indeed inspire and mobilize a community.
As the Queens Jewish Link honors Dr. Brody, it’s clear his impact will echo through the generations, from the students who learned to read the Megillah to those who simply enjoyed a concert in the park, Dr. Brody’s influence and importance is greater than even he likely knows.
By Moshe Hill
