Musings: Jews must emerge from behind veils
Police surround a group of pro-Palestinian protesters near the Israeli Consulate in Chicago in what was the most tense scene of the week during the convention. Credit: For The Washington Post/Joel Angel Juarez
As the Democrats navigate their divide on the Gaza conflict, they are settling into a new normal that is not normal. The Democratic National Convention spotlighted a troubling phenomenon: Jewish and pro-Israel gatherings increasingly shrouded in secrecy.
This trend reveals a disquieting reality: Organizing and attending such events has become a delicate balance of visibility and vulnerability.
Outside the convention center, Jewish and pro-Israel meetings were held at undisclosed sites. This precaution, ostensibly for safety, is becoming an unfortunate norm.
The necessity for such measures was starkly illustrated when anti-Israel protesters stormed an event focused on the rising tide of U.S. antisemitism. Yet, the protesters’ intrusion and their chants against Zionism underscored the volatile atmosphere.
Other similar events have been less observably affected but not immune to the impact of this climate. One reception had its location revealed only hours in advance and had to be scheduled on private property.
Inside the DNC’s convention hall, public statements from figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and second gentleman Doug Emhoff about their Jewish identities and their stand against antisemitism were reassuring. Yet, these assurances contrast sharply with the reality outside.
The trend of organizing events in secrecy is a symptom of a deeper issue. If Jewish and pro-Israel groups must now navigate their gatherings in the shadows, it speaks volumes about the state of societal tolerance and security for Jews in America. The normalization of such secrecy is a disturbing shift in our social landscape.
If we are to celebrate Jewish identity and address antisemitism openly, Jewish gatherings must not be hidden. We must confront these issues head-on to ensure that transparency and safety coexist in a country committed to genuine acceptance and security of its Jewish people.
— Todd L. Pittinsky, Port Jefferson
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN OUR DAILY CONVERSATION. Just go to newsday.com/submitaletter and follow the prompts. Or email your opinion to letters@newsday.com. Submissions should be no more than 200 words. Please provide your full name, hometown, phone number and any relevant expertise or affiliation. Include the headline and date of the article you are responding to. Letters become the property of Newsday and are edited for all media. Due to volume, readers are limited to one letter in print every 45 days. Published letters reflect the ratio received on each topic.
