This evening, I ventured out to a synagogue in Newton to attend a meeting organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). The theme of the meeting was "In Plain Sight: Anti-Semitism in America".
Initially, the presentation was to be delivered by Holly Huffnagle who is AJC's Director for Combatting Anti-Semitism. Unfortunately, Huffnagle had been diagnosed with COVID and was unable to attend in person. While she was able to give some brief remarks via Zoom, her colleague AJC Chief Advocacy Officer Belle Yoeli flew into Boston from Santiago, Chile to step into the breach. Yoeli was interviewed by Rob Leikind, who is the Director of AJC New England.
There was a question-and-answer period. However, questions had to be written and submitted to AJC staff. Most of the questions were amalgamated focusing on what actions could be taken to combat campus anti-Semitism, building bridges with other minority groups, the 2024 election, social media and security.
I had a question of my own, but alas it was not asked. Nor did I have time following the presentation to speak with anyone about it as I had a commuter rail train to catch. So here is my question as I wrote it:
I understand the need for security in these difficult times. But given that anti-Semitism is in plain sight and out in the open then why is this meeting and our stand against anti-Semitism not in plain sight and out in the open?
Anti-Semitism is, as they put it, in plain sight following Hamas attack against Israel almost two months ago. It is out in the open for everyone to see. From where I sit, the only way to combat anti-Semitism is for Jews and their allies to be in plain sight and out in the open.
Therein lies the problem. This meeting was not publicly advertised. I found out about it because I'm on AJC's email list. Synagogues and Jewish community centers have very tight security at the best of times. But to give you an idea of how serious things are when it comes to threats against Jews and Jewish organizations, we were not informed of the location of the meeting until yesterday afternoon.
While I am heartened by the fact that close to 200 people showed up for this event, for all intents and purposes this was an underground meeting. We were in hiding of AJC's choosing. How long will it be before the government tells Jews we cannot peacefully assemble in public?
That Jews in the United States cannot openly meet to discuss anti-Semitism (or anything else for that matter) does not bode well for American democracy but the very notion of civil society and civic engagement. Keep in mind those who have expressed their anti-Semitism in public are quite proud of themselves and have made their views known without fear of consequence for their behavior.
Yoeli emphasized the importance for Jews "to engage, educate and stand up." She added, "Now is not the time to retreat in fear."
Yet nothing says retreating in fear more than holding a meeting in secret.
I am in no way trying to diminish the serious security concerns which face Jews. Indeed, when I reminded my mother this afternoon that I was attending the meeting she texted me, "Be aware of your surroundings."
There is a critical mass that wishes to do grievous harm to Jews be they Hamas apologists on the Left or white supremacists on the Right. Publicly advertising this gathering would not have been without its risk as it would have likely drawn the former and possibly the latter to unite in their hatred of Jews.
It is worth noting that Huffnagle said that in the wake of the Hamas attacks AJC polling has shown that a majority of Americans recognize anti-Semitism not only as a problem, but a societal problem rather than exclusively as a Jewish problem. So, while publicly advertising a meeting about anti-Semitism in America would have drawn out anti-Semites, it would also have the potential to draw the interest of those outside of the Jewish community who see anti-Semitism as a societal problem and want to put it to a stop.
I would be happy to attend another AJC meeting on the subject of anti-Semitism and other matters pertaining to Jews. I would be happier if that meeting was publicly advertised.
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