By now I am sure many of you have heard of the terrible act of antisemitism early Thursday morning January 25th at the Golden Horeshoe, a shopping center on the border of New Rochelle and Scarsdale. The perpetrators of this abhorrent act wrote antisemitic graffiti, on stores at the shopping center but not just on any stores. They deliberately chose those shops which had proudly announced that they stand with Israel. I know you join me in condemning this act of vandalism in the strongest possible terms.
This latest antisemitic act comes, as we have discussed, amidst the recent monstrous rise of antisemitism across the country and the globe. For many of our staff, this most recent act is particularly painful, as it took place mere minutes from their homes, somewhere they go frequently and without fear. That peace has been shattered and our Jewish staff, in particular, are suffering. This is a time for you to check in with them.
No one should feel alone at these moments and even though it can be hard, it is then we all need most to feel the embrace of others. As Rabbi Sharon Brous has said “When we are in pain, when we are broken, when we are lonely, our instinct is to retreat from the world, but we need to step closer. Our tradition is saying just look at each other, don’t flee from each other’s pain, just say amen. You don’t lose anything from validating someone else’s suffering.”
While this attack was targeted against Jews it is also a broader assault on our society. As others have noted, it’s not possible to build a society free of racism while holding on to one of the oldest racisms, which is against Jews. I know we all ache when hearing of this act and we must stand together against antisemitism and stand in solidarity against all forms of hate.
This antisemitic act took place on Tu Bishvat, a Jewish holiday known as “the new year for the trees.” It’s a celebration of the natural world, which is about to bloom when we emerge from the dead of winter. It is like a Jewish Arbor Day, a day of environmental awareness where trees are planted and fruits and nuts are enjoyed. It’s a day of hope! Hope that the weather will turn and, again, bring about a new season. Hope the bare tree branches and barren fields will soon fill with beauty and sustenance. Hope that the spirit that has sustained the Jewish people for thousands of years will bring us through this difficult moment. Hope we will always have allies on the journey.
Together let us make hope a reality.
Seth Diamond
WJCS CEO
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