Jewish Organizations Convene Town Hall on Anti-Semitism

Jewish Organizations Convene Town Hall on Anti-Semitism

Edited by:  TJVNews.com

In response to the alarming rise in anti-Semitism both domestically and globally, the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) held a town hall-style discussion on Monday night at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Sea View. The event, featuring guest speaker Josh Kramer, Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) New York, attracted over 500 attendees at the Joan & Alan Bernikow Center in the Seaview section of the borough.

COJO President Mendy Mirocznik emphasized the event’s purpose, stating, “Many people feel frustrated, fearful and pained. The goal tonight is to hear from some of the experts and have a discussion on how to handle all these types of problems.” The event aimed to address the community’s concerns and provide strategies to combat anti-Semitism.

The town hall predominantly focused on what the AJC refers to as “education advocacy,” which involves supporting Jewish students and teachers and providing educational institutions with the necessary tools to combat anti-Semitism. This initiative is particularly relevant in light of the recent pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and public schools nationwide.

COJO CEO/Executive Vice President Scott Maurer expressed concern over the pervasive anti-Israel sentiment on social media, likening the impact of the recent events to the tragedy of the Holocaust. He remarked, “Oct. 7 was the most tragic event for Jewish people since the Holocaust. The hate seen that day was the same type of hate seen on 9/11. What truly is painful is the global questioning of Israel’s right to exist in peace and safety, which is otherwise unquestioned for any other independent country.”

Josh Kramer, AJC New York Director, highlighted the importance of community solidarity during these challenging times. “The stark meteoric rise of anti-Semitism over the course of the last year has been disorienting for the Jewish community to say the least,” Kramer noted. “It’s crucial for the community to gather, understand the root causes of anti-Semitism, and learn what is being done to combat it.”

Mirocznik shared his observations from local protests and incidents in Staten Island, where anti-Semitic slurs such as “Hitler didn’t gas enough Jews” and “Do you believe that Israel has a right to exist?” were directed toward those walking in the street who were perceived to be Jewish. Mirocznik stressed, “These comments go beyond debating the war; they are anti-Semitic in nature. We warned from the onset of October 7 that we must remain vigilant against media distortions that spread anti-Israel sentiment and fuel the flames of anti-Semitism.””

Mirocznik commended District Attorney Michael McMahon and NYPD Borough Commander Chief Joseph Gulotta for their dedication to public safety and law enforcement. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by outside agitators during school walkouts, which have created an atmosphere of intimidation and fear among students and teachers. COJO has expressed these concerns in meetings with Dr. Marion Wilson, schools superintendent for Staten Island, and is committed to restoring safety and peace in public schools.

Deputy Chief Terence Hurson, Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island, reaffirmed the police department’s strong relationship with the Jewish community. “We’re here tonight and we will continue to be here as we look forward to a peaceful resolution to this situation,” he said, highlighting the importance of COJO’s coalition work and the dedicated involvement of Mendy and Scott in making a positive difference.

The highlight of the evening was when Mendy Mirocznik and Scott Maurer presented to Orit Lender the COJO Proclamation of Valor, “which recognizes Lender’s commitment to the Jewish community in combating anti-Semitism and in supporting Israel during this harrowing and unprecedented time. We at COJO are fortunate and blessed to have Orit Lender as a friend and a sister in arms and the JCC as a partner as we as a united community are navigating this storm of anti-Semitism. Orit truly stepped up to the plate and tonight COJO presents to her this small token appreciating her valiant efforts on behalf of Klal Yisrael as we face off against this ugly poisonous scourge of anti-Semitism. Together in achdut we shall prevail, Am Yisrael Chai.”