On January 26, 2023, Matt Nosanchuk, President of New York Jewish Agenda, had the opportunity to attend a screening of the film “Devorah’s Hope,” a moving docudrama about siblings who supported each other through the Holocaust when the rest of their family was murdered and the world around them was destroyed. The screening was hosted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Policy Commissioner Keechant Sewall also featured moving remarks from Toby Levy, a Holocaust survivor. It was inspiring to see an audience that included many Jewish community leaders representing the diversity of our community, as well as many city officials and NYPD officers. Everyone came together to honor the memories of the millions of Jews and Roma and Sinti, Slavs, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people and political dissidents who were murdered during the Holocaust.
The film served as a powerful reminder that, with increasing antisemitism, white nationalism, and racism and bigotry, here in New York and beyond, it is our duty to recall the Holocaust’s victims and the horrors of the past by speaking out against and working to prevent acts of hatred and injustice happening today. This is the one and only way to show that we take seriously the command, “Never Forget. Never Again”.
“Never Forget. Never Again” is all too relevant today
As we head into the Sabbath, we have seen the first reports of a synagogue shooting in Jerusalem. And we condemn in the strongest possible terms any act of hate targeting Jews, or believers of any faith, at their respective house of worship—or anywhere else. And we mourn the loss of life that has occurred.
At the same time, we remain extremely concerned about the direction being taken by the new far, right-wing government in Israel, which has launched an assault on the independence of the judiciary. Many of you hopefully saw the images of the massive demonstrations that have taken place in Israel against the attack on democracy and the independence of the judiciary.
Join NYJA at the Rally in Support of a Democratic Israel
At NYJA we have always maintained that our support for Israel is rooted in our Jewish and democratic values, and we have heard from Israelis that American Jews must act in accordance with those values by speaking out at this critical time. Those of you in New York City can do so tomorrow, Saturday, January 28, from 12-2 pm, at the Rally in Support of a Democratic Israel, being held at the Washington Square Arch in Greenwich Village. This rally is being sponsored by our partner, the New Israel Fund.
If you come to the rally look for the NYJA Banner and email matt@nyja.org to get in touch. We hope to see you there!
Ensure a Pluralistic and Diverse Jewish Community in New York
To ensure that the pluralistic and diverse Jewish community in New York City and State continues to be seen and heard by our elected officials, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to NYJA. And because NYJA’s voice resonates beyond New York City and State, you don’t have to be a New Yorker to support us!
