Cindy Grosz: Jews Should Take Note of Recent Queens NY Headlines

Huge Populations of Jews in Queens NY Prove Why Action Is Needed Now

Over the past two weeks, Queens, NY, has made international headlines and was the subject of not very flattering news.

Unfortunately, not enough Jews educate themselves about the events and people involved. Ignorance like this causes confusion and the lack of influence and power in local elections.

One issue highlights a recently appointed Jewish Democrat. The other, an uncharted Republican group with many Jews getting involved with it.

Both have two common threads— social media helps factually prove their hate. Second, Jews support them blindly. Those interested in local politics gravitate to people who seek their attention.

Democratic Side

What’s worse? It is when a Jew tweeted out negative remarks against other Jews and Israel? We live it everyday— Bernie Sanders, and from members of organizations like JStreet, BendtheArc and MoveOn. Nothing new—history teaches us that betrayal is part of the fate of Jews in Europe, the Middle East and yes, even America way before current political divisiveness.

Or, is it worse that so many residents within Queens, both religious and non-observant, think that the Democratic Party is the only party for them?

There is a movement in Queens and Brooklyn to push Jews to support “moderate” Democrats in primaries next year in the mayor’s race as well as local city council races.

Where is there a “moderate” Democrat? Joe Biden had picked every cabinet member, ambassadors and advisors who support a two-state solution, a return to a disastrous Iranian Nuclear Deal and advocates for Black Lives Matter, an anti-Semitic group?

Is the moderate Democrat going to discipline “The Squad?” Actually, they keep voting more in on local, state and national levels, including the Jewish communities of New York.

Republican Side

A Queens Republican Party hosts a mask-less Christmas party. The group is not tied to the Queens County or New York State GOP.

I am not going to debate the party as I won’t debate a wedding or a funeral. People are old enough to make choices and take risks.

However we are seeing another real problem. Jews are on a conga line with people who have ties to Neo-Nazis.

I wasn’t always as religious as I am now. I have befriended Rabbis who set examples of Jewish pride and respect.

This story mentions people who have been publicly associated with profanity, violence and hate. Is this the atmosphere in your synagogue or yeshiva? Are these the characteristics the ones you want to teach your children?

In any other situation, most of my friends and family run away from this. Do you?

Then why would you support Jews that incite such words and actions? Why would you stand with Jews that encourage intermarriage, that allow non-Jews to stand by an ark and hold Torah scrolls on the High Holidays or endorse candidates tied to anti-Semitic groups like the LaRouche PAC?

Unfortunately, this is not just in Queens. Unfortunately, the establishment Republican leadership is not innocent either.

What were the consequences of the anti-Semitic actions in Rockland and Nassau Counties last year?

Worse, why don’t more Jewish voters know about them? Where are our Jewish leaders? Before you send money to support the organizations that email you endless requests for money, demand answers. What are they actually accomplishing for others besides their paid staff?

Solutions

The easiest way to stop this anti-Semitism is to admit it’s happening.

● Educate yourselves with facts and not opinions

● Don’t work alone, find two friends. It’s easier to make a point when you are not alone

● Learn the names of people on your school board. Learn the name of County Chairs and committee members. Go to meetings. Learn the issues and take a stand.

● Write Op-Ed’s in local newspapers.

● Stop relying on social media for your power. Joining and posting on Facebook or forwarding memes on Messenger or What’s App makes you a pest, not a leader.

● Stay strong. There are many good people to work with and stand with you.

Finally, learn about everyone tied to the two incidents mentioned above, and do not support any people or groups that defend them. They don’t really stand with you.

Learn more about grassroots— email jewishvotecounts@gmail.com.