A Letter To My Students

I am writing too many of these letters and reflections. In the aftermath of the pandemic, January 6h, October 7th , the LA Fires, and now a transformational political moment for our nation.

There is a deep paralysis in our country today, as so many are struggling to first understand and to then to act in the aftermath of these first four weeks of our new administration. This tsunami of actions has upended our basic democratic norms and political culture. All that is happening will have profound effect on our universities, research centers, and the nonprofit sector, especially for those who are dependent on federal grants. Moving forward, the middle and working classes will begin to feel the economic impact of all that is taking place. Among the sectors effected will be the quality and availability of health care, social and wellness services.

Possibly even more than before, in the aftermath of these last few weeks, the very real and deep divisions among America’s Jews have become even more strikingly evident.

Unpacking the Differing Jewish Perspectives:

Trump’s Jewish supporters embrace his pro-Israel positions, applaud his actions being directed against those student and community activists who were part of the crowds that sought to disrupt and take over campuses last spring, and are encouraged by this White House threats to withhold federal funds in response to anti-Semitic expressions and actions experienced by Jewish students and campus faculty. Tied to an abiding commitment to protect and to advance Jewish self-interests and priorities, this class of voters and activists welcome this political moment.

There is a contrarian picture emerging as well. Over these past several weeks, many Jews have been horrified and even angered over the actions and plans proposed with this second Trump Presidency. Their concerns range over a broad set of policy issues and governmental actions. Their discussions are centered on how best to respond. In what ways should or can they “resist” as part of what they perceive as Trump’s disassembling the democratic infrastructure of this nation. In one sense, they are overwhelmed by both the scope and pace of what is happening, but on the other, there is a growing belief in connection with the silent acceptance of all that is taking place that it may represent an acknowledgement that this is the new reality. Their liberal inclinations are being challenged and radically upended.

Reflections on What May Be Ahead:

It is as if one group of Jews frame their politics around October 7th, while the other identifies, January 6th as defining their political marker. With this past election, have we moved past the notion of “the Jewish vote” as our community’s political consensus appears to have further unraveled? Each sector of our community sees a fundamentally different scenario unfolding.

But there is another story line here, that transcends our divisions and differing perspectives. Our community, out of necessity and from a place of experience, must always be vigilant with reference to extremist voices, coming at us from the far left and the extreme right. What might we expect? A reality we need to be prepared to address!

When are we likely to see a more vocal and active presence of the Alt-Right, emboldened by this President and his actions and viewing the opponents of this Administration as “state enemies.” What are the possibilities of an assertive response on their part in seeking to intimidate and even seek to shut down the opposition? Correspondingly, with all that the 47th President is seeking to undo, how will the far left respond? While we are seeing sporadic and individualized protests, especially dealing with the immigration question, it is only a matter of time when we will be encountering street actions, designed to disrupt the social order?

What concerns me here is the possibility that Jews will be identified as “the middle man” a political reality which we have understand from history, as both sides will see “us” as the “enabler”. For the right, we are likely to be defined as the force behind the left and this president’s primary political opponents. For the left, we will be tagged as the “new power base” benefitting and aiding this president as he seeks to reconstruct America and lend support to Israel. In both scenarios, we will need to be ahead of the curve here in managing the possible threats and fallout that may likely take place.

On Jewish Leadership: Filling the Void

Our Jewish professionals must exhibit a new and audacious brand of leadership. They are being called upon, for certain, to offer safe space for their constituents. It will be increasingly important for our community members to find an environment of hope and support.

As with all letters, one must provide a closure, while offering a direction forward!

Making a difference represents the trademark of great leadership. We look to our Jewish leaders to offer a road forward by both teaching resiliency and demonstrating courage. We have an expectation that they will be able to identify both real and symbolic ways to resist and to challenge. In this crisis our leaders will be measured as they are called upon to defend and protect the values, tenets and structures of our democratic society, as they bind together the values of Jewish tradition and their love and regard for America.