This week one of our major local newspapers printed a paid, ½-page, color ad against Israel, with misleading statements, without context, looking to delegitimize and demonize her using a double standard. This same week, our other major local newspaper printed a letter to the editor against Israel that also contained misleading statements, without context, looking to delegitimize and demonize her using the same double standard. I am very pleased to report that both printings generated anger within our Jewish community, and I thank all those who shared their anger with me.

 

Jewish Federation monitors all local papers every day (as well as other media sources) for news, op-eds, opinions, letters, advertisements, etc., as they relate to Jews and Israel. We are in regular contact with editors when we think that pieces cross certain lines of anti-Semitism or the denial of Israel’s very existence. Working with our local committee and with recommendations from our national experts, we evaluate appropriate responses for each instance. Some pieces are picked up from national outlets, and we rely on our national partners to address them. Sometimes, committee members write responsive letters to the editor or an op-ed piece if we see an educational opportunity. Sometimes we decide that a back-and-forth battle will only keep alive an idea that will die a quicker natural death if left unanswered, or that responding would be more detrimental than helpful.

 

Thank you, again, to everyone who brought these two items to our attention. We are working on them.

 

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