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“We have to stand up

and speak up.”

With a Jewish population that dwarfs that of other Diaspora
communities, New York City has long been the hub of American Jewish
life and a stronghold of Religious Zionism in the United States. But
this year New Yorkers have experienced an unprecedented wave of

antisemitic attacks and tension with local government officials.

NEW For generations, Jews have felt at might expect antisemitism in places
YORK home in New York City. Have recent where the KKK (Ku Klux Klan, a white

events changed the way you feel supremacist hate group) was histori-
about the city? cally strong, but not in New York City,
where Jews have felt at home for so
This past year has definitely been the long. But I really believe that this is a
hardest year we’ve ever experienced country-wide epidemic.
here, between the pandemic, crime and
hate crime in New York City, but I don’t I also believe that the place where it is
AVITAL CHIZHIK-GOLDSCHMIDT think it’s really changed how I feel about most rampant, and most dangerous, is
is a writer and a Rebbetzin New York. Antisemitic attacks are in no not in a particular geographic location,
living in New York City. Her way limited to New York City. but in the virtual space.
work has appeared in the New Yes, we’ve seen an increase in these The virtual space is where much of this
York Times, Foreign Policy, attacks, but that is likely because we violence is instigated, and from which
it can really mushroom into something
Vox, Vogue, Salon, Glamour, have an extensive and robust Jewish much more terrifying.
community here.
Business Insider, and Religion
& Politics, among others. For me, personally, it raises a larger
question about this country. A Chabad
Avital has taught journalism rabbi was stabbed in Boston a few weeks How has the rise in antisemitism
at Yeshiva University’s Stern ago, and we all know what happened in impacted your community?
College for Women. She is a Jersey City, Poway and Pittsburgh. People are certainly worried. Quite a
recipient of honors from the These attacks are happening across the few people asked for our opinions and
advice, and sometimes even help, in
Atlantic, Moment, the National country, not just in New York. buying real estate in Israel. This past
Foundation for Advancement In New York, we feel a little more year, especially when the borders were
in the Arts, and elsewhere. shocked when these attacks occur; we closed (and they are still closed to most

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