'Gone Off the Rails': U.S. Orthodox Jews Take a Stand Against Occupation and War in Gaza
At the launching event of Smol Emuni (Religious Left) in New York, hundreds of religious Jews opposed to the policies of the Israeli government congregated. ''Jewish' is invoked to justify violations of democratic and humanitarian norms,' said one participant
A group of modern Orthodox Jews is hosting a conference critical of Israel
The conference is a noteworthy turn. Orthodox Judaism, both in the United States and Israel, has typically espoused a right-wing political orientation that includes unconditional support for Israel. Orthodox and Haredi Jews in the U.S. generally stand apart from the majority of the American Jewish community in their support for President Donald Trump and his policies regarding Israel. Five of the six parties that make up Israel’s government are either Orthodox or religious Zionist
In NY, 1st conference gives Orthodox Jews a forum to seek out Palestinian perspectives
NEW YORK — As casualties in Gaza mounted following the Hamas invasion of Israel in October 2023 that launched the ongoing war, Meylekh Viswanath grew frustrated that the issue was not being discussed in his Orthodox circles in Teaneck, New Jersey.
These Modern Orthodox and observant Jews want to change their community’s conversation around the Gaza war
Close to 30 Jews met recently at a private home on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, sitting on borrowed folding chairs to hear Karin Loevy, an Israeli legal scholar at New York University.
Leftist? This U.S. Orthodox Rabbi Speaking Against the Israeli Government Prefers 'Realist'
But by far, the most surprising name to appear on the speaker list is that of Rabbi Yosef Blau, the longtime mashgiach ruchani (spiritual adviser) of Yeshiva University and former president of the Religious Zionists of America. This 86-year-old rabbi, in many senses, epitomizes Modern Orthodox establishment in America.
One Palestinian historian. A roomful of observant Jews. And a conversation all of us must have.
Professor Rashid Khalidi spoke to a room full of Jews on the Upper West Sids of NY. Smol Emuni roganzied the event, Esther Sperber said a Dvar Torah and Adi Mahalel interviewed and moderated the event.