Since October 7, those of us who work in the Jewish community have been overwhelmed and inundated with the sheer number of antisemitic and anti-Zionist reports and incidents in our area. There have been swastikas in bathrooms, protests at school board meetings and town council meetings, car caravan protests, and many other incidents of intimidation and hate. Teaneck has clearly become a target due to its large Jewish population. It seems like Teaneck has become a lightning rod for those who seek out media coverage for their hateful ideologies. Ironically, most of the people we see protesting, screaming and waving their flags and signs don’t even live in the area. They are bused in from other towns and often incentivized to just “show up.”
As many of you know, this past Monday, pro-Palestinian groups converged at B’nai Yeshurun to denounce a presentation by ZAKA, a humanitarian search and rescue organization renowned for its dignified handling of the deceased. ZAKA is not associated with the IDF or the Israeli government; it is an organization of volunteers. There were no political figures to protest. There were no IDF representatives or government officials. The fact that these protestors chose to target an altruistic volunteer organization speaks volumes about their intentions–to intimidate and harass Jews. They want to threaten and instill fear in Jews on the streets of Teaneck–the streets where they live. This is blatantly antisemitic, and the situation is untenable.
However, the rally held on Monday night actually served as a poignant illustration of aggression and divisiveness exhibited by the Palestinian protesters juxtaposed with the optimism and achdus demonstrated by the Jewish community. Our message was clear: “Hate has No Home in Teaneck.” The disparity in messaging between the two groups was unmistakable–while the Jewish community stood peacefully waving American and Israeli flags and singing and dancing, the Palestinian contingent resorted to vitriolic and confrontational tactics.
Amidst the turmoil and hostility, and the cacophony of voices and sounds, there actually was a wonderful beacon of hope in the form of unwavering support by the Jewish community.
Jewish Federation was proud to partner with the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County (RCBC) and the Bergen County Jewish Action Committee (BCJAC) to play a role in bringing the community together. Jewish Federation was able to contribute to these efforts by providing resources and support to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Throughout the year, Federation’s External Relations Team advocates with local and statewide elected officials and law enforcement on behalf of the Jewish community to raise awareness and address the challenges we face in northern New Jersey with regards to antisemitism and hate. Our security team includes analysts who monitor the internet, social media and the dark web for threats against the Jewish community and provide security training for all of our Jewish institutions.
Whenever there is a rally or event like this, it is essential to acknowledge and express gratitude to the law enforcement officers who ensured the safety and security of all those in attendance. Their presence allowed the community to come together in a spirit of celebration, with singing, dancing and a palpable sense of solidarity. Indeed, the rally served as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Jewish community in Teaneck, showcasing the very best of humanity in the face of adversity. It was wonderful hearing so many of the attendees thanking law enforcement for being there. We are very lucky to have their protection.
At the end, the members of the Jewish community spontaneously started singing “Hatikva.” We drowned out the poison spewing from the other side with our “hope.”
As the community continues to navigate these turbulent times, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to unity and resilience. By coming together in moments of crisis, we reaffirm our collective strength and resolve to combat hate and intolerance wherever it may arise. The rally was not merely a one-time event but rather a call to action–a reminder that only through solidarity and unwavering determination can we hope to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
Naomi Knopf is the chief impact officer of the Jewish Federation Northern New Jersey.
Jason Shames is CEO of the Jewish Federation Northern New Jersey.
