NORTH CAROLINA – In a notable and unusual move, a coalition of 120 rabbis from diverse political backgrounds has urged Jewish communities, allies, and others opposed to antisemitism to withhold cooperation with the leadership of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
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This appeal follows the party’s recent decision to endorse a total embargo on arms sales to Israel and allegations from the rabbis of biased treatment toward Jewish members within the party.
The rabbis published a joint statement as a full-page advertisement in the Charlotte Observer, featuring signatures from prominent figures such as Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of New York’s Kehilath Jeshurun, Rabbi Leonard Matanky from Chicago, Rabbi Adam Starr of Atlanta, Rabbi Pini Dunner of Beverly Hills, Rabbi Joel Finkelstein of Memphis, along with several local North Carolina rabbis.
The statement quickly drew political responses. U.S. Representative Esther Panitch (D-GA) called on the party leadership to take action, stating: “Are you addressing this? Your silence allows the problem to worsen.”
Meanwhile, former Ohio State Senator and Bernie Sanders ally Nina Turner defended the party’s stance, questioning the obligation to support arms sales to Israel: “It’s not the North Carolina Democratic Party’s responsibility to commit to arming Israel. That’s not their role.”
The rabbis’ letter also invoked the historic solidarity between Jewish and African American leaders, recalling Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s participation alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in civil rights marches. They stressed their dedication to opposing antisemitism and all forms of hatred.
“We represent a broad political spectrum and geographic diversity, united in our mission. As Rabbi Heschel showed, Jewish leaders will stand firmly with their neighbors,” the letter stated.
To date, the North Carolina Democratic Party has not issued a formal response to the rabbis’ public call.
Jews should stop feeling comfortable in the Democratic party!
It’s a miracle to get 120 ordained rabbis to condemn the Democratic Party. But interesting not one aguda rabbi was on that list. Guest for them money talks
I’m only sorry the number of signatures n weren’t much higher
Perhaps
Trump and Bibi can have a shouting match where Trump tells Bibi to stop starving the palestinians and nobody tells Trump to stop being an anti-semite.
Democrats have stopped listening to the claim that every time they criticize Israel they are anti-semites.
A 100 Rabbis probably whilst at it, could also have signed some outstanding היתר מאה רבנים
how can any “orthodox” rabbi sign on a letter when there are “rabbi susans” ? Are these YU musmachin basically?
lol these Rabbi’s aren’t even from North Carolina.