Where Are Our Fighters?
It’s truly a disgrace that Jews have to rely on others to protect them. Where are the Jewish community’s self-defense organizations?
When will all Jewish learning institutes, including yeshivos, make sure every student knows how to defend him or herself?
When will synagogues have members who know how to use a gun just like the churchgoer in Texas who eliminated an attacker last week in just six seconds?
Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg
Yeshivos Must Start Self-Defense Classes
Every yeshiva and Jewish day school must offer a strong self-defense program. Taking self-defense classes can no longer be optional or a luxury after-school program. Defense skills must be ingrained in every child during his or her growing years. We cannot be helpless and vulnerable!
My husband Bobby grew up on the Lower East Side. Walking the streets and parks in the city, Bobby and his RJJ chevra quickly learned to always be on guard against gangs looking to pick fights with Jews. They were taught from a young age to protect themselves at all times. We must now follow their example.
Right now, our children live a cushy life with a cellphone as their primary tool of defense. That isn’t enough during times of terror and attacks. We need to prepare the next generation to defend and protect themselves.
So parents and administrators: Start self-defense classes for all grades so that we can fulfill the vow of “Never Again.” Until we do so, it’s all talk.
Ruby Kaplan
The KKK Isn’t the Problem
Josh Greenberger’s letter in last week’s Jewish Press was on the mark. The two vicious anti-Semites in the House of Representatives – Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib – are having a fine old time spewing hateful rhetoric, covered by the immunity that representatives enjoy.
Mr. Greenberger also touched upon the feckless ADL, which has reaped millions of dollars by telling us for years that the greatest anti-Semitic threat in America comes from the right. The ADL and other organizations have mesmerized Jews into believing that the 100 or so Nazi misfits who march in Idaho are a “grave threat,” which can be overcome if we just send them our contributions.
Ditto regarding the 25 or so KKK morons that occasionally show up in various venues, always confronted by 10-20 times their number, consisting of law-enforcement personnel and angry citizens.
The fact that both groups are, and have been for years, closely monitored and infiltrated by federal, state and local agents is totally ignored when contributions are the key to victory.
Yes, there is some Christian anti-Semitism in America, but it’s been with us since the nation’s founding and has never manifested itself in the form of pogroms and mass hysteria.
No, it isn’t the KKK, neo-Nazis, or evil right-wing Americans that are a threat to Jews in America. It’s the likes of Omar, Tlaib, and others on the left – and it’s been that way for too many years now. Wake up, my brethren.
Myron Hecker
Did the Criminals Celebrate Kwanza?
Haters and hypocrites come in all colors, but I wonder what percentage of the people who attacked Jews recently celebrated Kwanzaa during the last week of December given that its seven principles include unity, responsibility, cooperation, purpose, and faith.
To them, I say: If you have a conscience, please feel some shame for your despicable assaults on decent people minding their own business and try to begin following your own religion’s precepts. And please re-read the list of Kwanza’s seven principles. Anti-Semitism” is not one of them!
Richard Siegelman
Plainview, NY
Attention Yeshiva Administrators
Mayor de Blasio has re-opened applications for the Nonpublic School Security Guard Reimbursement Program in light of the rise in hate crimes in New York City. You can apply at www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/business/school-security-guards-new-schools.page.
I am working to expand this program with the support of the NYC Jewish Caucus. I believe that smaller schools should be eligible, as well as special education schools and cultural centers.
Councilman Chaim Deutsch
Leftists Have Lost Their Minds
Ever since Trump became president, the Left’s mantra has been “resist.” His enemies have come after him with Russia investigation, claims of sexism and racism, and countless false media reports. It’s actually astounding that Trump is still in office and running for a second term.
The barrage will continue as long as Trump is in office. It doesn’t matter how much good he does for the country, or even the world.
Leftists should be happy that Qassem Soleimani is dead. He is responsible for thousands of Islamic terror-related deaths. Any sane individual would rejoice at his demise, but Trump Derangement Syndrome prevents them from being happy.
Despite the approximately 500 U.S. service members killed by Iraqi Shiite militants under Soleimani’s command between 2005-2011, and despite the attack on our embassy in Iraq last week ordered by Soleimani, Democrats are outraged.
They say the strike was an undue provocation. No, it wasn’t. It’s called standing up for yourself – a vital commonsensical move that Democrats apparently forgot under President Obama.
Brian J. Goldenfeld
Oak Park, CA
Schumer Grandstanding
If it’s Sunday, expect there to be a press conference hosted by Senator Schumer so that he can get some free media coverage on Monday. Now he wants Congress to provide several hundred million dollars to synagogues for security upgrades.
Schumer proudly boasts of billions in financial assistance “treats” from Washington but never tells voters where the money to pay for these treats comes from.
The national debt right now is $23 trillion. If Schumer allowed the debt to grow to this number as Senate Minority leader, imagine how much more he would let it grow if he became Senate Majority leader.
Schumer is the personification of the government nanny state. Maybe he should be more concerned with the real issues of the day instead of grandstanding every Sunday.
Larry Penner
Great Neck, NY
Remarkable Siyum HaShas
The Siyum HaShas at MetLife Stadium was a remarkable event. Learning, singing, dancing, and davening with close to 100,000 Jews was an experience of historic proportions.
A hearty yasher koach to all those who planned, worked on, and participated in this outstanding siyum, which, at least from a participant’s standpoint, seemed to come off flawlessly.
Max Wisotsky
Highland Park, NJ
Not a Fan of Tucker
I read with dismay Tucker Carlson’s description of Chris Cuomo’s commentary on CNN as “pure gibberish.” In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. I watch Tucker Carlson’s and Chris Cuomo’s show almost every night, and Cuomo’s ability to logically dig into issues is far and above what Tucker Carlson is able to do.
Tucker is full of vibrato and sarcasm as he bullies his guests, while Cuomo asks well thought-out questions and almost nightly gives ear to the opposing view in an effort to seek out truth.
Dr. Manny Greenberg
Toronto, Ontario
It’s Trump or Bloomberg
A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to Donald Trump at an event promoting one of his ventures. I came away from that meeting saying to myself: “That man is a super con-artist. I would never invest with him.”
So I fully agree with Tucker Carlson that “Donald Trump is a salesman” even while I must admit that he has accomplished much as our president – enacting changes that previous presidents only talked about or completely overlooked.
At this point in time, my vote for president goes to Trump (despite my dislike for certain elements of his character) or Michael Bloomberg.
George Epstein
Los Angeles, CA
