1.We Commemorate Yom HaShoah Monday

Mayor Jon Mitchell, who recently returned from Israel, confirmed he will join us on Monday when we gather at the monument in Buttonwood Park. Join us at 5:15 PM to listen to the mayor speak about his visit as we NEVER forget the 6 million murdered. One of the most important lessons we learned on October 7th is that our history will forever educate us and that it can never be forgotten. At a time when students at Syracuse University say, "finish what Hitler started" during a protest, perhaps a Holocaust memorial is more important than ever.

Later this month we host Jessica Steinberg of The Times of Israel in person at the UMass Dartmouth Library on the 22nd and Rabbi David Wolpe for the Ziskind Memorial Lecture on the 20th.

I look forward to seeing all of you on Monday.

2.Not Columbia Again

Sadly, yes. I was pleased to see a well prepared police force take action against the ignorant mob at Columbia on Tuesday night. I hope hundreds are expelled and criminal records follow them forever.

Haviva Ner David, a very liberal Israeli and Columbia alum, who was as active as they come in support of Palestinians in Israel, makes it easy to understand how outrageous these protests are in an open letter to the protesters.

As the main message on as many as 60 (and growing) university campuses has become the annihilation of Jews and the end of the state of Israel “. . . city governments and university administrations need to stop fearing the word Islamophobia and begin to act with moral clarity. The alternative goes against everything this country stands for.

"Part of the reason these mobs have been able to riot illegally is because of the threat of one word: Islamophobia. Although the first recorded use of the term in English was in 1923, it came into popular use after 9/11 as a way to quash any criticism of actions by Muslims — including honor killings, child marriage, hanging of gays, the ongoing slavery of Africans and, yes, terrorism. When cancel culture went into high gear around 2015, it became the ultimate smear tactic, even more powerful than 'racist.' "

Karen Lehrman Bloch, editor in chief of White Rose Magazine, shares her complete thoughts in "The Threat of Islamophobia" in Jewish Journal.

Meanwhile, in response to the recent escalation of events on campus,“President Biden has stood against repugnant, antisemitic smears and violent rhetoric his entire life,” Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, said Tuesday in an email. “He condemns the use of the term ‘intifada,’ as he has the other tragic and dangerous hate speech displayed in recent days.” Bates added, “President Biden respects the right to free expression, but protests must be peaceful and lawful. Forcibly taking over buildings is not peaceful – it is wrong. And hate speech and hate symbols have no place in America.”

3.California {Not} Dreaming

I touched on USC’s poor valedictorian choice and subsequent poor handling of commencement last week. This week, Tabby Refael, a USC graduate school alumna and regular columnist for Jewish Journal, warns "Graduation Speeches Are Going to Get Ugly, and Jews Need to Be Prepared."

"The university canceled a commencement address by valedictorian Asna Tabassum, a first-generation American Muslim student of south Asian descent, after discovering that a link on her Instagram bio is filled with anti-Israel tropes, including one that states, 'One Palestinian state would mean complete Palestinian liberation, and the complete abolishment of the state of Israel. This is the only way for justice.'

"In case readers believe the canceled speech is a victory for Jewish and pro-Israel students and faculty, unfortunately, Jews at USC are now targets of hate and are being blamed for shutting down Tabassum’s speech in ways that are being depicted as close-minded and practically medieval. Again, it is deeply ironic, given how anti-Israel students worldwide not only shut down pro-Israel speakers, but have also left Jewish students feeling physically unsafe on campus."

An open Letter to the president of the Academic Senate at USC was signed by dozens of faculty members at the university this week expressing “deep concern for escalating antisemitism and anti-Zionism . . . harassment and intimidation of Jewish Students."

And only a few miles north at UCLA a giant screen with October 7th Hamas murderous acts has been playing right in front of the Hamas-supporting mob in what is one of the most effective tools I’ve seen and one I hope to see on every campus and if possible on trucks and cars and mobile units. Check it out inside this Newsweek article and if you don’t already perhaps follow @persianjewess.

4.Meanwhile at Brown

It is not a surprise (to me) that at Brown ("Ivy light" as it was known at my house during the 20-plus years I lived inches from the campus) the mob is celebrating a victory after the school became the first US university to consider divesting from Israel. "The move represents the first major concession from an elite American university amid relentless student protests that have paralyzed campuses across the country, divided public opinion and led to hundreds of arrests.” My expectation of the spineless institution is that they will divest - and my hope is that not even a single Jewish dollar ever lands there if such a vote is approved in October.

5.Local Pro-Israel Support

In response to the pro-Palestinian protests on campuses, more than 1,000 people gathered outside Temple Israel of Boston on Sunday to support local Jewish students and stand against antisemitism. Watch the video below.

6.It's Not Toast

"Unfrosted, Seinfeld's streaming comedy and directorial debut, hits Netflix on May 3 and stars Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, Hugh Grant and more. Seinfeld stars as Bob Cabana in the film, which follows the origin story of a revolutionary breakfast pastry from rivals Kellogg's and Post Cereal."

Jerry's wife and three children appeared with the comedian at the L.A. premiere this week. For a picture of the happy family and intel on the only Pop-Tart flavor he will eat, follow this link. (Hint: It's not s'mores.)

7.Bakey Nation

Perfectly timed as we put a week without bread and the like behind us,  renowned Israeli baker Uri Scheft is opening a third Bakey location in Newton Centre. "Once it opens, the new shop will join others in Boston and Brookline. Expect to see fresh breads, burekas, babkas, croissants, bagels, sandwiches, coffee, and more. The address for Bakey in Newton Centre is 749 Beacon Street.

"Bakey co-founder Uri Scheft is behind Lehamim Bakery in Israel, and he also co-founded Breads Bakery in New York City."

Below I share recipes by Jewish food blogger Tori Avey for condiments found on the Bakey menu. Maybe you'll be inspired to sauce up your next meal before visiting the restaurant.

For Your Calendar

Monday, May 6 - 5:15 PM

Yom HaShoah

Holocaust Memorial, Buttonwood Park

Monday, May 20 - 7:00 PM: Speaker, 8:00 PM: Wine & Dessert Reception

Ziskind Memorial Lecture 2024: Featuring Rabbi David Wolpe

"The Campus, Antisemitism and Israel: Where Do We Stand?"

Tifereth Israel, Free Live Event

REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, May 22 - 12:30 PM

Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel journalist

UMass Dartmouth

Through September 2

"Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away."

For its regional premiere, the most comprehensive exhibition ever presented on Auschwitz is coming to Boston and The Saunders Castle. The exhibition features more than 700 artifacts of immense value to world history and all of humanity.

Tickets at The Castle at Park Plaza