Despite Holocaust-Survivor Ceremonies, Certain Jewish Leaders Haven't Applied This Lesson

The Mensch Foundation held its annual awards ceremony at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on Friday, which honored Holocaust survivors and emphasizing the importance of remembrance and education. This year's recipients included Gabriella Karin, Joseph Alexander, and David Wiener, whose stories of resilience serve as poignant reminders of the atrocities faced during the Holocaust. Alongside them, Holocaust educator David Meyerhof was recognized for his commitment to teaching future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance.

The Mensch Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight a critical lesson from history: how a civilized society can be propagandized into vilifying an ideology or identity, leading to devastating consequences. The Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of this potential for societal decay, urging vigilance against propaganda that fosters division and hatred.

The Current Landscape: A Crisis of Identity and Ideology

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has reignited fierce debates within the Jewish community regarding support for Israel and responses to rising antisemitism. This internal struggle is exacerbated by a media landscape that often portrays Israel unfavorably, leading many to feel caught between conflicting loyalties.

President Trump's recent proposal for the temporary resettlement of Gazans has sparked significant controversy and backlash. In a full-page advertisement in The New York Times, over 350 rabbis and Jewish public figures condemned Trump's plan, stating, “Trump has called for the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza. Jewish people say NO to ethnic cleansing!” This advertisement reflects a broader concern among liberal Jews about the implications of such proposals, which they view as reminiscent of historical injustices.

Jonathan Tobin, Jewish News Syndicate's Editor-in-Chief, argues that the signatories to this advertisement are not primarily concerned with Israeli or Palestinian safety.  Rather, they are aligning themselves with those who favor the destruction of Israel.  Mr. Tobin asserts that their actions serve as a signal to the left-wing political ecosphere that many prominent Jews oppose Israel’s existence while supporting those who wish to eradicate Hamas terrorists. Tobin emphasizes that this stance is more about virtue signaling against figures like Trump and Netanyahu than about advocating for peace or justice.

Rabbi David Baron echoed similar sentiments in a post-awards ceremony interview with JooTube. He expressed deep concerns regarding Hamas's actions and their implications for Israeli security. Describing the October 7th attacks as a "genocide," he highlighted the brutality of these events as evidence of Hamas's monstrous cruelty.

Rabbi Baron emphasized that these actions necessitate a strong response from Israel to ensure its survival. He expressed disappointment with fellow rabbis who signed letters criticizing U.S. policy towards Israel, labeling their stance as naive. According to Rabbi Baron, October 7th effectively ended any possibility for a two-state solution, given the indoctrination of Gazan children with hatred from a young age.

Rabbi Baron also addressed rising antisemitism in America, citing anti-Israel demonstrations in various cities and calling for stronger actions against those who threaten Jewish students' safety. He criticized organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for failing to confront antisemitism stemming from radical Islam, arguing that without acknowledging these realities, meaningful solutions cannot be found.

Daphna Ziman: The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions

Adding another layer to this discussion is Israel-American entrepreneur, Daphna Ziman’s perspective on media representation and its impact on public perception of Israel. In this interview with JooTube, she lamented that supporting Israel has become unfashionable amid ongoing demonstrations since October 2023. 

Ms. Ziman articulated her belief that society is suffering from a “trust deficiency disorder,” where people no longer trust media or governments—leading to distorted narratives about complex issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ms. Ziman emphasized that exploitation of truth has become rampant in modern discourse. She pointed out how media narratives often fail to account for Hamas's use of civilians as human shields during conflicts. “Nobody is realizing that it's a ploy,” she stated emphatically, highlighting how human life is devalued by terrorist groups like Hamas. She noted that this manipulation contributes to a broader misunderstanding among various communities about the realities on the ground.

Learning from History: The Dangers of Ideological Manipulation

The current discourse surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict reveals a troubling trend among liberal circles, particularly in their failure to learn from the Holocaust. This historical atrocity serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of propaganda and ideological manipulation; yet many liberals appear to have fallen prey to a new form of Islamo-Marxist propaganda that vilifies those who do not share their views.  (Article continues)

Irony-alert: Mayhem as anti-Zionist protesters antagonize Hassidic Jews in Borough Park - under the pretense of protesting purchase-a-residence-in-Israel Fair

Muslim protesters clash with Borough Park Brooklyn, neighborhood Jews defending a live-in Israel, real-estate fair. (Photo courtesy: The Times of India)

Last night, the streets of Borough Park, Brooklyn, known for its Orthodox Jewish community, transformed into a battleground of ideologies. On February 18, 2025, the anti-Israel group Pal-Awda organized a protest against a real estate fair turned volatile, leading to clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and local Jewish residents.

Video courtesy: Search Sift

The demonstration was initially set to protest what was described as the sale of "stolen Palestinian land." However, the location near several synagogues in Borough Park sparked immediate concern among community leaders and residents. The chants of "Zionists go to hell" and "settlers settlers go back home, Palestine is ours alone" were not just heard but felt through the neighborhood, escalating tensions.

As the evening progressed, the situation deteriorated. Protesters, shouting slogans like "How many kids did you kill today?" and making offensive gestures towards Jewish residents, crossed the line from political expression into targeted harassment. The Jewish community responded with a demonstration of their own, waving Israeli flags and defended their neighborhood's sacred spaces. Orthodox Brooklynites defend their neighborhood from anti-Zionists including Neturei Karta Hassids from northern NYC suburbs. Video courtesy: FreedomNews TV / ScooterCaster The confrontation led to physical altercations. Videos shared on social media captured moments where the crowd broke through police lines, resulting in a scuffle that required immediate intervention by law enforcement. Police arrested Rohann Gill, a 28-year-old Pakistani registered male nurse from Brooklyn. He reportedly spent his summer at a Hamas Youth Camp. He was arrested for reportedly attempting to stab Jewish counter-protesters. The atmosphere remained charged with emotion and fear.