I was privileged to serve Beth Jacob Congregation for 33 years and was actively engaged in appropriate political activities during that time as well. Indeed, this very publication documented my work on behalf of immigrants, including when I spoke on the National Mall in 2010. I recently relocated to Ohio, and watched with awe as Minnesotans came together to stand as one for their neighbors during the siege that took place this winter. It made me proud to say that I was from Minnesota. Now, I’m watching with anger at the unfolding political process as hate and animus have seeped into the endorsing process unfolding across the state.
Every week during our Sabbath services, we Jews offer a “Prayer for Our Country.” In part, it reads: “…may citizens of all races and creeds forge a common bond in true harmony, to banish hatred and bigotry, and to safeguard the ideals and free institutions that are the pride and glory of our country.” We expect that when our congregants walk out of our synagogues, they are living out their Jewish beliefs with love, not hate. That is why I am deeply disturbed and concerned by the lack of or minimal response from leaders in Minnesota to blatant antisemitism against Jewish community members seeking political engagement.
Hate crimes are on the rise, and our political parties are overrun with targeted hatred disguised as purity tests – so much so that a Pennsylvania judge left the Democratic Party over antisemitism. The time to address antisemitism is now, not when it becomes physically violent or even deadly.
This is a failure of leadership – from Democrats and Republicans – for not condemning antisemitic attacks as they do for individuals or groups of other religions and identities experiencing equally disturbing acts of hatred.
On several occasions recently, during the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party endorsement process, a process that already attracts individuals with some of the most fringe political positions, delegates have spewed antisemitic slurs against Jewish candidates and those supportive of Jewish Minnesotans. Too many party leaders and statewide candidates have chosen to remain shamefully silent and refused to call out these individuals for hateful comments. I applaud those candidates who have set an example and called out these antisemitic actions.
Speaking out should be the bare minimum – but it’s a necessary first step. Now is the time for party leadership to take real action and Democrats and Republicans seeking elected office – especially the office of U.S. Senate, Congress or Governor – to forcefully condemn all incidents of antisemitism and hate in any form. Hate that is overlooked and neglected will only elevate into bolder action that will be greater and more detrimental. Silence is simply complicity.
Any person vying to serve our state and our country should be held to a high standard of morality. What I am seeing and hearing is a political system without a backbone to stand up to the most extreme individuals who use hateful speech to discredit the voices of people who have a different opinion from them or who are simply different from them.
The example our leaders are setting for the next generation of leaders is unacceptable and downright shameful. It is telling our future leaders that it is okay to ostracize a group of people based on their identity or their religion – if it serves you in your aspirations for higher office.
We are so deeply divided as a country, but we’ve seen some of the most beautiful illustrations of unity from Minnesotans coming together in community. That love and that community should bring us all together.
We all must do better to come together, and we deserve elected leaders who hold themselves and their parties to as high a standard as they hold their opponents or anyone else. It’s on them to show us the way, to lead in ways that are inclusive and welcoming for all who wish to live and grow their families in our state. While we keep setting the example for our congregations to love one another, I strongly encourage our leaders to have a change of heart and show real leadership by firmly addressing the antisemitic actions targeting Jews inside the electoral process.
Rabbi Morris Allen served as the first rabbi of Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights from 1986-2019 and is currently Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Allen was a strong advocate on behalf of immigrants’ rights and was recognized by national publications such as Newsweek and The Forward.
There is no one like Rabbi Allen. He is an amazing Rabbi and I loved having him at Beth Jacob Synagogue and I miss him. He invited me several times to his home for Pesach when he knew I was not invited to a seder at any other home.I appreciated that very much and had a wonderful seder with his friends and family. He is warm and caring rabbi and I wish him the best.