Public Statement On Israeli Real Estate in Midwood Synagogue:
Yesterday, a real estate event took place at Young Israel of Midwood involving the sale of land in the Holy Land, with no recognized Rabbinical authority backing this provocative event.
Beyond the outrageous idea of selling land in occupied territories, the very notion of using a synagogue to host a real estate sale is virtually unheard of in the Jewish community. Such events are normally held in convention or expo centers. The reason for holding it in a synagogue is obvious: the organizers anticipated protests and sought to portray the situation as Jews being targeted outside a synagogue, when in reality it is a cynical exploitation of a holy space to advance the narrative that Jews are unsafe in New York.
It is important to note that a significant number of New York City Jews are decidedly anti-Zionist, a reality that many Israeli-oriented institutions cannot stomach. They seek to use Jewish communities to buttress the claim that whenever someone criticizes Israel, it is automatically antisemitism. As a result, provocative events are intentionally brought into New York City, even into holy sanctuaries, with the expectation that protests and outrage will follow.
Torah Jews wishes to reiterate clearly and unequivocally that we desire to live in peace and harmony with our neighbors. We are not proxies for the State of Israel, nor do we have any part in its wars or political conflicts. Our only goal and ultimate wish is to live side by side with our neighbors of all religions, ethnicities, and cultures in mutual respect and coexistence.
We continue to hope and pray for true and lasting peace to reign speedily in our days.
Rabbi Moshe Dovid Katz