To promote Judaism and conservatism in the context of American life and ideals and Zionism, the Jewish Leadership Conference (JLC) held its second annual conference in New York on Oct. 28.
“We believe conservative ideas because they make America better,” said Jonathan Silver, JLC executive director, in his introductory speech.
Additionally, thoughts and prayers were given throughout the conference to the family and friends of the 11 Jewish worshippers shot and killed by a gunman during Shabbat-morning services at the Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
“Thankfully, attacks like this in America are rare,” said Silver.
Prominent American-Israeli journalist Caroline Glick talked about the rise in anti-Semitism in the United States and worldwide, citing four kinds of anti-Semitism: Nazi anti-Semitism/white supremacy; jihadism; that encouraged by figures such as Nation of Islam Louis Farrakhan and Women’s March leader Linda Sarsour, whom Glick called “very powerful”; and anti-Zionism, which Glick said is not widely understood as anti-Semitism.
In her well-received speech, Glick focused mostly on the last category. She said that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitic because it targets Israel, as it is the largest Jewish community in the world.
She also noted how the anti-Zionist BDS movement ostracizes Jews, especially on college campuses. In particular, she mentioned recent cases at the University of Michigan, as well as a boycott of two New York University pro-Israel groups by 53 student organizations, in addition to a few other cases as examples.
Glick added that BDS targets not Israel, but American Jews. Her message to the bigots: “You are the haters of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
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Notable names and speakers
Other speakers included Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, the great-nephew of 20th-century leader of American Jewry Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik; and Israeli Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, who reportedly spoke with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions following the Pittsburgh synagogue attack.
