As members of the Jewish community we write to Jewish Federation with disdain and concern over an email sent out recently, entitled "Statement on Recent Decision by Israeli Government." What we expected to read was a statement that was unbiased and nonpartisan as this is one of many issues that currently exists in the Jewish community. Instead, we were dumbfounded by the statement's content as the Federation chose to take a partisan stand against the State of Israel and undermine the voices of those who agree with Israel's decision. To quote the statement, "We understand that many in our community are angered, disappointed, and hurt by the actions of the Government of Israel." Unfortunately, this organization has failed to understand is that many in this community are not angered by the actions of Israel but the appalling behavior of the Federation.
The statement then goes on to say "We are working closely with our Federation's Israel office and the leadership of The Jewish Agency, both of whom are directly appealing to the Israeli government to reverse this decision." We find it hard to fathom why the Jewish Federation would use its time and donor's resources to coordinate an effort to influence political policy in the Jewish State rather than focusing on it's supposed intended mission. This is a complicated issue and the members of this community do not hold a monolithic view. Instead of acknowledging a diversity of opinions on this issue you have chosen to alienate us, members of the very community you claim to represent, by your incredibly politically charged statement. While it may be hard for some of the leadership of the Federation to come to terms with the fact that people may disagree with their personal views, we urge you to consider why we would support the government's decision to stand up against two radical anti-Semites. We believe that in this case the Federation is not acting as a representative for the Jewish Community of Greater Charlotte it claims to be.
In an email response to complaints about this statement Sue Worrel wrote "Federation highly values and fully embraces the diversity of thought in our community, and strives to make space for the vast variety of voices, perspectives, and opinions expressed by members of our community." However the Federation's divisive position on this issue clearly contradicts the CEO's remarks.
We therefore urge The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte to retract their statements on the Israeli Government decision to bar the two congresswomen from entering their nation and issue an apology for misrepresenting the views of the Charlotte Jewish Community in this matter.
We stand with Israel!
