October 7, 2023, changed us. The attack on our beloved Israel was truly soul crushing for our entire community. We followed the news hour by hour, spoke with friends and family in Israel, and prayed for their safety.
Beyond October 7, seeing what was starting to take place on college campuses and in the streets around the U.S. and other Western countries, was a huge wake up call. Many of us knew there were undercurrents of antisemitism plaguing our nation, but the flood gates really opened and continue to ravage our community in full force.
Seeing all of this unfold since October 7 made us think harder about the political climate in Virginia and, specifically, Hampton Roads. How is the war against Hamas, and more broadly Iran and its proxies, shaping opinions of leaders in our own community? Are elected officials standing up to antisemitism and anti-Zionism without hesitation? Will they continue to do so in the future?
We have realized since those early weeks how critical it is to elect public officials who understand the Jewish community’s concerns and values, who stand with us on our darkest days and who will fight to protect our basic rights.
We have been lucky in Virginia, especially in Hampton Roads, to have many leaders that have not only been vocal in their support for Israel, but have visited Israel, have voted to defend Israel, and voted to strengthen protections for the Jewish community. Imagine if the leadership in our state and region did not unequivocally stand with Israel.
Would we have less funding for community and building security? Would elected officials produce statements that inflame the masses and direct hatred towards us? Would our children go to school where they face Jew-hatred and antisemitic rhetoric with no consequence? Would police be unwilling to stand guard at our synagogues and community events? It’s hard to fathom, but not out of the realm of possibility in the near future. In short, we would feel alone and targeted.
Ensuring we continue to drive support for Israel and the Jewish community begins with electing (and re-electing) people to office who have moral clarity and will defend our biggest ally in the Middle East and protect the Jewish community. Words are not enough; we must also measure candidates by their actions.
As we approach Election Day, now is the time to educate yourself on the candidates, especially at the local level. Beyond the presidential race, it is important to know the candidates for Senate, House, and especially local races such as Mayor, city council, and school board, who may have an even greater direct impact on our community. The famous phrase “All politics is local” holds true once again. We need to place people in local offices who will steer our community in a positive direction. For example:
•Stand firmly against calls to denounce and limit U.S. support for Israel.
•Increase calls for cultural training for administrators and staff within city governments and school systems around antisemitism.
•Speak out and act against antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
•Push back on banning events, speakers, and books that broaden a student’s worldview.
Please take the time to do your research. Most candidates have detailed websites that list their positions. Beyond that, if you are on social media channels, look at how candidates and current officials have spoken about the war, the hostages, and antisemitism in the U.S. If they are currently in office, look at their voting track record when it comes to Israel and the Jewish community. Don’t rely on hearsay and the noise – really take the time to make an informed decision. Don’t walk into the polling station to vote for president and then haphazardly vote down ballot. Local and state officials often hold more sway in our daily lives than the top office. This is a critical time for our community, and your informed vote matters.
In the next issue of the Jewish News, you will see more about the candidates’ positions as they relate to our Jewish community. In the meantime, visit United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council’s 2024 Election page at JewishVA.org/Election24 for links to check your voter registration status, find your polling place, determine what district you vote in, and which candidates will be on your ballot. Please read the information thoroughly and be ready to make informed decisions on November 5, 2024.
Olga Eskinazi and Shikma Rubin are members of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council’s Steering Committee.