Blog

January 27, 2025

Dear Friends,

It was an inspiring afternoon for many of us at today’s Legislative Luncheon. We had a robust turnout both in person and on livestream, and were able to hear several of our legislators speak about many of the issues that are on many of our minds, including safety and rights for trans people, immigrant rights, climate justice, reparations, education funding, and antisemitism. We are so grateful to our legislators for their time, their persistence, and deep care for the wellbeing of all who live in Massachusetts.  

On this last topic, we are grateful in particular to Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, who opened her welcoming words with a message of care for the Jewish community and a clear stance against antisemitism.  

Her words, and the support of our elected officials meant so much more this week, as we recently learned that Cafe Balagan once again experienced an act of targeted vandalism. This is not the first time that Balagan has experienced actions like this over the past year. We want to be clear: Singling out an Israeli-owned business as accountable for the actions of the Israeli government is an act of antisemitism. It is not an appropriate or effective way to advocate for Palestinian freedom, which we believe is not mutually exclusive with Jewish safety, and also important to fight for. It is cruel to target a business and its owners because of their national and/or religious identities.  

As a Jewish community that contains political diversity, we can hold varied opinions about the Israeli government and its actions and also recognize when activism crosses a line and causes harm. As the leaders of CBI, we emphatically denounce these acts of antisemitism that are deeply harmful to us all.  

We appreciate the support of the City of Northampton in responding to the matter, and want to make it clear that Cafe Balagan is a beloved part of our Jewish community, as well as our city’s community.  

Relatedly, a small group of us, including the rabbis, presidents, and a few community members have a scheduled meeting to speak with Senator John Velis who is Chair of the Special Commission for Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts (and unfortunately was unable to attend today’s lunch). We look forward to sharing some of our thoughts with him, including our hope that we will see clarity around responding to antisemitism while also protecting legitimate protest and activism. We know that many other community members continue to be involved in local efforts around antisemitism as well. 

Today marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. As Rabbi Ariella shared earlier during the Legislative Lunch, this day is a reminder that we have had to face many Pharaohs in many generations, and we don’t ever want to have to do it alone again. May we continue to stand together in community, and continue to strengthen our ties with our neighbors so that we know we can truly work together to make this place a safe home for all. 

B’shalom, 

Rabbi Ariella Rosen, CBI Interim Lead Rabbi 

Rabbi Jacob Fine, CBI Assistant Rabbi 

Barbara Black, CBI Co-President 

Pamela Schwartz, CBI Co-President