We are writing to you as Jews, wanting to applaud you, the Bethlehem Public Library, for allowing Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace to use your facility to host Miko Peled, a Jewish, Israeli-American activist, to share his views about the ongoing situation in Palestine/Israel – its context and the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and an end to apartheid and Islamophobia. We now understand that you have received public criticism for doing so.
As American Jews, we have felt a deep and abiding responsibility to speak out against the injustices we witnessed in Israel; in fact, we’ve had to strengthen our resolve to not be silenced by those who wish to do so. Why? Because, over the years, a group to which we belong, Jews Say No (JSN), has stood on the corner of 96th St. and Broadway in NYC. We have been yelled at, called antisemites and self-hating jews, and spat upon by other Jews, regarding the messages we shared on our posters and leaflets such as, “Never again, means never again for anyone,” “Not in our name,” “Jews Say No,” and “Freedom and justice for Palestinians.” So, yes, we’re familiar with the tactics of those who attempt to silence the voices that support equal justice for all.
In addition, we became acquainted with Miko through our work with JSN. Miko is a bright, principled, articulate, knowledgeable, and powerful speaker. Calling Miko an antisemite because of his anti-Zionist values is both inaccurate and quite dangerous.
We hope you will recommit to your support of community groups such as Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace by allowing them to use your facilities to host Miko Peled. Ultimately, this is about free speech – our First Amendment right.
Thank you.
Helaine Meisler and Nic Abramson
As American Jews, we have felt a deep and abiding responsibility to speak out against the injustices we witnessed in Israel; in fact, we’ve had to strengthen our resolve to not be silenced by those who wish to do so. Why? Because, over the years, a group to which we belong, Jews Say No (JSN), has stood on the corner of 96th St. and Broadway in NYC. We have been yelled at, called antisemites and self-hating jews, and spat upon by other Jews, regarding the messages we shared on our posters and leaflets such as, “Never again, means never again for anyone,” “Not in our name,” “Jews Say No,” and “Freedom and justice for Palestinians.” So, yes, we’re familiar with the tactics of those who attempt to silence the voices that support equal justice for all.
In addition, we became acquainted with Miko through our work with JSN. Miko is a bright, principled, articulate, knowledgeable, and powerful speaker. Calling Miko an antisemite because of his anti-Zionist values is both inaccurate and quite dangerous.
We hope you will recommit to your support of community groups such as Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace by allowing them to use your facilities to host Miko Peled. Ultimately, this is about free speech – our First Amendment right.
Thank you.
Helaine Meisler and Nic Abramson