When did speaking out for Jewish causes become something to be done in the shadows?

 Ce journaliste, Steven Zeitchik, tjs resté silencieux aprés mes mails, parle de lui même, de sa lâcheté, de son silence...

#dissonancecognitive

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 Eisenberg has made a film about the Holocaust. Yet on the awards circuit he has seemed conspicuously reluctant, to say the least, to utter a word about current antisemitism

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And yet discomfort is what I’ve encountered. When Ye unleashed a torrent of antisemitic posts and then went on a national stage to sell swastika merchandise two weeks ago, a handful of Jewish entertainers spoke up, according to a prominent pro-Jewish account’s thread: Charlie Puth, Isla Fischer, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Savage, Michael Rapaport, of course David Schwimmer. All commendable. But more noticeable was how many didn’t react. It took an Israeli provocateur deepfaking many of them protesting Ye to get Scarlett Johansson to say something — and that was to decry the deepfake. 

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In a time when Jewish identity faces threats from so many flanks, very few high-profile people in entertainment — the same people often eager to lend their voice to other causes — seem compelled to come to its defense. 

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Too many Jewish entertainers seem unable to summon the curiosity, or courage, to engage with Jewish meaning or proudly identify as Jews. Instead when a newsy Jewish topic comes up they react the way one does when the middle-school English teacher calls on you about a book you haven’t read — put your head down and nervously count the seconds until they call on someone else.

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Hollywooders arguing on behalf of Jews is a welcome development. But they are doing so anonymously, which only underscores the problem. When did speaking out for Jewish causes become something to be done in the shadows?

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Center’s Media Impact Project found that among 108 Jewish TV characters that aired between 2021 and 2022 only 18 percent of them referenced their Judaism (...)

Einbinder appeared extremely fearful of addressing anything about being Jewish at this moment. Finally and very tentatively she said, “I don’t think there’s been a change, no.”  

Einbinder, who in the past has worn a Star of David on red carpets and spends large chunks of her standup act talking about being Jewish, seemed scared to acknowledge any change even in a time of normalization of the most vile antisemitic tropes around (...)

When the Oscars unfold Sunday, don’t expect many Jewish winners to talk about the perils Jews face or the importance of embracing Jewish identity; it would almost seem weird at this point if someone did. Even as it’s probable a Latino, Black or Asian winner will talk about what their identity means to them, as of course they well should. Jewishness is the one aspect of modern identity you just don’t mention (...)

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/antisemitism-oscars-hollywood-celebrities-1236151341/

Unveiling a Hidden Reality: Sasha Andreas' Documentary on Jewish Poverty

In a world where success is often synonymous with wealth, the notion of poverty among the Jewish community remains an overlooked reality. Sasha Andreas' compelling documentary challenges prevailing stereotypes, shining a light on the struggles faced by Jewish individuals in New York who grapple with economic hardship. Through poignant storytelling and interviews, Andreas invites viewers to confront their assumptions about wealth, poverty, and the diverse realities within the Jewish community. 

Breaking the Stereotype 

 The stereotype of Jewish affluence is deeply ingrained in societal perceptions, often overshadowing the fact that poverty exists across all demographics, including the Jewish community. While many Jews have achieved financial success, Andreas' documentary reveals the untold stories of those struggling to make ends meet. These narratives, drawn from organizations like the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty and the Hebrew Free Burial Association, provide a window into the lives of individuals who have experienced job loss, medical crises, or other challenges that have pushed them into financial instability.

The Struggles Beneath the Surface 

 A recurring theme in the documentary is the reluctance of many to seek help due to the stigma associated with accepting charity. Raised with values of self-sufficiency and pride, some individuals find it difficult to ask for assistance, even when it is desperately needed. This cultural hesitation underscores the importance of creating compassionate support systems that respect the dignity of those in need. 

Tzedakah: A Pillar of Justice

Central to the film is the concept of tzedakah, or righteous giving, which is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Rabbi Shmoel Plor, one of the interviewees, eloquently explains that tzedakah is not merely about financial contributions--it is about restoring justice, dignity, and balance to society. This perspective challenges viewers to think beyond the act of giving as a transaction and to see it as an opportunity to uplift and empower. 

Challenging Assumptions

Andreas' documentary serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the stereotype of universal Jewish wealth. It confronts societal biases head-on, urging viewers to reconsider their assumptions and to embrace a more nuanced understanding of wealth and poverty. By doing so, the film raises critical questions about how we define success and the importance of recognizing and addressing hidden struggles within all communities. A Call for Compassion and Action Beyond highlighting the issue of Jewish poverty, the documentary emphasizes universal values of empathy, compassion, and community support. It reminds viewers that wealth is not the sole measure of success and that extending a helping hand to those in need is a fundamental moral responsibility. Despite the lack of widespread media coverage, this documentary serves as a vital reminder of the importance of addressing poverty in all its forms. It challenges viewers to look beyond surface perceptions and to recognize the humanity and dignity of those facing financial hardship. 

Building a More Inclusive Society

In a society that often equates success with material wealth, Andreas' film underscores a critical truth: poverty can affect anyone, regardless of background or faith. By sparking dialogue and raising awareness, this documentary calls for a collective effort to build a more compassionate and inclusive world--one that values the inherent dignity of every individual and ensures support for those in need. 

Sasha Andreas' work is not just a film; it is a wake-up call, urging us to confront stereotypes, challenge assumptions, and foster a deeper understanding of the hidden realities that shape our communities.

https://themunicheye.com/unveiling-a-hidden-reality-sasha-andreas-documentary-on-jewish-poverty-8308