The Contrarian: A Conversation With Amy Spitalnick on Jewish Safety and Democracy

By Jennifer Rubin

Originally published by The Contrarian: 

Last week’s horrendous attack at Central Synagogue underscores the scourge of antisemitism that has shaken American Jews to their core. In an era of rising violence, American Jews and non-Jews seeking values-based leadership would do well to look to the leadership of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), founded 80 years ago to engage communities on issues of common concern and shared values (especially civil rights, justice, and equality).

Jennifer Rubin: “JCPA works ‘to build a just and inclusive democracy.’ Why is that critical, and is America at risk when one party undermines democratic values?”

Amy Spitalnick: “Jewish safety and inclusive, pluralistic democracy are inextricably linked — simply put, there is no true democracy without real Jewish safety, and there is no real Jewish safety without ensuring a truly inclusive, pluralistic democracy.

Democratic norms and institutions have played a vital role in Jewish advancement and safety in this country for generations. My own family is a case study: My grandparents survived the Holocaust and came here as refugees after the war. It was through the opportunities they found here — my grandmother as a seamstress and card-carrying union member, my grandfather as a taxi driver — that they were able to build a better life for my mother. My mother and father both became NYC public school teachers and members of the UFT, and I benefited from a great public school education, all of which allowed us to really survive and thrive in the middle class. So many of these norms and institutions are now under assault by the administration and other leaders.”