Rabbi and Cantor Alums of Brown Write To the University:
Do Not Cede Control to Those Who Weaponize Antisemitism
We Jewish clergy, alumni of Brown University, are troubled by the federal government’s threats against Brown which we believe are not rooted in good faith toward the Jewish community. President Trump’s attack on Brown and other universities has nothing whatsoever to do with combatting antisemitism. It weaponizes antisemitism and could, ironically, evoke classical sentiments of resentment toward the Jewish community, whose name is being scapegoated as a conduit for an ulterior motive. That motive is to destroy institutions of higher education and to crush dissent through fear and threat.
We urge Brown’s president, Christina Paxson, and her administration to condemn Trump’s assault in the strongest terms and not to cede any control over academic decisions to his administration. As Brown’s leadership grapples with this evolving situation, we and many other Jewish leaders who are alumni stand in solidarity with those most impacted by these cuts and attacks.
In the wake of this season of Passover, we remember the story in the Book of Exodus about the brave midwives Shifra and Puah who defied the command of Pharoah that all Hebrew baby he murdered at birth. Because of their willingness to resist the Pharoah, Moses– and countless others– survived. Our people were redeemed from slavery because of the courage of these women. That story reminds us of the urgency to stand up to the threats that we are now facing.
Rabbi Dr. Howard L. Apothaker
Rabbi Avram Arian ‘71
Rabbi Renee Bauer ‘96
Rabbi Sharon Anisfeld ‘82
Cantor Rebecca Carmi ‘84
Cantor Jack Chomsky ‘77
Rabbi Rose Kowel Durbin ‘02
Rabbi Serena Eisenberg, '87.
Rabbi Sue Fendrick ‘84
Rabbi Michael Fessler ‘93
Rabbi Laura Geller ‘71
Rabbi Lisa Goldstein ‘87
Rabbi Dr. Leonard Gordon ‘80
Rabbi Joshua Hammerman ‘78
Rabbi Jane Kanarek ‘92
Rabbi Myriam (Marian) Klotz ‘86
Rabbi Steven A. Lewis ‘86
Rabbi Annie Lewis ‘05
Rabbi Ellen Lewis ‘74
Rabbi Andrea Coustan London ‘86
Rabbi Ari Lucas ‘05
Rabbi Emily Mathis ‘89
Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus ‘88
Rabbi Lex Rofeberg '13
Rabbi Sienna Lotenberg '18
Rabbi Laurie Rutenberg ‘75
Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg ‘97
Rabbi Dr. Jenny (Sherling) Solomon ‘97
Rabbi Shira Stern ‘78
Rabbi Mia Simring ‘80
Cantor Meridith Stone ‘80
Rabbi Ma’ayan Sands ‘71
Cantor Sarah Sager ‘70
Rabbi Lawrence Silverman ‘65
Cantor Lizzie Shamash ‘91
Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig, ’78.
Rabbi David S. Widzer ‘94
Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel ‘74
Are you an alum of Brown (BA, MA, PhD, etc?) and Jewish clergy?
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