Stop using Israel's grief as a stage for American political theater

The article, written by a Black Ethiopian-Israeli American and former New York City public servant, argues against using Israel's current crisis and mourning as a stage for American political theater. It emphasizes that Israel is a living country facing existential threats, not merely an issue for U.S. election debates. The author highlights the increased insecurity felt by Jews globally and in America, noting that synagogues require security and Jewish students hide their identity. The piece criticizes American politicians who offer criticism without acknowledging Israel's dangers, stating this can "become fuel for people who do not want Israel corrected. They want Israel weakened." It also calls on New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to clearly support Jewish New Yorkers and treat antisemitism seriously. The article concludes by urging American politicians to stop treating Israel and Jewish safety as partisan accessories, and instead show clarity, loyalty, and courage during this time of grief and fear.