Results for: Jewish Community

The New Jersey Senate has canceled a hearing on a bill that would define antisemitism in the state due to alleged ‘safety and security concerns.’ The hearing was scheduled for Thursday but was marked ‘canceled’ on the state legislature’s website. No additional details were provided online about the reasons for the cancellation, but the Senate cited safety and security concerns as the reason. The legislation, Senate Bill 1292, was sponsored by Democratic state Sen. James Beach and aimed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in an effort to combat antisemitism in the state. The Senate’s decision to cancel the hearing has been met with frustration by Jewish organizations and community leaders, who argue that a bill designed to protect the rights and safety of Jews should not be canceled due to safety concerns.

A recent report by the American Jewish Committee found that 94% of Jews and 74% of all U.S. adults perceive antisemitism as a serious problem. During the week leading up to Passover, the Combat Antisemitism Movement detailed numerous shocking anti-Semitic incidents in March 2024. Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League reported 3,300 anti-Semitic incidents in the final quarter of last year, including physical assaults, vandalism, harassment, and support for terrorism. College campuses have become a particular area of concern, with students facing alarming instances of intimidation and violence. Jewish leaders express deep concern over the escalation of extremist rhetoric and calls for violence, emphasizing that such behavior is not legitimate political speech but rather hate speech targeting Jews. The ongoing situation in Gaza, where Hamas holds 130 hostages, further heightens these concerns.

This year’s Passover festivities are tinged with both somberness and hope as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict weighs on the minds of Jewish communities worldwide. The holiday, which symbolizes freedom from slavery, has taken on a new significance, with empty chairs at Seder tables representing the abducted hostages still held captive. Despite the challenges, the community remains resolute in their support for those affected by the conflict and finds solace in the tradition’s message of freedom and hope.

Marvin T. Dubin, a prominent Buffalo attorney who practiced commercial law for over 50 years, passed away on April 17, 2024. Born in Buffalo, Dubin graduated from Bennett High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo. He later obtained a bachelor of laws degree from UB Law School. Dubin was a dedicated member of the legal community, serving as counsel to Delaware North Companies for 45 years and contributing to various professional organizations. He was also actively involved in the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo and the Western New York Chapter of the March of Dimes. Dubin’s autobiography, published in 2020, recounted his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to success.