September 15, 2026
The schools appear to have been careful not to refer to the event as a “protest,” describing it in their communications as a “communal prayer” and a “student-led communal Shacharit.” Their messaging about the reason for the demonstration, too, has been vague. The emails viewed by Jewish Currents do not mention Mamdani’s criticism of Israel or his condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the two major points of tension between the mayor and the Jewish establishment.
Despite the cautious tone, it is hard to read this mustering of day-school students outside Gracie Mansion as anything other than an act of protest against Mamdani, and an implicit charge that he poses a particular threat to observant Jews in the city. “It is time for us to stand up and be heard,” the email to Ramaz parents read. “It is time to show up proudly as Jews, as New Yorkers, and as Zionists.”
100%! I’ve seen so many people treat it as a travel opportunity and then go without any consideration for that you will only see what Israel wants you to see, and that it is only so cheap to go because they are paying to brainwash you.
Also the notion that a birthright trip is the defining aspect of Jewish life is INSANE! The whole thing with Jewishness is that our experiences with the experience are varied and diverse, yet there is a sense of community that ties us all together. To ignore that and focus on a state sponsored act of violence when for so many of us the point of our existence is to defy state violence is disgusting, vile, and infuriating.
The most horrifying to me has been how many former friends have come back from their trip and no longer eat unleavened bread for passover because “the exodus is over” like that was ever the fucking point