NISKAYUNA — The recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have once again brought the issue of antisemitism into the spotlight. Sadly, this form of hatred is still prevalent, as evidenced by the numerous conspiracy theories found online and the increasing number of antisemitic incidents involving harassment, vandalism, and assault. According to the FBI, over 50% of religious bias crimes are directed at Jews.
This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of the Holocaust memorial planned for Route 7 in Niskayuna. However, progress on the project has been slow, if not stalled completely, due to insufficient funds. Michael Lozman, the orthodontist from Menands who originated the idea, expressed his concern about the lack of a significant memorial to the Holocaust in the Capital Region. In response, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany generously donated two acres of land adjacent to the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery for the memorial.
In 2018, Lozman presented his design and plan for the memorial to the town for approval. However, the project faced obstacles, as some neighbors believed it was not suitable for a residential area, and others found the proposed design too graphic. Despite these setbacks, Lozman went back to the drawing board and came up with a new design featuring a memorial shaped like the Star of David, symbolizing the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. The interior of the memorial would provide a peaceful space for contemplation, and the exit gates would bear the words “Never Again.”
Overall, this concept is powerful and deserving of community support. The Niskayuna Planning Board unanimously approved the project in 2020. Lozman aspired to raise $5 million and planned to start construction in 2023. However, fundraising efforts have fallen short, and Lozman expects to seek grants and other external sources of funding to bring the project to fruition. Despite the challenges, Lozman remains determined to make the memorial a success.
Returning to the events that prompted my conversation with Lozman, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made controversial remarks about COVID-19 targeting specific ethnic groups, including Ashkenazi Jews. Meanwhile, Pramila Jayapal made a statement labeling Israel as a racist state during a gathering of progressive activists. Both of these comments have been criticized as antisemitic, with Kennedy clarifying his remarks and Jayapal offering an apology.
According to Stephen Berk, a Jewish Studies professor at Union College, Kennedy’s comment harkens back to the historical persecution of Jews during plagues. Berk also acknowledges that criticizing a government or its policies is legitimate, but points out that Jayapal, like many antisemitic critics of Israel, ignores the nation’s broader security context. Israel faces significant security challenges, and its policies are motivated by a sense of insecurity rather than racism.
It is concerning that Israel is often singled out for criticism while other nations with questionable human rights records receive less condemnation. This pattern raises suspicions of antisemitism. The Holocaust memorial in Niskayuna serves as a reminder of the dangers of hatred and the need for unity against it. Even those who may not find fault with Jayapal’s comments can recognize the value of Lozman’s project and the larger issue at hand.
Antisemitism is a manifestation of hatred that affects us all, regardless of religious affiliation. Recognizing this, Lozman stated, “You don’t need to be Jewish to see what hatred is doing.” The memorial stands as a testament to the importance of remembrance and fighting prejudice.
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