A few weeks ago, several major news outlets, including CNN, Fox and CBS, reported that around 100 Jews were arrested during a protest at Trump Tower in New York City. The reports claimed that the group was demonstrating against the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure leading pro-Hamas, anti-Israel and anti-American protests at Columbia University, which had disrupted campus operations and threatened Jewish students.
Such claims were deeply unsettling, leading to sleepless nights as I grappled with the implications. It is imperative that the Jewish community recognize the radical and dangerous nature of pro-Hamas activism, which poses significant threats to the safety of Jews and students alike. The glorification of violence, including the killing and raping of civilians and the taking of hostages, stands in stark opposition to the principles of Western civilization.
Upon investigating the origins of the protest, it became evident that the media narratives had fallen prey to the protesters’ strategic ploys. The professionally printed signs and bright-red T-shirts emblazoned with slogans claiming Jewish support were designed to lend a facade of legitimacy to their activities.
The protest was orchestrated by Jewish Voice for Peace, an organization founded in 1996 that identifies itself as a left-wing Palestinian solidarity movement. Known for its anti-Zionist stance, JVP actively supports the BDS movement against Israel and constantly criticizes Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories.
JVP seeks to create divisions within the American Jewish community, fostering polarization about Israel. The organization does not disclose the composition of its membership or its funding sources. However, NGO Monitor has published a report revealing partial details of its donations. Public IRS documents indicate that JVP generated more than $3.2 million in income for 2022 (the most recent data available).
One of their largest donors is the Kaphan Foundation, which supports initiatives that demonize Israel, pursue legal actions against Israeli officials, advocate for the cessation of U.S. military aid to Israel and accuse Israel of “war crimes” and “crimes against humanity.” The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, another large donor to JVP, similarly backs BDS and other anti-Israel NGOs.
JVP’s overarching goal is to erode support for Israel within the Jewish community and the broader American public, ultimately aiming to diminish or eliminate U.S. economic, military and political backing for Israel. The organization’s substantial budget enables it to execute misleading campaigns. For instance, in 2016, JVP produced and distributed 10,000 copies of a counterfeit edition of The New York Times, accompanied by a fake website and Twitter account. The New York Times condemned the lookalike as a deliberate attempt to mislead readers. It also placed a full-page advertisement in The Los Angeles Times some years back, urging Oscar nominees to reject a complimentary trip to Israel.
Such actions raise critical questions: How many of the protesters who were arrested at Trump Towers were genuinely Jewish? How many were non-Jewish paid actors? Since the goal was to be arrested, how many Jews were looking to get arrested? Why was JVP able to fool the media into thinking they were Jews? Does media coverage of sensationalism to drive viewership justify the expense of truth, leading to unwarranted blame on Israel and America for the actions of Islamist terrorists?
JVP’s adept manipulation of media narratives underscores the need for vigilance when consuming news related to Jewish issues. By critically evaluating media reports, we can help safeguard against misinformation and protect the integrity of public discourse. Let us remain cautious and informed, ensuring that we do not lose sleep over distorted narratives.