This week, I published a very personal op-ed in Haaretz called, “Don't Let Trump Use Antisemitism to Withhold Visas From Palestinians.”
I share the story of my great-grandfather Harry Cutler, who came to the United States in the early 1900s fleeing starvation and antisemitism in eastern Europe.
He had to leave his wife and his young son behind, hoping to get the resources to bring them once he was established.
They tragically starved before they could join him. His son was under two years old.
Later, my great-grandfather met my great-grandmother and started a family. I am only here today because of the heartbreaking choice he had to make for his survival, a choice many people around the world still face today.
But now, Trump is naming antisemitism a motivator for the latest travel ban. In my op-ed, I describe my horror at seeing leaders of Jewish communal organizations praise Trump's supposed fight against antisemitism, when in reality none of these measures do anything to actually dismantle bigotry, including against Jews.
I hope you’ll take a moment to connect to your history, to your ancestors, and the people that allowed us to be here today.
It is so hard to see the harm happening right now, especially in our name, but we stand on the shoulders of giants. We continue their legacy of love and courage by building a world with safety and freedom for all of us, no exceptions.
In solidarity,
Jamie Beran
CEO, Bend the Arc
