What is #48Jewish? Yes, Twitter. JCC’s Are Being Targeted.
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
By Sam Kestenbaum February 16, 2017
The hashtag #Jewish48 was spreading across the Jewish twittersphere Thursday, a reference to a spate of recent telephone bomb threats delivered to 48 Jewish community centers.
The wave of social media activism comes on the heels of President Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — during which Trump dodged a question about rising American anti-Semitism.
This encounter seems to have sparked a renewed interest in the anti-Semitic threats — and the feeling that they have been underreported.
“’Telephone terrorism’ has rattled 48 Jewish centers,” television host Jake Tapper tweeted and asked: “Is anyone paying attention?”
48 Jewish centers threatened. GET THIS TRENDING! RAISE AWARENESS! Crimes against Jews get too often swept under the rug.
— Kornelius Krach (@HanzoBojaf) February 16, 2017
Some Jews took to Twitter to share their own experiences of anti-Semitism, including a member of one of the community centers targeted.
Our Jewish Comm Center was one of the 48. Mr Trump: fix this problem YOU flamed the fires of. #48Jewish https://t.co/SYXeRW2gfL
— Rick (@RicknShira) February 16, 2017
#48jewish centers received bomb threats. In newportbeach I saw #Nazigraffiti in the bathroom, swastika 88 star of David crossed out scary
— Deb Townes (@deblovesdolphin) February 16, 2017
Email Sam Kestenbaum at [email protected]
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
