Veronica Darmon: Politically correct antisemitism in the Valley

Published: 01-17-2025 11:26 AM

Since Oct. 7, 2023, those of us who grieve the horrors and atrocities of that day have been, well, scared to speak up. What are we afraid of?

In the Valley that we call home, and pay taxes in, we seem to be the outliers. Shortly after the Hamas attacks on several Kibbutzim and partygoers of the NOVA Music Festival, the attacks began. These were local.

First, it was students at UMass protesting during a vigil in recognition and support of several hundred hostages who were literally stolen from their lives. One such protester was arrested for using violence toward a vigil member. Then came the barrage of protests against Zionism, still going on today, without regard or mention of the worst violence committed against Jews since the Holocaust. With them died Israeli Arabs and innocent people of other faiths.

As the hours, the days, and the months have passed, more protests against Zionism — nothing else, nowhere else — Just Zionist Jews. It continues in the form of vandalism, downtown graffiti, and at least one local establishment publicly stating that Zionists are not welcome.

As a local Jew, I feel like my beliefs are not only not welcome, but they also aren’t protected. Sadly, not even by local Jews who may feel differently, or public officials who remain silent.

Many people agree with me (privately). Our Valley is now known for activism against us. Why are we so silent? Please join me in speaking truth to local power. It’s OK to not be politically correct.

Veronica Darmon

Northampton

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