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Sunday, 30 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 10, 2024

Purim Shouldn’t Be Tainted by Blackface Costumes

In response to Jewish children in New Jersey dressing in racist imagery of blackface, the Ker A Velt organization called on educators to speak out against such costumes: "Our celebration of Purim should be holy and not be tainted by racism." Full Story, Video

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#metoo
March 2, 2021 2:13 pm

Meanwhile, i cant walk down the street without being attacked  by our sensitive neighbors.

Hey I know!
Reply to  #metoo
March 2, 2021 2:52 pm

Let’s make this about you!

Correction
Reply to  Hey I know!
March 3, 2021 10:42 am

Instead of a huge fuss over a harmless Purim costume, let’s focus on the sort of bigotry that has resulted in Frum Jews being attacked and killed and living in fear.

Exactly
Reply to  #metoo
March 2, 2021 5:02 pm

I care nothing about racism until my family can walk down the street without being terrorized for NOT being black.

Am I doing something wrong?
Reply to  Exactly
March 2, 2021 7:12 pm

I’ve never been attacked in Crown Heights. So I am not sure if I am doing this whole thing right.

HERE COMES THE HYPOCRITES !!
Reply to  Am I doing something wrong?
March 2, 2021 8:51 pm

so you’re lucky, but are you denying the fact that many Jews were?!

Not funny
Reply to  Am I doing something wrong?
March 3, 2021 12:37 pm

If you haven’t been threatened or attacked you either hit the jackpot, or you don’t dress like a Chassidic Jew.

Mocking those of us who have been threatened and attacked and live in fear isn’t cute or funny.

Care for us and then
Reply to  Exactly
March 2, 2021 9:09 pm

We should care about the violence in the community and still care about racism. If we don’t care how we treat them why would they care about how members of their community treat us? Let’s also realize that we say “that’s Lakewood” but if they see it do they know us well enough to know that? We can be outraged at anti Semitism and the violence of criminals in CH but also be outraged at racism.

You are wrong
Reply to  #metoo
March 2, 2021 7:56 pm

You can’t justify what those kids did it was wrong and a major chilul hashem

HERE COMES THE HYPOCRITES !!
Reply to  You are wrong
March 2, 2021 8:52 pm

correct, you shouldn’t justify it, but you also shouldn’t exaggerate it

What was exaggerated?
Reply to  HERE COMES THE HYPOCRITES !!
March 3, 2021 9:12 am

Truth is truth.

Your Wrong!!
Reply to  You are wrong
March 3, 2021 8:23 am

The chillul Hashem was caused by the (probably) jewish lady who posted it on facebook.

Not everything has to go on facebook. Get off social media already!!!

Educate!!
March 2, 2021 2:14 pm

Crown heights Jews need just as much help and re-education. The racism in this community is horrifying.

educate
Reply to  Educate!!
March 2, 2021 2:25 pm

ahh, so sad, haha, are you for real , stop the self hating jewish guilt. time for only jewish pride!!! with all the anti-Semitism going on, stand up proud!! maybe if we start standing up for ourseleves and fighting against this racist hatred anti-semitism something will happen. in the meantime you have the racist terrorist groups of blm ,antifa and the dem party running the world

Way off
Reply to  educate
March 2, 2021 3:53 pm

There is nothing to be proud of in this situation. As a Jew, all I feel is embarrassment and horror.

We are not discussing anti-Semitism right now, we are discussing racism. BLM, antifa, and the democrats are all standing up for what is right, and Jews who follow Torah law should be standing with them.

Serious?!
Reply to  Way off
March 2, 2021 5:17 pm

BLM and Antifa are standing up for what is right?!
(Do you live under a rock?)

Nazis
Reply to  Way off
March 2, 2021 6:06 pm

BLM and Antifa vandalized many shuls and targeted Jewish businesses for destruction. They walked down the street shouting “kill the Jews.” They are Nazis, as is anyone who supports or defends them.

Some Jew
Reply to  Way off
March 2, 2021 8:55 pm

So you’re condoning the anti semitism in the BLM movement?

and no, defuned the police is terrible for jewish safety

The Election is over
Reply to  Way off
March 3, 2021 9:02 am

The election is over so you can go to back to sleep for another 3 years. Notice how the entire BLM thing has gone quiet after the election, except for a few meshugene white Marxists in Portland.

Berel
Reply to  Educate!!
March 2, 2021 2:33 pm

If you are horrified by the racism in this community then you have an issue. Nobody of any race whatever need fear anything in our community. We are generous and generally even courteous to everyone.

Communities unfairly and sometimes fairly stereotyping other communities is a problem but not a big one, despite that it has made to modern man’s original sin list.

We patronize all businesses fairly and we hire the best available talent.

That’s is all you can ask for unless you are leftist or a cult member but I repeat myself.

Low standards
Reply to  Berel
March 2, 2021 3:56 pm

All you can ask for is that we hire fairly?

I have higher hopes for this Jewish community. What I’m asking for is re-education, equality, respect, justice, brotherhood, accountability, and truth.

Orthodox Jews are better than this, and I am not asking for an improvement in our morals and behaviors, I’m demanding it.

Berel
Reply to  Low standards
March 2, 2021 4:15 pm

You speak like either a french revolutionary or a communist. We don’t want your ‘re-education’ – thank you for being honest, I guess.

We have 613 commandments none of which are part of leftist canon and we don’t care at all what you demand.

Apply the mitzvot!
Reply to  Berel
March 2, 2021 9:58 pm

We may have 613 mitzvot but even the ones we can keep we don’t always do so well. This is simply a chillul hashem and these aren’t kosher costumes so why would we defend this?

What does expecting or even demanding more than this have to do with the “left”? this isn’t left or right it’s our tradition that tells us this is chillul hashem and our tradition that demands more of us.

Berel
Reply to  Apply the mitzvot!
March 2, 2021 11:57 pm

Chillul Hashem in that one of the 613 that people trot out when what they’re outraged about isn’t … one of the 613 commandments.

Get a grip. It’s not a big deal. Black people are not offended by this as much as you are and that is a leftist pathology.

Stop speaking on behalf of black people
Reply to  Berel
March 3, 2021 9:14 am

and start listening to them, you’ll learn something.

There’s nothing good from stereotyping
Reply to  Berel
March 2, 2021 9:18 pm

All stereotypes are bad. They use an idea to create images a single group and what they are like. Anti Semitic stereotypes have been used against us for thousands of years and they’re still here with us (I’ve had them spoken against me in CH) when people think we’re all rich landlords or we’re greedy. Stereotypes are a real problem because they connect to more durable and bad ways of looking at people and treating people like anti-Semitism or racism.

This isn't in CH
Reply to  Educate!!
March 2, 2021 2:48 pm

I don’t disagree. But this is lakewood

Yes but
Reply to  This isn't in CH
March 2, 2021 3:57 pm

racist rhetoric happens here too, and it is up to us to put an end to it.

Sadly it is also in Crown Heights
Reply to  This isn't in CH
March 2, 2021 7:14 pm

I love Crown Heights but pretending there isn’t racism in our community is of no help to anyone.

mmstein
Reply to  Educate!!
March 2, 2021 2:50 pm

this is new jersey not crown heights….. but still shameful

Define racism..
Reply to  Educate!!
March 2, 2021 3:03 pm

Say me or my brother was once robed or mugged by a group of blacks, the next time I see a group of blacks that look the same, walking together in the same manner I cross the street is that racism??? Or is that being cautious..

Say you live in a Community where many of your friends and family were mugged, all by black teens so when walking at night and you see black teens you get nervous that also makes you racist??

Looking for clarity, as a education professional maybe you can help me understand.

Put the shoe on the other foot?
Reply to  Define racism..
March 2, 2021 7:58 pm

Reword your question and the answer will be obvious. How were you to feel if someone asked “Say me or my brother was once cheated in a business deal with a Jewish man, and the next time I have an opportunity to do some business with a Jewish person I run the other way, is that racism or being cautious?” Or how about, I once went into a Jewish owned store and people were being disrespectful of others and not wearing masks, so if the next time I decide to shop in a store not owned by Jews is that… Read more »

There is something called statistics, you know
Reply to  Put the shoe on the other foot?
March 2, 2021 9:34 pm

You should “re-educate” yourself about it.

Yanky
Reply to  Put the shoe on the other foot?
March 2, 2021 10:33 pm

There’s a difference: Fear comes from a very primitive part of the brain and is above Sechel so it can’t be controlled. Our brain operates by responding to patterns based on connections automatically between certain events. Those of use who have experienced fear, muggings, attacks, abuse etc. (probably the vast majority of our community) have an automatic fear response which can’t be controlled.

That is different than making a conscious decision to discriminate against a certain group.

replace black by jews
Reply to  Define racism..
March 3, 2021 12:02 am

if you are ok with the word jewish person being replaced, then conversation is moot. you basically think antisemitism is justified if you think racism is justified

Don’t judge
Reply to  Educate!!
March 2, 2021 8:49 pm

I grew up in crown heights playing with our black neighbors, my kids play with our neighbors and have a great relationship with them. When I was young I was personally beaten and hospitalized by a black teenager. I was walking with my mother when she was mugged, and that’s just a couple of a dozen more stories I personally experienced. Yet people like you sit here telling us we need to educate ourselves. I can speak for myself that I have no problem with anyone based on the Color of their skin, i appreciate and enjoy people from all… Read more »

Some Jew
Reply to  Educate!!
March 2, 2021 8:53 pm

Please tell me, how many black were beaten up by Jews in our streets?

Children shouldn't dress in certain costumes
March 2, 2021 2:17 pm

The Rebbe expressed children shouldn’t dress as haman. Same goes for children dressing like non jews or witches or skeletons …. honestly people, why cant we dress in a “kosher” fashion? So many of our holy ancestors to dress like and hopefully become like and people think of witches?! Would you be happy having your child be seen by the Rebbe in a witch costume?!

Where did the rebbe say that?
Reply to  Children shouldn't dress in certain costumes
March 2, 2021 3:05 pm

The rebbe spoke against children acting like haman (and getting too involved in their character..). Not dressing up.

Learn before to accuse
Reply to  Where did the rebbe say that?
March 2, 2021 5:19 pm

The rebbe speaks to children – adar.

ReLearn/ learn the sefer
Reply to  Where did the rebbe say that?
March 2, 2021 6:13 pm

The rebbe speaks to children – adar. Not to dress/play hamans part – it brings out not good character.

Way to dodge the issue
Reply to  Children shouldn't dress in certain costumes
March 2, 2021 6:59 pm

People can dress like a witch or skeleton and not be racist. Don’t conflate what you desire others to look like, with seriously offensive behavior.

My point was
Reply to  Way to dodge the issue
March 2, 2021 8:15 pm

Dress as a jew – as a proud jew with jewish valued costumes. We dont need goyish costumes when we bh have our own. We dont celebrate their holidays (like Halloween with witches) as much as we shouldn’t dress and put on costumes like them.

Imho
March 2, 2021 2:19 pm

But that wasn’t the costume. The kids or their parents didn’t intend to make fun of blacks.

Blackface is offensive
Reply to  Imho
March 2, 2021 3:51 pm

It doesn’t matter what the kids or the parents intended. If a black person finds it offensive, it is then automatically offensive. And anyone with any historic or even modern day knowledge knows that blackface is racist.

Would you ask a Catholic if they thought a Jewish costume was offensive? Of course not because they’re not Jewish so they wouldn’t have an authentic answer.

Listen to black people!!

no, you don't have to walk on eggshells
Reply to  Blackface is offensive
March 2, 2021 4:55 pm

They didn’t dress up as “Black Face”. Dressing as a black doesn’t have to mean “The Black Face” (which has a racist history), just like dressing like a white man doesn’t mean you’re dressing up as white supremacists. Kids can dress up as a Eskimo, or a Moroccan, it doesn’t mean they are making fun of Eskimos or Moroccans! I am certain the family didn’t intend The Black Face, rather just a normal black person. A culture that automatically squeezes everything into the racism narrative is the biggest part of the issue and is ironically what propels (the feeling of… Read more »

Historic knowwledge
Reply to  Blackface is offensive
March 2, 2021 5:33 pm

Was American history taught in their yeshivas? Do they have televisions or unfiltered internet? Not saying it should be taught but dan l’chaf zechus. Maybe they were ignorant of the feelings of Black people .

Ignorance is unacceptable
Reply to  Historic knowwledge
March 2, 2021 6:15 pm

If they’re not learning history in school to the point where they know nothing about racism, then Jewish schools need to be overhauled in a serious way.

If parents are not teaching their children about racism, especially in todays climate, then adults within the Jewish community need to be re-educated as well.

Yanky
Reply to  Ignorance is unacceptable
March 2, 2021 10:36 pm

Jewish schools need to be overhauled”
So stereotyping is fine. As long as it’s against Jews.

So how would they know BLM?
Reply to  Historic knowwledge
March 2, 2021 10:08 pm

They know enough. And even if you do something racist unintentionally it doesn’t make it not-racist. When someone thinks we own all the buildings or are all rich it’s still anti Semitic even if they think owning things is just part of who we are and don’t realize it’s part of a bigger system of hate against us.

And If they dressed up like us?
Reply to  Imho
March 2, 2021 10:05 pm

Would we be okay with non-Jewish black people dressing up with black hats, fake beards and and yellow stars on their clothes even if they didn’t know we would feel hurt and offended if we saw it and consider it (rightly) anti Semitic? Would we really assume they weren’t mocking us or didn’t realize it would be wrong or anti Semitic?

Saddened
March 2, 2021 2:24 pm

So many Orthodox Jews voted for trump and his racist rhetoric. It’s just one disgrace after another. There is deep racism within this community and so many orthodox communities, it needs to be talked about and addressed and dealt with.

saddened
Reply to  Saddened
March 2, 2021 3:01 pm

your the disgrace, anybody that didnt vote for trump especially a jew and a torah observant jew should be ashamed of themselves!!! the great usa president ever. the least racist president ever. the kindest president to all. and you write blatant lies. PATHETIC . The dem party has always and is the biggest hatred group of creatures ever. and their anti-semitism is beyond and you have the nerve to write this. maybe its time for you and anyone that believes like you to leave

"The dem part is the biggest hatred group ever"
Reply to  saddened
March 2, 2021 7:18 pm

My mind has just been blown. Right not nazis but democrats. I am sorry right wing media has made you so angry, hopefully you will calm down at some point.

Explain
Reply to  saddened
March 2, 2021 8:19 pm

So anyone who didn’t vote for trump should leave? Where exactly do we need to leave? Where exactly should we go? Just trying to understand what it is you’re saying. Because it sounds like you’re saying that anyone who didn’t vote the way that you specifically voted in a democratic election does not deserve to live where they want to live?

Vchulu
Reply to  Explain
March 4, 2021 2:11 am

Same place where all those people in 2016 said they were going if Trump was elected…
Oh wait…

Sounds familiar
Reply to  saddened
March 3, 2021 9:18 am

Parroting trump is not a place you want to find yourself. Open some books, take some classes, start hanging out with better people. Work on yourself.

Anonymous
Reply to  Saddened
March 2, 2021 3:32 pm

Is that why the trumpists just don’t harp on identify politics like the bleeding heart racist liberals love to do all day. Trump judges people based on their character and merits regardless of skin color. Can’t say the same for ‘poor people are just as smart as white people’ Joe slow Biden. Can we now?
A little intellectual honesty would go a long way. Blacks did best under Trump. Far better than under Obums who did nothing for them except outsource their jobs to china and tax them into oblivion.

Anonymous
Reply to  Saddened
March 2, 2021 3:42 pm

So many blacks support Trump too
Hershel walker
Ben Carson
Antoine Tucker
Kimberly klacik
Candace Owen
Burgess Owens
Vernon Jones
Thomas sowell
The officer Tatum (you tube)
To name just a few…

Just
Reply to  Saddened
March 3, 2021 12:17 am

Just look how much he did for israel
The embassy , policicies against Iran etc

Berel
March 2, 2021 2:28 pm

This is a manufactured outrage. A costume chosen in poor taste pales in comparison to the evil that is the entire production of this 4 minute clip, marshaling the talents of entire teams and multi-million dollar production capacities, serving nothing but to inflame animosities between non participants.

It is deeply saddening that this transparent cynical thought manipulation has resulted in an article and comment thread on one of our mainstream community websites.

THANK YOU!!!
March 2, 2021 2:36 pm

So glad someone said this!

Speechless
March 2, 2021 2:37 pm

I’m disgusted by the parents who allowed this.

I expect so much more from orthodox Jews. We keep the Torah, we keep the mitzvos, we claim to have this moral compass that keeps us close to Gd, and yet this is how we celebrate a Jewish holiday?

As Jews, we know how it feels to be discriminated. We know better.

not true
Reply to  Speechless
March 2, 2021 9:41 pm

i expect more from the black not to bother us like they do

Keep up
Reply to  not true
March 3, 2021 9:19 am

That’s not what we’re discussing right now. We’re discussing racism.

Indeed
Reply to  Keep up
March 3, 2021 10:30 am

Anti-Jewish racism, that is, the kind that generates black beatings and muggings of Jews. Do try to keep up.

Exhausted
March 2, 2021 2:49 pm

I’m so tired of the racism amongst orthodox Jews. Of course we must be active in combating it and standing alongside BLM and educating the narrow-minded in our communities, but I’m tired. I wish I expected better behavior from torah observing Jews.

Are you kidding?
Reply to  Exhausted
March 2, 2021 3:03 pm

Stand along BLM. Have you any clue about their blatant anti semitism?????

your right
Reply to  Are you kidding?
March 2, 2021 9:03 pm

so many thing happen in crown heights that this is just a small thing compaired to the anti semetic stuff going on here

Incorrect again
Reply to  your right
March 3, 2021 9:23 am

This is not a “small thing.” And even if it was, Nazi Germany started off with small things like no Jews allowed in parks and movie theaters, only to move on to gas chambers and liquidation. Genocide begins when people ignore the “small things.”

Incorrect
Reply to  Are you kidding?
March 3, 2021 9:21 am

BLM stands for equality, truth, and justice. I’m a proud orthodox Jewish supporter.

Really?
Reply to  Incorrect
March 3, 2021 10:31 am

And they accomplish that by burning down and looting businesses?

Anonynmous
Reply to  Really?
March 5, 2021 5:43 am

Of course that is not ok. But what they stand for should absolutely be supported. The same way getting rid of Anti-Semitism should be supported.

Black is white
Reply to  Incorrect
March 3, 2021 11:37 am

The fact is that BLM is a racist, anti-semite terrorist organization.

Confused
Reply to  Are you kidding?
March 5, 2021 5:42 am

Unfortunately, we all know how horrible it feels when people are anti-Semitic towards us.

One would think that because we have experienced so much racism/anti-Semitism, we would be more compassionate to others that also may be victims of racism. However some in our very own community is upset that people are standing up for others that are victims of not the same, but similar racism.

Let us make a name for ourselves as a compassionate community who will fight racism of ALL time. Including anti-Semitism, black racism etc.

BLM
Reply to  Exhausted
March 2, 2021 3:38 pm

BLM is the biggest problem facing black people in this country if you want to help black people don’t stand with BLM.

Interesting
Reply to  BLM
March 3, 2021 9:24 am

So now you know what’s best for the black community? Stop speaking for black people, listen to them!!

Totally rong
Reply to  Exhausted
March 2, 2021 7:42 pm

If anyone needs some education, it’s them!
We aren’t doing a single thing to them…
And they…
BLM is pure terror…
I can’t believe we’ve people supporting them within our community!

BH!!
Reply to  Totally rong
March 3, 2021 9:25 am

Chabad Lubavitch Jews who support BLM exist and we will continue to stand alongside them.

non story
March 2, 2021 2:53 pm

for months black youths were looting, destroying businesses and property here in NYC and all over the country. nobody went to jail, and almost non of our elected leaders condemned it. the people in this news video didn’t find that offensive. yet this is somehow newsworthy?

What?
Reply to  non story
March 2, 2021 4:01 pm

We need the news to be focusing on stories like this so that more attention and awareness is given to the rampant racism throughout this country.

If we don’t talk about it, it will not be dealt with or solved.

Orthodox Jews need to be re-educated.

Anonymous
Reply to  What?
March 2, 2021 6:34 pm

Excuse me. Pure propaganda. Repeating a lie enough times does not make it true. America is the least racist country that exists on planet earth. Black and white neighbors get along here just fine with each other (excluding the handful of criminals that get repeatedly released to reoffend and hurt both communities mind you) many of my black neighbors support Trump too bc they are tired of the lies and corruption and destructive liberal policies that have destroyed their families and neighborhood. The ones that don’t are only against him because the media distorts his words and selectively edits reality… Read more »

Cuz blackface is the problem..
March 2, 2021 2:55 pm

All the repulsive untznius grubeh against Halacha costumes isn’t condemned but this is.. what an embarrassment! BTW when a guy dresses up as a Jew for a costume it’s anti-Semitic? What about when a Lubavitcher puts on a streimel it’s anti satmer? So why is dressing like a black racist, because that’s the new way the world likes to show that their polite??

Give me a break, it’s time we get our YIDISHE priority’s straight.

Anonymous
March 2, 2021 3:25 pm

Cancel culture is gorgeous
Can we still dress up like Asians?
Why assume dressing up like someone else is for negative reasons? Maybe it’s because we respect them so much we want to pretend for a day?
You’re the racists. Blacks are no different than others and should not be treated like hopeless helpless forever victims they are not. I’m color blind and expect the same from blacks.
Moshiach now

Oh my gosh
Reply to  Anonymous
March 2, 2021 4:22 pm

Being “color blind”

  1. Does not exist
  2. Is incredibly problematic to pretend to be

Please educate yourself on why that term isn’t acceptable.

Where should I educate myself?
Reply to  Oh my gosh
March 2, 2021 5:28 pm

Leftist Twitter University?
Or perhaps gender confused rich white kids on TikTok?

Anonymous
Reply to  Oh my gosh
March 2, 2021 6:53 pm

How do you know that?
I currently identify as color blind
That’s my gender. Ok?
You’re racist if you criticize me or say I don’t exist.
Please follow your own script.
Gotta be consistent

Yikes
Reply to  Anonymous
March 3, 2021 9:30 am

Some of these comments are so offensive it’s devastating. I hope you find help.

Anonymous
Reply to  Oh my gosh
March 3, 2021 1:37 am

Why can’t someone be color blind? Any individual that does not care about the color of someone’s skin would fit the bill. After all, skin color doesn’t think feel or choose right from wrong. It’s the human mind and heart that does and that’s been gifted by Hashem to the entire human race. Therefore I can get along with whoever is respectful to others, works hard and is kind and I really don’t need to evaluate if their skin is white, black, green or purple. Honestly, skin color is really not that relevant to life unless you’re racist yourself and… Read more »

That's not how it works
Reply to  Anonymous
March 3, 2021 12:31 pm

You can claim to be “color blind” but we are all impacted by racial stereotypes and division. It exists in society, as an American citizen it is impossible to not be impacted by racism. Saying you’re “color blind” is sweeping racism under the rug, pretending that we all treat each other with respect and equality, but we don’t. There is systemic racism in this country and the first step to dealing with it is to admit it. We are not “color blind.” You and I and everyone makes assumptions and judgements based on skin color. Pretending you don’t is a… Read more »

replace asians by jews
Reply to  Anonymous
March 3, 2021 12:06 am

u ok with people dressing up like hassids with money necklaces all over them? if you justify dressing as other cultures, you support people dressing up and mocking jews too. its not cancel culture to be respectful to other ethniciites
“my culture is not your costume”

Nope
Reply to  replace asians by jews
March 3, 2021 10:42 am

The reason “money necklaces” would be offensive would be because of the anti-Semitic stereotypes about Jews and money, stereotypes which have led to Jewish deaths. Someone dressing up like a Chassid, without that, wouldn’t be offensive.

So now, what is there in these costumes that is comparable?

Do not apologize
March 2, 2021 3:28 pm

Do not apologize they will use it a weapon against us
They do not care if you apologize
If you apologize they will get rid of religious voices
The way to do stay strong do not bend

Totally
Reply to  Do not apologize
March 2, 2021 4:23 pm

I think I read that in the Torah. When you hurt someone or offend someone, don’t apologize! For sure.

Well, you read wrong
Reply to  Totally
March 3, 2021 10:44 am

If you _actually_ hurt or offend someone, you apologize. But when you haven’t, and they’re simply using it as an excuse for anti-Semitism, you don’t.

Misunderstood
March 2, 2021 3:29 pm

I highly doubt they knew their costumes were insensitive. Poor judgment yes, but these costumes do not indicate at all that this family is racist. They are probably unaware that blackface is a term, or is offensive. Maybe they even support the concept of black lives matter. It’s really important to distinguish between lack of education on a certain matter & racism. Those two are completely different. If a non jew dressed up at a chassid on Halloween, and used some Yiddish words, would we consider it offensive? It might just be intended as fun. I understand that blackface is… Read more »

Maybe
Reply to  Misunderstood
March 2, 2021 4:26 pm

Maybe they’ve been living under a rock, and maybe the people around them have been living under rocks, and maybe they have no access to the news, or history books, or reality. That may be the case. But this only highlights how uneducated some orthodox Jews are. If they truly didn’t know that blackface is racist, then we have to educate our communities!!

super sensitive non issue
March 2, 2021 3:43 pm

does anyone care if goyim dress as chasidim on Halloween?

Irrelevant
Reply to  super sensitive non issue
March 2, 2021 4:27 pm

If a black person finds blackface offensive, it’s offensive. Listen to black people.

If you find someone dressed as a Chossid offensive, I would hope they would listen to you.

If that were true
Reply to  Irrelevant
March 2, 2021 6:39 pm

I find your obsession with targeting Israel hateful and offensive. But I’m sure that won’t stop you from continuing to do it.

What?
Reply to  If that were true
March 3, 2021 9:31 am

When did that comment target Israel?

Yes.
Reply to  super sensitive non issue
March 2, 2021 7:20 pm

I do.

I care if goyim dress up as chasidim
Reply to  super sensitive non issue
March 2, 2021 10:13 pm

You’d care too.

Black lives matter
March 2, 2021 3:49 pm

The real blacks are not babies that needs their mommy (the news social media),to stick up for them. all it does it makes people actually hate them.

....
Reply to  Black lives matter
March 3, 2021 9:34 am

The news and social media needs to be covering stories like this so that we can deal with our racism in this country.

If anything, coverage like this makes people hate Jews – understandably in this case – so we should probably get our act together.

so silly
March 2, 2021 4:05 pm

it doesn’t seem like they were trying to be racist. care about your own ppl

Nope
Reply to  so silly
March 2, 2021 6:06 pm

It doesn’t matter if you think they were trying or not trying to be racist. If a black person finds it to be racist (which it undoubtedly is), then it is racist. White people do not make that call ever.

It’s not only a moral value to care about all people, but it is also a Torah value. We do not only care for our own people, we care for everyone.

Well, saying "black lives matter"
Reply to  Nope
March 2, 2021 9:44 pm

is offensive to me, being non-black. So they shouldn’t be allowed to say it. Black people to not make that call ever.

Nah
Reply to  Well, saying "black lives matter"
March 3, 2021 9:35 am

This makes no sense. When making an argument, it’s important to back it up with logic and soundness of mind. Just a tip for the future.

Well, I didn't see much logic in your argument
Reply to  Nah
March 3, 2021 11:41 am

and actually that was the point.

Nope
Reply to  Nope
March 2, 2021 9:47 pm

Intent matters when it comes to racism. These children have no hate in their heart nor did they intend to mock anyone.
It’s important to be sensitive to others and therefore I would not allow my children to dress that way nor would I recommend anyone else wear black face. But don’t accuse innocent children of racism because what they wore may remind you of a racist era.

Maybe
Reply to  Nope
March 3, 2021 9:36 am

One could make the argument that the children didn’t know any better, but the parents are fully responsible for this disgusting display of racism.

Straight from the Rebbe's mouth
Reply to  so silly
March 2, 2021 7:22 pm

“Care about your own people”

This is caring for our own people
Reply to  Straight from the Rebbe's mouth
March 2, 2021 10:18 pm

If the Rebbe said this we could understand that caring about our fellow Jews is to not want them to make chillul hashem.

Anonynmous
Reply to  Straight from the Rebbe's mouth
March 5, 2021 5:47 am

The rebbe cared about ALL jews AND every single human being

Blackface or Modern Day Blood Libel?
March 2, 2021 4:12 pm

If you look at the picture, the neck is black as well making it questionable as to whether this is really blackface or a black kid dressed as a Jew to make Jews look bad. If its the former then its unacceptable but if its the latter then its a modern day blood libel accusing Jews of doing something they didnt do. Does anyone know who these kids are and why their necks are black as well if they were only doing “blackface”?

These comments are horrible
March 2, 2021 4:39 pm

There’s no mitzva in the Torah to dress up in blackface. If someone tells you it’s considered rude and insensitive, that’s all that needs to be said. There’s no need to bring your tainos and justifications for why it’s ok
Just move on! Yes, there are other problens in the world and yes, other people discriminate against Jews. One thing has nothing to do with the other! These comments are so ignorant and cringey.

Me
March 2, 2021 4:49 pm

Love how major this news is.4 kids out of thousands and thousands dressed like this on puriim. Poor judgment?yes. Newsworthy? No
Racism? No. Will this be used as fodder for the ppl who already hate jews?yes

It is major
Reply to  Me
March 2, 2021 6:08 pm

One of the ways to combat racism is to hold white people accountable for our racist actions. This act of racism needs to be covered and addressed so that we can deal with the problems in our communities.

Get your facts straight
Reply to  It is major
March 2, 2021 6:37 pm

Firstly Jews are not white. The only people who see us as white are people who hate whites and therefore hate Jews for being white.

All stories like this do is embolden and validate our attackers who will use this story as more ammunition to hate us and attack us.

Correct
Reply to  Me
March 2, 2021 9:55 pm

If this is the worst you can find in our community then that goes to show how respectful we are. Ashreinu!

terrible
Reply to  Correct
March 3, 2021 9:42 am

Your measuring rod is pathetic if you truly believe this.

This event is horrifying, you should feel just as shaken up and ashamed and angry as the rest of the world.

Sad joke
March 2, 2021 4:55 pm

When there’s 0.01% of the attacks by Chassidim against blacks as there are by blacks against Chassidim then this might be an issue.

Also, why is no one respecting our thousand-year-old culture of dressing up?

Puting things into perspective
March 2, 2021 5:02 pm

I really wanna understand what harm does our “racism” do to them?
But on the other hand, let’s not go into what they have done to us and our city…
So it’s no wonder and big deal if we have a negative look on them!

Anonymous
Reply to  Puting things into perspective
March 2, 2021 7:08 pm

The Rebbe said there is no us and them. One community under G-d. The rioters were not locals. They were paid and imported agitators and anarchist. Just like by the ’91 riots when Al sharpton bussed them in. No need to take the narrative engineering bait. Reject it entirely. Most of our decent hardworking black neighbors are our allies and we talk. Don’t believe the lies the media invents

Have you read a history book?
Reply to  Puting things into perspective
March 3, 2021 9:44 am

If you don’t see the harm that racism has inflicted upon black communities across America since the founding of this country, then I’m highly concerned for you. I don’t even know where to start.

I have read
Reply to  Have you read a history book?
March 3, 2021 10:46 am

Now answer the question. In 2021, not 1921 or 1621, what harm is being “inflicted upon black communities across America” by two Jewish children dressing up like them? If you’re really concerned about the harm being inflicted on those communities, you’d be talking about the crime rate (most blacks are killed by other blacks), the epidemic of fatherlessness, etc.

Infuriating
March 2, 2021 5:46 pm

Instead of making a big deal about a costume a few kids wore on Purim, these people should instead focus their energy on caring that our community is being threatened and physically attacked all the time.

Whoever is behind this organization needs to grow up, leave their antisemitic cult and get a grip on reality.

Ker A Velt
Reply to  Infuriating
March 2, 2021 8:14 pm

See Ker A Velt’s statement on Diana Richardson’s support for Nick Cannon after he made antisemitic remarks

https://collive.com/crown-heights-rep-backs-tv-host-over-antisemitic-comments/

Double standards
Reply to  Ker A Velt
March 2, 2021 9:21 pm

So the bar to speak out against antisemitism is when a Hollywood superstar and an elected politician support it. But the bar to speak out against racism is two 5-year old kids dressing up on a Purim. How do you not see the incredible double-standard there?

Besides using “ker a velt” to promote radical left-wing ideology and whitewashing of antisemitism is deeply offensive and cultural appropriation. Stop it.

Its 2021
March 2, 2021 5:47 pm

There are hundreds of things you can dress up as. It is common knowledge that when you darken your skin to impersonate a black person it is racism of the highest order. This has nothing to do with anti semitism. Two wrongs don’t make a right. We expect people to know better when they do things that are antisemitic. We know better than to do something as despicable as blackface on a day as holy as Purim.

Nothing wrong here
March 2, 2021 5:52 pm

Why is it racism to dress up like a black man in the first place? so you can dress up like Indians Chinese but if it’s black it’s racism? It’s just a character, give me a break.

Ummm..
Reply to  Nothing wrong here
March 2, 2021 6:22 pm

Actually it is also racist to dress up like a Native American or an Asian. Where have you been?

Who makes these rules
Reply to  Ummm..
March 3, 2021 1:56 am

Ppl need to stop making up nonsense rules, people have been dressing up like other characters for decades, it’s never been offensive and it isn’t, liberals are always looking for problems, just move on to your next one!

That's actually racist too.
Reply to  Nothing wrong here
March 2, 2021 7:24 pm

Thanks for bringing it to everyones attention.

Black skin color is not a character
Reply to  Nothing wrong here
March 3, 2021 12:37 am

Dressing up as black is not a depiction of any character or group,it’s a skin color. In this case they dressed up as blm but blm demonstrators can he white as well

Out of all things to dress up as...seriously...
March 2, 2021 6:18 pm

I’m not a supporter of blm, cancel culture or political correctiveness. But dressing up as black is provoking . It’s not like dressing up in a religious garb,it’s dressing up as an ethnic group that’s purely based on genetics,the color of a person’s skin and it’s viewed in our society as racist whatever the intention , just don’t do it,it’s provoking and unnecessary

Great costume
March 2, 2021 6:51 pm

In my opinion this is a very orgional and humorous costume.

Yes
March 2, 2021 6:55 pm

It is true the Rebbe did say to dress only in holy characters. This is not the issue here. Don’t know if these children where trying to make fun or not but costume mimic what kids see . It can be a mr trump mask , an obama masks , joe biden etc . Or some super hero or villain . What’s going on is political correctness policing. Read the news dr suess books r being edited because they have become offensive ! Think about that! Nu nu in the end the pendulum will swing back . It always does.… Read more »

2 kids were dressed up .. news 🗞 all over
March 2, 2021 7:06 pm

2 kids were dressed up, in their own community, they didn’t go to disturb or disrespect anyone, the costumes probably were ready made and sold openly to the public …. 2 little kids that gave candies 🍭 to their friends… apparently their families didn’t know anything about how it looks like to AfroAmerican neighbors, because pure lack of education and we don’t know what was behind this costume… ( Jews have many colors as well ) … Now when all this year we have increased crime of antisemitism, in big numbers where are all the news? Why News or us… Read more »

So many antisemites here
March 2, 2021 7:19 pm

All the comments about how uneducated our community is and how we need to be ‘re-educated’ are antisemitic nonsense. Imagine saying that the black community are uneducated and need to be re-educated because of antisemitism within their community.

It is patronizing, offensive, antisemitic and has no place on a site like this.

It's an old story
Reply to  So many antisemites here
March 3, 2021 10:49 am

The Misyavnim also talked about how “uneducated” the loyal Jews were, and how they have to be “re-educated” – by force, if necessary – into the brilliant Greek culture. The Yevsektzia also looked down on the loyal Jews as “uneducated” people who need to be “re-educated” – again, by force if necessary – into Communism.

I wanted to read some healthy discussion
March 2, 2021 7:26 pm

But most of these comments are bonkers. Paranoia, hysteria, hatred etc. It’s not that hard to be a good person, a nice person, bring joy and to not embarrass others. It’s our job as hassidim.

HERE COMES THE HYPOCRITES !!
March 2, 2021 8:49 pm

Blackface is wrong and shouldn’t be worn.

But this pro BLM Jewish group should stop preaching to us until they apologize for promoting the BLM agenda, which is very dangerous for American Jews!

Its no wonder they deliberately mixed the IGNORANT MISTAKE of wearing blackface, to ACTTUALLY BEING A RACIST, intent does matter, if it was done by mistake it doesn’t make you a racist.

This group does nothing for the Jewish community, it’s a leftie group that presents itself as a Jewish group, but all it actually does is defame the Jewish community.

Yanky
March 2, 2021 10:24 pm

What’s worse than blackface is this group calling their group Ker A Velt.

Anonymous
Reply to  Yanky
March 3, 2021 12:55 am

Ker a Velt can also mean… vehaman yeishvu lishtos vehair shushan NOVOICHA…

Whole thing is wrong
March 3, 2021 2:19 am

This was a serious misjudgment on the parents end and very possibly one that could have been avoided. We don’t need more reasons for anti Semitism to rise and messing with an extremely controversial topic – one as sensitive as BLM is a very dangerous game to play. Very wrong of the family who did this but also wrong to post these children to be majorly discussed and embarrass the family further.

Black lives matter!!
March 3, 2021 1:12 pm

The argument:

Black people’s lives are more precious than the white’s?
Or White people’s lives are more precious than blacks?

I’ll tell ya all one thing!! We all matter! I know ya all got screemed at for being white! But we are all the same!

Stop and look
March 3, 2021 3:59 pm

This is such an important thing to bring up. We don’t like it when we are oppressed, therefore why would we oppress other people?? We are rachmonim Bnei rachmonim, So do we respond with revenge, or with kindness! The givonim were told they could never be a part of klal yisroel because of their desire to kill shaul’s seven sons, and yet we can justify mocking and dehumanizing people because we say that they hurt us?

What Hurts
March 3, 2021 5:40 pm

“When someone tells us that something hurts, we stop doing it, whether we understand it or not”

I’ll tell you what hurts, articles like this hurt. No please stop writing whether you understand it not.

As someone who has been attacked many times for not being black, it’s wrong that members of our community are looking for tiny errors in a DIFFERENT community and using that to guilt us and attack us when OUR COMMUNITY are ALWAYS the victims of racism.

Chillul Hashem
March 3, 2021 7:59 pm

Whether you’re racist or not, been a victim of racism or not, doesn’t matter right now. If you know something will cause a chillul Hashem then don’t do it. PERIOD

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