BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Jewish community is upset, and so is Rabbi Mendy Labowski.
"I asked and have been asking myself is, 'Why?'," says Rabbi Mendy of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. He continues, "This is really the next level."
He talking about a political cartoon drawing by the Buffalo News. It shows President Biden uncertain in his actions as the death toll continues to rise in the war in Gaza. So, I met him at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life to talk about it.
"You could've used the flag of Israel. You could've made it- in other cartoons, it's more Israel-based, and this one really went to the core. Really took the muck end of it- The Star of David, which everyone knows is a Jewish symbol and symbolizes Jewish people," Labowski says.
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life provides every Jewish person, regardless of background, philosophy, or level of commitment, with an open-door environment, strengthening and enhancing Jewish family life. The word "Chabad", is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of Chochmah—wisdom, Binah—comprehension, and Da’at—knowledge.
Rabbi Mendy says The Buffalo News is trying to say our local Jewish community is somewhat responsible. However, a political cartoon causes discussions.
A Political Science Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo, Jacob Neiheisel says, "It's probably more open to interpretation than some I've seen. It is starting a debate, and there's nothing suggested, in the cartoon itself, to blame one side or another."
We've reached out to the cartoonist, Adam Zyglis, for comment. He wasn't available. However, a local woman who combats antisemitism reached out to The Buffalo News Editorial Page Editor, Kevin Walter about the picture. They responded:
"Thank you for writing to express your concerns about Tuesday's editorial cartoon by Adam Zyglis. We understand the sensitive nature of this issue and are committed to publishing a variety of thoughtful viewpoints on this topic. Political cartoons make their point by exaggerating the issues involved. This can make them especially pointed and this cartoon certainly was that. Tuesday's cartoon is largely a criticism of President Biden, expressing the viewpoint that the president is doing too little in response to what some consider a disproportionate response by Israel in Gaza. In the cartoon, President Biden is depicted as uncertain or inattentive as the death toll rises in Gaza. We understand many people will disagree with that point of view. If you've been following Adam's cartoons, you will have seen that he has commented on the loss of innocent lives in Gaza and also confronted antisemitism. In addition, our own editorials have dealt with the serious issue of rising antisemitism and our syndicated columns have largely defended Israel. Again, I do appreciate your writing to us, as well as the seriousness of the issues involved. We will keep your thoughts in mind as we continue to comment on this conflict."
Buffalo's Jewish Federation issued a Facebook post about it saying it's "appalling" and "offensive." And the Chabad Center for Jewish Life did the same. They are asking for an apology from the Buffalo News.
"That's the first step. Not just something on the website but a printed apology," says Rabbi Mendy.
