Letter to the Editor: Cheryl Dorchinsky

Letter to the Editor,

I’ve always passionately stood up for what I believe: women’s rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and peace through education. Yet, time and again, I’ve faced rejection — not because of my abilities, convictions, actions, or commitment, but simply because I proudly and unapologetically support Israel’s right to exist.

When I fought for women’s rights, I was told, “You can’t be both a Zionist and a feminist.” When I marched to affirm that Black lives matter, my Jewish identity and support for Israel rendered me unwelcome. When I joined Pride marches, my Star of David — an unmistakable symbol of Jewish pride and resilience — was perceived as threatening.

I poured my heart into a collaborative initiative aimed at building bridges through education, working alongside courageous individuals from diverse faith backgrounds to educate Palestinian children. Our mission was clear: use education — teaching English, fostering critical thinking, and promoting deradicalization — to create genuine pathways to peace. Tragically, this humanitarian effort was undermined by those who viewed cooperation with Jews, even American Jews, as betrayal. Despite the bravery of our Palestinian partners, their own leaders, influenced by groups like Hamas, forced us to end the program to protect the lives of the very people we sought to help. Denigrating these peace-driven efforts empowers Hamas and perpetuates a conflict that costs real human lives. If education itself becomes a casualty, how can we ever dream of reconciliation?

Motivated by these experiences, I founded the Atlanta Israel Coalition — a proactive, powerful voice dedicated to unity, education, and advocacy against antisemitism and misinformation worldwide. Zionism is not about politics or governments; it’s the fundamental belief that Jewish people, like all peoples, deserve a safe and sovereign homeland. Criticism of specific Israeli policies is legitimate — but anti-Zionism denies our fundamental right to safety and sovereignty. Anti-Zionism, therefore, isn’t merely criticism of Israeli policies, it’s a denial of Jewish self-determination, emboldening those who openly chant for our destruction “from the river to the sea.” Calls for “intifada” aren’t advocacy; they’re incitements of violence and murder.

Recently, I made a painful yet necessary decision within a Jewish community I deeply cherished — a Facebook group for Jewish mothers, a space into which I had invested my heart and soul. As antisemitism surged alarmingly in all corners of public discourse, ensuring our community’s safety became critical. Initially, we rightly excluded voices actively undermining Israel’s security and, consequently, our community’s safety. Yet, when the group’s leadership reversed course, welcoming back those who publicly sided with hostility and hatred toward Israel, I knew integrity demanded my departure. True unity cannot compromise on safety, integrity, or the fight against hatred even at the expense of social acceptance.

I have received death threats and vicious hate from outside our community, something tragically familiar to those who stand openly and proudly for Israel. What I never anticipated was encountering such hostility from within our Jewish community simply for supporting our people’s right to live safely in our ancestral homeland.

Sadly, those individuals, often portrayed as the “good Jews” by external groups, only empower our adversaries, providing cover and legitimacy to those who wish to tear us down. By siding publicly with voices calling explicitly for our destruction, these “good Jews” embolden our enemies, paving the path not just for hateful rhetoric but ultimately for violence against our communities. This false acceptance fractures our unity and endangers us all.

Supporting Israel isn’t political — it’s existential. It’s about humanity, dignity, and survival. Yet, this essential belief frequently isolates me from causes and communities I’ve dedicated my life to championing. It has recently cost friendships, acceptance, and spaces I once cherished. Still, I stand firm and unapologetic because truth and the right to Jewish self-determination are always worth the struggle.

We must actively combat antisemitism, courageously confront hatred, and speak truth with unwavering clarity. Our survival — and that of future generations — depends upon it. I remain committed, unafraid, and hopeful.

I urge caution: be mindful about which organizations and leaders you follow or support. Through painful experience, I’ve learned that not every organization truly represents the values they claim, especially regarding Israel. Always carefully research their leadership, their actions, and their statements. Align yourself only with those who consistently and genuinely stand for truth, safety, and the survival of the Jewish people.

I invite you to stand with me — join the fight against antisemitism, educate your communities, and actively confront hatred.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Cheryl Dorchinsky, Atlanta, Ga.