New York's New Untouchables

Key Findings:

The author (an Orthodox Jew) grapples in this essay with both a deep and affectionate connection to New York City, and the fact that “life as a Haredi Jew in New York has changed for the worse.” 

Previous epithets and indignities historically faced by the Orthodox Jewish community in New York are described as non-representative of the city as a whole. However, recent government actions are discussed as undermining religious life and institutions. 

New policies include requiring signed consent forms for circumcision, gerrymandered districts limiting attendance at houses of worship, and rules and rhetoric related to religious schooling which directly target Orthodox Jews. The author accuses politicians of applying the harsh bigotry of double standard when dealing with the Orthodox Jewish community, compared to other groups who apparently merit soft bigotry of low expectation.

Several successful legal challenges against these government actions are highlighted — that is, those in which the courts recognized the discriminatory nature of the regulations. Nonetheless, the author expresses sadness over the persistent hostile climate created by these policies and their impact on the perception of Orthodox Jews in New York.

The author insists he does not view New York's political leaders as antisemites, but argues that the city reflects a convergence of the nanny state and the secular state which shows little regard for individual and parental autonomy, and limited respect for religious practices such as circumcision, prayer, and religious education. The author contends that these marginalizing policies have fueled prejudiced sentiments against Jews.