Ironically, I believe Brenner is correct that in the Modern Orthodox community, support for traditional morality has weakened. Moreover, I believe that this lack of moral clarity has infected the “black hat” world as well. What else can account for the unwillingness of Orthodox groups across the spectrum to defend tradition in the face of an unrelenting onslaught by the gay rights movement?
I think that well-meaning Orthodox Jews underestimate how insidious the gay revolution has been and how it will affect our daily lives. Already major companies are advertising that they cater to same-sex partners. Macy’s includes same-sex couples in its wedding registry advertising. During the Olympics, a Chevrolet television ad featured a same-sex couple. Nordstrom and Amazon have run similar ads.
The gay rights movement will not stop until it has achieved its goal of normalizing same-sex relationships. When we look the other way at the seemingly innocuous participation of an openly gay group in the Celebrate Israel Parade, we are opening yet another door for the onrushing train that signals the demise of our moral system.
Avi Goldstein
Far Rockaway, NY
Solid Methodology In ADL Anti-Semitism Survey
Sydney Ross Singer’s claim that the Anti-Defamation League’s methodology in identifying anti-Semitic attitudes leads to responses that are far higher than reality falls apart on several grounds (“Do ADL Surveys Cause Anti-Semitism?” op-ed, May 30).
First, the 11-question methodology has stood the test of time. It was developed by some of the most sophisticated academics at the University of California at Berkeley. When first used in 1964, it showed that 29 percent of Americans harbored anti-Semitic views. In recent years, mirroring the significant progress Jews have made in America, those numbers have gone down to the low teens. In other words, the poll reflects American behavior and has accurately shown the evolution of attitudes.
Similarly, within the ADL Global 100 poll itself, rather than a monolithic exaggeration of anti-Semitism which Mr. Singer claims, we find a variation that, for bad and for good, often reflects what we already know about different nations. Thus, it is hardly a surprise that Middle East countries have the highest percentages. Nor is it surprising, considering the unpleasant history, that East European countries are the second highest.
On the other hand, it is not surprising that the Scandinavian countries are at the low end of the spectrum of anti-Semitic attitudes; that in Latin America, Brazil is the lowest; that the Czech Republic is by far the lowest in Eastern Europe; and that Australia and New Zealand are also low.
Yes, there are some unexpected results – for example, South Korea at 53 percent and Panama at 52 percent. But in truth, this variation, including countries that show little or no anti-Semitism, demonstrates that the methodology works.
We have said that we approach this survey with humility. It is the first ever done. We hope to learn much going forward. But we think this unprecedented study offers unique opportunities to grapple with this global phenomenon of anti-Semitism.
Abraham H. Foxman
National Director
Anti-Defamation League