Email from Zionist Organization of America   ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA IN THE MEDIA       Phila. Jewish Exponent: ZOA Chapter Calls on Phila. Mayor to Condemn Actions Supporting Arab Terrorists Philadelphia ZOA Executive Director Steve Feldman said in an interview that the problem is not with the method but with the message. By Andrew Guckes (February 11, 2025 / Phila. Jewish Exponent) On Saturday, Jan. 25, dozens of people marched on Philadelphia City Hall and Center City in opposition of Israel. The principle in and of itself is not new. However, the messaging was. One protester carried a banner that read, “Long Live October 7th.” Oct. 7, 2023, was the day Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others. Approximately 75 hostages remain in captivity. Now, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Zionist Organization of America is calling on the city’s mayor, Cherelle Parker, to unequivocally condemn the display. The mayor has yet to comment on the request concerning the events of Jan. 25 and did not respond to questions posed by the Jewish Exponent over email. Philadelphia ZOA Executive Director Steve Feldman said in an interview that the problem is not with the method but with the message. “We’re not condemning freedom of speech and the rights of those individuals to be out there and say terrible things. It’s more of a reflection of the ills of society that people feel comfortable doing this; that’s the problem that needs to be addressed,” he said. In an open letter to the mayor’s office, the Philadelphia ZOA chapter says that those who took part in the march, wearing Hamas logos, were “reflecting their support for … a United States designated terrorist organization that has murdered hundreds of Americans and calls for the murder of all Jews worldwide.” In the letter, the ZOA said that its goal in this process is to meet with the mayor to discuss ways to combat antisemitism in the community, especially considering that the 250th anniversary of the nation is coming up in a year. “Philadelphia will rightly be a focal point. We do not want the city’s reputation harmed or the city embarrassed as a haven for Jew-hatred and support of violence,” the letter says. Feldman said that the issue at hand is a deep-seated one. “We’re not against them having a permit to have their demonstration, but we wonder about a society where people think it’s OK to celebrate mass murder and mass rape and call for the destruction of millions of Jews,” he said. As the ZOA said in the letter, the mayor’s stance on this is much more than a formality. The leader of the city has a responsibility to all residents, they said, and ignoring this shirks that duty. “To be silent is to give it consent. Further, we ask you to work with our chapter to implement reforms where possible to prevent this evil from growing and spreading and becoming more acceptable,” the letter says. CONTINUE READING   Share This Email Share This Email Join us in Florida on Sunday, March 30 for the ZOA Florida Superstar Gala! Amb. Danny Danon; Prof. Alan Dershowitz; Lauren Gross; Rabbi Moshe Scheiner; and more! Learn More & Register DONATE       Copyright © Zionist Organization of America 2025, All rights reserved. Zionist Organization of America | 633 Third Ave 31 B | New York, NY 10017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice