Rabbis Stand in Solidarity with UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Against Intimidation

In late October, United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca P. Albanese visited the United States to address the United Nations General assembly , presenting a report that detailed ongoing violations by Israel against Palestinians.

In response, Zionist organizations, concerned about the exposure of these facts, issued false accusations of anti-Semitism against her. Groups like the ADL intensified these efforts, but Albanese remained resolute, delivering a powerful speech at the United Nations. During her visit, she was also invited to speak at several New York colleges, including John Jay College on Wednesday and The New School on Friday.

Despite continued intimidation, including billboard campaigns organized by these groups, Albanese was undeterred. Anti-Zionist Jews extended messages of peace and solidarity, expressing gratitude for her dedication to the oppressed people of Palestine. Before her speech at The New School, anti-Zionist Jewish rabbis met with her, voicing their opposition to the attacks against her as well as to Zionism and occupation from its inception.

Following her speech, Rabbi Dovid Feldman publicly denounced the intimidation Albanese faced, urging others not to be swayed by these tactics. Outside The New School, where Zionist groups protested her appearance, anti-Zionist Jews counter-protested, displaying banners that read, “True Jews Say: We Appreciate the UN and UNRWA Support for the Oppressed Palestinians.”

As the protest and speeches concluded and the Sabbath approached, the group of anti-Zionist Jews walked back to the nearest Jewish community to peacefully observe the Sabbath.