To the editors,

I experienced the November 7 op-ed “Mamdani’s lesson” as divisive and hurtful. I am saddened by how the authors frame the historic election of a Bowdoin graduate to the office of mayor of New York City to be a referendum on Zionism. In fact, 55 percent of voters said Israel was a minor factor or not a factor at all in their decision. Zionism is the liberation movement of the Jewish people and one that I, like millions of Jews, stand firmly behind, even though we may struggle with the actions of the current Israeli government. The op-ed authors’ hyperfocus on and vilification of Israel and Zionism could foment antisemitism, even if that was not their intention. By doing so, they fail to lift up the important lessons of the election, including the value of building a grassroots field campaign and how a campaign centered on creating economic equality in the face of outrageous wealth inequality is a winning strategy. Now, let’s hope the promises of a more affordable and equal New York come to fruition.

Furthermore, the claim that “Bowdoin is busy promoting Zionism on campus” is a misreading of campus talks and events this fall. I believe there has been one talk on Israel, which focused on better understanding the map of the Middle East. I attended and wished more people from our campus had been there. If the authors are referring to the other Jewish speakers who addressed antisemitism, hate and binary thinking, Jewish bread and queer Jews, they misunderstood the focus of their talks.

Let us, faculty and staff, model for students how to respect the opinions of those with whom we disagree. Let us teach our students to have respectful dialogue, which necessitates deep listening and striving to understand others on this campus. When we lead with humility, nuance and sensitivity, we build community, enabling all of us to flourish here at Bowdoin and beyond.

Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor

Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor is a Bowdoin Jewish Life Advisor.