Chronicle poll results: Safety
We asked our readers if they've avoided a Jewish event since Oct. 7, 2023. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Since Oct. 7, 2023, have you avoided a Jewish event due to safety concerns?” Of the 278 people who responded, 23% said yes; 77% said no. Comments were submitted by 57 people. A few follow.
I definitely thought about whether to attend the menorah lighting and a few other events. I ended up attending though. I think that everyone is doing their best to keep the joy in Judaism despite all the “oy” around us.
Generally speaking, I’ve felt safer at Jewish communal events since Oct. 7, not to mention even prouder to be part of them.
I’ve avoided a number of Jewish events as I no longer feel safe in Squirrel Hill or in the East End of Pittsburgh.
Now more than ever we need to show up and be counted.
I feel like a coward when I do not participate, but the fear wins.
It hasn’t stopped me, exactly, but I feel it’s important to note that potential danger at Jewish events — especially large public ones — is always in the back of my mind.
I feel bad about it, but it has crossed my mind a few times. We are scheduled to go to see an Israeli comic and I’m a little nervous about it.
When I go to my temple there is an armed guard, so I feel safe.
I have a license to carry a weapon. It goes where I go. Never know where you need a little help.
I put my trust in God. I rely on his watching over me and anyone else that is at any event that I attend. His will is the way that things will go. And I accept that.
It’s not so much that I have avoided events, but I’m concerned, anxious and wary of Jewish gatherings.
No, and I hope I won’t, but I have hidden my Magen David necklace many times.
I’ve avoided Jewish events since Oct. 7 — not out of fear for my physical safety but out of concern for how other Jews might behave or the kinds of conversations and rhetoric I might have to endure.
I attend by myself, not with my kids.
The question should not be about the attack on Israel on Oct. 7; it should reflect our safety concerns after Oct. 27, 2018. If Jews were unafraid after our local antisemitism attack, then the Oct. 7 attack should have no effect, and vice versa.
I have not hosted or sponsored events as I didn’t want to create a situation where I put people in harm’s way.
I don’t live where I can easily get to any Jewish events. The Chronicle is now my only connection. PJC
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