Chronicle poll results: Wearing Jewish symbols or clothing in public
We asked our readers if they feel unsafe wearing Jewish symbols or clothing in public. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Do you feel unsafe wearing Jewish symbols or clothing in public?” Of the 314 people who responded, 30% said, “Yes”; 24% said, “No”; and 46% said, “Yes in some places, no in other places.” Comments were submitted by 92 people. A few follow.they
If I were in parts of New York City — or worse, London or Paris — I would definitely feel afraid, but not in Pittsburgh.
I generally cover my yarmulke with a baseball cap when I’m out in public. I’ve been doing that for years, however, not just recently.
I did not wear my Star of David on vacation last week for the first time in my adult life. I did not feel safe traveling with it on.
I have two necklaces that aren’t especially Jewish looking. One is a Tree of Life and the other is a mezuzah that looks like a gold barrel. I wear those anywhere. I wear a Star of David or a chai more selectively.
I wear my Star of David anyway. I refuse to be made afraid to be Jewish. If someone approaches me (which hasn’t happened yet), I plan to try to educate them.
This is the first time I felt this way in 45 years of life. It’s so sad.
I even feel unsafe with having a mezuzah on my front door.
I proudly wear Jewish symbols and will not allow the haters to prevent me from doing so. I wear my Jewish star and Tree of Life earrings each and every time I make a presentation about my parents’ Holocaust survival.
Sadly, my beautiful Mogen David purchased in Israel many years ago has remained mostly untouched in my drawer. At one time I proudly wore it on a daily basis.
I get nervous when I’m in places where I don’t know anybody, so before I enter an establishment, I think about where I am and if I’m uncertain, I tuck my Star of David into my blouse.
I have been verbally attacked twice in the last three years when on my way to shul. I still wear a kippah on shul days and sometimes on other days. But my decision to not wear it all the time is more based on not wanting to deal with potential problems rather than fear for my safety.
Because I do not support Netanyahu’s policy in regard to Gaza, and because people usually equate Zionism with being Jewish, I do not wear my star anymore. I do not want anyone to think I support Netanyahu.
After antisemitic comments by co-workers somehow became socially acceptable at work, I started to conceal my Star of David pin underneath my jacket lapel.
After 10/7 I started wearing a small but visible Jewish star necklace. I wear it proudly everywhere. PJC
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