Letters to the editor

What does it mean to be democratic, pluralistic, and to embody Jewish values?
In response to “14th Ward Democratic Committee controversy envelops upcoming elections” (April 3): As a proud Jewish Pittsburgher who grew up in Squirrel Hill and is raising proud Jewish children in Squirrel Hill now, I know that I am more privileged than I am marginalized. I believe that being pluralistic and democratic means standing up for my immigrant neighbors and supporting the efforts of organizations like both Casa San Jose and JFCS. I believe that in a democratic pluralistic society, that has strong free speech rules, both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli voices should be allowed and respected. When I think about who to vote for, antisemitism is one topic on my mind, but also on my mind are reproductive rights, voting rights, environmental justice and gun violence prevention. I realize that my safety is tied to the safety of my neighbors — Black and brown; Jewish, Christian, Muslim and non-religious; and all genders and sexualities. The Beacon Coalition, whose definition of pluralism and democracy highly emphasizes support for Israel, does not speak for me. And I am confident that I am not the only Jew in Pittsburgh who feels this way.

Rachel Usdan
Pittsburgh