Sharif Street, others, speak at Jewish American Heritage Month at City Hall
State Sen. Sharif Street, a Democratic candidate for Congress in District 3, spoke Thursday at the Second Annual Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Reception at City Hall.
The event was mostly a joyful occasion honoring Jewish history in the U.S. from the colonial times to the present; the specter of the current rise of antisemitism was also present.
“At one time we could take for granted that everyone recognized the contributions of the Jewish community,” said Street, who noted that just being present at the event is “a political statement.”
“Unfortunately, people are standing up and saying the most horrific things …There are calls for violence in America.”
Street mentioned incidents of antisemitism, including a firebombing of the Governor’s Mansion when Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping.
“In these moments, it is important that we reach out and talk about things,” said Street. “There is an African proverb called Sankofa that says to move forward, we must go back, a concept the Jewish community has often embraced.”
Street said people should remember the Civil Rights Movement, in which Jewish people partnered with black, Hispanic, and other communities to bring about positive change.
“I’m proud to be with you,” Street said, noting that he’s the first Muslim to serve in the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Broad + Liberty asked Street what he thought about Jewish Supreme Court Justice David Wecht leaving the Democratic Party over antisemitism.
Street said he hadn’t talked to Wecht yet, but “I believe his core values will not change and just as he has governed in a largely apolitical way, I think he will continue to do that. I don’t think it will have a substantive impact on the way the court functions. I’m troubled he felt the need to do that. But understand the kinds of things that gave rise to that decision.”
“That being said,” he continued, “I think that the Democratic Party is ultimately going to move in the right direction. But that depends on the people of the country and who they elect. I look to offer him a voice within the party that continues to stand up for the kinds of values that he and I reflect, and of course condemn antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.
Street’s opponent, Rep. Chris Rabb (D-200), was invited to the event, but did not come. Rabb has made anti-Israel statements during his campaign.
A third Democratic contender for the seat, Dr. Ala Stanford, was not invited because only elected officials were.
Republican William Small is mounting a write-in campaign.
Bishop Wilfred Speakes, director of Philadelphia’s Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs, said, “The diversity of our community is one of our greatest strengths. In times of division (when some) seek to separate us, gatherings like this remind us of the power of unity, respect, and shared humility.”
“We recognize the preservation and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people,” Speakes said.
Michael Balaban, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, said that Philadelphia has long been home to “a vibrant and civically engaged Jewish community.”
While the U.S. is celebrating 250 years, the federation is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. In the corridors leading to the event, posters showcasing famous Jewish leaders, scientists, and cultural figures were displayed.
Jessica Shapiro, an associate deputy mayor, brought the mayor’s kind wishes for Jewish American Heritage Month. She also spoke about the bonds between Jewish and Black Americans.
“The first Jewish family arrived in Philadelphia before the United States was even born,” said Shapiro. “Just a short block from here is Congregation Mikveh Israel, a synagogue built in the 1740s.”
Haym Salomon helped finance the Revolutionary War. And Rebecca Gratz, another Philadelphia resident, founded the first Jewish Sunday school.
“We must also remember that Jewish Americans faced violence, discrimination, and antisemitism throughout history,” she said. “Despite those challenges, we, the Jewish community, continued to persevere with determination, faith, and strength,” said Shapiro.
The Hon. Abraham J. Gafni, a retired Philadelphia judge who taught at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, was honored for his strong commitment to justice, community, and the rule of law, grounded in Jewish ethical tradition and civic responsibility.
Council Member Rue Landau presented a proclamation and spoke about the Jewish value of “tikkun olam,” or the mandate to help repair the world, which has spurred her work as a public servant.
“This is our responsibility as leaders in Philadelphia, to address inequities, to support the vulnerable and foster justice in our community,” she said.
The event was hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community Relations Council, the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Interfaith Affairs, and Rabbi David Kushner, one of its founders.
Linda Stein is an award-winning journalist who’s written for newspapers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Arizona. Before joining Fideri News Network, she was the news editor for Delaware Valley Journal. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Temple University and earned her undergraduate degree from Arcadia University. Contact her at lstein@fiderinews.com.
