"What is Antisemitism"

[Frederick Nagel]

Is Criticism of Israel Antisemitic? Be sure to come to this important discussion, You can also sign a Hudson Valley petition on this issue. Let's break 700 signers.

https://www.change.org/p/criticizing-israel-is-not-antisemitic-defend-hudson-valley-s-freedom-of-speech

posted by Fred

[SF]

Are the Women in Black in New Paltz NY blind to the reality of the hostility from the proxies of Russia and Iran?

The question is not antisemitism, but realism. Can the WIB activists notice the militant terror activities around Israel before educating the Israelis?

The New Paltz Women in Black (WIB) approach international conflicts through a consistent lens of anti-militarism and non-violence, rather than through the specific geopolitical framing of "proxies" or "hostility" from certain nations. While critics may view their calls for ceasefires as ignoring regional threats, the group describes its stance as a principled refusal to accept war as a solution to any conflict. 

Hudson Valley One +4

Perspective on Russia and Iran

The group's recent actions and statements indicate they prioritize humanitarian outcomes over alignment with specific state actors:

• Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Following the 2022 invasion, the group condemned Russia's assault "in the strongest terms," describing it as "terrible" and "shocking". However, they internally debated the degree to which NATO expansion contributed to the crisis, maintaining a focus on a ceasefire rather than military support for either side.
• Conflict with Iran: In early 2026, members of the New Paltz and Kingston communities participated in "No War in Iran" rallies. Their messaging focuses on preventing a broader regional war and resisting U.S.-led military intervention, which they argue results in "quagmires" that drain "blood and treasure".
• Proxies and Regional Violence: The group views violence in a "continuous flow of destruction" where "hurt people hurt other people". They generally do not issue statements targeting specific "proxy" groups (like those backed by Iran or Russia) but instead condemn "imperialism," "militarism," and state-led "assaults" globally. 
  Hudson Valley One +5

Core Ideology: OPERA 

The New Paltz group organizes its activism around the acronym OPERA, which defines its areas of focus: 

• Overcoming White Supremacy
• Palestinian Rights
• Environmental Justice
• Relevant global issues (including anti-war/anti-militarism)
• Any other social justice concern 
  The New Paltz Oracle +1

Critics of the group often point to the contrast between WIB's anti-war vigils and the celebrations by some Iranian dissidents who view foreign military strikes against the Iranian regime as a path to liberation. For the Women in Black, however, the "reality" they prioritize is the suffering of civilians and the belief that "no political agenda can justify the suffering of innocent civilians". 

Instagram +2