STATEMENT ON ISAAC’S BAGELS: MARCH 2025
There has been much back and forth through various communication streams since Friday, when Isaac’s Bagels first posted they were pulling out of the Food Festival.
After learning about this decision and seeing the numerous social media comments on Saturday morning, Jill sent a long email to Isaac, expressing deep concerns regarding this decision. It laid out the complex nature of the situation, defined Zionism, outlined what that means to Jewish for Good, and articulated why the black and white approach to viewing Israel is problematic. Isaac and Jill have a longstanding relationship, including his early support selling bagels at the JCC, and he immediately responded.
The three of us had a lengthy conversation early Saturday morning to dig into how he made the decision to withdraw from the Food Festival, share our views as to why that was so problematic, and better understand his evolving understanding of his actions. Through this conversation, Isaac agreed to circle back with us prior to posting his response. And, he offered to be present at the Food Festival. Following our guidance, Isaac was with us for the full whole Food Festival, and had a chance to speak with multiple Rabbis, JFG supporters and other guests. These were difficult, passionate, and respectful conversations.
As a Jewish people, each year we pause at Yom Kippur to ask for forgiveness. Recognizing mistakes and seeking repentance is key to our beliefs and practices. Isaac has been open to listening and learning. He and his team are committed to having ongoing educational dialogue. He takes full responsibility that his decision conflated support for a Jewish cultural event with any political stance, and that is antisemitic. We trust this decision was made out of haste and poor judgement, with no intended malice.
Please join us in continuing to build up our remarkable and thriving Jewish community. Let’s show up for each other in person. Let’s live the mitzvot that is forgiveness. Let’s channel the outpouring of energy into supporting Jewish for Good, our local synagogues, and other Jewish organizations. To help fight antisemitism in all of its forms, especially in our schools and in the public sector, Jewish for Good has created a full-time Jewish Community Relations executive level position. To contribute to this vitally important effort, please click here.
Questions? Get in touch at info@jewishforgood.org