Raise a Glass to Freedom
4 min read
I trust that your silence regarding the hostages is due to not knowing the facts. But you cannot afford the luxury to remain ignorant on this critical matter.
Dear Taylor,
I think the world needs to cut you some slack. Lately I’ve been confronted by many swifties that are deeply conflicted. They’ve been your diehard fans since day one and admire you for your music, your values, and the positivity you bring to the world.
Yet, as Jews, they are unsure if they can continue to look up to you as a role model while at the same time stand up for their people in their greatest time of need.
Judaism teaches to give others the benefit of the doubt, to assume positive intent, and to offer the most generous interpretation of any situation.
We owe you no less.
When questioned on the red carpet about whether you would say "bring them home," referring to the 134 remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, you opted to remain silent in that moment. You were being asked to give a voice to those who can’t speak – to speak out on behalf of the innocent women, men, children and even babies that were kidnapped in Israel from their homes and from the Nova music festival.
Many in the Jewish community were outraged by your silence.
I disagree. I actually admire your silence.
I realize that you are also receiving enormous pressure from Free Palestine activists to speak out against Israel. I appreciate your choice to refrain from responding when lacking all the facts. It's commendable to withhold words when unsure of the right thing to say. I hope others take note and follow your example.
We have been advocating for those who lack understanding of this issue to remain silent. Across America, there are thousands of college students who, regrettably, have been indoctrinated to support terrorism without comprehending what they are supporting. They have no idea which river and sea they reference when advocating for the eradication of the Jewish people living there. Never having set foot in the region, they fail to grasp its complexities. Nonetheless, they march through the streets, protesting for a cause they are know nothing about.
But not everyone is ignorant. Far too many individuals today understand what is right and wrong but hesitate to express their opinions due to the deafening and repugnant voices of evil, along with the useful idiots who bolster them. They fear the repercussions of being canceled.
For a Jew, this is profoundly alarming. Our collective memory is haunted by the neighbors of our great grandparents who stood idly by as millions were led to their slaughter.
We are acutely aware that silence is violence.
Hitler could never have exterminated six million Jews if others came to our defense and stood up against evil.
Taylor, giving you the benefit of the doubt means I trust that your silence on this matter is not because you’re unwilling to use your platform to save lives by speaking out against hate and terrorism. I trust that you simply don’t know the facts and as the intelligent woman that you are you choose to remain silent until you do.
Unfortunately, unlike college kids, you don't have the luxury of remaining ignorant on this critical matter. With your significant platform and influence, you cannot afford to be uninformed.
I sincerely extend an invitation, without a hint of sarcasm, for you to sit down with me or another rabbi, or even your bodyguard* who is currently on the frontlines in Israel, and earnestly delve into understanding the truth. It's an opportunity to gain clarity and insight into this complex issue.
Put in the necessary effort to understand the facts and then use your magnificent voice and your profound platform to denounce terrorism. To call for the immediate release of all of those innocent civilians being held hostage in Gaza. As the self-proclaimed feminist that you are, call out the rape and sexual assault that hundreds of Israeli women experienced on October 7 and say unequivocally that rape is not resistance.
I humbly suggest that you owe it to yourself, you owe it to your fans, and you owe it to the world.
I’m happy to talk whenever you’d like.
Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield
*Taylor’s bodyguard said the following from Israel in a statement that he shared with Variety. “I got an amazing dream job that I love, great friends that I call family and a very comfortable home. I didn’t HAVE to come here… But I could not stand on the sidelines while families are being slaughtered and burned alive in their homes, just for being Jewish or for being Israelis…While one side is protecting babies, kids and the elderly, the other side is using those as human shields... I’m not only standing here with Israel, I’m standing here with humanity”
A very nuanced essay, smartly written.
I don’t need to hear her thoughts. Her best contribution should be to continue to entertain us with her music. Any position she would could alienate a portion of her fan base. If she agrees with the Palestinian position, she should remain silent. If she agrees with our position, she should remain silent.
I hope that Taylor Swift takes up
Your offer to get educated on the issues in Israel instead of speaking up for pro Palestinians!
AM ISRAEL CHAI...
Taylor Swift needs an education about the Gazan situation thats number one. Number two, How can you be on Hamas's side when on Oct 7th they Slaughtered innocent people, killed elderly,babies, murdered in cold blood. Kidnapped 240 people and brought them to gaza. If you think this is OK they Taylor you need to wake up. Hamas is a terrorist Org out to kill Jews. If thats Ok with you then I can not be a fan of yours anymore! I wont be a fan of yours . Talk to the Rabbi and take up he's offer. Your friends are giving you the wrong info. Yes many gazan civilians died because of Hamas. They use the gazan civilians as human shields and even have tunnels going right into gazan civilian apts. They use hospitals , schools to shoot out rockets. If this is what you support then you are WRONG !!!!
Why would she speak on behalf of Israel, when her best friend is Gigi Hadid, who is rabidly pro Palestinian, pro Hamas, and anti Israel??
I am UNSURE if we have ANY right to request that Taylor Swift takes any position here... I am doubting if it is appropriate....
The statement that Taylor Swift reportedly contributed funds to a Gaza charity should be clarified; there is a HUGE difference between REPORTEDLY having confronted and ACTUALLY having contributed. An entertainer’s preferences, causes, and politics should not impact the public’s overall view of talent, audience-approval, and societal acceptance, it is virtually impossible for that not to occur in a situation with such ramifications. There are many people who would like to know the answer and also the reason that her staff permitted this to occur, (if it did occur), If this was sanctioned by.her staff, they should immediately be fired, because someone in that professional menagerie should have been aware of the potential inappropriateness, irrespective of personal opinions.
https://www.democracynow.org/2024/2/7/israel_propaganda_gaza
Rabbi,
Here is an alternate statement of the facts. Would appreciate your reply. Thanks.
Robert
How can any thinking person call the leftist media's unprofessionally biased stance an "alternate statement of facts"?!
No where in this "report" is there mention of the atrocities that Hamas themselves filmed and gleefully, proudly broadcast to the world.
Ironically, the words "lie" and "propaganda" that identify the "Palestinians" so well, are deliberately misused here -- what chutzpah!
Even Arabs know who's to blame for the plight of their people, but of course it's not acceptable or advisable to tell an unpleasant truth publicly as it might make you the next human shield.
This so-called journalist and his ilk are a disgrace to the profession. To them "research" means searching for a way to justify their prejudice.
There's NO conflict! Taylor Swift, in December 2023 participated in a promotion of Hamas fundraising event. You are either pro Hamas or not. It's that simple.
So "Many in the Jewish community were outraged by your silence". Who are these "many". Taylor Swift was asked to comment about one of the most important issues of our time at an inappropriate time. If you want to have her opinion about the hostages, make an appointment for an interview, ask her, and give her the right time to answer.
As someone else said the red carpet isn’t the platform to ask a media celebrity her opinion on the appalling and heartbreaking hostage situation. However she would’ve gone up in my opinion had she contributed to a fund for the IDF especially since her bodyguard flew back to Israel to fight for his country and especially as she’s contributed to a fun for Gaza which will no doubt go straight into the terrorist Hamass’s pockets
Don't care about Ms. Swift-not a fan. I do appreciate the fact she tells our young adults, especially our young women, to vote. She's not Jewish and I do not care if she knows about matters which concern only us. I do not hear much to my liking coming out of the august body of the U.N. and isn't that where the outrage SHOULD be coming from? I notice the former president who has perhaps an even bigger audience doesn't say anything about the hostages and his daughter and son-in-law as well as their children are Jewish.
I'm quite positive there are many famous musicians, actors, athletes, wealthy individuals and corporations who could be using their voices to express outrage over the criminal and murderous acts committed by hamas. Singling one woman out is quite asinine.
Hannah Arendt, a philosopher, once said that "all it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to remain silent!"
Perfect comment!
It was out of line for someone to ask Taylor Swift her opinion about geopolitical events on the other side of the globe, especially on the Red Carpet. It is absurd and inappropriate to perpetuate this mistake by demanding she come out and declare one opinion or another, as this letter does. She is an entertainer. Not a journalist, politician, professor, etc. She wisely recognized that the only proper topics for spontaneous interviews are entertainment related. Please give us all a break, and let's all stay in our own lanes.
Yes she is an entertainer. She is also so much more, and has the ability to influence elections, the economy, the Super Bowl audience size...so so so much more: "Watters' guest, former FBI Special Agent Stuart Kaplan noted that Swift has an outsize influence: "She can potentially single-handedly swing voters because of just the amount of followers that she can potentially influence."
European officials have also taken notice of Swift's influence. European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas on Feb. 10 urged Swift to encourage young people to vote in the upcoming EU elections."
What a dismal (or worse) world it would be if we all strictly stay in "our own lanes"!
Justice has no chance in a world like this, where all are too busy with their own little lives to worry about the welfare of another, even if they are not the direct cause of another's problems.
If one wants a break from humanity, he/she should search for a deserted island.
SILENCE is CONSENT.
As I understand it Taylor swift was not just silent at all -she reportedly contributed funds to a Gaza charity. I think that says it all .
I think that you perhaps pulled that alternative "fact" right out of you derriere.
No need to be crude! The comment acknowledged that "she reportedly contributed." Besides, even if it's just a rumor, it's still a matter of concern since rumors don't usually start out of the blue.
Swift could have made some innocuous response to the (admittedly misplaced) question, but her silence indicates to many that she was struck dumb, and that's worrisome for a person of her influence.
This is a right and wrong situation
If u don’t speak up for people who have been kidnapped, raped, murdered- it is not that u don’t know the facts/ its either u don’t care , u r antisemetic and , or u r a coward and don’t want to loose some fans
Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. This jejune is completely oblivious as who's on first and what is on second. Even those clowns blocking the streets and highways singing a stupid jingle but yet they, like this flake, can't identify the name of the river nor can they the location of the sea.
Taylor Swift is not Jewish. I am sure she is a lovely, caring human being. Because she is famous and maybe knows some Jews...no reason for her to take sides. Ignorance is bliss. Those of us who know better need to fight the good fight. The world seems to be against us, but we are united in our belief that we are one and that we are truly blessed.
I am not Jewish either, there isn't a drop of Jewish blood anywhere in my family, and in fact most of my relatives are anti-semitic, which breaks my heart. However, I have a brain in my head and the ability to discern good from evil; I have learned the lessons of Germany 1938 when everyone remained silent for far too long, and all my closest friends are and have always been Jewish. I will ALWAYS take the side of right and good.
You have our gratitude and respect.
I don't think you can get anything from her since she is a Biden fan… Anyway, how can we make sure she reads your article?
I too am a Biden fan-especially over the alternative who is evil beyond imagining. I care about our people. Any sane Jew in the U.S. is a democrat and votes accordingly or haven't you been paying attention to the filthy, anti-Semitic garbage coming from the mouths of republicans? Or perhaps you believe the California wildfires actually WERE caused by space lasers created by our people.
Please dial down the rhetoric. There have been leaders evil beyond imagining but Trump isn't one of them. Sane people vote on both sides. What will you have left to say about truly evil people? And who will pay attention to you then?
With respect, I've heard some filthy, antisemitic garbage coming out of democrats' mouths also. Vote as you please, but be realistic - Jew-hatred overspreads all boundries.
The article is important, but too long winded for busy people to wade through. IY”H Taylor will take up your offer and influence thousands to see and uphold the truth, ultimately cutting down on the amount of baseless hate that’s out there.
Admirable petición.
Si los ingleses y los franceses hubieran frenado a Hitler al inicio de su régimen, no hubuera ocurrido la terrible matanza y el estremecedor Holocausto.
Callar es permitir
One more thing...her bodyguard is a hero!
Great letter, Rabbi. Well thought out approach to a complex situation. I'm a Swifty fan. I choose not to malign her because she dismissed 'hostage' questions. The questions - to any celebrity at the Grammy's - by the media were inappropriate. The celebs are there to spotlight their notoriety, not to make political statements to serve media controversy. I'm not giving her a pass. I have no idea what her views are. The fact that she says she will vote for Biden is concerning to me, but that does not reveal her views regarding the hostages. I only know that, coming from the often slimy world of entertainment, she is generous, talented, close to family, puts on a family friendly show, clean lyrics, not tatooed, and she uplifts! You opened the door to a conversation. Maybe she will step thru!
But the antisemitism spewing from the mouths of U.S. republicans DOESN'T concern you? What is wrong with our people when they would support those who want us gone--and republicans in the U.S. want, what they call the "jewish problem" solved. How do YOU think they will solve it?
Wow. I did not realize such ignorance as I am reading here was an issue.
Please calm down, her comment was measured and thoughtful. This site has a good polite conversation, this is not Twitter here.
And please tell us which Republicans want the "jewish problem" solved.
There is just as much (if not more) antisemitism on the Democrats' side. You can't lump the diverse varieties of constituents from either party together and call one anti-Semitic while implying that the other is philo-Semitic -- that's GROSS inaccuracy!
We Jews don't need to buy into this whole "celebrity" narischkeit to stand strong against Ham-Ass and their ilk. I couldn't care less about Swift - or any other lousy pop singer, athlete or other "entertainer" who's accumulated millions. WHO CARES what she thinks about ANY issue? And if her adolescent fan-sycophants form their opinions on the basis of what she says - it exemplifies just how shallow they are. But we already know that - because it's the half-baked ethos of pop "culture." Sure - it's nice to have a well-known "public figure" denounce the obvious. But it would be a REAL step to have a REAL president who supports Jewish strength and survival!
Thank you, Rabbi. for your eloquently articulated article. Yasher koach!
Well said!! Thank you Rabbi!
My own feeling is that people should leave her alone. She probably gets inundated with at least hundreds of requests daily to publicly support this or that issue. So many of these celebrities misuse their fame and influence to speak on issues that they know nothing about. They are celebrities because they are very good at something that, for better or worse, the public prizes. They should not be expected by various advocates to amplify an issue simply because the public loves them. IF Taylor feels that an issue is important then she owes it to herself to get educated before she opens her mouth. But she should not be expected to stand up for an issue that others feel is important just because the Public loves her for her music. If she always did that, she wouldn't have time to write songs
Well written! Hatzlacha! I hope you get to speak with her.
Outstanding letter. It is to stand for peace for all. Stop terrorists. Release hostages. This is not taking sides. This is to use your platform to speak up against terrorists, against rape of men and women and children. We need world peace and love for all humanity. Silence is violence.
Rabbi,
Very well written article. And I am a huge fan of hers! However, have you already sent it to Taylor Swift? Your points are perfect, but unless it is presented to her it is like preaching to the choir of Aish readers and likeminded Jews…of which i am proud to be!
She is the one who needs to see!
Well, she did get the anti-semtic Kanya West kicked out of the Super Bowl, but it wasn't because he was an anti-semite:)
It's reported that she did NOT get Kayne West kicked out.
You are correct, but I think it's safe to say that if she could have, she would have. I doubt there's much love lost between those 2.
So lovely and wise.
Unfortunately, we are alone my dearest rabbi. The only good thing about this terrible turtle incident is that every Jew I know has bonded together. We are alone, my darling friend thank you thank you and as a Jew, I do feel less toward Taylor Swift. She should live and be well.
You are NOT alone! I am not in the least bit Jewish but I 1000000% can see the difference between good and evil, and will stand with Israel forever! I have friends just like me who feel exactly the same. Am Yisrael Chai!
Of course, Jews are never alone because we have the best advocate -- Hashem!
That's the reason that although we're the most persecuted people in the world's history, we're also the eternal nation.
Non-Jews who are with us are righteous gentiles who will be rewarded by the Master of the Universe, while the corollary to this is also true!
Kudos to Swift's bodyguard.
This woman is such a public figure that anything she says is blown out of proportion in a political context. I say let her be. She'll find her own voice when it is appropriate for her.
I appreciate her neutrality. The fact that Hamas chooses to use innocent women and children as shields doesn't justify the IDF's reckless use of force to eliminate them. A dead child is a dead child, whether Israeli or Palestinian. There are ways to defeat Hamas militarily without indiscriminate bombing and shelling. Israel has lost the moral high ground. Netanyahu is trying to use force to rectify his government's lack of preparedness that allowed October 7th to happen. He must go.
THE IDF has never used any "reckless" force against civilians in Gaza in this self-defense since October 7. In fact, Israel waited 2 WEEKS to even begin any military action so as to allow civilians to depart the area of conflict, and has protected civilians (and unfortunately hamas disguised as such among them) with
their own lives, and currently with tanks) leaving the conflict areas. These facts are readily attainable merely by viewing the many videos with Israeli soldiers and commanders speaking live as the action occurs, and listening to what they are actually saying... and, also by listening to the voices of the hostage families as they support the IDF. By turning the IDF's actions into a political scheme the above commenter has diminished his own credibility.
Beautifully said.
Everything you say is provably true but falls on deaf ears of closet anti-Semites!
William, why don´t you get better informed?
Why do you let the hamas controlled media influence you in such a way that you make this ridiculous statements?
Have you ever been to Isarel?
Have you ever sat in a restaurant drinking coffee afraid of encountering one of this "inoccent Palestinians" killing himself just to kill jews?
WHAT KIND OF JEW ARE YOU?
Please get your facts clear before posting a comment like this.
Thank you William, I agree with you completely. Israel does not represent the views of all Jews. I think murder is murder. The systemic torture the Palestinians have suffered for many years in not hamishe, and is inexcusable.
I see no hope for you HOPE. Nor do you represent if you are a Jew, how ALL Jews feel about the Scumbag barbarians did on Oct 7 and continue even today You can not be a true Jewiss and take the side of barbarians RAPE,MURDER SLAUGHTER BABIE,TEENS,DIABLED, ELDERLY, WOMEN,MEN. HOPE,go back and be with your antisemitic, antiAmerican lowlife friends Raise your new flag of HATE and wake up in your narcotics world.
Hope, I keep reading from different sources, usually pro Palestinian that the Palestinians have suffered under systemic torture. Can you please clarify the systemic torture Palestinians have been subjected to and how they have suffered? I’d really like to know how as a Jew, you can feel so strongly about the plight of the Palestinians yet somehow dismiss the atrocities, broken ceasefires and rocket attacks Palestinians have inflicted upon Israelis. Thanks.
Sure, they've suffered under the systematic torture of Hamas & their ilk!
They are systematically tortured by being fed lies with their mothers' milk (the same lies and propaganda that mark the "Palestinians'" only contribution to the world)!
I don't recall the name of the Arab spokesman who saw the truth of the situation and said this (which took courage, as you can imagine): "Israelis use rockets to protect their people; Palestinians use people to protect their rockets."
You've conveniently omitted that your "Palestinian" pals are terrorists and Israel's actions in self-defense are lauded by thinking people throughout the globe as being amazingly humane!
But I won't repeat what others (including non-Jews) have said because apparently nothing penetrates a self-hating Jew's closed mind, unfortunately.
you're so right about that !!!!!
balogna to Bill, above.
And what would you do to eliminate Hamas. Yes, it is terrible what is happening to the innocents but I haven’t heard what else can the Israelis do? Can you make any suggestions?
So must those ["go"] who hide behind a "neutral" philosophy in the face of undisguised evil!
Please see comment above.
Just want to add that Hitler, ym"s was a nobody ... until he became somebody to reckon with because, subhuman that he was, he influenced a tremendous following!
Was this letter actually sent to Taylor Swift or her staff? Also, I believe she attended a comedy performance in support of Hamas. I hope I was mistaken. Even though I’m a “Boomer “ I admired her talent & beauty.
Thank You for enlightening me on the perspective of an "aishes chayil". 40 years ago, a letter like this would've been met with scorn! WHO CARES!!
Amazing and very important message. Taylor Swift can have a profound influence on all her fans who idolize what she says and stands for. I hope she reaches out and gains a better understanding and will hopefully get out the message.
So proud. Amazing message.
And then I saw the author. Yasher koach Rabbi Lehrfield.
Beautiful letter. And you model for us the best way to handle such a situation. I hope your words go from your heart right to her heart. I am learning from you. Thank you.
Thank you, rabbi, I hope she will take up on your invitation, so many prefer to remain silent or parroting slogans against Israel without understanding why they are against Israel
Sadly, she will not.
By remainig silent she revealed she is an antisemite herself
Eisav Sone Es Yaacov
Naively beautiful
Well said. Very naive
Thank you, Well Said!
What a gracious letter! I sincerely hope Taylor takes you up on your offer, learns the facts, and then uses her voice to advocate for truth and justice for the hostages and for Israel.
Thank you , excellent article!
Thank you. This needed to be said!
Good luck..so well-written/explained w/intelligence & heart. Thank you..hoping you get a favorable reply.
I read the posted comments and I just want to add my voice to the gathering crowd. Yashar Koach. Very Well Said!