|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a surprising turn of events, Oklahoma, a state not typically associated with a large Jewish population, is extending a warm welcome to the Jewish community fleeing the increasing wave of anti-Semitism in New York, as was recently reported in the New York Post. Governor Kevin Stitt, who once stirred controversy with remarks that caused concern among Jewish groups, now extends a hand of hospitality.
“The Jewish community is welcome in Oklahoma,” Gov. Kevin Stitt asserted in an exclusive interview with The Post, signaling a remarkable shift in tone from previous comments that raised eyebrows within the Jewish community. His about-face appears to be a response to the growing concerns about virulent anti-Semitism engulfing the Big Apple.
Stitt, 51, acknowledged his past missteps, particularly a statement made after his successful reelection that he would claim “every square inch” of Oklahoma for Jesus, which drew criticism from Jewish groups, according to the Post report. However, he now emphasizes a newfound understanding and acceptance.
“When you think about the values of who we are as Oklahomans, it matches with the Jewish community,” Stitt explained to the Post, emphasizing shared principles such as family focus, faith, entrepreneurship, and hard work. His proclamation positions Oklahoma as a promising haven for those seeking refuge from the challenges faced in New York.
Comparing the Sooner state to the Big Apple, Stitt painted a picture of Oklahoma as a sanctuary, far removed from the anti-Semitic incidents and protests that have marred the experience of the Jewish community in New York.
“In New York, some of the Jewish community are being persecuted, and you’ve got the pro-Hamas and Palestinian protesters all over, and we’re like, ‘man, that doesn’t happen in Oklahoma,'” Stitt asserted in the Post interview, highlighting the state’s perceived safety and harmony.
Beyond the welcoming rhetoric, Stitt proudly declared his rejection of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) ideology, which he claims has infiltrated and adversely affected New York institutions, the report in the Post indicated. According to Stitt, DEI, with its Marxist roots, breeds division, racism, and anti-Semitism. In a bold move, he emphasized that Oklahoma’s public colleges have done away with DEI, signaling a departure from what he perceives as divisive educational practices.
“It’s teaching division… racism,” Stitt remarked to the Post during the interview, distancing his state from what he considers problematic ideologies and fostering an environment that aligns more closely with the values he believes Oklahomans hold dear.
In a bold move to support religious education, Stitt unveiled a new initiative aimed at subsidizing the cost of attending Jewish schools in the state. The Post reported that the initiative, which offers credits of up to $7,500 per child, marks a significant departure from traditional public school funding practices. While the move has garnered both praise and criticism, it underscores Oklahoma’s commitment to religious education and its willingness to challenge conventional norms.
The initiative represents a groundbreaking effort to provide families with greater choice in education. By offering subsidies for Jewish schools, Oklahoma aims to empower parents to make decisions that align with their religious beliefs and educational preferences, according to the information provided in the Post report. For families seeking alternatives to public schools, this initiative opens doors to a new realm of educational possibilities.
“We believe in supporting families’ choices when it comes to their children’s education,” Stitt affirmed as he spoke with the Post and highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering a diverse educational landscape.
However, the initiative has not been without its share of controversy. The Post report noted that Oklahoma’s move to provide public funding for religious charter schools has already sparked legal challenges, with critics raising concerns about potential violations of church-state separation.
With only 4,425 Jews residing in Oklahoma, accounting for a mere 0.1% of the state’s population, some question the necessity and fairness of allocating public funds to support a religious minority, the report in the Post mentioned. Despite the small Jewish community, Governor Stitt remains undeterred, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and educational freedom.
Oklahoma’s embrace of the Jewish community comes amidst broader political dynamics. With roughly 70% of Jews identifying as Democrats and half aligning with liberal ideologies, Governor Stitt and his fellow Republicans face potential challenges in winning over this demographic, the Post report stated. However, the governor’s willingness to engage with Jewish leaders and address past concerns reflects a strategic effort to bridge political divides and foster greater unity.
“We had a great meeting with him,” remarked Rachel Johnson, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City as she spoke with the Post. She reflected on the governor’s efforts to mend fences with the Jewish community. “He spent a lot of time with us and heard our remarks, and it was a really productive meeting.”
“There’s growing anti-Semitism, and it is greater in New York and not necessarily as much here,” Johnson added, highlighting the stark contrast in experiences faced by the Jewish community in different parts of the country, the report in the Post said. Despite Oklahoma’s relatively small Jewish population, Johnson believes Governor Stitt’s offer to subsidize Jewish schools is a sincere effort to combat anti-Semitism and create a welcoming environment.
Governor Stitt, a self-described “Torah-loving Christian,” reveals a deep personal connection to Jewish traditions, as he shared his perspectives with the Post. Raised in a family where his father served as an Assemblies of God pastor, Stitt’s embrace of Jewish practices marks a departure from conventional norms. He also told the Post that he annually reads both the old and new testaments of the Bible and has adopted the practice of observing Shabbat on most Fridays since 2023, aligning himself with a trend among some evangelical Christians.
“Christians — we don’t do a good job of bringing the family together and really setting aside electronics and, and really focusing on the Sabbath. You know, one day a week, and I just think that’s something that we can learn a lot from the Jewish community,” Stitt expressed to the Post, shedding light on his motivations for incorporating Jewish traditions into his own life.
Stitt’s commitment to the Jewish community extends beyond local initiatives. In November, he made his first trip to Israel, showcasing his solidarity with the country’s fight against Hamas terrorism. As was indicated in the Post report, Stitt is adamant about the non-negotiable nature of Israel’s security, expressing concern about what he perceives as wavering support from President Biden.
“We need to support our allies; they’re the best democracy in the Middle East. They should absolutely eradicate Hamas out of Gaza. That’s all there is to it,” Stitt told the Post, underscoring his stance on the importance of supporting Israel in the face of regional challenges.
Governor Stitt’s personal gestures go beyond policy decisions. According to the interview that he did with the Post, he actively participates in Jewish traditions, celebrating Passover and even donning a yarmulke when in the company of Jewish friends. His willingness to engage in cultural exchange, such as offering to make babka for a reporter from The Post, showcases a personal commitment to building bridges between communities.
In a political landscape often marked by division, Governor Kevin Stitt’s unique approach challenges preconceptions and fosters a spirit of inclusivity. Whether his unconventional practices will inspire similar initiatives or spark a broader conversation about interfaith understanding remains to be seen. However, Stitt’s journey offers a glimpse into the potential for leaders to transcend boundaries and promote unity.
As Jews in the New York City area grapple with the challenges of rapidly escalating anti-Semitism, the Sooner state appears to be an unexpected beacon of hope, offering refuge and a promise of unity in the heartland of America.
