Part 2/6:
The discussions were not only contentious but also revealed a troubling undercurrent, particularly involving certain attendees who espoused views that align with white nationalism and racist ideologies. One participant even had ties to a known figure in this arena, complicating the narrative.
The Reality of Identity
One of the more jarring outcomes of this experience was being reminded of my Jewish identity in a manner that was less than welcome. Many on social media felt the need to emphasize my background during the aftermath of the event, framing their comments around political justifications. Some defended their positions by citing Israel’s policies, which I found problematic as well.