Neelima Anwara, an IT assistant at CUNY, was caught tearing down posters of kidnapped Israelis in NYC, raising concerns and questions.
Who is Neelima Anwara?
In a recent incident at 42nd and Lexington in NYC, Neelima Anwara, an IT assistant at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies, was identified ripping down posters related to kidnapped Israelis. The incident has sparked inquiries into Anwara’s motivations and actions.
Anwara, who has over 12 years of experience in information technology support in higher education, was reportedly witnessed tearing down the posters and defiantly stating, “you’re not gonna do sh*t.”
The woman’s identity was disclosed through community efforts and subsequently confirmed as Neelima Anwara, currently serving as a Technical Specialist at CUNY School of Professional Studies.
The incident has led to a broader discussion about the rise of antisemitism, particularly following the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas’ attack on innocent Israeli civilians on October 7. Many Jewish Americans, while galvanized against public antisemitism, are grappling with the decision of whether to publicly identify their heritage, especially concerning the safety of their children.
Reports indicate instances of community-wide issues, including smashed windows of Jewish businesses, torn-down flags at Jewish Community Centers, and vandalism at synagogues. Concerns about safety and identity clash as parents contemplate whether to allow their children to express their Jewish pride publicly.
The surge in antisemitism is affecting young Jews, making them feel unsafe to identify publicly. Simultaneously, there is a counter-trend where many young Jews are embracing their heritage proudly, wearing symbols like the Star of David despite the challenges.
Amidst this complex scenario, leaders in Jewish organizations, such as Rabbi Micah Greenland of NCSY and the Jewish Student Union, are addressing the challenges faced by Jewish teens, advocating for support and understanding.
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As incidents like these continue, it raises questions about the broader impact on public schools, higher education, and the ideological influences shaping the minds of the next generation.
