When New Jersey Mayors, politicians and rabbis get arrested for money laundering, it's news that should be reported, as it is now on CNN and other major media outlets. I think it's especially important for Jews to hear this news and address the discomfort created by religious leaders behaving badly. Isn't that what we ask of other groups when their leaders do the same? But the coverage, which initially began in the New Jersey Star-Ledger, suggests that the motivation for their coverage may be less than appropriate. In fact, it may be nothing less than an excuse to vent deep resentment at a particular portion of the Jewish community.
When a headline reads, "N.J. officials, N.Y. rabbis caught in federal money laundering, corruption sweep", one expects a story which describes that event. In this case however, no mention is made of any rabbis actually getting arrested. Despite plenty of details about various politicos being taken into custody, there is nothing about rabbis.
This may be a big deal, but the headline and the story don't match - where is the info on the rabbis? This kind of coverage actually borders on Jew-baiting, and it potentially says something at least as ugly about the author/editors as it does about those who committed any crime. Consider the following quote found on the paper's website and carried on CNN:
The arrests resulted from an FBI and Internal Revenue Service probe "that began with an investigation of money transfers by members of the Syrian enclaves in New York and New Jersey," the newspaper said on its Web site, NJ.com. Those arrested Thursday "include key religious leaders in the tight-knit, wealthy communities," the report said.
"Enclaves"? "Tight-knit, wealthy communities"? Could it be that the Star Ledger harbors deep resentment against Jews who they see as over-privileged, stand-offish people who operate as a law unto themselves?
Is this the paper's moment to celebrate how "those people" will now get their comeuppance? If not, why describe the community in classically anti-Semitic ways instead of calling out the specific leaders who broke the law, violated the religious rules of their own community and should be punished to the full extent of the law for any wrongdoing they committed?
This story needs to be told, but it needs to be told better than this. It needs to be about justice, not just desserts. By the way, when all this calms down, the Syrian-Jewish community should also take a good look at itself to see what they do which contributes to their being perceived of this way by their neighbors.
While victims of bias should never be blamed for the bias against them, in most cases for a stereotype to take hold it must be rooted in some partial truth. Ironically, coverage like that in the Star Ledger will make that ever less likely to happen, confirming the kind of hostility which is used by any community looking for a reason to turn inward.
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Author, radio and TV talk show host, and President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Brad Hirschfield is the author of 
Why is this news story being politicized?
If the story had read Muslim leaders arrested or Latin-American leaders arrested, no one would bat an eyelid.
After a nearly ten year investigation by federal agents in NJ, it just so happens in this case that it was Jewish community leaders arrested.
If people in the community feel discomfort as a result of these arrests, then maybe they ought to consider that indeed Jewish leaders are capable of committing such crimes. They are not immune from the human condition where those holding privileged positions sometimes abuse the trust placed in them. And if this be the case, it is reasonably expected that such people will drag their families and even their communities into disrepute.
Anti-Semitic reporting? I don't think so.
The photos on TV and newspapers focused on rabbis, not others. The impression that they are the biggest criminals. Images are very powerful. For some reason photos of the politicians mostly omitted.
You know, Rabbi, with all due respect, I think you have read way too much into this and appear too ready to be offended. There is nothing in that article that is anti-Semitic. It appears that the journalist was very careful about leaving out specific names of Rabbis. A non-Jew could read it as Pro-Jew biased reporting that tries to cover up specifics on which Rabbis were arrested.
You also question whether the Star Ledger harbors deep resentment against Jews who they see as over-privileged, stand-offish people who operate as a law unto themselves. Again, I think you are reading too much into this. The Jews in this particular case were from "enclaves" and "tight-knit, wealthy communities" I would have rather seen an essay from you on this topic that didn't have you throwing punches and turning it into something that it's not.
Please understand this is nothing new in New York synagogues of coures is a small amount that do this but is has been going on for perhaps more then 20 years plus.
There are no barriers as some think between middle east Rabbis and European Rabbis because both are guilt althoung the number of syngogues are small it is allot more then anyone would believe.
I beleieve some people will become very defensive about this but instead should pray all of this is uncovered because we need a wake up to the deep rooted criminals in our religion.
In New York City a multi billion dollar fraud took place in the diamond business and was covered up big time by the federal prosecuters office. Money laundry in the 100,s of millions and fraud on consumers and other business globally.
I am Jewish and proud but wait for the time when more Rabbis will wake up to the lessons taught in ancient times and walk away unless they are allowed to teach and obey the Jewish laws of the past.
The old testament is taught but often never with the passion and purity it need to be and we are not the only religion that teachers are abusing.
I know so mnay wonderful religious Jews very well who live a life of honesty and helping the poor . They also tell me how few religious teachers in the 70 years have been what one may call pure.
Please understand only a very small group are involved but the numbers are massive
two things come to mind. First, "The Synagogue of Satan" which explains the 'chosen people' gambit. Chosen indeed by the one they serve and this other Polish proverb. "the Jew cries out in pain as he strikes you."
This is the apocalypse and it is all coming out. All the lies are being exposed. I, for one, am grateful.
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