At twenty years old, Srully Stein made a life-altering decision. He walked away from the insular world of his Hasidic Jewish upbringing, embarking on a journey to live authentically as Abby Stein.
This personal transformation unexpectedly placed Abby at the center of a contentious political debate. Her image now appears in campaign materials for a candidate whose actions and rhetoric have drawn accusations of antisemitism.
The candidate’s supporters point to Abby’s inclusion as a sign of acceptance and diversity. However, critics argue this is a calculated move, a deliberate attempt to mask a troubling pattern of behavior and deeply held beliefs.
Concerns center around the candidate’s consistent support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This campaign, widely condemned internationally, aims to economically and diplomatically isolate Israel.
Further fueling the controversy is the candidate’s reluctance to denounce slogans that glorify violence against Jewish people. These refusals have raised alarms among Jewish leaders and observers of political discourse.
A recently surfaced video added another layer of complexity. It depicted the candidate mocking Hanukkah while dressed in a caricature of Orthodox Jewish attire, a performance many found deeply offensive and revealing.
Critics contend this wasn’t a simple misstep, but rather a manifestation of a long-standing disregard for Jewish traditions and religious identity. They believe it confirms accusations of antisemitism that have followed the candidate for some time.
Despite these concerns, polls suggest a significant portion of Jewish voters remain supportive. This highlights the effectiveness of a campaign strategy that appears to be skillfully manipulating public perception.
One prominent voice, Rabbi Yaakov Menken, sharply criticized the campaign’s use of Jewish imagery as a “false cover” for what he sees as blatant bigotry. He drew a chilling parallel to the normalization of antisemitism in pre-war Germany.
The situation presents a stark contrast: a transgender woman sharing her story, yet her presence being utilized in a way that many believe actively harms the community she represents and the values she holds.
The core of the debate isn’t simply about political affiliation, but about the exploitation of identity and faith for strategic gain. It raises fundamental questions about authenticity, respect, and the true meaning of inclusion.
Ultimately, the question facing voters is whether to accept a narrative built on carefully constructed appearances, or to look beyond the surface and examine the underlying principles guiding a candidate’s actions.
