Brooklyn Pride interfaith service canceled over synagogue’s pro-Israel stance

The Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn, known as “The Mother Synagogue” of the neighborhood and founded in 1856, was set to host the 15th annual interfaith service during the 2025 Brooklyn Pride festivities. However, the event was canceled last week, with organizers citing low registration and logistical challenges.

Mickey Heller, a co-chair of Brooklyn Pride, stated that the cancellation followed a series of withdrawals from participating organizations and choirs. While the official reason given was insufficient involvement, an email from a participating musical group revealed that some groups pulled out due to the synagogue’s public alignment with pro-Israel political positions. The group noted that their community, largely composed of LGBTQ people of color and immigrants, felt uncomfortable with police presence and also cited the synagogue’s stance on Israel as a factor in their decision.

Rabbi Michelle Dardashti of Kane Street Synagogue sent an email to congregants explaining the situation, though she did not name the group that shared the concern. The synagogue’s leadership has not provided further comment. Only one group from last year’s participants responded to inquiries from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, with Rev. Micah Ma of the First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn declining to comment.

The cancellation of the interfaith service occurs amid broader tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its intersection with LGBTQ activism. In recent years, some Jews in the LGBTQ community have faced exclusion from Pride events due to their alignment with anti-Zionist views. This trend has been evident in other cities, such as San Diego, where all Jewish groups withdrew from Pride festivities after the headlining performance by Kehlani, whom they accused of antisemitism for her pro-Palestinian stances.

Similarly, New York City’s Dyke March has drawn criticism from Jewish participants who feel alienated by the event’s anti-Zionist rhetoric. Last year, the march was titled “Dykes Against Zionism,” reflecting the growing divide within activist spaces. These incidents highlight the complex and often contentious relationship between Jewish identity, LGBTQ advocacy, and political stances on Israel.

The situation underscores the challenges of maintaining inclusive spaces in an era of heightened political polarization. As Pride celebrations continue across the nation, the tension between different communities and ideologies remains a pressing issue. The biblical call to “do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8) serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in navigating these difficult conversations.

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