(JTA) — A New York rabbi is reiterating his call for his music not to be sung by anti-Israel demonstrators, after students at Yale University used his song during protests there.
Rabbi Menachem Creditor expressed his distress upon learning that “Olam Chesed Yibaneh,” a song he composed after 9/11 that has become popular among progressive Jewish activists, was sung at the conclusion of a seder organized by the anti-Zionist group Jewish Voice for Peace on Yale’s campus amidst a wave of anti-Israel protests at universities across the country.
“Let me be clear: I vehemently object to the song being used in any context that is against Israel or the Jewish people,” Creditor emphasized in a statement. “Those who are using the song in these protests are misappropriating its message of love and support for Israel. I cannot accept its use by the protesters, whose beliefs could not be further from my own.”
Creditor, who serves as the rabbi in residence at UJA-Federation of New York, previously urged that his song not be sung at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in November, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted following a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. Following his initial plea, the non-Zionist group IfNotNow committed to excluding “Olam Chesed Yibaneh” and another song by a Jewish musician who objected to its use in national protests calling for a ceasefire, although a national spokesperson declined to provide further details on the matter.
Creditor disclosed to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he had declined pro-bono legal assistance to address the use of his song, citing concerns that legal action would amplify the issue. He simply wanted the protesters to cease utilizing his song, despite acknowledging the challenge of breaking ingrained habits.
“It’s difficult to regulate the use of your art once it’s out there,” Creditor remarked in November. “But it cuts deepest when I witness my own creation being weaponized against my people.”
Presently, Creditor reaffirmed in his statement that his song continues to hold significance in advocating for Israel amid increasing challenges faced by the country.
“I take immense pride in ‘Olam Chesed Yibaneh’ and its underlying message,” he stated. “During these trying times, I will persist in singing it with unwavering support for Israel and steadfast solidarity with the families of hostages and their loved ones still in captivity.”