In a recent development, the Oregon Food Bank, known for its work combating hunger, finds itself at the center of controversy due to its statement on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. A group of Jewish organizations, including five synagogues and several nonprofits, expressed their disapproval by withholding financial support, as detailed in a letter featured in a report by IJPR. The organizations criticized the Food Bank's condemnation of the Israeli military's operations in Gaza, labeling the accusations as false and detrimental, fueling the rise of anti-Semitism.
The statement issued by the Oregon Food Bank in April addressed the violence in Gaza, the humanitarian impact on aid workers, and the civilian casualties attributed to Hamas, while also highlighting the increase in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the region. Susannah Morgan, the Food Bank's president, articulated to OPB the link between war and hunger, stating, "War and violence are root causes of hunger," further prompting the Food Bank to adopt this uncharacteristic stance on an international matter. This decision has not been without consequence, facing criticism for what some local Jewish groups deem as a "biased" approach to a complex global issue.
On the flip side, Jewish Voices for Peace, an organization describing itself as anti-war and anti-Zionist, has stood by the Food Bank. As KPTV reports, they released a statement backing the Food Bank's position, arguing that withholding aid contradicts the Jewish value of life's sanctity. The Food Bank itself, on its media communications, has asserted it does not expect operational impacts resulting from the withdrawal of support by the Jewish organizations, further noting an uptick in support from community members, which includes individuals identifying as Jewish, in response to their initial statement.
Nevertheless, the move by the Jewish organizations has generated concern about the potential effects on the Oregon Food Bank's operations. "We want to support those. So we're not cutting back on food," explained Blattner, sidestepping concerns over the significance of resources that might be lost, as mentioned by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland in an interview with KATU. The Food Bank was clear in its response, conveying, "We do not anticipate any operational challenges due to the letter issued by the organizations to halt their donations to OFB."
The Oregon Food Bank emphasizes that the organization consulted many community members, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, prior to releasing its statement. Julia Ford, representing Jewish Voices for Peace, reaffirmed support for the Food Bank's commitment to addressing food justice and access issues, tying the matter directly to U.S. involvement in the region, "And this is absolutely intrinsically tied to that. And if you take it the next level up of why Gaza, well, because it is the U.S. involvement that is allowing this to continue to happen," Ford told KATU. This debate sheds light on how local actions and international conflicts can intersect, impacting community organizations and their support networks.
