Once again, the “radically inclusive” gay pride parade known as Dyke March has demonstrated an unbelievable amount of anti-Semitism by banning the Israeli flag.

The fact that some of the organizers are Jewish but declare themselves to be “Self-Loving Anti-Zionists” demonstrates the absurdity of the situation.

When they did this 2 years ago, and caught tons of grief for it, both from Jewish and Gay groups, they were unrepentant. Since they’re doing it again now, they obviously haven’t learned anything.

Just how bizarre is this group? An opinion piece in the Washington Blade speaks volumes. Entitled “We don’t have to choose between Dyke and Jewish identities,” its co-authors crow about how they love their unique lifestyles and condemn Zionists for discriminating against them, insisting, “We’re Jewish Dykes. We’re Dyke-ish Jews. We don’t have to choose!”

The fact that no one is asking them to choose seems to be irrelevant. If someone, over the age of 18, decides to engage in homosexuality, of their own free will, let them. I don’t care what other folks do, but they can not claim the high ground when they’re in the wrong. They’re not living according to Jewish Law and by banning Jewish symbols at their March, they’re not open minded or accepting either. They’re pushing an agenda; those who do not agree have no place in their world.

If someone is Jewish by heritage and they openly state that they hate Israel, Zionism, Jewish stars, Jewish tradition, and the 613 Jewish Commandments, they are NOT a real Jew. Judaism is a religion, not a social club. They can spin it a million ways, but that’s reality.

If they truly cared about Judaism and the Jewish People, they wouldn’t ban Jewish symbols from a gathering. Of course, when you’re motivated to appease Arab terrorists and their defenders, it starts to make more sense.

“We choose to prioritize Palestinian lives and justice in Palestine over lazy symbols,” the authors say, the supposedly Jewish authors… (Let that one sink in for a minute.)

These sorts of parades are always negative. They only stir up controversy and accomplish nothing. Many of the participants are nude, or partially clothed, and engage in lewd behavior on public streets, in front of all ages, including children! (Google the photos; you will be shocked.)

Seeing younger Jews—the Dyke March organizers are under 30—who are so brainwashed, leading such deviant lifestyles, breaks my heart in a million pieces. This is not what a Proverbs 31 woman should do.

If the Jewish community can agree on anything at all, which is rare, we should agree that Zionism is paramount. Anyone who proudly claims to be an Anti-Zionist can not also claim to be a Jew.

An Arab Uber driver recently threw two Jewish women out of his car. Their “crime” was attending the Celebrate Israel Festival in Los Angeles.

One of the women, who said she takes Uber twice a DAY, has never experienced anything like it and was positive his motivation was anti-Israel bias and anti-Semitism.

She reported the incident to Uber, but received no reply beyond an automatic email. Only when the Jewish Journal got involved did they take it seriously. The good news is that hideous bigot was fired! Unfortunately, it’s happened before in other locations, so they still have a long way to go.

I can’t imagine a situation where the reverse would happen, with a Jewish driver asking an Arab rider to leave. It’s so crazy to me. Any form of discrimination is wrong, period.

Personally, I prefer Lyft. Uber drivers that I’ve met tend to be less friendly and there are more reports of riders being abused and assaulted by Uber than by Lyft.

What has happened to customer service, professionalism, and human decency? Such a sad state of affairs.

Can emojis discriminate, and if so, is every group entitled to representation? According to some European Rabbis, the answer is “Yes,” and they’re fighting for Jewish symbols to be incorporated—yarmulkes, Torah, hats, etc.

Since my phone already offers menorah, synagogue, and Star of David options, I’ve never considered it a problem (quite frankly, it wasn’t even on my radar).

According to some, they feel it’s extremely unfair to offer a hijab emoji and a turban emoji, but not to offer a yarmulke emoji. In the most literal sense, if some religious symbols are available, then yes, all of them should be included.

What I find amusing is that emojis have taken on such importance in our society. When I was growing up, the fight for equality was in the real-life sphere, not the digital one. Things certainly have changed!

While it may aid in the cause of diversity and help individuals to feel included, I seriously doubt that an emoji wearing a yarmulke can combat anti-Semitism. Some problems don’t have simple answers and surely, that’s one of them. Regardless, I support emojis for everyone.

Country legend Garth Brooks and Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin recently spoke at the Jewish Community Center in Pittsburgh. Their talk was focused on bridging differences to bring people together, rather than divide them.

Brooks shared his philosophy: “We have differences, so what. The color of our skin might be different, so what. Our religions might be different, so what. In judging and separating, dig in and gain knowledge of other religions. Love one another. That’s it. It’s that concave part of love, the forgiveness, the tolerance. Be part of something bigger than you. That’s love.”

Coach Tomlin discussed diversity among professional football players. “There is a lot of diversity in an NFL locker room. Guys come from various walks of life. We come together, but you don’t have to be in that locker room for long to know that we have a lot more similarities than differences.”

Both wanted to speak to the JCC to show their support for the Jewish community that was directly effected by the Tree of Life shooting. Squirrel Hill, the Pittsburgh neighborhood where Tree of Life is located, is also the home of Coach Tomlin.

I admire both of these gentlemen greatly. Not only are they extremely talented individuals in their fields, they are also kind, generous and have good hearts.

Clearly, I’m not the only Garth Brooks fan out there. His concert on Saturday night was the biggest show in Pittsburgh history, with 75,000 tickets sold!

All people need to find common ground; no matter where we come from, we can find a way to connect. When big stars like Brooks and Tomlin are willing to do it, there’s no excuse for the rest of us not to.