Jewish Federation of Tulsa raises concerns over weekend protest planned across the street

The Jewish Federation of Tulsa is raising concerns about a protest scheduled to take place in a public space directly across the street from the Federation’s campus.

Jewish Leaders Call Protest Location “Inflammatory”

Michael Sachs, Senior Director of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, says while he supports the right to protest, the chosen location feels more like intimidation than free expression.

"To do it outside of our campus is not a coincidence. It is actually inflammatory," Sachs said.

He added that members of the community who brought the protest to his attention were afraid and frustrated.

"There have not been many protests, especially targeting like this, since the beginning of the conflict," Sachs said, "It's brought an unsettling feeling to the community, and that's the purpose of it."

Senator Condemns Location, Organizers Defend Intent

State Senator Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, issued a statement criticizing the protest's proximity to the Jewish Federation, calling it “an insult.”

“The right to assemble and protest, in this case Israeli treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, is a cornerstone of American freedom and democracy,” Dossett said. “However, the choice to stage the protest across the street from the largest Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Oklahoma is an insult.”

“The Charles Schusterman JCC has been here since 1981, as long as I’ve been alive,” Dossett continued, “and has always been a peaceful and welcoming place for Tulsans of all backgrounds to assemble and work together to make Tulsa a better place for everyone. This weekend’s event organizers ignore the tremendous positive impact the JFT has had on our city since its inception in 1938, and the treasure that the JCC has been to Tulsa for nearly 44 years,” she wrote.

In response, protest organizers told News On 6 the demonstration is intended to peacefully raise awareness about what they describe as harmful policies and actions by the Israeli government.

"The protest is being held in a public space across from the Jewish Campus in Tulsa to peacefully call attention to the role of organizations and institutions that support or remain silent about the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. This is not an attack on any faith or identity, but a call for accountability regarding the ongoing harm to Palestinian civilians, especially children.

Peaceful protest is meant to challenge comfort and complicity. Our goal is to disrupt indifference, speak truth with compassion, and demand justice without inciting violence. We stand firmly for human rights, and we call on others to do the same.

We invite anyone who believes in the value of every human life, including Jewish members of that center, to stand with us in solidarity," the statement read.

Federation: “This Isn’t the Oklahoma Standard”

Sachs says the protest doesn’t reflect the values of mutual respect and community that Tulsans hold dear.

"This sort of inflammatory action really doesn't live up to the Oklahoma Standard that we all hold dear to ourselves," he said.

Despite the tensions, the Jewish Federation says it will not be organizing any counter-protests.

Protest Scheduled for Saturday Evening

The Save the Children of Gaza protest is Sunday, August 3rd, 6pm-8pm.