Michael Decandia is a New York man who was caught on video calling two Jewish women “idiots” for putting up posters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The incident happened on October 24, 2023, at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where a group of volunteers were hanging the posters as part of a campaign to raise awareness and demand the release of the captives.
The video, which was posted by the group StopAntisemitism on X, shows Decandia approaching the women and ripping down the posters while saying “This is propaganda” and “You guys are idiots”. The women confront him and ask him why he is doing that, to which he replies “Because I don’t like it” and “Because it’s not true”. He also claims that he is Jewish and that he knows more about the situation than the women.
The video has sparked outrage and condemnation from many people, who denounced Decandia’s actions as antisemitic, disrespectful, and ignorant. Some also praised the women for standing up to him and defending their cause.
Background of Michael Decandia
The posters that Michael Decandia tore down were part of a campaign called #BringThemHome, which was launched by the organization OneFamily in September 2023. The campaign aims to raise awareness and pressure the international community to intervene and secure the release of more than 200 Israeli hostages who have been held by Hamas in Gaza since 2014.
According to OneFamily, the hostages include civilians, soldiers, and humanitarian workers, who were kidnapped, tortured, and denied any contact with their families or the outside world. Some of the hostages are children, such as Gilad Shalit, who was 19 years old when he was captured in 2006, and Naftali Fraenkel, who was 16 years old when he was abducted in 2014.
The campaign has been supported by many celebrities, politicians, activists, and organizations, who have shared the posters on social media and urged people to join the cause. Some of the supporters include Gal Gadot, Sacha Baron Cohen, Billie Eilish, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and the United Nations.
Consequences
Decandia’s actions have not gone unpunished. According to the New York Post, he has been suspended from his job by his Jewish father, who owns a user experience company called Human Factors International. His father, Eric Decandia, sent an email to his staff, saying that he was placing his son on unpaid leave for four months and that he was deeply sorry and regretful for his son’s behavior.
Atlantic Beach, NY – man identified as Michael Decandia goes off the rails on two Jewish women putting up posters of kidnapped Israelis, calls them “idiots” and states “You people want to put your opinions in everyone else’s face.” pic.twitter.com/AVH91ClPQy
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) December 30, 2023
Eric Decandia also said that he would use this time to teach his son more about his Jewish family history and to make him reflect and make amends. He also stated that his company does not support terrorism or antisemitism and that they are horrified by the attack on Israel and the plight of the hostages.
Decandia’s wife, Kelly, who was also seen in the video, has also faced consequences. According to the Daily Mail, she works as a social worker for Urban Dove, a New York school program for youths. She has also been arrested in the past for protesting against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New Jersey. She has been listed among protesters on the website Antifa Watch, which exposes and tracks antifa activists.
Reaction
The video of Michael Decandia’s confrontation with the Jewish women has gone viral, generating millions of views and thousands of comments on social media. Many people have expressed their anger and disgust at Decandia, calling him a coward, a bully, and a traitor. Some have also called for legal action against him, saying that he should be charged with hate crime, vandalism, and harassment.
On the other hand, many people have also expressed their support and admiration for the Jewish women, who have been identified as Rachel and Sarah. They have been praised for their courage, dignity, and compassion, as they tried to educate Decandia and explain the situation to him. Some have also offered to help them with their campaign, saying that they would donate money, volunteer, or spread the word.
One of the most notable reactions came from Paulie, a New York construction worker who was passing by when he saw Decandia ripping down the posters. He intervened and confronted Decandia, using profanity and a thick New York accent. He told him to leave the posters alone, saying that they have a right to express their opinion and that he would “litter the floor” with him if he continued. He also said that he was not Jewish, but that he respected their cause.
Paulie’s intervention has made him a hero and a sensation on social media, where he has been dubbed “the real New Yorker” and “the ultimate ally”. Many people have thanked him for his action, saying that he restored their faith in humanity and that he showed what true solidarity looks like. Some have also offered to buy him a beer or send him money on Venmo, as a token of appreciation.
Conclusion
The incident involving Michael Decandia and the Jewish women putting up posters of Israeli hostages has highlighted the ongoing conflict and crisis in the Middle East, as well as the rising antisemitism and intolerance in the US. It has also shown the power and impact of social media, as it has exposed, amplified, and mobilized public opinion on both sides of the issue.
However, it has also shown the possibility and potential of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, as some people have tried to bridge the gap and reach out to each other, despite their differences. It has also shown the importance and value of standing up for what is right, and of supporting those who are in need, regardless of their background or identity.
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