The Sunset Community Garden in Ridgewood, Queens has become a hub for pro-Palestinian activities, with members growing “Poppies for Palestine” and hosting events promoting the “Free Palestine” movement. This has led to tensions within the community, with Jewish residents feeling unwelcome and unsafe. The garden’s Instagram page featured artwork with anti-Semitic messages, further alienating certain members of the community. Some residents feel that the garden is fostering hate and discrimination towards those who do not align with their political views on Israel or Palestine.
One of the key issues raised by residents is the garden’s community agreements, which all prospective members must adhere to before joining. These agreements focus on expressing solidarity with marginalized groups, including Palestinians, and promoting social justice causes globally. However, some members feel that these agreements are exclusionary and infringe on their freedom of expression. Statements supporting marginalized communities, pronoun usage, and interrupting hate speech are highlighted in the community agreements, creating a tense environment for those who do not share the same beliefs.
The Sunset Community Garden was built with public funds on city-owned property and was originally intended to be a space for gardening and community building. However, the focus of the garden shifted towards political activism, particularly around issues related to Palestine and social justice causes. Some residents question the appropriateness of politicizing a public space meant for gardening and community engagement. There are concerns about the inclusivity of the garden and whether all groups, including conservative or Jewish organizations, would be welcomed in the space.
Christina Wilkinson, who played a key role in securing public funding for the garden, has expressed concerns about the direction the garden has taken. She observed a shift towards political activism in March, with posts on social media becoming more focused on social justice issues rather than gardening. Wilkinson hopes that the garden’s leaders will address the politicization of the space and create a more inclusive environment for all community members. The Parks Department, which oversees the garden, stated that it would take action if any group violates the anti-discrimination clause of their license.
Overall, the Sunset Community Garden in Ridgewood, Queens has become a site of tension and controversy due to its focus on pro-Palestinian activities and social justice causes. Some residents feel unwelcome and unsafe, leading to accusations of discrimination and exclusion. The community agreements and political activism within the garden have further exacerbated these tensions, with concerns about the inclusivity and openness of the space. Moving forward, residents hope that the garden’s leaders will address these issues and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all community members.
