"When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the everlasting covenant between G-d and every living creature, among all flesh on earth" (Bereisheet 9:16).
2006 San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade
"I was extremely proud to wear my Filipino Barong Tagalog shirt. It was lavender with traditional white embroidery. I also wore a Hawaiian Lei that was given to me by founding GAPA member and former Parade Grand Marshal, Hoover Lee. To represent my Jewish side, I wore a rainbow-colored yarmulke on my head. It felt truly liberating to show the different components that make me who I am" (GAPA).
Robert Bernardo (whose Hebrew name is Ravid Netzach) is the first openly-Gay Jewish-Filipino commissioner in the City of South San Francisco. He is also co-chair of the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance. His community activism spans 20 years: while a student at UC Davis, he helped establish a Gay Studies course. During the AIDS crisis, Bernardo worked as a Health Educator at the Asian AIDS Project. He worked as a San Francisco District Attorney Criminal Investigator solving hate crimes and volunteered for Community United Against Violence. He is active at his synagogue, Congregation Sha’ar Zahav.
Robert graciously agreed to virtually enter Bahay Shalom and share his insights on Filipino Jewry in this exclusive interview.
Bahay Yosef: There are approximately 30,000-60,000 Ha'Filipinim (Taglit/Tagalog-Hebrew for "The Philippines" or "The Filipinos") currently living and working in Eretz Yisra'el, a majority concentrated in Tel Aviv's Shuk Tahana Merkazit, otherwise known as "The Little Manila of Israel"; the city is also considered "The Gay capital of the Middle East" (Out Magazine). Since some Jews consider living in Israel a mitzvah, do you see yourself making aliyah one day?
Robert Bernardo: Yes, I do hope to visit our Holy Land someday, but not anytime soon because right now, I do have a genuine fear of terrorist activity due to the general instability in the region. I also realized that this fear is probably unfounded because so many Jews visit Israel without problems—including my own synagogue. Our Rabbi takes a group to Israel at least once a year, and one of these days, I will do it. But not right now.
Bahay Yosef: Tropical Goshen: Manuel Quezon—President of The Philippine Commonwealth, 1935-1941—assisted in harboring/resettling 1,200 Jewish refugees, escaping Nazi persecution, in the South-Eastern stronghold of Mindanao and posthumously honored with the title of "Righteous Among The Nations," as well as commemorative Israeli citizenship. Nevertheless, patriotic and hardworking Ha'Filipinim with children born in Israel currently struggle for benefits that come with official state recognition. If given the opportunity for advocacy, what steps would you take to advance the cause of Israeli Ha'Filipinim?
Robert Bernardo: Although I have neither lived in the Philippines nor in Israel, I still feel that I can make a difference by continually educating people about Filipino Jews—whether they are similar to my situation or not. I feel that Filipino Jews need to be respected and accepted within the larger Jewish family. There is plenty of room for Jews of all colors and nationalities.
Bahay Yosef: Since 1993, homosexuals have been allowed to openly serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, including special units (unlike the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy of the U.S. Armed Forces). Were Ha'Filipinim OFWs, as well as Filipino Jews, encouraged to serve in the I.D.F., how would this concrete act of solidarity transform societal perceptions of Filipinos in Israel and bring about lasting reforms?
Robert Bernardo: I feel that this act of inclusion would make a global statement that would boldly say: "We accept Filipino Jews because you are part of the Jewish family." Also, if Filipino Jews wish to risk their lives for the safety and security of Israel, that should be respected, honored and encouraged.
Bahay Yosef: On LiveJournal, you blogged about the discovery of Spanish Jewish roots on your Grandmother's side of the family. Ako rin! To embrace dormant Jewish roots, dating back to the Inquisition, would understandably be a challenge for fundamentally-reared Filipinos. How extensive do you think this Hudyo-Matrix phenomenon of Sephardic/Ladino ancestry is within the Filipino diaspora? What would its significance be?
Robert Bernardo: I strongly believe that Filipino Sephardic ancestry is much more common than we have come to believe. The only challenge is that there is little research in this area because the Philippines is such a mega-Christian country. If studies were conducted, I feel that the significance of the findings would completely alter what the next generation of Filipinos believe.
Bahay Yosef: Your Rosh Ha'Shanah 5767 message, "Strangers Among Us" compliments the spirit of The Pilipino, whose kindness to strangers is also chronicled in Frank Ephraim's WWII biography, Escape to Manila: From Nazi tyranny to Japanese Terror. Diplomatic relations between Israel and The Philippines remain strong and dynamic, yet the two Democratic nations also share the burden of extremism and terrorism from within their respective borders. Could you describe how hospitality can be both a blessing and a curse, from a Filipino-Jewish perspective? As an openly-Gay Jewish man of color, how has anti-Semitism manifested itself in your life? Because of these existential risks, would you discourage Filipinos from converting to Judaism?
Robert Bernardo: Hospitality is always a blessing, regardless of how horribly we are treated sometimes. Whether we like it or not, we Jews have an obligation to both educate non-Jews as well as protect ourselves from slander and violence. I find that I have to educate people nearly every day, and although I feel tired and frustrated in having to teach people, I still believe that it is my job because as we decrease the ignorance around us, this allows the seeds of tolerance and acceptance to grow.
Bahay Yosef: Tiebreaker: The decisive vote in the United Nations on November 29, 1947 reviving Israel as a sovereign nation was cast by The Philippines (and was the only Asian nation to support Jewish Nationhood). What kind of impact would greater Filipino-Jewish identification—Pilipinong-Hudyo Pride, if you will—make in promoting peace and tolerance?
Robert Bernardo: Again, it's about education and teaching Filipinos around the world that their duty is not over... Our duty did not end with the tie-breaking vote. We have a daily obligation to help Jews around the world and to teach our children about Jewish history and Israeli history.
Bahay Yosef: Rob Schneider, arguably the most high-profile Filipino Jew in entertainment, quipped: "My mother's side had the better food, my father's side had the better jokes" to describe his Filipina Ima and Jewish Abba. Other notable Filipino Jews include Dean Devlin, Producer of Independence Day, Godzilla, and The Patriot; Nicole Scherzinger, lead vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls; Michael Schwartz aka Mix Master Mike, American Turntablist and contributing member of the Beastie Boys; Actress, Phoebe Cates (wife of Academy-Award winner, Kevin Kline); and Author, Geronimo Tagatac. We should all go out for merienda and Kosher Kamayan, diba? What makes Filipino Jewry unique from other burgeoning cultural kehilot, such as Beta Israel, The Kaifeng Jews, and B'nei Menashe? To my knowledge, a Filipino Jew has not yet been ordained as a Rabbi. Do you think Sefer Ha'Torah should be translated into Taglit-Tagalog? Is there a need to establish an authentic, Filipino-Jewish community-identity?
Robert Bernardo: I feel that we are unique because Filipino culture is so heavily influenced by American culture. Just look at our pop idols. That's one of the reasons that most of the people you listed are pop stars (actors/singers/etc.) No, I do not believe the Torah should be translated. I believe Filipinos (and others who wish to learn Torah) should learn Hebrew. Also, I do not feel that an "authentic Fil-Jew community" identity needs to be established because by being Filipino and Jewish — one already exists. It exists in every shul across the country. I feel that to "create" a community means that you take something away from what already exists. I feel at home in my local community at Congregation Sha'ar Zahav. We have Filipinos at the shul, and that's MY community.
Bahay Yosef: Gay and Lesbian Jews seeking Rabbinical ordination in Yeshivot are on the rise. And with Jewish Queer Cinema such as Bent, Trembling Before G-d, and Yossi & Jagger garnering accolades, significant strides have been made through a Jewish lens in combating homophobia, while maintaining halakhot relevant to the GLBTIQA community. You are active in a Gay-affirming synagogue in San Francisco, namely Congregation Sha'ar Zaav. How do you see the GLBTIQA Jewish community serving as a "Beacon to the Nations"?
Robert Bernardo: I feel that Jews are natural ambassadors of peace in the world because our religion teaches us to embrace the stranger. Also, Judaism generally accepts homosexuality—unlike a lot of Christian religions which condemn it.
Bahay Yosef: Paper Dolls is an award-winning documentary which follows the lives of transgender migrant workers from The Philippines who work as health care providers for elderly Orthodox Jewish-Israeli men. Furthermore, JDate has a flurry of Filipino men seeking Jewish men, myself included=) Can you explain the significance of this mystical magnetism?
Robert Bernardo: Hmmm... I can't really explain this phenomenon because although there are many attractive gay, Jewish men, my partner is not Jewish. So, I can't say that I feel this "mystical magnetism." LOL! My only explanation is that it's like preferring strawberry ice cream over vanilla ice cream. It's a matter of taste and not something that can be explained...
Bahay Yosef: If you were the Grand Marshal of the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, how would you envision such a landmark event?
Robert Bernardo: Wow, I couldn't even imagine what that would be like! However, if it were to happen—I would try to include Filipinos, Jews and Gays in my contingent in the same way I did it in San Francisco when I was elected. I believe that I can be a BRIDGE to cultures, sexualities and religions. As a BRIDGE, the goal is always to bring people together...
Bahay Yosef: Just as the Hebrews struggled with overcoming a slave mentality after being physically emancipated from Mitzrayim and Pharaoh, as well as spiritual liberation of the giving of the Torah at the foot of Mount Sinai on Shavu'ot, to a certain extent the Wandering Filipino (estimates of Overseas Filipinos correspond to the population of Diasporic Jews) still struggles with an island mentality. With Pesakh and Shavu'ot approaching, how will you commemorate Liberation?
Robert Bernardo: During Pesach, I commemorated liberation by being the "Out, Gay, Filipino Jew" that I am... Being public about my sexuality and religion are the ways in which I feel liberated and how I feel I can help liberate others.
Robert graciously agreed to virtually enter Bahay Shalom and share his insights on Filipino Jewry in this exclusive interview.
Bahay Yosef: There are approximately 30,000-60,000 Ha'Filipinim (Taglit/Tagalog-Hebrew for "The Philippines" or "The Filipinos") currently living and working in Eretz Yisra'el, a majority concentrated in Tel Aviv's Shuk Tahana Merkazit, otherwise known as "The Little Manila of Israel"; the city is also considered "The Gay capital of the Middle East" (Out Magazine). Since some Jews consider living in Israel a mitzvah, do you see yourself making aliyah one day?
Robert Bernardo: Yes, I do hope to visit our Holy Land someday, but not anytime soon because right now, I do have a genuine fear of terrorist activity due to the general instability in the region. I also realized that this fear is probably unfounded because so many Jews visit Israel without problems—including my own synagogue. Our Rabbi takes a group to Israel at least once a year, and one of these days, I will do it. But not right now.
Bahay Yosef: Tropical Goshen: Manuel Quezon—President of The Philippine Commonwealth, 1935-1941—assisted in harboring/resettling 1,200 Jewish refugees, escaping Nazi persecution, in the South-Eastern stronghold of Mindanao and posthumously honored with the title of "Righteous Among The Nations," as well as commemorative Israeli citizenship. Nevertheless, patriotic and hardworking Ha'Filipinim with children born in Israel currently struggle for benefits that come with official state recognition. If given the opportunity for advocacy, what steps would you take to advance the cause of Israeli Ha'Filipinim?
Robert Bernardo: Although I have neither lived in the Philippines nor in Israel, I still feel that I can make a difference by continually educating people about Filipino Jews—whether they are similar to my situation or not. I feel that Filipino Jews need to be respected and accepted within the larger Jewish family. There is plenty of room for Jews of all colors and nationalities.
Bahay Yosef: Since 1993, homosexuals have been allowed to openly serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, including special units (unlike the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy of the U.S. Armed Forces). Were Ha'Filipinim OFWs, as well as Filipino Jews, encouraged to serve in the I.D.F., how would this concrete act of solidarity transform societal perceptions of Filipinos in Israel and bring about lasting reforms?
Robert Bernardo: I feel that this act of inclusion would make a global statement that would boldly say: "We accept Filipino Jews because you are part of the Jewish family." Also, if Filipino Jews wish to risk their lives for the safety and security of Israel, that should be respected, honored and encouraged.
Bahay Yosef: On LiveJournal, you blogged about the discovery of Spanish Jewish roots on your Grandmother's side of the family. Ako rin! To embrace dormant Jewish roots, dating back to the Inquisition, would understandably be a challenge for fundamentally-reared Filipinos. How extensive do you think this Hudyo-Matrix phenomenon of Sephardic/Ladino ancestry is within the Filipino diaspora? What would its significance be?
Robert Bernardo: I strongly believe that Filipino Sephardic ancestry is much more common than we have come to believe. The only challenge is that there is little research in this area because the Philippines is such a mega-Christian country. If studies were conducted, I feel that the significance of the findings would completely alter what the next generation of Filipinos believe.
Bahay Yosef: Your Rosh Ha'Shanah 5767 message, "Strangers Among Us" compliments the spirit of The Pilipino, whose kindness to strangers is also chronicled in Frank Ephraim's WWII biography, Escape to Manila: From Nazi tyranny to Japanese Terror. Diplomatic relations between Israel and The Philippines remain strong and dynamic, yet the two Democratic nations also share the burden of extremism and terrorism from within their respective borders. Could you describe how hospitality can be both a blessing and a curse, from a Filipino-Jewish perspective? As an openly-Gay Jewish man of color, how has anti-Semitism manifested itself in your life? Because of these existential risks, would you discourage Filipinos from converting to Judaism?
Robert Bernardo: Hospitality is always a blessing, regardless of how horribly we are treated sometimes. Whether we like it or not, we Jews have an obligation to both educate non-Jews as well as protect ourselves from slander and violence. I find that I have to educate people nearly every day, and although I feel tired and frustrated in having to teach people, I still believe that it is my job because as we decrease the ignorance around us, this allows the seeds of tolerance and acceptance to grow.
Bahay Yosef: Tiebreaker: The decisive vote in the United Nations on November 29, 1947 reviving Israel as a sovereign nation was cast by The Philippines (and was the only Asian nation to support Jewish Nationhood). What kind of impact would greater Filipino-Jewish identification—Pilipinong-Hudyo Pride, if you will—make in promoting peace and tolerance?
Robert Bernardo: Again, it's about education and teaching Filipinos around the world that their duty is not over... Our duty did not end with the tie-breaking vote. We have a daily obligation to help Jews around the world and to teach our children about Jewish history and Israeli history.
Bahay Yosef: Rob Schneider, arguably the most high-profile Filipino Jew in entertainment, quipped: "My mother's side had the better food, my father's side had the better jokes" to describe his Filipina Ima and Jewish Abba. Other notable Filipino Jews include Dean Devlin, Producer of Independence Day, Godzilla, and The Patriot; Nicole Scherzinger, lead vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls; Michael Schwartz aka Mix Master Mike, American Turntablist and contributing member of the Beastie Boys; Actress, Phoebe Cates (wife of Academy-Award winner, Kevin Kline); and Author, Geronimo Tagatac. We should all go out for merienda and Kosher Kamayan, diba? What makes Filipino Jewry unique from other burgeoning cultural kehilot, such as Beta Israel, The Kaifeng Jews, and B'nei Menashe? To my knowledge, a Filipino Jew has not yet been ordained as a Rabbi. Do you think Sefer Ha'Torah should be translated into Taglit-Tagalog? Is there a need to establish an authentic, Filipino-Jewish community-identity?
Robert Bernardo: I feel that we are unique because Filipino culture is so heavily influenced by American culture. Just look at our pop idols. That's one of the reasons that most of the people you listed are pop stars (actors/singers/etc.) No, I do not believe the Torah should be translated. I believe Filipinos (and others who wish to learn Torah) should learn Hebrew. Also, I do not feel that an "authentic Fil-Jew community" identity needs to be established because by being Filipino and Jewish — one already exists. It exists in every shul across the country. I feel that to "create" a community means that you take something away from what already exists. I feel at home in my local community at Congregation Sha'ar Zahav. We have Filipinos at the shul, and that's MY community.
Bahay Yosef: Gay and Lesbian Jews seeking Rabbinical ordination in Yeshivot are on the rise. And with Jewish Queer Cinema such as Bent, Trembling Before G-d, and Yossi & Jagger garnering accolades, significant strides have been made through a Jewish lens in combating homophobia, while maintaining halakhot relevant to the GLBTIQA community. You are active in a Gay-affirming synagogue in San Francisco, namely Congregation Sha'ar Zaav. How do you see the GLBTIQA Jewish community serving as a "Beacon to the Nations"?
Robert Bernardo: I feel that Jews are natural ambassadors of peace in the world because our religion teaches us to embrace the stranger. Also, Judaism generally accepts homosexuality—unlike a lot of Christian religions which condemn it.
Bahay Yosef: Paper Dolls is an award-winning documentary which follows the lives of transgender migrant workers from The Philippines who work as health care providers for elderly Orthodox Jewish-Israeli men. Furthermore, JDate has a flurry of Filipino men seeking Jewish men, myself included=) Can you explain the significance of this mystical magnetism?
Robert Bernardo: Hmmm... I can't really explain this phenomenon because although there are many attractive gay, Jewish men, my partner is not Jewish. So, I can't say that I feel this "mystical magnetism." LOL! My only explanation is that it's like preferring strawberry ice cream over vanilla ice cream. It's a matter of taste and not something that can be explained...
Bahay Yosef: If you were the Grand Marshal of the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, how would you envision such a landmark event?
Robert Bernardo: Wow, I couldn't even imagine what that would be like! However, if it were to happen—I would try to include Filipinos, Jews and Gays in my contingent in the same way I did it in San Francisco when I was elected. I believe that I can be a BRIDGE to cultures, sexualities and religions. As a BRIDGE, the goal is always to bring people together...
Bahay Yosef: Just as the Hebrews struggled with overcoming a slave mentality after being physically emancipated from Mitzrayim and Pharaoh, as well as spiritual liberation of the giving of the Torah at the foot of Mount Sinai on Shavu'ot, to a certain extent the Wandering Filipino (estimates of Overseas Filipinos correspond to the population of Diasporic Jews) still struggles with an island mentality. With Pesakh and Shavu'ot approaching, how will you commemorate Liberation?
Robert Bernardo: During Pesach, I commemorated liberation by being the "Out, Gay, Filipino Jew" that I am... Being public about my sexuality and religion are the ways in which I feel liberated and how I feel I can help liberate others.
