Louisa Rachel Solomon is the lead singer of The Shondes, an indie punk band from Brooklyn, NY. Solomon, a rabbi-in-training from Queens,[1] is known for being a Jewish musician who is outspoken about opposing the occupation of Palestine.[2][3][4][5]
Early life and education
Solomon grew up in a Jewish home in upstate New York.[6] She attended the Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School in New York City, graduating in 2005.[7][8] Following the September 11 attacks, she was involved in activism against Islamophobia.[7]
As of 2024, Solomon is studying to become a rabbi at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and expects to be ordained when she completes her degree next year.[9][8] Since 2023, she has served as the on-campus student rabbi at The New School.[9][8] Known by many as the "Intifada Rabbi," Solomon garnered significant criticism for calling for intifada against Israel during a campus protest. Solomon's husband, Miller Oberman, teaches at The New School and is also well known for calling for an end to the State of Israel. In June 2024 it was announced that Solomon was no longer employed by The New School[10]
Career
Vocalist and bassist Solomon formed the band The Shondes with violinist Elijah Oberman in 2006.[6][11][7]
In 2014, Solomon's rejection of Zionism led to cancellation of The Shondes' scheduled performance at a DCJCC event.[12][7] The JCC revoked its sponsorship due to her visit to the West Bank and public support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.[13]
Reviews
AfterEllen compared Solomon's vocals to Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney.[14] Depth of Field Magazine called her voice "nothing short of breathtaking...giving the impression that she’s speaking directly to each and every individual listener."[15] Performer Magazine's review of The Red Sea praised Solomon's vigorous vocals on the first half of the album, but criticized their monotony as the album progressed.[16]
Personal life
Solomon self-identifies as queer.[17] She has a tattoo of a Hebrew letter on her wrist,[6][12] and has described herself as "a proud Jew, a committed Jew".[12] She has two children, whom she brought along to an October 2023 rally organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace, calling for the U.S. government to push for a cease-fire in the Israel–Hamas War.[1]