Shalom All,
As I write this, I’ve been back from the March for Israel, for just one week. It was an incredible experience, and I’m really glad I went. Not only as a representative our community (and our support for Israel) but also, for myself. While there, I was amazed by just how many people showed up, how many Jews, especially. Nearly 300,000, according to the organizers. It was by far the largest group of Jews I’d ever been around. And that includes the time I lived in Israel and celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut in the center of Jerusalem. Even the High Holy Days, at the Kotel (the Western Wall) don’t get 300,000 Jews, there simply wouldn’t be enough space.
We all know the joke that two Jews in a room together will give you, at least, three opinions (or even five), but in truth, last Tuesday, we were all of the same opinions. Israel has a right and a duty to defend herself and her citizens. The hostages must be released as part of any cease-fire. Hamas cannot remain in Gaza. Anti-semitism, in the United States, and around the world, needs to be condemned and ended (especially on our campuses). Too many of our Jewish students are scared and hurting, and most college administrations are doing woefully little to keep them safe.
There are some really tough choices ahead. Though I am in agreement with the current ground assault in Gaza (the hostages must be found and returned, Hamas has to go, the tunnel system must be destroyed), I worry about how long the whole operation will take and what the peace will look like after. World opinion of the Jews always turns quickly. Europe and the United Nations, predictably, are already calling out Israel, and exposing their anti-semitic underbelly. But I’m more worried about the fractures happening here, in the United States. Too many of our “allies,” are outwardly proud of Hamas’ brutal attack. Too many of our “friends” seem unconcerned about the deaths of Jews. And this pains me.
But I also know, that nothing can change in the Holy Land, while Hamas is in control of Gaza. For the last 16 years, the people of Gaza have proven that they are either unable to, or unwilling to remove Hamas from power. Since no one else can or will take them on, Israel has to.
I pray, therefore, that they are successful. That the captured are returned, alive and safe. That the terrorists who planned and carried out this attack are brought to justice swiftly. And that the vast majorities, on both sides of this conflict, who only want peace, can be heard, listened to, and followed. The best thing Israel can do, for herself and the entire Jewish people, is make real peace with her neighbors. May that day come soon and in our time.
Shalom,
Rabbi Todd