Rabbi Steve Segar's message in Havurah Happenings
The newsletter of the Reconstructionist Havurah of Cleveland   May 2002

Respecting the range of positions 
on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It would not be an understatement to suggest that the State of Israel is going through one of the most trying times in its fifty-four year history. Facing the challenge of responding to a political stalemate with the Palestinians and an unprecedented number of terrorist attacks that have brought a horrific amount of death and destruction in their wake, the Israeli government and the Israeli people must grapple with psycho-emotional, economic and spiritual distress the likes of which have not been seen for nearly a generation.

Understandably there has been a strong desire, among diaspora Jews, particularly those in Western Europe and the United States, to respond to this crisis in a variety of ways with the intent of lending support and encouragement to our cousins (whether literal or figurative), in Israel.

As with most issues that engage our people's attention, there is no consensus as to the most healthy and productive way for Israel to address this situation. To be sure, a clear majority of Israelis and Western Jews have registered strong support for a forceful military campaign aimed at eradicating what is now popularly called the terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza. On the other hand, there are also significant numbers of Israelis and diaspora Jews who believe that a military solution will ultimately backfire, breeding as much violence as it seeks to uproot.

The point here is not to enter into the details and arguments of either of these positions. Rather it is to exhort each one of us, regardless of where we stand in our analysis of this challenge, to remember that in our hearts we all care deeply for Israel's well being and we all desire to see an end to this conflict. We have simply come to varying conclusions as to the best way to pursue those goals. We must do our utmost to avoid demonizing those who have arrived at a perspective that differs from our own. To do otherwise makes a mockery and flies in the face of our religious tradition which presumes a need for debate in order to achieve an understanding that is somewhere in the neighborhood of the truth.

I would strongly encourage anyone who has a sense of connection to Israel to reach out in some way during these difficult days. Whether it means signing a petition, or attending a rally or buying Israeli products over the internet or supporting Israeli and American Jewish groups that represent either of the positions described above, do something. Above all, I would suggest learning more about the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The JRF website now has a significant amount of material available for downloading as does the Federation website. May we together through deliberation and argument find our way towards a future that leads to life and peace for our people and for all those stand for life everywhere.

Amen.

Rabbi Steve

Webkeeper's note: 
Also see the Israel section on our Links page and on the web site of the JRF, Rabbi Toba Spitzer's suggestions for discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.