I know there are those who wonder why, with all of the various injustices going on in the world, do I seem to dwell on Israel’s treatment of Palestinians? It’s a fair and important question. For me it boils down to this: I’ve come to believe that too many of us in the Jewish community will unabashedly protest persecution anywhere in the world, yet remain silent when Israel acts oppressively.
I know all too well how we actively avoid this truth. We use any number of rhetorical and political arguments to deny it, to mitigate the discomfort and pain it causes us. We engage in a kind of tortured dance of rationalization that we save for no other world issue but this one. But for me, at least, but none of it really addresses the core issue at hand: however difficult it might be for us to face, Israel is unjustly oppressing Palestinians.
So what are we going to do about it?
Many of us deal with it by putting our faith and efforts into the peace process. And well we should: though I’ve been honest in expressing my own doubts and concerns regarding the peace process, I understand that in the end the only true solution to this conflict will be a political one. But as the peace process enters into its latest incarnation, as the various actors involved painfully wrangle over diplomatic parameters, it is safe to say this saga will continue to take its time to unfold. And in the meantime, the real lives of real Palestinians on the ground will continue to grow increasingly intolerable.
For myself, at least, I cannot use the peace process, critical as it is, as a kind cover to keep me from facing and protesting the oppression that is occuring in Israel/Palestine every day, even as I write these very words. While I will do what I can to advocate for a just and peaceful political settlement to this crisis, this work does not give me a pass on speaking out. If we truly believe we must protest injustice anywhere, anytime, then it seems to me that this principle must apply to Israel/Palestine as well, no matter how painful or difficult the prospect of doing so.
Earlier this week, I was the moderator of a discussion following the showing of a powerful new documentary, “This Palestinian Life” – a film that was often unbearably painful to watch. TPL documents a little-seen aspect of Palestinian life: the nonviolent steadfastness (in Arabic: “sumoud“) of Palestinian villagers who live with a crushing occupation, constant settler attacks, and the deliberate, relentless annexation of their farm land.
This quote from one villager sums up the movie’s essential theme:
I don’t own a gun.I don’t own any weapons and I’m not prepared to own any…
My only weapon of defense is that I won’t leave this place…
and my hope is that the world will respond to Israel’s treatment of us.
As difficult as it was, I was honored to have been asked to moderate the post-film discussion. I know there are many who would regard my participation in such a program as an act of disloyalty or at the very least an exercise in masochism. But in the end, it really came down to this: I just can’t do the dance any more.
Shalom Rav 
OK, Brant,
I hear you! And I agree with most of what you say. I also have no faith in the peace process, which looks like a political/diplomatic game and not a real attempt to make any progress (especially with Israel’s new prime minister).
You seem to feel that outside pressure on Israel (if it were effective) might allow more results, but my feeling is that Israelis (and Israeli leadership) resent pressure, and even if/when they (I should say “we” actually) succumb to it on some issues, it will always be with resentment, and an inclination to find a way to “compensate” or “retaliate” for the sacrifice they make.
One very tangible example I can give you about this psychology, is very personal: When I feel that Israel is radically or unjustly attacked (e.g.: by thinkers/bloggers), my first reaction is to bring justice/balance to the discussion, and for that purpose I might lean more to the right than I normally would. As an Israeli (actually, also as any plain human) it’s my natural reaction.
The only approach I see is to try to help (help, not pressure) Israelis open their eyes to the injustices, which will hopefully help the Israeli left wing movements grow and become less marginalized – that will ultimately bring change at the top as well.
Unfortunately, in spite of the geographical proximity between Israelis and Palestinians, interaction between the two people is very limited! Rather than see each other as humans, mutually suffering from the same stalemate they created (and let’s not quantify or compare the sufferings here! – does that request raise YOUR objection?…), they see each other as enemies (and often as inhuman). How can you empathize or consider the suffering of someone you percieve as a cold blooded, inhuman (and inhumane) enemy? The more we do to bring people together, the more both sides will open up to seeing the other as a human, and making real efforts to work toward peace.
Shabat Shalom.
I wish I had a response, but all I can do is to communicate to you my intense respect for your decision. It takes so much guts to be open, when most of us aren’t exactly sure where we stand.
Thanks for being who you are.
Shalom Rav! I have just come across your site and am deeply thankful for what I have seen so far. Curiously I came to your site via Emily Hauser’s blog.
We need more Rabbi’s like you.
A prophet speaks against what the mainstream accepts. Keep on speaking and doing brother.
You might be interested the Parliament of World Religions is being held in Melbourne, Australia 3-8 December. Rabbi Michael Lerner is going.
Shalom, Peace, Salam.
Stewart Mills
Sydney, Australia