Jewish discourse must be civil if we are to fight on behalf of Israel and against rising anti-Semitism – Jewish Community Voice

By ohtadmin | on June 16, 2021

This is a time of enormous change and stress for Jews at home, in Israel, and around the world. For over a year, the world has dealt with COVID-19, a pandemic the likes of which has not been seen since the influenza pandemic a century ago. Last month, Israel experienced a barrage of over 4,500 missiles fired at its civilians by the terrorist group Hamas. Anti-Semitism, a plague that never disappears, has gotten worse. Violent attacks on Jews in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere are growing in frequency and severity. Jewish institutions are being targeted and Jews are being harassed on social media. There is also a new administration in Washington and a new government in Israel.

This is a time for Jews everywhere to be united in support of Israel and in the fight against anti-Semitism. In an environment where Jewish lives are in danger, we cannot become our own worst enemy. In order to avoid this, we must remember to be civil despite our disagreements.

Jewish history has shown that when our disagreements turn to rancor, no one except those who would do us harm wins. Everyone in the Jewish community does not need to be in the same place politically or religiously. We do, however, need to put community above our individual viewpoints. We must always express our views with the understanding that there are those who disagree. Our fellow Jews are not the enemy. The threats come from those who are anti-Semites and Israel-haters.

There is so much more that unites us than divides us. Jews share a common history and a common destiny. We are one people, and we forget that at our own peril.

The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) states Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh (All Jews are responsible for one another). We are responsible for sustaining our fellow Jews physically by providing for their needs. During the pandemic, our community rallied to feed those who could no longer afford food or get out of the house to get it. We are responsible for the emotional well being of our fellow Jews. We do this by ensuring that no Jew feels lonely or isolated. Our Federation, agencies, and synagogues reached out in support of Jews in our community and throughout the world. Our synagogues and their members also support Jews spiritually every single day.

None of this could take place if we lose sight of the fact that we all belong to the same Jewish community. Now is the time for unity, solidarity, and civility.

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Jewish discourse must be civil if we are to fight on behalf of Israel and against rising anti-Semitism - Jewish Community Voice