Some Thoughts in Reply by Rabbi Michael J. Broyde
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Pro Palestinian demonstration (PBS) |
A few days ago, I posted my thoughts about Rabbi Michael Broyde’s
op-ed on the subject of anitsemtsim versus anti-Zionism in America. His response
to my thoughts follows in its entirety:I deeply appreciate the engagement Emes
Ve-Emunah undertook with my op-ed
in Haaretz and the thoughtful response Harry Maryles
presents. I understand and respect the optimism that underscores his perspective,
and I too cherish the resilience and moral fiber of our liberal democracy in
the United States. However, my concerns regarding anti-Israel sentiment stem
from broader and more nuanced observations of global and historical trends, not
just current or localized events.
The comparison between the fight for LGBTQ rights and the
struggle against antisemitism, while illustrating many noble aspects of liberal
democracy, might oversimplify the complexities surrounding Israel's
geopolitical situation and the nature of anti-Zionism, both in America and
world-wide. The latter often intersects with deeply ingrained political,
religious, and cultural narratives that transcend the admirable American ethos
of equality and justice for all.
Furthermore, while the notion that anti-Zionism is a fringe
element destined to wane holds emotional appeal, empirical evidence suggests
that it has, regrettably, found a more substantial foothold in various segments
of Western societies – even in America -- than one might hope. Furthermore, the younger one is, the more
statistically noticeable this is. This
makes it much harder to think it will ‘go away.’
This is not to say that the anti-Israel approach will
dominate or run indefinitely, but rather that they pose a significant challenge
that requires vigilant, sustained, and sophisticated engagement. They will not be
crushed and go away, like overt racism mostly was years ago and which I predict
will be the fate of overt antisemitism – Wassim Kanaan schooled me when he
noted to the New
York Times that “This has nothing to do with the Jewish faith. It has everything to do with the policies of
the state of Israel and its treatment of Palestinians. But there’s a
weaponization of antisemitism allegations to silence advocates for Palestine.” No one wants to be labeled an antisemite,
even opponents of Israel.
The resurgence of anti-Zionism and anti-Israelism in certain
academic and political circles, particularly under the guise of legitimate
criticism of Israeli policies, necessitates a nuanced response that
acknowledges the complexity of the issues at hand while steadfastly opposing
bigotry in any form: we need to make sure that we do not become the bigots we
oppose. So too, it's crucial to differentiate between valid criticism of
Israeli government actions and the delegitimization of a nation's right to
exist.
Of course, as one of my friends noted, the true wild card in
the entire equation is a factor that American Jewry cannot control; namely the
decisions that Israel makes since October 7th. We are constantly forced to
explain or justify policies that we do not shape and are not concerned with our
needs. In fairness, we are not facing the challenges and dangers that Israelis
face daily, but this often leaves us in a politically precarious spot. Do we
reflexively defend all the IDF’s actions (out of both solidarity and an
appreciation of the larger dangers that Israel encounters) or are we critical
as well sometimes even though we are inadvertently joining with true “haters”
of the medina? Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to that question. Neither mindless support nor harsh criticism
is helpful, and the golden mean is hard to find.
Your faith in the pendulum swing of public opinion and the
inherent goodness of the American people is both admirable and shared. Indeed,
the values of democracy, freedom, and innovation that Israel embodies are morally
compelling and should be more widely known and appreciated. This, however, does
not negate the need for proactive measures to combat the rise of anti-Israel
sentiment in America, which have and will continue to erode the very
foundations of support upon which Israel relies on. Furthermore, I have little
illusions that we will clearly win this battle.
Yet, we need to wage this political battle: American support of Israel
helps America in countless ways, and we need to work as hard as we can to
explain that, for Israel and Americas sake.
Additionally, those of you who think that if this or that
candidate wins the next election, then the matter will go away, are deeply mistaken. The matter will ebb and flow I suspect for more
than a decade and we need to be prepared for both the ebb and the flow.
The alliance with evangelical Christians, while significant,
is not a panacea. It is but one part of a broader strategy that must also
include engaging with those who do not share their views, including many within
the progressive community who might be swayed by a more comprehensive
understanding of the issues. Furthermore,
these convenient alliances never win consistently and when they lose, payback for
whom one’s allies are is a normal part of the political process, and a great
deal of care is needed.
We really really need to exercise a lot of due care. Just between us, I have my doubts that the
political leadership of our American Jewish community has been battle-tested for
these conditions. I worry that we are behind
the well-fortified Maginot
line and the unexpected water cannons are approaching the Bar Lev line. Our
strategies do not reflect the realities we actually face, and our tactics are already
out or date, unbeknownst to us. Sometimes I worry our political alliances turn
us into the proverbial gang member who is instructed [by someone who wants him
dead] to come to a gun fight holding a knife – armed enough to be shot, but not
armed enough to actually defend hilself.
In sum, I am scared.
In closing, while I share your hope for a future where both antisemitism
and anti-Zionism are relegated to the margins of society, I believe that this
is not achievable in the short term. If
we work hard and marshal resources well, I hope and think we can mostly suppress
the antisemitic uncaged lion that is roaming the fields. Anti-Israelism
is here for the longer run, I suspect. The work ahead is considerable, and it
demands a concerted effort from all who cherish democracy, freedom, and the
right of all peoples, including the Jewish people, to religious freedom and self-determination.
Thank you again for your engagement and for prompting this
essential dialogue. It is only through such exchanges that we can hope to
foster a more informed and compassionate understanding of these complex issues.
Rabbi Broyde's most recent Torah article is on whether there
is a bracha when
seeing an eclipse.