Controversial topic, I know.
But I recently had a conversation with a very close Jewish friend who I love dearly. I was expressing my horror at Israel's actions recently. Without a beat this friend accused me not only of antisemitism, but of denying my own faith (I was raised Jewish and definitely identify as culturally Jewish)
This isn't the first time this has happened. Most of the people I speak to, particularly Americans, cringe at even the slightest criticism of Israel. And to be honest, I get it. Jews have be displaced basically since their inception. With the Holocaust it was almost a last-straw effect, where the world seemed to pay attention and Israel became a top priority.
I understand this, and I do believe that Israel should exist. But not at the expense of human life.
I believe the people running Israel are not the same as the Israeli people. I was in Hebrew class last year, and some of my classmates were literally yelling about the Gaza strip, outraged at Israel was even considering giving it back. My teacher, a small Israeli woman who had lived her whole there, silenced the class with a look. She told us solemnly that she believed Israel should give up Gaza. The death isn't worth it, she explained, obviously recalling memories of her time in the army.
I think we need to listen to more voices like hers. We need to believe in human compassion. I am not a jew-hating jew because I criticize Israel. Quite the opposite actually. I love my people, and I do not want them to make the sort of terrible mistakes that have been occurring.
Maybe if I speak up, others will as well, and something positive can change.
I welcome comments or questions.
