Comments on: “How do I deal with it? How do you deal with it? You pay for it!” A Reflection on Jerusalem and American Responsibility

By: Dan Wolk

Dan Wolk — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:08:19 +0000

Rabbi Brian, you hit the nail on the head. Why are US taxpayers willing to pay for illegal Israeli settlements and oppression of Palestinians in the midst of a recession? I can only guess that it’s because we taxpayers have no idea how much money is involved. If we did, there would likely be a chorus of protest.
I was appalled at the arrogance of the Israeli spokesmen when asked about the recent announcement of housing development for Jews in E Jerusalem, saying that the only problem was the timing. What Chutzpah. It’s time to say “Dayenu” to aid to Israel!

By: Cy L Swartz

Cy L Swartz — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:37:03 +0000

My wife and I – and others in Philadelphia have not been able to stnd it for te past ten years. Our tax dollars have been funding these violations of human rights in the West Bank and Jerusalem. We stand in vigil EVERY riday in Philadelphia – joined by fellow Americans from many different religious and politicalbackgrounds! We sign petitions – lobby our representatives in Washington and raise as much money as we can to support all of the other US – Israeli – Palestinian organizations that are actively opposing the ongoing recacitrance of the Israeli establishment. House demolitions and new settlements are not paths to peace! As faithful Jews we have no choice but “rodeph shalom”!

By: Mehnaz

Mehnaz — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:18:15 +0000

We do pay for it, that’s why i think we need to change things here….

By: Nicholas Booni

Nicholas Booni — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:46:34 +0000

Dear Brian:

I often think of this line from Allen Ginsberg’s Poem “Death to Van Gogh’s Ear!”

“jet plane streaks among the clouds - sky writers liars in the face of Divinity”

LIARS IN THE FACE OF DIVINITY… what a thought.

Over the years I have used the line and filled in my own blanks.

Today it might be…

Israel builds new settlements on Palestinian territory, liars in the face of divinity.

Small cancelation,

Best always,

By: rabbibrian

rabbibrian — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:02:15 +0000

Thanks Anita. I am grateful that you shared Yehiel’s title and I would add that it is so important that there is one rabbi in Israel who has that sacred job. You all deserve to be proud of his work and the work of Rabbis for Human Rights. I think I mentioned the boy in Hevron in my post, at least I meant to do so. Thanks again for the links to that story.

By: rabbibrian

rabbibrian — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:59:19 +0000

Thanks Stephanie for your reflection. The response of your family is very common here in Israel. What right do you have to criticize Israel. You haven’t made the commitment and you won’t bear the consequences. Israelis are absolutely correct that it is they who must make the decisions but they can’t have it both ways, we make the decisions and you have to support us financially, diplomatically, politically and in ever other way. The American involvement in Israel is enormous and without that support, Israel would face much more pressure to build a democratic society where people are treated equally regardless of ethnic orig in. As long as Israel gets the support and cover from the U.S., it is morally irresponsible for Americans not to insist that our government force Israel to adhere to basic human rights standards of equality. If they choose not to, the U.S. should cut it’s support. Why is America so compliant when Israel again and again greets visits by our leaders with announcements of new settlements. And, as Louis Frankenthaler, points out the timing is offensive, but the real issue is the reality of the evictions, home demolitions along with the massive constructiion for only one ethnic group. Taking this position is complicated for us as American Jews who are deeply connected to Israel, but in the long run, it is the best way to support Israel and we must put an end to the hypocrisy of being liberal on every issue except Palestine. Jews and most major Jewish organizations would be horrified at such ethnic discrimination in the U.S. If it is not O.K. in the U.S. why is it O.K. in Israel?

By: rabbibrian

rabbibrian — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:49:07 +0000

I assume you are referring to District 6 in Cape Town. When I was a child my father owned a store on the outskirts of District 6, maybe it was even in District 6. I remember when the area was declared a “White area” and the “Coloureds” were evicted. Reflecting on it now, most of my community, my parents, their friends were opposed to the decision of the government but we did not stop it. Many Israelis are opposed to the settlements, and many even to the settlements in Jerusalem but I doubt there is enough community commitment to stop it. Action here alongside fierce advocacy by Americans for U.S. intervention, may bring a halt to the present suicidal course that the Israeli government, the Jerusalem municipality and the settlers have chosen.

By: Beth Harris

Beth Harris — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:38:29 +0000

Louis and Rabbi Brian, I totally agree with the ridiculous media attention to the “timing” of the home demolition orders. I will share your thoughts, Rabbi Brian, in my communities.

By: Jane Easley

Jane Easley — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:37:02 +0000

Brian,
I’m afraid it’s District 6 all over again. Thanks for your thoughtful words.

Jane

By: Stephanie Schamess

Stephanie Schamess — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:23:20 +0000

A very moving post, Brian. When I visited my relatives in Israel at the end of our RHR trip in 2008, I felt awkward about my activism, even though they are more or less left-wing. What business did I, an American, have coming to their country to criticize, to take photos and keep a journal for the purpose of giving presentations back in the USA that would not exactly present Israel in a good light? It occurred to me then that what gave me the right to do so was precisely what you write about: my taxes — our taxes — pay for much of the worst of what we saw. Since then, that is what I’ve said to people who raise that issue.
I have been glad of the chance to read your blog and hear first hand from you about what’s going on. Thank you.