An American Rabbi Is Done

Young rabbi of a mainstream Jewish congregation in Evanston, Illinois, a rich Chicago suburb. He says this on his blog:
Shalom Rav.

"The news today out of Israel and Gaza makes me just sick to my stomach.

I know, I can already hear the responses: every nation has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens. If the Qassams stopped, Israel wouldn’t be forced to take military action. Hamas also bears responsibility for this tragic situation…

I could answer each and every one of these claims in turn, but I’m ready to stop this perverse game of rhetorical ping-pong. I don’t buy the rationalizations any more. I’m so tired of the apologetics. How on earth will squeezing the life out of Gaza, not to mention bombing the living hell out of it, ensure the safety of Israeli citizens?

We good liberal Jews are ready to protest oppression and human-rights abuse anywhere in the world, but are all too willing to give Israel a pass. It’s a fascinating double-standard, and one I understand all too well. I understand it because I’ve been just as responsible as anyone else for perpetrating it.

So no more rationalizations. What Israel has been doing to the people of Gaza is an outrage. It has has brought neither safety nor security to the people of Israel and it has wrought nothing but misery and tragedy upon the people of Gaza.

There, I’ve said it. Now what do I do?"

Rabbi Brant and any other American who feels as you do - call your Congressional representatives tomorrow. Follow up with a letter. Organize a group of your allies and friends to visit their offices (local or in Washington). You might only meet with an aide, but they will hear of it. Our leaders understand more about Palestine and Israel than they let on, but they won't move to support justice without assurance of political will.

And blessings upon you, Rabbi Brant.

Hat tip Phil Weiss, who is on fire. You must read his blog. He has links and quotes from all kinds of people, most of them Jewish, who are outraged. He thinks the tide is turning.

Comments

[Janet Dietz]

Leila - Thank you for all the links on the Israeli attack on Gaza. We are having a demonstration against this war in Portland, Oregon, today. Might not do much - but I hope the message gets back to Palestinians that not all Americans support the Israeli government. Janet

[Antoun]

Janet,
We've held two large demonstrations in Australia. 2,000 in Sydney on Monday, and 2,000 in Melbourne yesterday.

A tiny column in a local paper was our only coverage, but we'll keep trying, writing, yelling, and protesting until someone hears.