I like reading The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. The Chronicle is our town hall and public square, and I assume that whatever is of significance in my Jewish life is discussed here.
The Chronicle often describes with pride the achievements of the state of Israel, but it also publishes with prominence the agenda of organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace who undermine the current policies of the democratically-elected Israeli government.
I cannot accept the right of Jews presenting themselves as Jews, going to Congress to protest the Israeli government. I do not believe that being critical of Israel is “absolutely legitimate.” In my home and Jewish being, criticizing Israel needs to be done very carefully and thoughtfully.
I am writing to convince you to discuss American Jewish topics, rather than undermining Israeli policies.
The government leading Israel today is the result of a democratic process which repeats periodically. Once a government is formed it must be allowed to conduct affairs of state without Zionist pretenders undermining its actions.
Even Israelis who live there have no right to advertise to the world misdeeds of their government. They do have the right to criticize the declared positions and decisions of Israel at home, and they will have to face the consequences of their choices, associated with life and death.
American Jewry cannot assume to be in support of the State of Israel and undermine the actions of its government at the same time.
Here comes the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Everyone has the right to express his opinion on whatever. This is true, and it is one of my most beloved amendments. How can we limit the right for free speech?
Well, I don’t suggest so. I do suggest that organizations dedicated to undermine the declared positions of the Israeli government should not be given the opportunity to publish articles with respected headlines and space in my Jewish Chronicle.
I know expressing an opinion on matters you are pretty much certain will not affect your immediate existence is one of our most popular sports. Who am I to take this pleasure away? Everyone among us has an opinion about what is going on in Israel and feels compelled to express it to save lives.
In case you worry that Israelis are missing the point, let me assure you that they are quick to speak against their government. Israeli news media are loaded with attacks on the government, its officials and their spouses.
Arab terrorists get long minutes of spoken quotations in our news media without inviting Israeli official response. Israelis are making comfortable livings creating damning reports on Israeli military monstrosities, the torture of terrorists, abuse of Arab children and poor municipal services.
They sell these reports to the European Union and American organizations, exercising their right of free speech. They can do it because Israel has elected to allow it to happen.
Those who write these reports face the same dangers as other Israelis and have to meet their neighbors every day. No further outside Jewish help is needed, especially not in Jewish publications that promote unity and hope for Israel’s safety.
Israel is the only place on earth which recognizes our right to exist as a unique people. It is in the middle of one of the worst periods of fire and earthquake since World War II.
It tries desperately to keep its house protected, while those who go to the U.S. government and Congress to tell of Israel’s so called deficiencies are helping destroy the walls protecting Israel.
So what is an energetic Jew to do without having to get out of the chair? Let me give you a few subjects that need be discussed before we all go into oblivion like our Spanish and German brethren.
We rarely discuss the business of galut (exile). Why are we here and not there? Who are our leaders? How do we express our Judaism? What are the agreed principles that we should unite around?
How do we show our support for such Jewish unity? Is the local Jewish federation the right body and if so shouldn’t every self-professed Jew pay at least a shekel to declare support? (They should!)
How should we organize our worship? Is the division between Reform and Conservative helpful for our Jewish existence? What about non-Jews who marry Jews?
Why is Jonathan Pollard still in jail? What are we afraid of? And I have plenty more suggestions.
So, in this time of turmoil let us unite around the only thing which is 100 percent Jewish and in our favor, the Israeli state and its leaders, and do what we can to make it safer.
Jerusalem native Giora Katz is a physician living in Manitowoc.
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