The IsraelExperts team has been traveling Israel very much on both sides of the fence the past few weeks (figuratively and literally).We’ve taken several groups into Palestine – including an Ameinu mission as well as another organization often viewed as politically to the right. With equal passion I have found myself arguing with people on both the left and right of the political spectrum. I find the discussions to be emotionally draining and immensely painful for two reasons. First, that thoughtful, rational and intelligent people make proposals I view as radical, immoral and unethical. Second, that at the same time, part of my own “hardened heart” is softened and touched by their arguments – both appalled and empathetic at the same time. I’m constantly walking both sides of the fence as a pro-peace Israeli. Being concerned about the future and security of Israel means looking in the mirror and facing the troublesome narrow-mindedness in our society and working toward change.
Today I’m back in the office and considering whether security and safety concerns mean changing itineraries for groups heading south to do programs at unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Negev with NISPED: Negev Strategies of Peace & Development http://www.nisped.org.il/, and on the Gaza-Israel-Egypt boarder at Kirot Yamit http://www.eshkol.lanegev.co.il/kirotyamit.html. These programs may need to be canceled as violence has escalated along the Gaza border. In the last week 10 rockets have been fired from Gaza into the western Negev.
It’s a constant struggle not to sink into despair. Religious and political leaders preach hatred and racism. We’re faced with more and more calls for boycott, divestment and sanctions. Rockets are falling; Friends and family are in the army. Hunger, violence and humiliation are part of the daily routine for Palestinians.
On the other hand, evaluations of one of our programs led us and our partners to the conclusion that we must also focus on the magnificent sparks of light shining in the darkness of the matzav (the “situation”) here in Israel & Palestine. It’s imperative that we give support to those individuals and organizations working toward change and having a positive impact. They present the issues – and also how we can make a difference. They provide hope and inspiration that cooperation, dialogue and change are not impossible.
• Young orthodox Israeli Jews protesting against racism (https://sites.google.com/site/gerimheyitem/home.
• Over 200 Israelis attended a gathering organized by South Africans who made aliya “inspired by the vision of an enlightened, moral society and state that are both meaningfully Jewish and genuinely democratic” many of whom are deeply distressed by bitter travesties of that vision happening around us every day and want to do something.
• Rabbis for Human Rights efforts to support Palestinian olive farmers http://www.rhr.org.il/
• At Kibbutz Ein Shemer young Jewish & Arab Israeli leaders are involved in a variety of coexistence and ecology endeavors impacting the next generation http://www.greenhouse.org.il/
• A leadership group from the University of Kansas Hillel (funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City) spent the weekend in home hospitality with young Jewish & Arab Israeli leaders from Ramla involved in dialogue and community activism through Keshatot http://www.kshatot.co.il/.
מן המצר קראתי יה
ענני במרחב יה
ה’ לי בעוזרי
From out of the troublesome narrowness I called to Gd
Gd answered me with openness
Gd is with me in those who help
Psalm 118:5, 7
When you discuss and debate Israel, and especially when you come here, please be sure to take time to appreciate the magnificent sparks of light.
L’Shalom,
Steve
p.s. After nearly 10 years I’m finally going to (hopefully) finish my rabbinic studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and graduate this spring! Varda & the kids are staying at Gezer while I complete my studies February 3 – June 14 in Philadelphia. I have a place to live but am still working on a car & cell phone. I’m also looking for weekend gigs. Happy to lead tfilot, teach about Israel, work with faculty, adult education, scholar-in-residence, play music & just hang out. Please let me know if you have ideas and/or opportunities.
