CONTACT

WINTER 2003/ADAR 5763 VOLUME 5 NUMBER 2 THE JOURNAL OF JEWISH LIFE NETWORK /

American Jews and Israel at a Time of Crisis contact WINTER 2003/ADAR 5763 VOLUME 5 NUMBER 2 American Jews and Israel at a Time of Crisis JEWISH LIFE NETWORK / he concept of clal yisrael teaches that the Jewish people are bound together in mutual experience, responsibility and destiny. In the United States and Israel, the countries in Eli Valley which the vast majority of the world’s Jewish population dwells, it has not always been Editor T easy to apprehend our shared experience. Israel has struggled against hostile neighbors Erica Coleman since its modern rebirth. American Jews, by contrast, have enjoyed domestic harmony and free- Copy Editor dom from anti-Semitism for half a century. During the heady 1990’s, however, the lives and cul- ture of American Jews and Israelis finally seemed to be converging. Israel’s economy was David Winter booming, anchored by the same high-technology sector that propelled the American expansion. Administration A generation of Israelis, raised on the dream of Oslo, basked in a “peace dividend” marked by a decidedly American-styled culture. There was hope that once a final peace settlement was Janet Mann reached, Israel would be freed from its ongoing struggle for both existence and acceptance, and Administration would achieve a degree of democratic stability not unlike America’s. In the past two years, the Palestinian war of terrorism has offered a bracing rejoinder to this Yakov Wisniewski dream. Not since the early 1970s has the daily experience of Israelis and American Jews Design Director diverged more. Despite the attacks of September 11, American Jews do not live in the same shadow of potential violence as do Israelis. Nor are we facing the fury of our neighbors or the JEWISH LIFE NETWORK same ostracism on the part of the international community. Although daily life in Israel is STEINHARDT FOUNDATION nowhere near as miserable as it appears in the media, the dissonance between the experiences of American Jews and Israelis has given rise to a sense of guilt and powerlessness on this side of Michael H. Steinhardt the divide. We yearn to connect with Israelis, to do what we can to ease the pain of crisis and Chairman war. We have memories of the 1940s, when too much of American Jewry stood silent during the Holocaust, and we are determined not to let history repeat itself. If clal yisrael means that we are Rabbi Irving Greenberg one people, then it is impossible for American Jewry to be at peace while Israel is at war. President This issue of CONTACT explores various ways American Jews are connecting to Israel during a period of ongoing crisis. For some, this means experiencing Israel physically through Israel Rabbi David Gedzelman programs and Aliyah. For others, it means engagement on campus and with our elected repre- Executive Director sentatives. Each of our contributors offers personal and programmatic reflections on increasing Jonathan J. Greenberg z”l the strength of clal yisrael during a period of crisis for the Jewish people. The Meaning of Today Founding Director Solidarity with Israel need not necessitate a demand for blind allegiance. It is an understandable if Israel distressing product of crisis that our community has been less open to dissenting opinions in the by RABBI YITZ GREENBERG CONTACT is produced and past two years. Those who oppose Israeli policies or who sympathize with the suffering of Palestini- distributed by Jewish Life Network/ ans have often been labeled disloyal, self-hating or traitorous, even when they espouse positions ver since the modern state of Israel became a who diminished Israel’s importance, arguing that Steinhardt Foundation, 6 East 39th favored by a majority of Israelis. Unfortunately, our leaders have not taken steps to quell the intoler- The connection reality, there have been recurrent claims that Diaspora Jewry was independent of and superior to Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016. ance and indeed have adopted policies that inordinately express the views of a small but vocal seg- Israel is losing its emotional centrality in the schools of Jerusalem. In parallel fashion, the ment of the community. While the advantages of a united leadership front are clear, we must ask Phone: (212) 279-2288 between American Jewish life. In recent years, Steven closing of ranks and the overwhelming solidarity of ourselves at what cost we are advancing a unified agenda. It is time for the leaders of Jewish organi- Fax: (212) 279-1155 M. Cohen has published surveys charting American Jewry with Israel since Intifada II began in zations to demand that the vilification end, and for our organizations to adopt policies representing Email: [email protected] Israel and not just the views of an extremist minority, but of all the American Jews they purport to serve. the declining intensity, by generations, of September, 2000, is a strong indicator of the unbro- Eidentification with Israel. Others cite the negative ken bedrock of the connection. Copyright © 2003 by Jewish Life Network. the Jewish media images of Israel as alienating younger genera- The logic of Jewish attachment to Israel has tions from the Jewish state. Both claims fail to meas- grown stronger since 1948. The actualized state has Eli Valley people has ure the depth of the relationship between world proven to be even more magnetic than the common- WELCOME RABBI DAVID GEDZELMAN Jewry and Israel. Indeed, the connection between wealth fantasized in Jewish dreams for two thou- been essential Israel and the Jewish people has been essential to sand years. This is because Israel is the realization Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation extends a warm welcome to Rabbi David Gedzel- the healthy Jewish soul for millennia. While surface of Jewry’s deepest beliefs. From earliest Biblical man, our new Executive Director. David assumes the position formerly held by JJ Greenberg, Jewish Life Network is dedicated to to the healthy feelings for Israel are more volatile and subject to days, Jewish religion taught that Jewry has a special strengthening and transforming Ameri- Executive and Founding Director, who died tragically after being struck by an automobile while bicycling in Israel in September. the vicissitudes of daily news, the deeper attach- connection to the land of Israel. Rabbinic culture can Jewry to ensure a flourishing, sus- Jewish soul ment is undiminished. emphasized that, once national independence was David has been actively involved with JLN since 1995, when he was recruited to conceive and tainable community in a fully integrated The true picture emerges in moments of crisis, restored, the history interrupted by exile would free society. We seek to revitalize Jewish develop JLN’s nascent Makor center in New York City. As the Creative and Rabbinic Director of for millennia. Makor, David created and led a cutting-edge venue for Jewish New Yorkers in their 20s and 30s when the full intensity of Jewish feeling for Israel come to life again. Even more: the Jewish soul was identity through educational, religious erupts. The fierce rallying around Israel in 1967 so attuned to Israel that once the people was and cultural initiatives that are designed to experience innovative arts, cultural and educational programming. retroactively debunked claims by leading American replanted in the promised land, the ground would to reach out to all Jews, with an empha- Before serving at Makor, David was Director of Hillel and Rabbi in Residence at the University Jewish spokesmen that American Jews were “Ameri- sustain a higher demographic and cultural vitality. sis on those who are on the margins of of Judaism in Los Angeles. He also served as Director of Hillel at Pierce and Valley Colleges in cans first,” and that Israel’s importance had declined. The evidence of five decades is clear. Israeli Jewry is Jewish life. Woodland Hills, California. At the same time, he was a Lecturer in Rabbinics at the University of Judaism Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Similarly undercut were those spiritual spokesmen the only Jewish community whose population is grow- ing by internal biological energy and not just by immi- Photographs in this issue appear courtesy of contribu- We look forward to working with David in the development and implementation of programs tors and Art Today. designed to strengthen American Jewry. Rabbi Yitz Greenberg is President of Jewish Life Network/Stein- gration from abroad. The majority Jewish population hardt Foundation. has created a comprehensive national culture in which

2 CONTACT WINTER 2003 3 contact WINTER 2003/ADAR 5763 VOLUME 5 NUMBER 2 American Jews and Israel at a Time of Crisis JEWISH LIFE NETWORK / he concept of clal yisrael teaches that the Jewish people are bound together in mutual experience, responsibility and destiny. In the United States and Israel, the countries in Eli Valley which the vast majority of the world’s Jewish population dwells, it has not always been Editor T easy to apprehend our shared experience. Israel has struggled against hostile neighbors Erica Coleman since its modern rebirth. American Jews, by contrast, have enjoyed domestic harmony and free- Copy Editor dom from anti-Semitism for half a century. During the heady 1990’s, however, the lives and cul- ture of American Jews and Israelis finally seemed to be converging. Israel’s economy was David Winter booming, anchored by the same high-technology sector that propelled the American expansion. Administration A generation of Israelis, raised on the dream of Oslo, basked in a “peace dividend” marked by a decidedly American-styled culture. There was hope that once a final peace settlement was Janet Mann reached, Israel would be freed from its ongoing struggle for both existence and acceptance, and Administration would achieve a degree of democratic stability not unlike America’s. In the past two years, the Palestinian war of terrorism has offered a bracing rejoinder to this Yakov Wisniewski dream. Not since the early 1970s has the daily experience of Israelis and American Jews Design Director diverged more. Despite the attacks of September 11, American Jews do not live in the same shadow of potential violence as do Israelis. Nor are we facing the fury of our neighbors or the JEWISH LIFE NETWORK same ostracism on the part of the international community. Although daily life in Israel is STEINHARDT FOUNDATION nowhere near as miserable as it appears in the media, the dissonance between the experiences of American Jews and Israelis has given rise to a sense of guilt and powerlessness on this side of Michael H. Steinhardt the divide. We yearn to connect with Israelis, to do what we can to ease the pain of crisis and Chairman war. We have memories of the 1940s, when too much of American Jewry stood silent during the Holocaust, and we are determined not to let history repeat itself. If clal yisrael means that we are Rabbi Irving Greenberg one people, then it is impossible for American Jewry to be at peace while Israel is at war. President This issue of CONTACT explores various ways American Jews are connecting to Israel during a period of ongoing crisis. For some, this means experiencing Israel physically through Israel Rabbi David Gedzelman programs and Aliyah. For others, it means engagement on campus and with our elected repre- Executive Director sentatives. Each of our contributors offers personal and programmatic reflections on increasing Jonathan J. Greenberg z”l the strength of clal yisrael during a period of crisis for the Jewish people. The Meaning of Today Founding Director Solidarity with Israel need not necessitate a demand for blind allegiance. It is an understandable if Israel distressing product of crisis that our community has been less open to dissenting opinions in the by RABBI YITZ GREENBERG CONTACT is produced and past two years. Those who oppose Israeli policies or who sympathize with the suffering of Palestini- distributed by Jewish Life Network/ ans have often been labeled disloyal, self-hating or traitorous, even when they espouse positions ver since the modern state of Israel became a who diminished Israel’s importance, arguing that Steinhardt Foundation, 6 East 39th favored by a majority of Israelis. Unfortunately, our leaders have not taken steps to quell the intoler- The connection reality, there have been recurrent claims that Diaspora Jewry was independent of and superior to Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016. ance and indeed have adopted policies that inordinately express the views of a small but vocal seg- Israel is losing its emotional centrality in the schools of Jerusalem. In parallel fashion, the ment of the community. While the advantages of a united leadership front are clear, we must ask Phone: (212) 279-2288 between American Jewish life. In recent years, Steven closing of ranks and the overwhelming solidarity of ourselves at what cost we are advancing a unified agenda. It is time for the leaders of Jewish organi- Fax: (212) 279-1155 M. Cohen has published surveys charting American Jewry with Israel since Intifada II began in zations to demand that the vilification end, and for our organizations to adopt policies representing Email: [email protected] Israel and not just the views of an extremist minority, but of all the American Jews they purport to serve. the declining intensity, by generations, of September, 2000, is a strong indicator of the unbro- Eidentification with Israel. Others cite the negative ken bedrock of the connection. Copyright © 2003 by Jewish Life Network. the Jewish media images of Israel as alienating younger genera- The logic of Jewish attachment to Israel has tions from the Jewish state. Both claims fail to meas- grown stronger since 1948. The actualized state has Eli Valley people has ure the depth of the relationship between world proven to be even more magnetic than the common- WELCOME RABBI DAVID GEDZELMAN Jewry and Israel. Indeed, the connection between wealth fantasized in Jewish dreams for two thou- been essential Israel and the Jewish people has been essential to sand years. This is because Israel is the realization Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation extends a warm welcome to Rabbi David Gedzel- the healthy Jewish soul for millennia. While surface of Jewry’s deepest beliefs. From earliest Biblical man, our new Executive Director. David assumes the position formerly held by JJ Greenberg, Jewish Life Network is dedicated to to the healthy feelings for Israel are more volatile and subject to days, Jewish religion taught that Jewry has a special strengthening and transforming Ameri- Executive and Founding Director, who died tragically after being struck by an automobile while bicycling in Israel in September. the vicissitudes of daily news, the deeper attach- connection to the land of Israel. Rabbinic culture can Jewry to ensure a flourishing, sus- Jewish soul ment is undiminished. emphasized that, once national independence was David has been actively involved with JLN since 1995, when he was recruited to conceive and tainable community in a fully integrated The true picture emerges in moments of crisis, restored, the history interrupted by exile would free society. We seek to revitalize Jewish develop JLN’s nascent Makor center in New York City. As the Creative and Rabbinic Director of for millennia. Makor, David created and led a cutting-edge venue for Jewish New Yorkers in their 20s and 30s when the full intensity of Jewish feeling for Israel come to life again. Even more: the Jewish soul was identity through educational, religious erupts. The fierce rallying around Israel in 1967 so attuned to Israel that once the people was and cultural initiatives that are designed to experience innovative arts, cultural and educational programming. retroactively debunked claims by leading American replanted in the promised land, the ground would to reach out to all Jews, with an empha- Before serving at Makor, David was Director of Hillel and Rabbi in Residence at the University Jewish spokesmen that American Jews were “Ameri- sustain a higher demographic and cultural vitality. sis on those who are on the margins of of Judaism in Los Angeles. He also served as Director of Hillel at Pierce and Valley Colleges in cans first,” and that Israel’s importance had declined. The evidence of five decades is clear. Israeli Jewry is Jewish life. Woodland Hills, California. At the same time, he was a Lecturer in Rabbinics at the University of Judaism Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Similarly undercut were those spiritual spokesmen the only Jewish community whose population is grow- ing by internal biological energy and not just by immi- Photographs in this issue appear courtesy of contribu- We look forward to working with David in the development and implementation of programs tors and Art Today. designed to strengthen American Jewry. Rabbi Yitz Greenberg is President of Jewish Life Network/Stein- gration from abroad. The majority Jewish population hardt Foundation. has created a comprehensive national culture in which

2 CONTACT WINTER 2003 3 and with the processes of modernization n a recent rainy evening, I attended a and democracy. Now, Diaspora Jews find controversial talk with Peace Now’s themselves under attack by the forces Galia Golan and Dr. Sari Nusseibeh, that lead the backlash against Israel for O The Palestinian Authority’s Commis- its unyielding policies of self-defense. sioner for Jerusalem Affairs. While standing Willingness to confront these pressures in line towards the entrance, I was greeted for the sake of each other is the litmus by protesters across the street shouting that test of Jewish identity and loyalty today. I was “a self-hating Jew and an anti-Semite,” This is why travel to Israel to connect along with things less appropriate to print. I personally to Israelis is the current crite- thought to myself: I have tabled for Israel on campus for three hours today, attended two rion of taking responsibility for Jewish other Israel-related events this week, and I history. Those who do not go are, in date a combat soldier in the IDF who is cur- effect, saying that “I am lucky enough to rently serving in the territories. What else be out of the line of fire” and abandon- community on campus. Its members were ing Israelis to their fate on the front line. certainly different from the Jewish commu- The act of returning to the land of nity I grew up with. I initially resigned Israel was not only an affirmation and myself to four years without Jews. I saw fulfillment of the classic prophetic Pro-IsraelWith my differences with them as being more Israel is the place where the prime existential decisions of promise that the covenant is unbroken integral to who I was than my similarities. Jewish history taken in the twentieth century are validated. (“...there will again be heard in the cities An Open I occasionally stopped by the Bronfman of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem Center to attend political events, and took by KELLEN KAISER Mind secret pleasure in being involved on at that are desolate... the sound of rejoicing the calendar communicates the catechism protect the value of Jewish life. Second, and joy, the voice of the bridegroom and could they possibly want from me? uation. While I know my criticism of certain least some level. of Jewish faith and history to the masses. that in order to live and uphold Jewish the bride...” [Jeremiah 33, v. 10-11, 20- There are days where it isn’t easy to be Israeli policy comes from my love for the So when I was hired as a Grinspoon Hebrew is again a dynamic and explosively dignity, there is no choice but to reenter 21, 25]). The triumph of death in the a Zionist. But my Jewish upbringing and state and the foundational values on which it Israel Advocacy Intern on the NYU cam- growing language, suffusing all of modern history and take power. This permits us Shoah raised doubts about Jewish belief faith in core Jewish values remind me is based, my comments are sometimes misin- pus, it felt like I was being welcomed terpreted as disloyal. It is a careful balancing life with Jewish vocabulary and meaning. to have a significant say in Jewish fate. in God and Judaism’s teachings of the there’s a lot at stake. home. I would be able to organize for left- act, one that often leads me to preface any wing pro-Israel activity. They had made The “density” of Jewish life in Israel Although Diaspora Jewry eventually also ultimate victory of the good. The I grew up in liberal Northern Califor- qualm I have with, “As a Zionist...” Obvi- space for me, as I was. It is my job now to is amazing. Israel contains 40 percent- took up political action, Israel is the pri- reestablishment of vibrant Israeli life nia, in a very untraditional household that ously, I do not want to lend ammunition to manifest that niche for others. To create a plus of the world Jewish population, but mary exerciser of Jewish power. There, a after the Holocaust was the indispensa- was nevertheless welcomed into the local Israel’s detractors, to those who not only sense of inclusiveness for those who might 80 percent of youth attending full-time sovereign Jewish majority, guided by Jewish community. My family’s values were ble reassertion of the central Jewish want a Palestinian state but who seek to otherwise stand against us, unable to rec- Jewish educational schools live in the Jewish heritage, establishes political, reinforced through my involvement in teaching of redemption, i.e., the promise destroy Israel. I do believe, however, that to oncile their desire for community and their Jewish state. The vast bulk of the Israeli economic and military policies and car- that life would be stronger than death. Habonim Dror, a Labor Zionist youth movement, where I learned the benefits of avoid Israel’s problems in the name of unity desire for social justice. population — even the non-observant ries them out. Not surprisingly, Israel This validates the promise of the final critical thinking and the joys of communal is not to our collective benefit. It is a daunting task to endeavor the kind — experience Shabbat as a special day. has become the image of Jews world- perfection of the world. living. In my mind, it is only natural to There is a strong Jewish tradition of of paradigm shift I envision, even on a cam- Kosher food is a widely available norm, wide. Therefore, the credibility of Jewish After five decades, the entire Jewish equate Judaism with pluralism, compas- questioning and dissent, a process which pus-wide level. I have only just begun the not a minority ‘deviant’ cuisine. On Yom religion and ethics is set by the judg- people now experiences the astonishing sion and a respect for diversity. There is some have argued has helped to maintain process. It will have to continue long after I Kippur, the state of Israel exists on a dif- ment on Israeli behaviors. fact that, in the land of Israel, the past is abundant evidence to agree with me. From the vibrancy of our religion and has been graduate. But part of the work is foundation- ferent plane. Taking responsibility, Israel has res- intertwined with the present, and his- halachic commentary on tikkun olam to the source of our ongoing strength and building. When we bring progressive speak- For most Diaspora Jews, these cued Jewries at risk on three continents. tory and tradition come alive. Despite Israel’s modern socio-political climate, diversity. We see it, for example, in Israel’s ers to campus, it begins a history. We have aspects of Israel may be irrelevant to The fact that many Soviet and Argentin- Israel’s modernity and immersion in 21st there are a myriad of examples of Judaism government, a parliamentary democracy, worked to be proactive and positive in our their day-to-day lifestyle — but the ian Jews have sought security in lands Century culture, past, present and future serving as the foundation for a just society. where debate is often so boisterous that it focus, bringing in speakers who incorporate cumulative effect of this total Jewish other than Israel does not change the interact in a palpable way. This trans- It is with this conviction that I cannot be resembles a street fight. We cannot allow Zionism into their pursuit of social justice. I reality is transformational on them as importance (or the nobility) of what forms Jewish teaching into a personal silent to injustices carried out by or within our values to be sacrificed to the current encourage the campus media to attend these well. Those who personally encounter Israel has done. In offering asylum to experience. This is the secret and power the Jewish state. While it is true that Israel state of fear and grief. events and invite a broad range of people Israel experience Jewish identity as a persecuted Jews over the years, Israel has of birthright israel’s educational vision, serves as democracy’s sentinel in the Middle There is a sense of disappointment in who are currently unaffiliated. I also make universal, primary, natural human real- taken in more than triple the number of for Israel is a peerless resource for Jew- East, and is far ahead of its neighbors on all corners of the Jewish community, a sure to attend the events that the pro-Pales- ity. For many, this encounter liberates people in its own original population. ish learning and recovery of identity. In human rights issues, Israel still has work to sense of our current reality not being what tinian groups put on as well, in order to them from the Diaspora experience of This absorption involved vast financial Jerusalem, learning and Torah absorp- do. It must address its internal issues — the it should be. But those feelings are often make sure my beliefs are represented. I try to directed against those who are closest to Jewishness as a minority, second-class expense and a lowered standard of living tion reach extraordinarily intense levels. treatment of Israeli Arabs and other marginal keep a critical eye on everyone. Mostly, I us, those whom we would otherwise trust attempt to be open-minded and active so reflection of Gentile existence. Conse- — for the sake of immigrants! It was and In this atmosphere, classic norms communities, for example, and its treatment if we didn’t feel internally betrayed. The that people know they can come to me. quently, their inner lives and self-images continues to be an act of generosity become a force to be reckoned with and of the Palestinian population currently under left feels silenced and ignored, while the Indeed, in our attempts to define who as Jews are transformed. unparalleled in human history. Jewish memory is a mirror of reality. No its control. It must address them even as it is right feels unfairly persecuted. Many of is with us, we run the risk of leaving peo- Israel is also the place where the The lives and fates of all Jews have under attack, because with acknowledgment wonder Jewish values come alive in the these feelings transcend the political ple out. But as I’ve learned in my own prime existential decisions of Jewish his- become more intertwined. Israel’s victo- to Jewish history, such obligations to justice land of Israel. To paraphrase Winston boundaries and envelop us all. We must work these past few months, it was the tory taken in the twentieth century are ries and stature have given new dignity Churchill: the whole Jewish people must must be fulfilled regardless of circumstance. We cannot wait until all is well. maintain a proactive vision if we hope to faith I had in my good intentions, after all, validated. After the Shoah, world Jewry and status to Jews worldwide. Yet, in learn to bring in the new/old world of We, as American Jews, are in a tricky sit- bring change to the situation. Instead, we that brought me here. And in my explo- learned two primary lessons. First, that turn, Israel has faced hostility and even Israel to redress the balance [of assimila- are getting stuck in the details. ration, I have found that those whom I we are one people — united in fate and rejection because of its association with tion versus renaissance] in the old/new Kellen Kaiser is the Grinspoon Israel Advocacy When I first came to NYU, I felt perceived to be so different than me have dependent on each other to restore and Western Jews, with the United States, world of America. intern at New York University. extremely alienated from the active Jewish good intentions as well.

4 CONTACT WINTER 2003 5 and with the processes of modernization n a recent rainy evening, I attended a and democracy. Now, Diaspora Jews find controversial talk with Peace Now’s themselves under attack by the forces Galia Golan and Dr. Sari Nusseibeh, that lead the backlash against Israel for O The Palestinian Authority’s Commis- its unyielding policies of self-defense. sioner for Jerusalem Affairs. While standing Willingness to confront these pressures in line towards the entrance, I was greeted for the sake of each other is the litmus by protesters across the street shouting that test of Jewish identity and loyalty today. I was “a self-hating Jew and an anti-Semite,” This is why travel to Israel to connect along with things less appropriate to print. I personally to Israelis is the current crite- thought to myself: I have tabled for Israel on campus for three hours today, attended two rion of taking responsibility for Jewish other Israel-related events this week, and I history. Those who do not go are, in date a combat soldier in the IDF who is cur- effect, saying that “I am lucky enough to rently serving in the territories. What else be out of the line of fire” and abandon- community on campus. Its members were ing Israelis to their fate on the front line. certainly different from the Jewish commu- The act of returning to the land of nity I grew up with. I initially resigned Israel was not only an affirmation and myself to four years without Jews. I saw fulfillment of the classic prophetic Pro-IsraelWith my differences with them as being more Israel is the place where the prime existential decisions of promise that the covenant is unbroken integral to who I was than my similarities. Jewish history taken in the twentieth century are validated. (“...there will again be heard in the cities An Open I occasionally stopped by the Bronfman of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem Center to attend political events, and took by KELLEN KAISER Mind secret pleasure in being involved on at that are desolate... the sound of rejoicing the calendar communicates the catechism protect the value of Jewish life. Second, and joy, the voice of the bridegroom and could they possibly want from me? uation. While I know my criticism of certain least some level. of Jewish faith and history to the masses. that in order to live and uphold Jewish the bride...” [Jeremiah 33, v. 10-11, 20- There are days where it isn’t easy to be Israeli policy comes from my love for the So when I was hired as a Grinspoon Hebrew is again a dynamic and explosively dignity, there is no choice but to reenter 21, 25]). The triumph of death in the a Zionist. But my Jewish upbringing and state and the foundational values on which it Israel Advocacy Intern on the NYU cam- growing language, suffusing all of modern history and take power. This permits us Shoah raised doubts about Jewish belief faith in core Jewish values remind me is based, my comments are sometimes misin- pus, it felt like I was being welcomed terpreted as disloyal. It is a careful balancing life with Jewish vocabulary and meaning. to have a significant say in Jewish fate. in God and Judaism’s teachings of the there’s a lot at stake. home. I would be able to organize for left- act, one that often leads me to preface any wing pro-Israel activity. They had made The “density” of Jewish life in Israel Although Diaspora Jewry eventually also ultimate victory of the good. The I grew up in liberal Northern Califor- qualm I have with, “As a Zionist...” Obvi- space for me, as I was. It is my job now to is amazing. Israel contains 40 percent- took up political action, Israel is the pri- reestablishment of vibrant Israeli life nia, in a very untraditional household that ously, I do not want to lend ammunition to manifest that niche for others. To create a plus of the world Jewish population, but mary exerciser of Jewish power. There, a after the Holocaust was the indispensa- was nevertheless welcomed into the local Israel’s detractors, to those who not only sense of inclusiveness for those who might 80 percent of youth attending full-time sovereign Jewish majority, guided by Jewish community. My family’s values were ble reassertion of the central Jewish want a Palestinian state but who seek to otherwise stand against us, unable to rec- Jewish educational schools live in the Jewish heritage, establishes political, reinforced through my involvement in teaching of redemption, i.e., the promise destroy Israel. I do believe, however, that to oncile their desire for community and their Jewish state. The vast bulk of the Israeli economic and military policies and car- that life would be stronger than death. Habonim Dror, a Labor Zionist youth movement, where I learned the benefits of avoid Israel’s problems in the name of unity desire for social justice. population — even the non-observant ries them out. Not surprisingly, Israel This validates the promise of the final critical thinking and the joys of communal is not to our collective benefit. It is a daunting task to endeavor the kind — experience Shabbat as a special day. has become the image of Jews world- perfection of the world. living. In my mind, it is only natural to There is a strong Jewish tradition of of paradigm shift I envision, even on a cam- Kosher food is a widely available norm, wide. Therefore, the credibility of Jewish After five decades, the entire Jewish equate Judaism with pluralism, compas- questioning and dissent, a process which pus-wide level. I have only just begun the not a minority ‘deviant’ cuisine. On Yom religion and ethics is set by the judg- people now experiences the astonishing sion and a respect for diversity. There is some have argued has helped to maintain process. It will have to continue long after I Kippur, the state of Israel exists on a dif- ment on Israeli behaviors. fact that, in the land of Israel, the past is abundant evidence to agree with me. From the vibrancy of our religion and has been graduate. But part of the work is foundation- ferent plane. Taking responsibility, Israel has res- intertwined with the present, and his- halachic commentary on tikkun olam to the source of our ongoing strength and building. When we bring progressive speak- For most Diaspora Jews, these cued Jewries at risk on three continents. tory and tradition come alive. Despite Israel’s modern socio-political climate, diversity. We see it, for example, in Israel’s ers to campus, it begins a history. We have aspects of Israel may be irrelevant to The fact that many Soviet and Argentin- Israel’s modernity and immersion in 21st there are a myriad of examples of Judaism government, a parliamentary democracy, worked to be proactive and positive in our their day-to-day lifestyle — but the ian Jews have sought security in lands Century culture, past, present and future serving as the foundation for a just society. where debate is often so boisterous that it focus, bringing in speakers who incorporate cumulative effect of this total Jewish other than Israel does not change the interact in a palpable way. This trans- It is with this conviction that I cannot be resembles a street fight. We cannot allow Zionism into their pursuit of social justice. I reality is transformational on them as importance (or the nobility) of what forms Jewish teaching into a personal silent to injustices carried out by or within our values to be sacrificed to the current encourage the campus media to attend these well. Those who personally encounter Israel has done. In offering asylum to experience. This is the secret and power the Jewish state. While it is true that Israel state of fear and grief. events and invite a broad range of people Israel experience Jewish identity as a persecuted Jews over the years, Israel has of birthright israel’s educational vision, serves as democracy’s sentinel in the Middle There is a sense of disappointment in who are currently unaffiliated. I also make universal, primary, natural human real- taken in more than triple the number of for Israel is a peerless resource for Jew- East, and is far ahead of its neighbors on all corners of the Jewish community, a sure to attend the events that the pro-Pales- ity. For many, this encounter liberates people in its own original population. ish learning and recovery of identity. In human rights issues, Israel still has work to sense of our current reality not being what tinian groups put on as well, in order to them from the Diaspora experience of This absorption involved vast financial Jerusalem, learning and Torah absorp- do. It must address its internal issues — the it should be. But those feelings are often make sure my beliefs are represented. I try to directed against those who are closest to Jewishness as a minority, second-class expense and a lowered standard of living tion reach extraordinarily intense levels. treatment of Israeli Arabs and other marginal keep a critical eye on everyone. Mostly, I us, those whom we would otherwise trust attempt to be open-minded and active so reflection of Gentile existence. Conse- — for the sake of immigrants! It was and In this atmosphere, classic norms communities, for example, and its treatment if we didn’t feel internally betrayed. The that people know they can come to me. quently, their inner lives and self-images continues to be an act of generosity become a force to be reckoned with and of the Palestinian population currently under left feels silenced and ignored, while the Indeed, in our attempts to define who as Jews are transformed. unparalleled in human history. Jewish memory is a mirror of reality. No its control. It must address them even as it is right feels unfairly persecuted. Many of is with us, we run the risk of leaving peo- Israel is also the place where the The lives and fates of all Jews have under attack, because with acknowledgment wonder Jewish values come alive in the these feelings transcend the political ple out. But as I’ve learned in my own prime existential decisions of Jewish his- become more intertwined. Israel’s victo- to Jewish history, such obligations to justice land of Israel. To paraphrase Winston boundaries and envelop us all. We must work these past few months, it was the tory taken in the twentieth century are ries and stature have given new dignity Churchill: the whole Jewish people must must be fulfilled regardless of circumstance. We cannot wait until all is well. maintain a proactive vision if we hope to faith I had in my good intentions, after all, validated. After the Shoah, world Jewry and status to Jews worldwide. Yet, in learn to bring in the new/old world of We, as American Jews, are in a tricky sit- bring change to the situation. Instead, we that brought me here. And in my explo- learned two primary lessons. First, that turn, Israel has faced hostility and even Israel to redress the balance [of assimila- are getting stuck in the details. ration, I have found that those whom I we are one people — united in fate and rejection because of its association with tion versus renaissance] in the old/new Kellen Kaiser is the Grinspoon Israel Advocacy When I first came to NYU, I felt perceived to be so different than me have dependent on each other to restore and Western Jews, with the United States, world of America. intern at New York University. extremely alienated from the active Jewish good intentions as well.

4 CONTACT WINTER 2003 5 visits to Israel is alarming. It calls to mind the image of a am a student in the Pardes Educators mercenary relationship: Israelis will fight for a Jewish Program, and I live in Jerusalem. This NOW MORE THAN EVER: future, and American Jews will cheer them on from the past August, while I was in America sidelines. The situation is exacerbated by the demographics. for my wedding, a terrorist’s bomb America has the most populous Jewish community in the killed two of my classmates while they world. Avoiding Israel inflicts hardship not only by deci- I sat eating lunch in Hebrew University’s mating Israel’s tourism industry. On a deeper level, it makes Frank Sinatra Cafe. WhyI Live the unprecedented emotional claim that we are united with Ben Blutstein’s funeral was on Friday, my Israelis only when it is convenient for us. When the situa- wedding was on Sunday, and Marla Bennett’s tion becomes difficult, they are on their own. funeral was on Monday. My wedding will for- Now is the time to buttress and even expand trips to ever be associated with this communal In Israel Israel for adults and youth alike. The need is crucial trauma. A number of our guests were at one among young adults, who lack memories of Israel’s galva- by ANDREW KATZ or the other funeral. Rabbi Daniel Landes, the nizing historical moments such as its heroic birth in 1948 Rosh Yeshiva of Pardes and our officiant, and take vitamins. or its miraculous triumph over annihilation in 1967. traveled from Ben’s funeral in Harrisburg to I did not feel part of something greater. Young people are more prone to take Israel for granted or, our wedding in New Jersey, then immediately Rather, the message seemed to be that this worse yet, to view it through the lens of the media as an life is all you have; fill it with as much as oppressive and unjust regional superpower. Israel’s con- to Marla’s funeral in San Diego. possible. The idea that “you can’t take it temporary image as Goliath wins out over its historical Our community came together for our with you” did not mean one should experience as David. When I visit college campuses, I wedding — some in spite of the pain, and devalue possessions. Rather, it meant mak- sense a greatly diminished interest in Israel as the bedrock others because of it. We had no idea how of Jewish life. The only way to reverse this trend is to to proceed under the circumstances, but ing sure to get them early so you can enjoy vastly expand our programs that bring people to Israel. our friends insisted. They needed to dance them before you die. If Not Now, I had a nagging feeling that no matter The unrecognized power of visits to Israel lies not in and sing just to keep from crying. They the ancient buildings and sites, although these too are needed to fulfill the mitzvah of gladdening how long or full a life I might lead in Amer- vital, but in transformative encounters between people. the bride and groom. They needed to cele- ica, it would still feel empty. And my fear of Birthright israel, the revolutionary program to reconnect brate as well as mourn. And nobody death is the fear of living an empty life. In When? young Jews with Jewish identity, also serves to reestablish knows better how to do that than those Israel, I may have a higher risk of dying, but by MICHAEL H. STEINHARDT Israel’s centrality in the lives of Diaspora Jewry. One who have lived in Jerusalem. I have a lower risk of never really living. underlying premise of birthright israel is that Israel and My parents, and all those present at the Israel is of paramount importance to ne of the ancient lessons of Jewish history is that when a Diaspora Jews are one people who cannot subsist in sepa- wedding, felt the power of our community the Jewish people. On this, many American Jew suffers anywhere, we all suffer. ration. Diaspora Jews need Israel as a foundation of his- — the power of people drawn together by To live in Israel, Jews agree. But I choose to demonstrate my We seem to be forgetting this lesson today. tory and heritage, while Israelis need Diaspora Jews as a ideology and learning, shared danger and commitment to Israel by living here, While Israel continues to hold emotional resonance reminder that Jewish identity transcends place and time. shared joy, but most of all by shared com- because I am not able to stomach the idea throughout the American Jewish community, we have yet In birthright israel, we learned the symbiotic power of mitment. In tears at the end of the wedding, in Jerusalem, is to experience of other people paying the ultimate price to to display the same levels of solidarity as in the past. Yes, peer-to-peer experiences when we implemented a major my parents told me how they finally under- make it a reality while I sit comfortably in we attend rallies. We telephone Congress and the Presi- locus of birthright programs, the mifgashim, or encoun- stood why I live in Israel. And why, time how important, how precious America. Is my blood redder than theirs? Odent. We insist, in Letters to the Editor and open debates, ters, between Diaspora and Israeli Jews. The idea was to and again despite the danger, I return. To Someday, Jews will look back at this that Israel is fighting a war against terror launched by allow birthright participants to meet with Israelis in their live in Israel, in Jerusalem, is to experience and how sacred life can be. moment in history and see clearly that Israel those who rejected the peace process. Words, however, same age cohort. At first, because of the difficulty of how important, how precious and how was the Jewish people’s central project. only amount to so much. A more profound indication of scheduling time with Israelis who were serving in the sacred life can be. Everything else will be seen as marginal. Army, most mifgashim were short-lived, lasting less than a our support would be a substantially increased level of The sadness of our friends and family at I recognize that there are many who dis- single day. But after speaking with the Education Officer philanthropy to meet the crisis. While emergency funds our departure was clearly deepened by their Israel is my point of reference, and I don’t agree. Of those who agree in principle, many of the Israel Defense Force, we learned a startling fact: have been raised, the levels are nowhere near the need. fear for our safety. But while we could know exactly when or how that happened. prefer to do what they can from America. I Israelis were as moved and transformed by their encoun- Even more important than money is our physical understand their feelings, my wife and I did But I do know that my formal change of spent two years working at United Jewish ters as were the birthright participants! By making friend- presence. For the past 50 years, personal visits to Israel as not consider, not even for a second, remain- status simply made explicit what had, for a Communities with people whose commit- well as the act of Aliyah have served as the most pro- ships with their counterparts in the Diaspora, they became ing in America. One expects that it should long time, been implicit — that being a ment to Israel I do not question. found expression of solidarity with our brethren in the profoundly aware of the Jewish, as opposed to the exclu- have been a more difficult decision. Let me Jew was more central to my identity than But living here, I regularly visit places Holy Land. During the current crisis, American Jews have sively Israeli, aspects of their identity. The leadership of try to explain why it was not. being an American. And whether or not I mentioned in the Bible. I speak Hebrew shamefully abrogated their responsibility. Quite literally, the Army was so impressed by the character-building First, and this for me is an essential dis- planned to live the rest of my life in Israel, every day with Jews whose ancestors were, we are abandoning Israel when it needs us most. nature of mifgashim that it granted soldiers five days to the clearest expression I could find for this just 50 years ago, dispersed all over the True, day-to-day life in Israel is not easy. There are spend with birthright groups. By the second year, the scale tinction, I am not a tourist in Israel. I am an epiphany was formally changing my status. globe. I celebrate Shabbat, not only with dangers inherent in even mundane tasks. The most pri- of mifgashim had been elevated. Ninety-five percent lasted oleh, a new immigrant. Formally, this means It was an act aimed at harmonizing my my immediate community, but with the mal parental instinct is to protect one’s children, and it is between two and ten days. Mifgashim now form the heart that I am a citizen of Israel. I can describe in internal and external realities. entire country. I do not just face East when not easy to urge moms and dads to send their kids to a of birthright israel trips. They emphasize the dual-pronged detail when and how this happened. I region perceived as unsafe. But we must ask ourselves: if approach employed by birthright israel to inculcate Jewish remember getting the necessary documents I believe that how we live is a function I pray; I use local landmarks to orient we exist only for ourselves in the comfort of American identity: reuniting with Jewish values and history, and to prove my Jewishness. I remember the trip of how we handle fear of our own mortal- myself toward the Temple Mount itself. safety, if we do not stand united with Israel during its reuniting with the people of clal Yisrael. to the Ministry of the Interior. I remember ity. We can either accept it, or live in Every purchase I make helps the Israeli moments of crisis, what are we as a people? At this critical juncture, we must do more than buy getting my oleh identity card. denial. We can believe in something more, economy. And, when I want to impact Jewish unity is not an empty cliche, but a spiritual con- Israeli goods and write to Congress. It is time for all of us But I am also an oleh in a deeper sense. or we can believe that this is all there is. Israeli policy, I vote. cept rooted in an awareness of our common destiny. It is for — individuals, philanthropies, Federations — to recom- Growing up in suburban America, the Most importantly, I am privileged to be mit to programs that bridge the gap between the wide choice seemed clear — mortality was not surrounded by people who are lit up by this reason that the severe reduction of American Jewish Andrew Katz received a BA and MA from Stanford varieties of worldwide Jewish experience and that teach, University in 1994, and has served as a leader and to be faced. Instead, life is spent prolong- the same passion. People like Ben and Michael H. Steinhardt is Chairman of Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt through tangible, peer-to-peer experiences, that each of educator in a variety of Jewish institutions. He and his ing life. Install a security system. Buy a Marla, who, prior to dying tragically, lived Foundation. us is responsible for the other. wife Emily Shapiro make their home in Jerusalem. safer car. Go to the best doctor. Exercise heroically.

6 CONTACT WINTER 2003 7 visits to Israel is alarming. It calls to mind the image of a am a student in the Pardes Educators mercenary relationship: Israelis will fight for a Jewish Program, and I live in Jerusalem. This NOW MORE THAN EVER: future, and American Jews will cheer them on from the past August, while I was in America sidelines. The situation is exacerbated by the demographics. for my wedding, a terrorist’s bomb America has the most populous Jewish community in the killed two of my classmates while they world. Avoiding Israel inflicts hardship not only by deci- I sat eating lunch in Hebrew University’s mating Israel’s tourism industry. On a deeper level, it makes Frank Sinatra Cafe. WhyI Live the unprecedented emotional claim that we are united with Ben Blutstein’s funeral was on Friday, my Israelis only when it is convenient for us. When the situa- wedding was on Sunday, and Marla Bennett’s tion becomes difficult, they are on their own. funeral was on Monday. My wedding will for- Now is the time to buttress and even expand trips to ever be associated with this communal In Israel Israel for adults and youth alike. The need is crucial trauma. A number of our guests were at one among young adults, who lack memories of Israel’s galva- by ANDREW KATZ or the other funeral. Rabbi Daniel Landes, the nizing historical moments such as its heroic birth in 1948 Rosh Yeshiva of Pardes and our officiant, and take vitamins. or its miraculous triumph over annihilation in 1967. traveled from Ben’s funeral in Harrisburg to I did not feel part of something greater. Young people are more prone to take Israel for granted or, our wedding in New Jersey, then immediately Rather, the message seemed to be that this worse yet, to view it through the lens of the media as an life is all you have; fill it with as much as oppressive and unjust regional superpower. Israel’s con- to Marla’s funeral in San Diego. possible. The idea that “you can’t take it temporary image as Goliath wins out over its historical Our community came together for our with you” did not mean one should experience as David. When I visit college campuses, I wedding — some in spite of the pain, and devalue possessions. Rather, it meant mak- sense a greatly diminished interest in Israel as the bedrock others because of it. We had no idea how of Jewish life. The only way to reverse this trend is to to proceed under the circumstances, but ing sure to get them early so you can enjoy vastly expand our programs that bring people to Israel. our friends insisted. They needed to dance them before you die. If Not Now, I had a nagging feeling that no matter The unrecognized power of visits to Israel lies not in and sing just to keep from crying. They the ancient buildings and sites, although these too are needed to fulfill the mitzvah of gladdening how long or full a life I might lead in Amer- vital, but in transformative encounters between people. the bride and groom. They needed to cele- ica, it would still feel empty. And my fear of Birthright israel, the revolutionary program to reconnect brate as well as mourn. And nobody death is the fear of living an empty life. In When? young Jews with Jewish identity, also serves to reestablish knows better how to do that than those Israel, I may have a higher risk of dying, but by MICHAEL H. STEINHARDT Israel’s centrality in the lives of Diaspora Jewry. One who have lived in Jerusalem. I have a lower risk of never really living. underlying premise of birthright israel is that Israel and My parents, and all those present at the Israel is of paramount importance to ne of the ancient lessons of Jewish history is that when a Diaspora Jews are one people who cannot subsist in sepa- wedding, felt the power of our community the Jewish people. On this, many American Jew suffers anywhere, we all suffer. ration. Diaspora Jews need Israel as a foundation of his- — the power of people drawn together by To live in Israel, Jews agree. But I choose to demonstrate my We seem to be forgetting this lesson today. tory and heritage, while Israelis need Diaspora Jews as a ideology and learning, shared danger and commitment to Israel by living here, While Israel continues to hold emotional resonance reminder that Jewish identity transcends place and time. shared joy, but most of all by shared com- because I am not able to stomach the idea throughout the American Jewish community, we have yet In birthright israel, we learned the symbiotic power of mitment. In tears at the end of the wedding, in Jerusalem, is to experience of other people paying the ultimate price to to display the same levels of solidarity as in the past. Yes, peer-to-peer experiences when we implemented a major my parents told me how they finally under- make it a reality while I sit comfortably in we attend rallies. We telephone Congress and the Presi- locus of birthright programs, the mifgashim, or encoun- stood why I live in Israel. And why, time how important, how precious America. Is my blood redder than theirs? Odent. We insist, in Letters to the Editor and open debates, ters, between Diaspora and Israeli Jews. The idea was to and again despite the danger, I return. To Someday, Jews will look back at this that Israel is fighting a war against terror launched by allow birthright participants to meet with Israelis in their live in Israel, in Jerusalem, is to experience and how sacred life can be. moment in history and see clearly that Israel those who rejected the peace process. Words, however, same age cohort. At first, because of the difficulty of how important, how precious and how was the Jewish people’s central project. only amount to so much. A more profound indication of scheduling time with Israelis who were serving in the sacred life can be. Everything else will be seen as marginal. Army, most mifgashim were short-lived, lasting less than a our support would be a substantially increased level of The sadness of our friends and family at I recognize that there are many who dis- single day. But after speaking with the Education Officer philanthropy to meet the crisis. While emergency funds our departure was clearly deepened by their Israel is my point of reference, and I don’t agree. Of those who agree in principle, many of the Israel Defense Force, we learned a startling fact: have been raised, the levels are nowhere near the need. fear for our safety. But while we could know exactly when or how that happened. prefer to do what they can from America. I Israelis were as moved and transformed by their encoun- Even more important than money is our physical understand their feelings, my wife and I did But I do know that my formal change of spent two years working at United Jewish ters as were the birthright participants! By making friend- presence. For the past 50 years, personal visits to Israel as not consider, not even for a second, remain- status simply made explicit what had, for a Communities with people whose commit- well as the act of Aliyah have served as the most pro- ships with their counterparts in the Diaspora, they became ing in America. One expects that it should long time, been implicit — that being a ment to Israel I do not question. found expression of solidarity with our brethren in the profoundly aware of the Jewish, as opposed to the exclu- have been a more difficult decision. Let me Jew was more central to my identity than But living here, I regularly visit places Holy Land. During the current crisis, American Jews have sively Israeli, aspects of their identity. The leadership of try to explain why it was not. being an American. And whether or not I mentioned in the Bible. I speak Hebrew shamefully abrogated their responsibility. Quite literally, the Army was so impressed by the character-building First, and this for me is an essential dis- planned to live the rest of my life in Israel, every day with Jews whose ancestors were, we are abandoning Israel when it needs us most. nature of mifgashim that it granted soldiers five days to the clearest expression I could find for this just 50 years ago, dispersed all over the True, day-to-day life in Israel is not easy. There are spend with birthright groups. By the second year, the scale tinction, I am not a tourist in Israel. I am an epiphany was formally changing my status. globe. I celebrate Shabbat, not only with dangers inherent in even mundane tasks. The most pri- of mifgashim had been elevated. Ninety-five percent lasted oleh, a new immigrant. Formally, this means It was an act aimed at harmonizing my my immediate community, but with the mal parental instinct is to protect one’s children, and it is between two and ten days. Mifgashim now form the heart that I am a citizen of Israel. I can describe in internal and external realities. entire country. I do not just face East when not easy to urge moms and dads to send their kids to a of birthright israel trips. They emphasize the dual-pronged detail when and how this happened. I region perceived as unsafe. But we must ask ourselves: if approach employed by birthright israel to inculcate Jewish remember getting the necessary documents I believe that how we live is a function I pray; I use local landmarks to orient we exist only for ourselves in the comfort of American identity: reuniting with Jewish values and history, and to prove my Jewishness. I remember the trip of how we handle fear of our own mortal- myself toward the Temple Mount itself. safety, if we do not stand united with Israel during its reuniting with the people of clal Yisrael. to the Ministry of the Interior. I remember ity. We can either accept it, or live in Every purchase I make helps the Israeli moments of crisis, what are we as a people? At this critical juncture, we must do more than buy getting my oleh identity card. denial. We can believe in something more, economy. And, when I want to impact Jewish unity is not an empty cliche, but a spiritual con- Israeli goods and write to Congress. It is time for all of us But I am also an oleh in a deeper sense. or we can believe that this is all there is. Israeli policy, I vote. cept rooted in an awareness of our common destiny. It is for — individuals, philanthropies, Federations — to recom- Growing up in suburban America, the Most importantly, I am privileged to be mit to programs that bridge the gap between the wide choice seemed clear — mortality was not surrounded by people who are lit up by this reason that the severe reduction of American Jewish Andrew Katz received a BA and MA from Stanford varieties of worldwide Jewish experience and that teach, University in 1994, and has served as a leader and to be faced. Instead, life is spent prolong- the same passion. People like Ben and Michael H. Steinhardt is Chairman of Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt through tangible, peer-to-peer experiences, that each of educator in a variety of Jewish institutions. He and his ing life. Install a security system. Buy a Marla, who, prior to dying tragically, lived Foundation. us is responsible for the other. wife Emily Shapiro make their home in Jerusalem. safer car. Go to the best doctor. Exercise heroically.

6 CONTACT WINTER 2003 7 from the Cincinnati campus who viewed unparalleled laboratory for the informs our course of study at Zionism in congenial terms and he acquisition of modern spoken HUC-JIR. Our students must recog- refused to allow modern Hebrew litera- Hebrew by our students. More pro- nize that their responsibility extends RENEWING ture and language to be included in the foundly, Jerusalem introduces our to the Jewish family everywhere. curriculum. In the 1920s, Stephen S. students to the reality of a diverse All this has been at stake in the SolidarityBreeds Wise at the Jewish Institute of Religion and vibrant Jewish people who have discussions that have tested the OUR TIES TO in New York and HUC faculty members returned to our ancestral homeland ongoing commitment of the College- such as Samuel Cohon in Cincinnati from the four corners of the earth — Institute to our Year-in-Israel pro- cast their own Zionist feelings upon the an exposure to kibbutz galuyot that gram. Our Board of Governors and I ISRAEL Responsibility Reform Movement in general and HUC could never be matched in the Dias- are keenly aware of and have been by ANDREA FRAM PLOTKIN and JIR in particular. Wise was arguably pora. Allied to this is the recogni- deeply distressed by the marked n the face of the current matzav, the need for the leading Zionist in the United States tion that the State of Israel occupies escalation in the cycle of violence in by RABBI DAVID ELLENSON Israel education is greater than ever. We face a during his life- a central position in the life of the Israel during these past two years. At time when few teens and young adults are trav- time. Cohon Jewish people and religion today, the same time, members of our abbi Abraham Joshua Heschel eling to Israel. They lack the experience of per- authored the and HUC-JIR therefore asserts that Board of Governors and I have made I once observed that religion arises sonal engagement with the land that often leads to Reform Move- all persons whom the College-Insti- numerous trips to Israel during this in the consciousness of human a lifetime love ment’s 1937 tute educates for roles of leadership time, and we have seen that life con- beings when life addresses us with for the people R Columbus Plat- in the contemporary Jewish commu- tinues. We have had countless questions that touch the very core of our and for the form, which nity must have an extended first- searching discussions with col- being: issues that define our character as state of Israel. maintained that hand acquaintance with the reality leagues and students both in Israel souls created in the image of God, and The question it was the reli- of Jewish national rebirth as evi- and in the Diaspora. In the end, we moments that mark the moral-spiritual is, how do we gious duty of all denced in the State today. are convinced that our unanimous fiber of a community. Sometimes the “hardwire” the Reform Jews to Our students’ sojourn in Israel decision to maintain our Year-in- quotidian tasks of ordinary life provide American aid in the task of therefore ultimately bespeaks a reli- Israel requirement for our students is the testing ground that reveals such Jewish community to intensify its connection to, rebuilding a Jew- gious-spiritual commitment that both correct and responsible. It is character. At other moments, an extraor- understanding of and support for Israel? This ish settlement in Shimon Rawidowicz captured in his also consistent with the religious dinary challenge arises that defines the requires new approaches to Israel education that the Land of famed work, “Jerusalem and Baby- mandate and moral undertaking that essence of who we are both as individu- reflect the complex realities of the 21st Century. Israel. The influ- lon.” In this piece, the late head of inform the mission of HUC-JIR. als and as members of a community. The Jewish Renaissance and Renewal alliance ence of these the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Speaking on March 15, 1948, at The task of maintaining the Hebrew of United Jewish Communities (UJC) and the Jewish men, combined Department at Brandeis University his inauguration as President of Union College-Jewish Institute of Reli- Education Service of North America (JESNA) has with an influx of employed the two sites contained in Hebrew Union College, just a scant gion Year-in-Israel Program for all our been struggling with just these questions. We students of East- his title as emblematic of Jewish two months before the State of Israel cantorial, education and rabbinic stu- began almost two years ago with the development ern European existence in both the Land of Israel was born, Nelson Glueck observed dents during these past months of terror of the Israel Education Resource Book. The book, descent in the and the Diaspora, and in Israel has provided such a trial for the anchored with the Israel NOW Solidarity Response halls of HUC he utilized the metaphor HUC-JIR community. The resolve of our Curriculum developed by the Jewish Education Cen- of an ellipsis to capture Board of Governors to maintain our pro- ter of Cleveland, is a compilation of curricula, one- the integral connected- gram has revealed the character of our We call upon our graduates to recognize that they are part of a time programs, bibliographies and website listings. ness that binds Jews school and our deepest commitments It serves as a resource aid to day schools and sup- everywhere into one during this time of crisis. As all deci- people, that Jews throughout the world share a covenant of destiny. plementary schools across the country. An online, people. The ideals of sions are made in context, let me regularly updated version of the book is available at achdut and areivut — attempt to provide an outline of the his- www.ujc.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=38208. events that have framed and directed the and JIR, reversed the stance that Presi- Jewish solidarity and torical background and immediate The Jewish Renaissance and Renewal alliance response of HUC-JIR to Israel during dent Kohler had put forth on the ques- mutual responsibility — sponsored the North American Alliance for Jewish this past year. tion of Jewish nationalism. Nelson that emerge from these Rabbi David Ellenson is President of Hebrew Union Youth “Israel In Our Lives” summer camp retreat, in A brief recapitulation of the College- Glueck, the famed archeologist-President teachings are the foun- College-Jewish Institute of Religion. which teen leaders learned about Israel advocacy. Institute and its attitudes towards Jewish of HUC-JIR, walked in the footsteps of dational components of We have also embarked on Israel Education Month national rebirth in Eretz Yisrael is Rabbi Wise and Professor Cohon. Under the education HUC-JIR (January 19-Februrary 16, 2003), a collaborative instructive for an understanding of the his leadership, the Jerusalem campus of provides for our stu- effort between the Jewish Renaissance and central role Medinat Yisrael now plays in HUC-JIR was born in 1963. Alfred dents, and Israel consti- Renewal alliance and the Jewish Agency for Israel’s the life of HUC-JIR. Kaufmann Kohler, Gottschalk, in turn, applied and tutes the lynchpin in Education Department in cooperation with a host of who served as President of HUC from expanded the vision Nelson Glueck had this educational process religious education and communal organizations. 1902-1923, had authored the seminal put forth. Rabbi Gottschalk became the of religious formation. Israel Education Month is the launching pad for a Pittsburgh Platform of 1885, which chief architect of an educational policy We believe that the jour- wide range of activities reaching children, youth, promulgated what was then the philoso- that has marked HUC-JIR for over three ney to Jewish religious leadership is that the soon-to-emerge Jewish State college students and adults. This endeavor will gal- phy of the American Reform Movement. decades. Indeed, since 1970 a year of much more than an individual spiri- was “literally under fire.” He went on vanize a continuing effort to renew and expand edu- In keeping with early Reform ideas, study in Israel has been a mandatory tual quest. We call upon our gradu- to state that “to abandon” an embry- cational engagement with Israel in North America. Kohler was unalterably opposed to the part of the course of study for every ates to recognize that they are part onic Israel would grant “license to Zionist Movement. During the first years rabbi ordained at the College-Institute. of a people, that Jews throughout terror.” Dr. Glueck refused to do so. Andrea Fram Plotkin is Staff Associate for the Jewish of the twentieth century, Rabbi Kohler The reasons for this policy are sev- the world share a covenant of des- We who have inherited his mantel Renaissance and Renewal alliance of UJC/JESNA. dismissed every single faculty member eral. On a basic level, Israel provides an tiny. This conviction animates and can do no less.

8 CONTACT WINTER 2003 9 from the Cincinnati campus who viewed unparalleled laboratory for the informs our course of study at Zionism in congenial terms and he acquisition of modern spoken HUC-JIR. Our students must recog- refused to allow modern Hebrew litera- Hebrew by our students. More pro- nize that their responsibility extends RENEWING ture and language to be included in the foundly, Jerusalem introduces our to the Jewish family everywhere. curriculum. In the 1920s, Stephen S. students to the reality of a diverse All this has been at stake in the SolidarityBreeds Wise at the Jewish Institute of Religion and vibrant Jewish people who have discussions that have tested the OUR TIES TO in New York and HUC faculty members returned to our ancestral homeland ongoing commitment of the College- such as Samuel Cohon in Cincinnati from the four corners of the earth — Institute to our Year-in-Israel pro- cast their own Zionist feelings upon the an exposure to kibbutz galuyot that gram. Our Board of Governors and I ISRAEL Responsibility Reform Movement in general and HUC could never be matched in the Dias- are keenly aware of and have been by ANDREA FRAM PLOTKIN and JIR in particular. Wise was arguably pora. Allied to this is the recogni- deeply distressed by the marked n the face of the current matzav, the need for the leading Zionist in the United States tion that the State of Israel occupies escalation in the cycle of violence in by RABBI DAVID ELLENSON Israel education is greater than ever. We face a during his life- a central position in the life of the Israel during these past two years. At time when few teens and young adults are trav- time. Cohon Jewish people and religion today, the same time, members of our abbi Abraham Joshua Heschel eling to Israel. They lack the experience of per- authored the and HUC-JIR therefore asserts that Board of Governors and I have made I once observed that religion arises sonal engagement with the land that often leads to Reform Move- all persons whom the College-Insti- numerous trips to Israel during this in the consciousness of human a lifetime love ment’s 1937 tute educates for roles of leadership time, and we have seen that life con- beings when life addresses us with for the people R Columbus Plat- in the contemporary Jewish commu- tinues. We have had countless questions that touch the very core of our and for the form, which nity must have an extended first- searching discussions with col- being: issues that define our character as state of Israel. maintained that hand acquaintance with the reality leagues and students both in Israel souls created in the image of God, and The question it was the reli- of Jewish national rebirth as evi- and in the Diaspora. In the end, we moments that mark the moral-spiritual is, how do we gious duty of all denced in the State today. are convinced that our unanimous fiber of a community. Sometimes the “hardwire” the Reform Jews to Our students’ sojourn in Israel decision to maintain our Year-in- quotidian tasks of ordinary life provide American aid in the task of therefore ultimately bespeaks a reli- Israel requirement for our students is the testing ground that reveals such Jewish community to intensify its connection to, rebuilding a Jew- gious-spiritual commitment that both correct and responsible. It is character. At other moments, an extraor- understanding of and support for Israel? This ish settlement in Shimon Rawidowicz captured in his also consistent with the religious dinary challenge arises that defines the requires new approaches to Israel education that the Land of famed work, “Jerusalem and Baby- mandate and moral undertaking that essence of who we are both as individu- reflect the complex realities of the 21st Century. Israel. The influ- lon.” In this piece, the late head of inform the mission of HUC-JIR. als and as members of a community. The Jewish Renaissance and Renewal alliance ence of these the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Speaking on March 15, 1948, at The task of maintaining the Hebrew of United Jewish Communities (UJC) and the Jewish men, combined Department at Brandeis University his inauguration as President of Union College-Jewish Institute of Reli- Education Service of North America (JESNA) has with an influx of employed the two sites contained in Hebrew Union College, just a scant gion Year-in-Israel Program for all our been struggling with just these questions. We students of East- his title as emblematic of Jewish two months before the State of Israel cantorial, education and rabbinic stu- began almost two years ago with the development ern European existence in both the Land of Israel was born, Nelson Glueck observed dents during these past months of terror of the Israel Education Resource Book. The book, descent in the and the Diaspora, and in Israel has provided such a trial for the anchored with the Israel NOW Solidarity Response halls of HUC he utilized the metaphor HUC-JIR community. The resolve of our Curriculum developed by the Jewish Education Cen- of an ellipsis to capture Board of Governors to maintain our pro- ter of Cleveland, is a compilation of curricula, one- the integral connected- gram has revealed the character of our We call upon our graduates to recognize that they are part of a time programs, bibliographies and website listings. ness that binds Jews school and our deepest commitments It serves as a resource aid to day schools and sup- everywhere into one during this time of crisis. As all deci- people, that Jews throughout the world share a covenant of destiny. plementary schools across the country. An online, people. The ideals of sions are made in context, let me regularly updated version of the book is available at achdut and areivut — attempt to provide an outline of the his- www.ujc.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=38208. events that have framed and directed the and JIR, reversed the stance that Presi- Jewish solidarity and torical background and immediate The Jewish Renaissance and Renewal alliance response of HUC-JIR to Israel during dent Kohler had put forth on the ques- mutual responsibility — sponsored the North American Alliance for Jewish this past year. tion of Jewish nationalism. Nelson that emerge from these Rabbi David Ellenson is President of Hebrew Union Youth “Israel In Our Lives” summer camp retreat, in A brief recapitulation of the College- Glueck, the famed archeologist-President teachings are the foun- College-Jewish Institute of Religion. which teen leaders learned about Israel advocacy. Institute and its attitudes towards Jewish of HUC-JIR, walked in the footsteps of dational components of We have also embarked on Israel Education Month national rebirth in Eretz Yisrael is Rabbi Wise and Professor Cohon. Under the education HUC-JIR (January 19-Februrary 16, 2003), a collaborative instructive for an understanding of the his leadership, the Jerusalem campus of provides for our stu- effort between the Jewish Renaissance and central role Medinat Yisrael now plays in HUC-JIR was born in 1963. Alfred dents, and Israel consti- Renewal alliance and the Jewish Agency for Israel’s the life of HUC-JIR. Kaufmann Kohler, Gottschalk, in turn, applied and tutes the lynchpin in Education Department in cooperation with a host of who served as President of HUC from expanded the vision Nelson Glueck had this educational process religious education and communal organizations. 1902-1923, had authored the seminal put forth. Rabbi Gottschalk became the of religious formation. Israel Education Month is the launching pad for a Pittsburgh Platform of 1885, which chief architect of an educational policy We believe that the jour- wide range of activities reaching children, youth, promulgated what was then the philoso- that has marked HUC-JIR for over three ney to Jewish religious leadership is that the soon-to-emerge Jewish State college students and adults. This endeavor will gal- phy of the American Reform Movement. decades. Indeed, since 1970 a year of much more than an individual spiri- was “literally under fire.” He went on vanize a continuing effort to renew and expand edu- In keeping with early Reform ideas, study in Israel has been a mandatory tual quest. We call upon our gradu- to state that “to abandon” an embry- cational engagement with Israel in North America. Kohler was unalterably opposed to the part of the course of study for every ates to recognize that they are part onic Israel would grant “license to Zionist Movement. During the first years rabbi ordained at the College-Institute. of a people, that Jews throughout terror.” Dr. Glueck refused to do so. Andrea Fram Plotkin is Staff Associate for the Jewish of the twentieth century, Rabbi Kohler The reasons for this policy are sev- the world share a covenant of des- We who have inherited his mantel Renaissance and Renewal alliance of UJC/JESNA. dismissed every single faculty member eral. On a basic level, Israel provides an tiny. This conviction animates and can do no less.

8 CONTACT WINTER 2003 9 Debate continued on how to achieve Women’s Zionist Organization of America, our individual organizations at our meet- We are ever respectful of the our objectives quickly and efficiently. We Inc.; Jewish Women International; JOFA, ings, we never promote one organization differences among us and always decided to focus our efforts on national The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance; over another and have, in the administra- Call-In days, asking women to “Take NA’AMAT, USA; National Council of Jew- tion of One Voice, essentially done away cognizant of the fact that we have equal Five” minutes out of their busy day to ish Women; Women of Reform Judaism; with titles. Because of our commitment to speak out for Israel. Coalition partners Women’s American ORT; Women’s Branch advancing our mission, we have all ownership of this critical endeavor. could easily distribute our step-by-step of the Orthodox Union; and Women’s worked hard at building trust between Take Five education/action guide on the League for Conservative Judaism. organizations and individuals. current issue to their members. In addi- It is a tribute to these organizations One Voice: Jewish Women for Israel tion, these same members could forward that we have been able to focus on what was born at a critical time, when Ameri- the message via e-mail to their own unites us: standing in solidarity with the can Jewish women had an urgent need to friends and relatives, thus expanding our State of Israel and its people and speaking connect with and support Israel during clout exponentially. out against anti-Semitism, bigotry and this difficult period. It was clear to us Our first call-in day took place at the racism. Clearly, though, there is another set that the sum of all the organizations — end of June 2002 and was directed at of principles governing our actions which one million strong — wielded more clout ONE VOICE: thanking Congress for its ongoing sup- has played a large role in our success so far. than the individual parts. We came port of Israel and urging that they con- We are ever respectful of the differ- together to make our voices heard. As the tinue to uphold Israel’s right to defend ences among us and always cognizant of Jewish Telegraphic Agency so aptly put it itself against terror. We know that votes the fact that we have equal ownership of in a recent article, “We Are Jewish are a powerful tool and that Senators and this critical endeavor. Therefore, we have Women, Hear Us Roar!” We, the women Representatives listen to the views of gone to great lengths to obtain consensus of One Voice, take great pride in the Hear their constituents. Through feedback before we move forward with any project. opportunities we have created to help our from numerous congressional offices While we enjoy sharing the successes of beloved Israel. Us across America, we learned that calls for Israel were extremely high on that day. The second call-in day took place in mid September 2002, between Rosh Roar Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This day was THE MIFGASHIM WILL BE TELEVISED by SARAH H. WENDELL directed toward calling the White House by ADENA K. BERKOWITZ to thank President Bush for his support amp Young Judaea Sprout and MADELEINE BRECHER of Israel, and among other points, urging Lake, a Zionist camp sponsored the U.S. government to bring the terrorist by Hadassah, recently received killers of Americans to justice. We recog- a grant from the Foundation for nized that the President listens to the C Jewish Camping to set up a landmark n old Jewish joke tells the story of care, to show Jews living in embattled than one million women represented by views of American voters and makes deci- program: a videoconferencing station at sions based upon his sense of public sym- two friends reading the newspaper areas confronting anti-Semitism on a our constituent organizations. Then, camp called Virtual Mifgashim. Draw- pathy. Once again, through the network in a cafe. The first friend says, “Do daily basis that they are not alone? through consensus and conversation, we ing on the multiple meanings of the of our constituent membership, along Ayou consider yourself an optimist With these sentiments in mind, Blu would draft a mission statement and Hebrew word “mifgash,” which loosely or a pessimist?” The second friend Greenberg, the President of the Jewish devise a formula that would allow us to with e-mails to rabbis urging them to translated means “peer encounter,” Vir- replies, “An optimist, of course!” The Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA), raised achieve our purpose. The perilous situa- announce this call-in day from their pul- tual Mifgashim allowed campers at first friend then asks, “Well, if that’s the the idea of creating a coalition of American tion in Israel created a sense of urgency in pits, the White House lines were jammed. CYJ Sprout Lake and the Tsofim Camp case, why do you always look so sad?” Jewish women’s organizations that would our deliberations. Critical decisions were Most recently, in November 2002, a day was set aside to call the Finnish gov- in Park Ofek, Israel, to spend a few The second friend replies, “Who said it’s come together to help Israel. Blu’s vision agreed upon in record time. However, the a staff member at CYJ Sprout Lake responsible ernment to protest its decision to ban the hours each day connected live through state-of- easy to be an optimist?” rested on the premise that if we could har- name One Voice created quite a stir at the for the Virtual Mifgashim program, “the ques- These days it certainly hasn't been ness the power of so many women, that start, with some perceiving the title as export of sample units of a defensive the-art video conferencing equipment. tions about terrorism and the current situation easy to be an optimist. The horrific which unites us would be greater than monolithic. With that in mind, we added chemical warfare alarm agent to Israel. With the recent tensions in Israel, coupled in Israel would come out, and they [the Israelis] episodes in Israel coupled with the viru- what divides us. And so the idea of One the following sentence to our mission The response was so great that, in a mat- with the drop in tourism and sponsored Israel lent anti-Semitism rearing its head Voice: Jewish Women for Israel was born. statement: A unique coalition whose strength ter of hours, Finnish consulates around trip participation, CYJ Sprout Lake Director would say that it was difficult in Israel, but they around the world have left many of us is that it represents a broad spectrum of Jew- the country were forced to add a recorded Helene Drobenare wanted to find a unique way weren’t scared, and were committed to contin- with a sense of despair and frustration. Implementing a Grass Roots Campaign ish political and religious views in a united message where callers could leave their to give the campers an opportunity to reach uing life as normally as possible.” She added, What could we do to show Israel that we With JOFA serving as catalyst, women’s effort. This change added a greater comfort comments on this specific issue! Israel without leaving home. “Our challenge “The Israelis always mentioned attitudes of groups from across the denominational and level for the diverse groups involved. is... to continually build new doorways of com- ‘kadima’ — moving forward with life.” Creating Unity ideological spectrum were called together In a time of crisis, it was not difficult munication,” Drobenare noted. “In the ideal “It was a good lesson for the kids at our Dr. Adena K. Berkowitz established the Hadassah How has One Voice: Jewish Women for National Center For Attorneys' Councils. She is a for an exploratory meeting. We could feel to find points of unity. We would stand in world we could bring all of our campers to camp, not only because of 9/11 but also because Israel succeeded, in a few short months, in Board Member of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist the electricity as women from fervently solidarity with the State of Israel and its Israel for the summer, but we can’t do that. So of the terrorist attacks [in Israel] this summer,” Orthodox groups broke bread with women people for a strong and enduring US- fostering a sense of unity in an age of frac- Alliance and works as a private consultant in New we figured, why not bring Israel to them?” Siegel explained. “It was important for our kids to from more progressive groups. These were Israel relationship; with Israel and Amer- tured alliances? We take great pride in our York. Madeleine Brecher is a National Vice Presi- What made the Virtual Mifgashim program see that it’s not wrong to be happy even if things dent of the National Council of Jewish Women and women who might never have had a ica in the fight against terror; and against diversity. Eleven women’s organizations a deeply important aspect of this past summer around you are scary and sad.” Chair of its Strategies to Prevent Domestic Violence chance to meet and work together. the scourge of anti-Semitism, bigotry and make up our coalition including the Amer- (StoP) initiative. Together, they are Co-Coordinators Our goal was to establish a working racism wherever it exists. We, in One ican Jewish Congress Commission for was the common ground the two groups had in Sarah H. Wendell is the Registrar, Organatrix, and Web- of One Voice. coalition that could mobilize the more Voice, stand always in pursuit of peace. Women’s Equality; AMIT; Hadassah, The common: terrorism. According to Nicole Siegel, macher for Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake.

10 CONTACT WINTER 2003 11 Debate continued on how to achieve Women’s Zionist Organization of America, our individual organizations at our meet- We are ever respectful of the our objectives quickly and efficiently. We Inc.; Jewish Women International; JOFA, ings, we never promote one organization differences among us and always decided to focus our efforts on national The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance; over another and have, in the administra- Call-In days, asking women to “Take NA’AMAT, USA; National Council of Jew- tion of One Voice, essentially done away cognizant of the fact that we have equal Five” minutes out of their busy day to ish Women; Women of Reform Judaism; with titles. Because of our commitment to speak out for Israel. Coalition partners Women’s American ORT; Women’s Branch advancing our mission, we have all ownership of this critical endeavor. could easily distribute our step-by-step of the Orthodox Union; and Women’s worked hard at building trust between Take Five education/action guide on the League for Conservative Judaism. organizations and individuals. current issue to their members. In addi- It is a tribute to these organizations One Voice: Jewish Women for Israel tion, these same members could forward that we have been able to focus on what was born at a critical time, when Ameri- the message via e-mail to their own unites us: standing in solidarity with the can Jewish women had an urgent need to friends and relatives, thus expanding our State of Israel and its people and speaking connect with and support Israel during clout exponentially. out against anti-Semitism, bigotry and this difficult period. It was clear to us Our first call-in day took place at the racism. Clearly, though, there is another set that the sum of all the organizations — end of June 2002 and was directed at of principles governing our actions which one million strong — wielded more clout ONE VOICE: thanking Congress for its ongoing sup- has played a large role in our success so far. than the individual parts. We came port of Israel and urging that they con- We are ever respectful of the differ- together to make our voices heard. As the tinue to uphold Israel’s right to defend ences among us and always cognizant of Jewish Telegraphic Agency so aptly put it itself against terror. We know that votes the fact that we have equal ownership of in a recent article, “We Are Jewish are a powerful tool and that Senators and this critical endeavor. Therefore, we have Women, Hear Us Roar!” We, the women Representatives listen to the views of gone to great lengths to obtain consensus of One Voice, take great pride in the Hear their constituents. Through feedback before we move forward with any project. opportunities we have created to help our from numerous congressional offices While we enjoy sharing the successes of beloved Israel. Us across America, we learned that calls for Israel were extremely high on that day. The second call-in day took place in mid September 2002, between Rosh Roar Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This day was THE MIFGASHIM WILL BE TELEVISED by SARAH H. WENDELL directed toward calling the White House by ADENA K. BERKOWITZ to thank President Bush for his support amp Young Judaea Sprout and MADELEINE BRECHER of Israel, and among other points, urging Lake, a Zionist camp sponsored the U.S. government to bring the terrorist by Hadassah, recently received killers of Americans to justice. We recog- a grant from the Foundation for nized that the President listens to the C Jewish Camping to set up a landmark n old Jewish joke tells the story of care, to show Jews living in embattled than one million women represented by views of American voters and makes deci- program: a videoconferencing station at sions based upon his sense of public sym- two friends reading the newspaper areas confronting anti-Semitism on a our constituent organizations. Then, camp called Virtual Mifgashim. Draw- pathy. Once again, through the network in a cafe. The first friend says, “Do daily basis that they are not alone? through consensus and conversation, we ing on the multiple meanings of the of our constituent membership, along Ayou consider yourself an optimist With these sentiments in mind, Blu would draft a mission statement and Hebrew word “mifgash,” which loosely or a pessimist?” The second friend Greenberg, the President of the Jewish devise a formula that would allow us to with e-mails to rabbis urging them to translated means “peer encounter,” Vir- replies, “An optimist, of course!” The Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA), raised achieve our purpose. The perilous situa- announce this call-in day from their pul- tual Mifgashim allowed campers at first friend then asks, “Well, if that’s the the idea of creating a coalition of American tion in Israel created a sense of urgency in pits, the White House lines were jammed. CYJ Sprout Lake and the Tsofim Camp case, why do you always look so sad?” Jewish women’s organizations that would our deliberations. Critical decisions were Most recently, in November 2002, a day was set aside to call the Finnish gov- in Park Ofek, Israel, to spend a few The second friend replies, “Who said it’s come together to help Israel. Blu’s vision agreed upon in record time. However, the a staff member at CYJ Sprout Lake responsible ernment to protest its decision to ban the hours each day connected live through state-of- easy to be an optimist?” rested on the premise that if we could har- name One Voice created quite a stir at the for the Virtual Mifgashim program, “the ques- These days it certainly hasn't been ness the power of so many women, that start, with some perceiving the title as export of sample units of a defensive the-art video conferencing equipment. tions about terrorism and the current situation easy to be an optimist. The horrific which unites us would be greater than monolithic. With that in mind, we added chemical warfare alarm agent to Israel. With the recent tensions in Israel, coupled in Israel would come out, and they [the Israelis] episodes in Israel coupled with the viru- what divides us. And so the idea of One the following sentence to our mission The response was so great that, in a mat- with the drop in tourism and sponsored Israel lent anti-Semitism rearing its head Voice: Jewish Women for Israel was born. statement: A unique coalition whose strength ter of hours, Finnish consulates around trip participation, CYJ Sprout Lake Director would say that it was difficult in Israel, but they around the world have left many of us is that it represents a broad spectrum of Jew- the country were forced to add a recorded Helene Drobenare wanted to find a unique way weren’t scared, and were committed to contin- with a sense of despair and frustration. Implementing a Grass Roots Campaign ish political and religious views in a united message where callers could leave their to give the campers an opportunity to reach uing life as normally as possible.” She added, What could we do to show Israel that we With JOFA serving as catalyst, women’s effort. This change added a greater comfort comments on this specific issue! Israel without leaving home. “Our challenge “The Israelis always mentioned attitudes of groups from across the denominational and level for the diverse groups involved. is... to continually build new doorways of com- ‘kadima’ — moving forward with life.” Creating Unity ideological spectrum were called together In a time of crisis, it was not difficult munication,” Drobenare noted. “In the ideal “It was a good lesson for the kids at our Dr. Adena K. Berkowitz established the Hadassah How has One Voice: Jewish Women for National Center For Attorneys' Councils. She is a for an exploratory meeting. We could feel to find points of unity. We would stand in world we could bring all of our campers to camp, not only because of 9/11 but also because Israel succeeded, in a few short months, in Board Member of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist the electricity as women from fervently solidarity with the State of Israel and its Israel for the summer, but we can’t do that. So of the terrorist attacks [in Israel] this summer,” Orthodox groups broke bread with women people for a strong and enduring US- fostering a sense of unity in an age of frac- Alliance and works as a private consultant in New we figured, why not bring Israel to them?” Siegel explained. “It was important for our kids to from more progressive groups. These were Israel relationship; with Israel and Amer- tured alliances? We take great pride in our York. Madeleine Brecher is a National Vice Presi- What made the Virtual Mifgashim program see that it’s not wrong to be happy even if things dent of the National Council of Jewish Women and women who might never have had a ica in the fight against terror; and against diversity. Eleven women’s organizations a deeply important aspect of this past summer around you are scary and sad.” Chair of its Strategies to Prevent Domestic Violence chance to meet and work together. the scourge of anti-Semitism, bigotry and make up our coalition including the Amer- (StoP) initiative. Together, they are Co-Coordinators Our goal was to establish a working racism wherever it exists. We, in One ican Jewish Congress Commission for was the common ground the two groups had in Sarah H. Wendell is the Registrar, Organatrix, and Web- of One Voice. coalition that could mobilize the more Voice, stand always in pursuit of peace. Women’s Equality; AMIT; Hadassah, The common: terrorism. According to Nicole Siegel, macher for Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake.

10 CONTACT WINTER 2003 11 or those in the community seeking to This local “intelligence” is translated into engage Jewish college students in Israel regular conversations, activities and pro- STUDENT advocacy and education, there are sev- gramming in popular (and populated) F eral important insights to be gleaned hot spots around campus. VOICES ON from recent experiences on campus. The Also in this category, it is worth not- mood regarding Israel identification is ing the success of the Israeli student noticeably different this year from last year, participants in the Israel at Heart initia- ISRAEL: and our community’s collective approach tive, where teams of three diverse Israeli should be guided by these positive develop- students engaged their peers in dialogue ments even if exceptional negative cases regarding day-to-day life in Israel from a continue to grab media attention. peer—as opposed to professional or offi- Lessons According to campus professionals and cial— perspective. For many students student activists across the country, some of on campus, Jewish and non-Jewish, this the polarization, intimidation and general was the first time they encountered a from apathy that has characterized the campus female Jewish soldier, an Ethiopian Jew, environment for much of the al-aksa period a Jew from an Arab country, etc. Almost of violence has started to subside in favor of uniformly wherever the Israelis spoke, a more inquisitive Jewish populace. Discus- student audiences accepted the authen- Listening sion and dissemination of information on ticity of their personal reflections and the Middle East conflict is reportedly meet- extended to them an opportunity to par- by WAYNE L. FIRESTONE ing less resistance, although the method and ticipate in meaningful discussions on approach to such encounters often deter- campus. That they were not official gov- mine whether a student will be “turned on” ernment spokespersons and actually dif- or “turned off” to the message. fered in their particular political and A central question that Hillel and other religious perspectives enhanced rather campus organizations are addressing is how to than undermined their credibility in the Unengaged students as well as core activists consistently increase Jewish student identity and solidarity campus setting. with Israel during a time of crisis. To be sure, Regarding methods for engagement, rejected “scripted” materials and/or one-sided encapsulated efforts to fortify and refocus Israel education the community has received some inter- and advocacy efforts on campus should be esting student feedback, albeit mostly prioritized in spite of, not necessarily because about what does not work, from a series histories that are perceived as propagandistic. of the current violence against Israel. of focus group sessions with unaffiliated In gauging responses from students and and uninvolved Jewish students. Jewish empower local activists by circulating stu- activists who successfully undercut the campus professionals regarding what is organizations have been invited to share dent-generated petitions and then pub- ineffectual divestment conference on their working and what is not working on campus materials and suggestions about existing lishing them in the local newspaper on campus this October, who a year earlier this year, it is possible to identify some initial and prospective approaches and to observe sixty target campuses nationwide. The coined an inclusive and proactive slogan trends that may guide our collective reorien- student discussions. While it is probably significance of this campaign is less about that invited students to stand with Israel, tation and repositioning. The trends can be premature to extrapolate definitive con- the number of students who actually “Wherever we Stand.” The slogan has divided into three broad categories that relate clusions from these privately financed sign, but more about the dialogue it has caught on nationally at Hillel for many if to: (1) the peer approach dynamic, (2) meth- initiatives, it is important to recognize created. This effort should not be viewed not all students and campus professionals. ods for engagement and (3) operating the strong negative attitudes regarding a as a litmus test or poll for Israel support The slogan operationally defines our orga- parameters for college venue activity. number of top-down approaches. Stu- on campus. The organizers of the effort nization’s “big tent” approach. Although Regarding the first category, arguably the dents specifically criticized the generic report that for every signature they we have been criticized for not having a most successful initial approaches to stu- use of lecturers, rabbis, official spokesman receive there are at least two students uniform message, this perceived weakness dents on campus today are made by peers, and other experts as well as national who do not sign, but expressed willing- can also be viewed as an asset. This is true e.g., other students or recent graduates. Hil- advertising efforts transplanted to local ness to engage in dialogue on the subject, where one views a college campus pro- lel has identified a corps of Israel mission campuses. Moreover, unengaged stu- receive more materials, or attend educa- moting debate and discussion as the alumni and participants in leadership pro- dents as well as core activists consis- tional programs in the future in order to raison d’etre of the institution. grams to operate a network of Israel fellows tently rejected “scripted” materials become informed on the topic. To date The challenge to our community now The mood regarding Israel identification is noticeably different —The Grinspoon interns— on over 50 cam- and/or one-sided encapsulated histories AIPAC estimates that over 100,000 such is to act and follow up on some of the suc- puses. The network is an example of a grass that are perceived as propagandistic. conversations have taken place, some in cessful introductory encounters from the this year from last year, and our community’s collective approach roots effort that is empowered by a national What should be noted in these initial Hillel houses, but many outside. Fall semester as opportunities for informal coordinator. The coordinator, a recent college polling exercises is that even the “unen- Finally, it is important to recognize education, creative cultural and religious should be guided by these positive developments even if graduate, helps facilitate and troubleshoot on gaged,” when properly induced and certain inherent parameters that guide engagement programming, and genuine specific campuses and simultaneously builds offered a non-threatening environment, Jewish student life programming on cam- relationship and community building. All exceptional negative cases continue to grab media attention. a support network of peers who are “in the will actually talk and engage. This pus. Namely, advocacy cannot be per- of these efforts must be guided by student know” about specific campus environments. dynamic informs the second part of this ceived by students as drowning out voices. The latter should include an ele- discussion — what tools are considered legitimate discussion and even criticism. ment of Jewish peoplehood that may have Wayne L. Firestone is Director of the Center for Israel effective? One empirical example from Perhaps not ironically, it was the very unwittingly faded — on and off campus Affairs at the Hillel Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. this semester is the AIPAC initiative to same University of Michigan student — over the past several years.

12 CONTACT WINTER 2003 13 or those in the community seeking to This local “intelligence” is translated into engage Jewish college students in Israel regular conversations, activities and pro- STUDENT advocacy and education, there are sev- gramming in popular (and populated) F eral important insights to be gleaned hot spots around campus. VOICES ON from recent experiences on campus. The Also in this category, it is worth not- mood regarding Israel identification is ing the success of the Israeli student noticeably different this year from last year, participants in the Israel at Heart initia- ISRAEL: and our community’s collective approach tive, where teams of three diverse Israeli should be guided by these positive develop- students engaged their peers in dialogue ments even if exceptional negative cases regarding day-to-day life in Israel from a continue to grab media attention. peer—as opposed to professional or offi- Lessons According to campus professionals and cial— perspective. For many students student activists across the country, some of on campus, Jewish and non-Jewish, this the polarization, intimidation and general was the first time they encountered a from apathy that has characterized the campus female Jewish soldier, an Ethiopian Jew, environment for much of the al-aksa period a Jew from an Arab country, etc. Almost of violence has started to subside in favor of uniformly wherever the Israelis spoke, a more inquisitive Jewish populace. Discus- student audiences accepted the authen- Listening sion and dissemination of information on ticity of their personal reflections and the Middle East conflict is reportedly meet- extended to them an opportunity to par- by WAYNE L. FIRESTONE ing less resistance, although the method and ticipate in meaningful discussions on approach to such encounters often deter- campus. That they were not official gov- mine whether a student will be “turned on” ernment spokespersons and actually dif- or “turned off” to the message. fered in their particular political and A central question that Hillel and other religious perspectives enhanced rather campus organizations are addressing is how to than undermined their credibility in the Unengaged students as well as core activists consistently increase Jewish student identity and solidarity campus setting. with Israel during a time of crisis. To be sure, Regarding methods for engagement, rejected “scripted” materials and/or one-sided encapsulated efforts to fortify and refocus Israel education the community has received some inter- and advocacy efforts on campus should be esting student feedback, albeit mostly prioritized in spite of, not necessarily because about what does not work, from a series histories that are perceived as propagandistic. of the current violence against Israel. of focus group sessions with unaffiliated In gauging responses from students and and uninvolved Jewish students. Jewish empower local activists by circulating stu- activists who successfully undercut the campus professionals regarding what is organizations have been invited to share dent-generated petitions and then pub- ineffectual divestment conference on their working and what is not working on campus materials and suggestions about existing lishing them in the local newspaper on campus this October, who a year earlier this year, it is possible to identify some initial and prospective approaches and to observe sixty target campuses nationwide. The coined an inclusive and proactive slogan trends that may guide our collective reorien- student discussions. While it is probably significance of this campaign is less about that invited students to stand with Israel, tation and repositioning. The trends can be premature to extrapolate definitive con- the number of students who actually “Wherever we Stand.” The slogan has divided into three broad categories that relate clusions from these privately financed sign, but more about the dialogue it has caught on nationally at Hillel for many if to: (1) the peer approach dynamic, (2) meth- initiatives, it is important to recognize created. This effort should not be viewed not all students and campus professionals. ods for engagement and (3) operating the strong negative attitudes regarding a as a litmus test or poll for Israel support The slogan operationally defines our orga- parameters for college venue activity. number of top-down approaches. Stu- on campus. The organizers of the effort nization’s “big tent” approach. Although Regarding the first category, arguably the dents specifically criticized the generic report that for every signature they we have been criticized for not having a most successful initial approaches to stu- use of lecturers, rabbis, official spokesman receive there are at least two students uniform message, this perceived weakness dents on campus today are made by peers, and other experts as well as national who do not sign, but expressed willing- can also be viewed as an asset. This is true e.g., other students or recent graduates. Hil- advertising efforts transplanted to local ness to engage in dialogue on the subject, where one views a college campus pro- lel has identified a corps of Israel mission campuses. Moreover, unengaged stu- receive more materials, or attend educa- moting debate and discussion as the alumni and participants in leadership pro- dents as well as core activists consis- tional programs in the future in order to raison d’etre of the institution. grams to operate a network of Israel fellows tently rejected “scripted” materials become informed on the topic. To date The challenge to our community now The mood regarding Israel identification is noticeably different —The Grinspoon interns— on over 50 cam- and/or one-sided encapsulated histories AIPAC estimates that over 100,000 such is to act and follow up on some of the suc- puses. The network is an example of a grass that are perceived as propagandistic. conversations have taken place, some in cessful introductory encounters from the this year from last year, and our community’s collective approach roots effort that is empowered by a national What should be noted in these initial Hillel houses, but many outside. Fall semester as opportunities for informal coordinator. The coordinator, a recent college polling exercises is that even the “unen- Finally, it is important to recognize education, creative cultural and religious should be guided by these positive developments even if graduate, helps facilitate and troubleshoot on gaged,” when properly induced and certain inherent parameters that guide engagement programming, and genuine specific campuses and simultaneously builds offered a non-threatening environment, Jewish student life programming on cam- relationship and community building. All exceptional negative cases continue to grab media attention. a support network of peers who are “in the will actually talk and engage. This pus. Namely, advocacy cannot be per- of these efforts must be guided by student know” about specific campus environments. dynamic informs the second part of this ceived by students as drowning out voices. The latter should include an ele- discussion — what tools are considered legitimate discussion and even criticism. ment of Jewish peoplehood that may have Wayne L. Firestone is Director of the Center for Israel effective? One empirical example from Perhaps not ironically, it was the very unwittingly faded — on and off campus Affairs at the Hillel Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. this semester is the AIPAC initiative to same University of Michigan student — over the past several years.

12 CONTACT WINTER 2003 13 I have no compunction about actively supporting American efforts to encourage Israel’s re-engagement with the Palestinians, at the earliest practical moment, while simultaneously demonstrating my solidarity with Israel. The Necessity for Unity, the Place for Dissent by MICHAEL SONNENFELDT

he past two years have been diffi- cycle of violence that nobody — neither benefits that might accrue from possession ing with Israel before. the cessation of incitement and hatred, nothing wrong with that. Dissent is cult for Israel and deeply troubling the Israelis nor the Palestinians — seems of the West Bank and Gaza were more than That all ended when Yasir Arafat should be key elements in the negotiations. enshrined in American history, Israeli for all those who care about her able to stem. We must ask ourselves: Are outweighed by the continuing violence and rejected Prime Minister Barak’s offer at The question is sometimes asked about political life and Jewish tradition itself. future. In one respect, times like demonstrations of support sufficient? Do the multitude of threats to Israel that reten- Camp David. Subsequently, he made no the legitimacy of promoting positions that Zionism itself was an act of dissent against T these present unique challenges for we not need to find additional ways to tion of all the territories would guarantee. effort to end (and there is ample evidence may be at odds with Israeli policies. As an a mainstream that was anti-Zionist. During Jews in the Diaspora that do not confront help achieve peace and security? I believe Rabin had it right. he even encouraged) the violence that American, I know that my primary role is the Holocaust, those American Jewish Jews in Israel. After all, an Israeli does not I think we can and we must. It is widely conceded across the politi- broke out. This violence was a rejection of as an advocate within my own country. activists who were most vocal in promot- have to find ways to express solidarity I admit I was an unapologetic sup- cal spectrum that weapons of mass Oslo’s key tenet, which was that disputes That is why my main efforts are designed ing the rescue of European Jewry dissented with the Jewish state. He does that simply porter of the course Yitzhak Rabin chose destruction in the hands of the terror- would be resolved through negotiations to encourage the U.S. government — our from mainstream Jewish organizations that by waking up, going to school or work, or when he began the Oslo process. I do not backing states pose the number one threat and not violence. government — to fulfill its dual role in the deferred to the American government. shopping at the mall. In the Diaspora, it is categorize myself as left or right. Perhaps I to Israel’s existence, while the success that Still, I have no compunction about Middle East: as Israel’s most important Nevertheless, we must distinguish somewhat more complicated. would consider myself a “security hawk,” security cooperation had in reducing ter- actively supporting American efforts to friend and ally, and as a credible mediator between those who differ on how Israel Clearly, there are a myriad of ways for a term Rabin applied to himself. rorism during the years following Oslo encourage Israel’s re-engagement with the of the Arab-Israeli conflict. should confront her enemies, and those Diaspora Jews to demonstrate solidarity. It was out of a concern for Israel’s demonstrated that without Palestinian Palestinians, at the earliest practical These views have not always been pop- who differ on whether Israel has a right to Many of them are not political. Buying security that Rabin made the decision to cooperation, terror will continue to be a moment, while simultaneously demonstrat- ular with leaders of the American Jewish exist. These are critical distinctions. Israeli products, visiting Israel and lobby- recognize the PLO and begin the process blight on the Jewish state. ing my solidarity with Israel. There still community. With respect to the complex Motive does matter. ing elected officials to support aid to Israel of negotiations. He did not do so out of an Nothing that has occurred over the appears to be significant support on each issue of the American role in the peace Each of us who cares about Israel must are all both helpful and important. Some altruistic love of Palestinians, but only past two years has altered the fundamental side of the conflict for a two-state solution process, some have at times found them- find the course of solidarity most in keep- also choose to express their support by after concluding that a new relationship soundness of Rabin’s beliefs. Events have along the lines of (or some variant of) the selves on a high wire act, trying to repre- ing with who we are as Jews and as human participating in pro-Israel demonstrations, with them (and, in fact, with all of Israel’s certainly called into question the achiev- framework hammered out at Taba in sent the views of the Government of Israel beings. At times like these, silence or busi- solidarity rallies and marches. immediate neighbors) was essential to ability of Rabin’s objectives, but not the December 2000. I strongly believe that — even when such views were clearly out ness as usual is almost unimaginable. We At the same time, even as we demon- neutralizing the existential threat posed by benefits of his plan. During the few years efforts to renew negotiations could be a step of sync with the views held by a majority need not all choose the same route. But as strate our solidarity with Israel, some of us weapons of mass destruction in the hands prior to the Camp David summit of 2000, in the right direction. Although I fully sup- of American Jews. Today, as Israel is long as we have Israel’s best interests at have disagreements with specific Israeli of Iraq, Iran, Libya or one of the terror Israel endured far less terror than before. port the prerequisite of a legitimate negoti- threatened to a greater degree than at any heart, and we remain true to ourselves, we policies or concerns about the vicious networks. The economy was booming with foreign ating partner, I believe the status quo is not time in the recent past, these differences should each draw the courage to continue Rabin also believed that Israel would investment. Hotels were built to accommo- advancing Israel’s security. As the opportu- have narrowed. to support and pursue efforts to insure only succeed in eliminating the threat date the sharp increase in tourism. Trade nities arise, much more can be done to But still, it is important to remember that the Jewish state will find peace with Michael Sonnenfeldt, past Chairman of the Israel posed by Palestinian terrorism when the and diplomatic relations were opened with bring the parties back to the table. To be that these differences do not hinge on the her neighbors, and be free of the threats Policy Forum, currently serves as Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign for the JCC in Manhattan, and as Palestinian mainstream joined Israel in nations in Asia and Africa (including Arab sure, this time, steps to insure compliance goals of security and prosperity, but rather that, sadly, continue to threaten her very a Vice Chair of Ben Gurion University of the Negev. fighting it. He believed that any security states), which had never considered deal- and real preparations for peace, including the best methods to achieve them. There’s survival.

14 CONTACT WINTER 2003 15 I have no compunction about actively supporting American efforts to encourage Israel’s re-engagement with the Palestinians, at the earliest practical moment, while simultaneously demonstrating my solidarity with Israel. The Necessity for Unity, the Place for Dissent by MICHAEL SONNENFELDT

he past two years have been diffi- cycle of violence that nobody — neither benefits that might accrue from possession ing with Israel before. the cessation of incitement and hatred, nothing wrong with that. Dissent is cult for Israel and deeply troubling the Israelis nor the Palestinians — seems of the West Bank and Gaza were more than That all ended when Yasir Arafat should be key elements in the negotiations. enshrined in American history, Israeli for all those who care about her able to stem. We must ask ourselves: Are outweighed by the continuing violence and rejected Prime Minister Barak’s offer at The question is sometimes asked about political life and Jewish tradition itself. future. In one respect, times like demonstrations of support sufficient? Do the multitude of threats to Israel that reten- Camp David. Subsequently, he made no the legitimacy of promoting positions that Zionism itself was an act of dissent against T these present unique challenges for we not need to find additional ways to tion of all the territories would guarantee. effort to end (and there is ample evidence may be at odds with Israeli policies. As an a mainstream that was anti-Zionist. During Jews in the Diaspora that do not confront help achieve peace and security? I believe Rabin had it right. he even encouraged) the violence that American, I know that my primary role is the Holocaust, those American Jewish Jews in Israel. After all, an Israeli does not I think we can and we must. It is widely conceded across the politi- broke out. This violence was a rejection of as an advocate within my own country. activists who were most vocal in promot- have to find ways to express solidarity I admit I was an unapologetic sup- cal spectrum that weapons of mass Oslo’s key tenet, which was that disputes That is why my main efforts are designed ing the rescue of European Jewry dissented with the Jewish state. He does that simply porter of the course Yitzhak Rabin chose destruction in the hands of the terror- would be resolved through negotiations to encourage the U.S. government — our from mainstream Jewish organizations that by waking up, going to school or work, or when he began the Oslo process. I do not backing states pose the number one threat and not violence. government — to fulfill its dual role in the deferred to the American government. shopping at the mall. In the Diaspora, it is categorize myself as left or right. Perhaps I to Israel’s existence, while the success that Still, I have no compunction about Middle East: as Israel’s most important Nevertheless, we must distinguish somewhat more complicated. would consider myself a “security hawk,” security cooperation had in reducing ter- actively supporting American efforts to friend and ally, and as a credible mediator between those who differ on how Israel Clearly, there are a myriad of ways for a term Rabin applied to himself. rorism during the years following Oslo encourage Israel’s re-engagement with the of the Arab-Israeli conflict. should confront her enemies, and those Diaspora Jews to demonstrate solidarity. It was out of a concern for Israel’s demonstrated that without Palestinian Palestinians, at the earliest practical These views have not always been pop- who differ on whether Israel has a right to Many of them are not political. Buying security that Rabin made the decision to cooperation, terror will continue to be a moment, while simultaneously demonstrat- ular with leaders of the American Jewish exist. These are critical distinctions. Israeli products, visiting Israel and lobby- recognize the PLO and begin the process blight on the Jewish state. ing my solidarity with Israel. There still community. With respect to the complex Motive does matter. ing elected officials to support aid to Israel of negotiations. He did not do so out of an Nothing that has occurred over the appears to be significant support on each issue of the American role in the peace Each of us who cares about Israel must are all both helpful and important. Some altruistic love of Palestinians, but only past two years has altered the fundamental side of the conflict for a two-state solution process, some have at times found them- find the course of solidarity most in keep- also choose to express their support by after concluding that a new relationship soundness of Rabin’s beliefs. Events have along the lines of (or some variant of) the selves on a high wire act, trying to repre- ing with who we are as Jews and as human participating in pro-Israel demonstrations, with them (and, in fact, with all of Israel’s certainly called into question the achiev- framework hammered out at Taba in sent the views of the Government of Israel beings. At times like these, silence or busi- solidarity rallies and marches. immediate neighbors) was essential to ability of Rabin’s objectives, but not the December 2000. I strongly believe that — even when such views were clearly out ness as usual is almost unimaginable. We At the same time, even as we demon- neutralizing the existential threat posed by benefits of his plan. During the few years efforts to renew negotiations could be a step of sync with the views held by a majority need not all choose the same route. But as strate our solidarity with Israel, some of us weapons of mass destruction in the hands prior to the Camp David summit of 2000, in the right direction. Although I fully sup- of American Jews. Today, as Israel is long as we have Israel’s best interests at have disagreements with specific Israeli of Iraq, Iran, Libya or one of the terror Israel endured far less terror than before. port the prerequisite of a legitimate negoti- threatened to a greater degree than at any heart, and we remain true to ourselves, we policies or concerns about the vicious networks. The economy was booming with foreign ating partner, I believe the status quo is not time in the recent past, these differences should each draw the courage to continue Rabin also believed that Israel would investment. Hotels were built to accommo- advancing Israel’s security. As the opportu- have narrowed. to support and pursue efforts to insure only succeed in eliminating the threat date the sharp increase in tourism. Trade nities arise, much more can be done to But still, it is important to remember that the Jewish state will find peace with Michael Sonnenfeldt, past Chairman of the Israel posed by Palestinian terrorism when the and diplomatic relations were opened with bring the parties back to the table. To be that these differences do not hinge on the her neighbors, and be free of the threats Policy Forum, currently serves as Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign for the JCC in Manhattan, and as Palestinian mainstream joined Israel in nations in Asia and Africa (including Arab sure, this time, steps to insure compliance goals of security and prosperity, but rather that, sadly, continue to threaten her very a Vice Chair of Ben Gurion University of the Negev. fighting it. He believed that any security states), which had never considered deal- and real preparations for peace, including the best methods to achieve them. There’s survival.

14 CONTACT WINTER 2003 15 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Jewish Life Network Paid 6 East 39th Street Rockville, MD 10th floor Permit No. 800 New York, NY 10016

rue, day-to-day life in Israel is not easy.

There are dangers inherent in even mundane

gfdg tasks.The most primal parental instinct is to

protect one’s children, and it is not easy to

Turge moms and dads to send their kids to a

region perceived as unsafe. But we must ask

ourselves: if we exist only for ourselves in

the comfort of American safety, if we do not

stand united with Israel during its moments

of crisis, what are we as a people?

— MICHAEL H. STEINHARDT