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Oh, the Challenge we face:
And How Joining Arza Can Help
April 2008
By Rabbi Michael Berk
Last month I wrote a letter to the editor that was published in the San Diego Union Tribune. I was reacting to an editorial which had taken the position that it is not reasonable to expect Israel to negotiate with Hamas, since Hamas only seeks Israel's destruction, not peace with Israel.
In my letter I said that I was pleased with the editorial, but that I was surprised it made no mention of the fact that the day before, eight Yeshiva students were murdered by a terrorist in Jerusalem. Here was the main point of my letter:
“The murder in Jerusalem points to a huge moral difference between Israel’s various strategies to protect itself and its citizens and the terrorists’ acts against Israel.The Islamic extremists will target the most vulnerable and innocent and rejoice at the spilling of the blood of children at sleep, studying religious texts, or playing outside. I am not an expert in military tactics, but I do know this: when Israel responds militarily to these kinds of murderous acts, they target militants who are ordering, making and delivering their suicide/homicide bombs. Innocents are killed, sometimes due to error, sometimes because the terrorists operate out of civilian areas that make the death of innocents inevitable. As a religious Jew I mourn their deaths, too.”
In the week after my letter was printed, I received two emails about it. One writer, a temple member, said he was “proud” to have me represent CBI and affirmed how important it is to get our message of support for Israel out into the community. I appreciate those kind words.
The other letter concerned me. The writer is not a member of the temple, but I am fairly certain he is Jewish. His letter points to a critical task we face in the Jewish community, especially now. The writer thought my “moral relativism” was “unfortunate and irresponsible.” Why? Because, to him, there is in fact NO difference between the deaths of those eight Yeshiva students, – who had gone back to the academy for extra credit to study and whose blood splattered over Jewish holy books – and a Palestinian civilian accidentally killed when Israel targets militants. He said explicitly: “The killing of civilians by Israeli soldiers is no more justified than the killing of Yeshiva students by suicide bombers.”
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I can hardly describe how this position distresses me. I don't mind someone disagreeing with me and I know people feel this way, but I am nonetheless utterly at a loss to understand how anyone can have such befuddled moral reasoning.
As we celebrate Israel’s 60th anniversary, we need to be aware that the challenges Israel faces are more complex than ever. The prospects for peace seem as dim as ever and with each passing day the “two state solution,” which is the only real solution, becomes more and more difficult to attain. No one really knows what to do.
In the meantime, while we rejoice in Israel’s 60th anniversary, there are those around us who do not marvel at how our beloved Israel has grown and flourished as a modern, secular, democratic state in the middle of the most troubled part of our planet.
So, we must take the advice of the temple member who wrote me and be ever diligent in promoting and standing up for Israel. There is so much ignorance and prejudice out there that we cannot let our guard down.
One of the most important things each of you can do is join ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, the Zionist arm and voice of the Reform Movement in the United States. ARZA’s mission is, “… to make Israel fundamental to the sacred lives and Jewish identity of Reform Jews. As a Zionist organization, ARZA champions activities that further enhance Israel as a pluralistic, just and democratic Jewish state.”
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ARZA provides materials and programs that keep Israel on our agenda and increase our awareness and knowledge about Israel. ARZA also helps us advocate on behalf of Israel in San Diego. In other words, ARZA exists to help educate people -- like the letter writer – and helps our community respond to those who do not understand Israel and the enormous challenges Israel faces.
If you read Tidings, hear, or read my sermons, or just talk to me, you know how proud I feel to be your rabbi. But there is one thing that disappoints me about CBI: we have only a handful of ARZA members in our congregation; as a matter of fact, I believe we have fewer than just about any congregation in Southern California.
I hope you will consider joining ARZA. It would be a terrific action to take in celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary. Through your membership in ARZA you express a strong commitment to the Jewish people and Israel. Your support of ARZA helps promote Reform Jewish values in Israel, enhances CBI’s relationship with Israel, and strengthens your own personal connection to Israel.
It is so easy to join! Visit www.arza.org for more information and directions on how to join. The challenges before Israel have always been overwhelming. But Israel needs you now, and ARZA is a very good way for you to support that little country of ours which inspires us and gives us so much to be proud of.
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