Being Jewish, and Pro-Israel, Joel Abramson never expected to feel all alone in a support group of young Jewish professionals. But that’s exactly what happened.
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I’ve never been to a support group before, but last night, at the New Israel Fund: New Generations event “Perspectives and Conversation on Current Events in Israel,” the atmosphere was thick with a need for understanding and belonging, and a feeling of isolation. The group sitting around the circle was Jewish young professionals, and one by one they shared their name, and what they loved about Israel. “The food. The technology. The general attitude.” Then, someone said, “I don’t love Israel.”
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They shared how the Arab-Israeli community, 20% of Israeli population, are no longer feeling safe, welcome, or able to develop relationships with their Israeli neighbors.
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The speakers that evening were Omer Tamuz, an Israeli who served five years in the IDF and has since moved on to become a mathematician, including a post-doctoral at MIT; and his wife, Rebecca Polivy, currently the Director of Programming for Encounter, which works to build a bridge between Israelis and Palestinians. Both Omer and Rebecca shared their personal stories surrounding the current conflict in Gaza, focussing on the elements of Israeli society. They noted how the Israeli people as a whole were moving almost completely toward a pro-war agenda, and those who might feel differently were being dismissed, and unrecognized. They shared how the Arab-Israeli community, 20% of Israeli population, are no longer feeling safe, welcome, or able to develop relationships with their Israeli neighbors. Together, they presented a platform on the Middle East unrest that I do not often hear. It was certainly moving, and I welcomed the opportunity to appreciate a new perspective.
Each shared a story about their personal confrontation with not being a part of the whole, whether it be disapproving of Netanyahu; sympathizing with the rising Gazan death tolls, or any other opinion that these young Jewish American’s felt that labeled them as anti-Israel.
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The irony for me was quickly apparent. In a room of people who felt like the minority, I felt alone. The group voiced only opinions critical of Israel, and no one seemed to recognize Hamas’ role in the conflict, instead focussing solely on Israel’s actions or lack of restraint. When I brought up ulterior options for Hamas’ needs for blockade relief, I was met with a stonewall response, and the conversation quickly shifted back to the “incursion” of Israel.
The group’s opinions aside, their feeling of isolation troubled me. I want every Jewish voice to feel heard, and each individual to feel like they belong, no matter if I agree with their views or otherwise. The challenge in that sentiment is when the topic encompasses war and the loss of life. It is unbelievably necessary to recognize the difference between the Palestinian people, and Hamas, and to understand the difference between being pro-Palestinan and anti-Israel.
From a moral perspective, I believe that the loss of life caused by this and many other conflicts around the world is tragic, but fundamentally, when dealing with a terrorist organization whose publicly stated goal is to wipe out the Jews from Israel, the stakes, emotions, and conversations become more charged with fervor. I think back to the exclusion of Jstreet from the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, and feel the vote swayed against them due to a policy favoring peace negotiations with Hamas.
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We as the democracies of the United States and Israel must remain strong when faced with opposing views, and remain diligent to ensure that all members of the community feel recognized.
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Toward the end of the meeting, someone expressed their desire to not have to meet in a cramped living room in a small house, referencing the massive pro-Israel rallies and demonstrations happening throughout the United States. The American Jewish community by majority supports Israel. The American media’s representation of the destructive toll on Gaza fills all of us with a mix of sorrow, confusion, and a need to feel that Israeli operation “Protective Edge” is just and principled. Unfortunately, we will have to wait several years to understand the complexities of the conflict, the truths that will be brought to light, and the mistakes that might have been made.
We as the democracies of the United States and Israel must remain strong when faced with opposing views, and remain diligent to ensure that all members of the community feel recognized. It was incredibly refreshing to engage in a different view of the Gaza conflict from a perspective that is not always popular, and helped to personally broaden my understanding of the American Jewish community.
Have you ever felt like the minority opinion and unable to have your voice heard?
Photo: Flickr/Brixit Lorenzo de la Fuente
Thank you, Tom. Being the minority can often be intimidating, especially when others around you refuse to acknowledge your views at all. Your thoughts and opinions still are significant, and should, at the least, be contributed in the larger picture.
“We as the democracies of the United Stated and Israel must remain strong when faced with opposing views, and remain diligent to ensure that all members of the community feel recognized. It was incredibly refreshing to engage in a different view of the Gaza conflict from a perspective that is not always popular, and helped to personally broaden my understanding of the American Jewish community.” Well stated Joel.
Have you ever felt like the minority opinion and unable to have your voice heard? I can’t count the times but I can say this, you’re in good company.