Feb 17, 2011
Ms Sucharov ‘s article re: “Using the Language of Shame”, while meant to rally diaspora Jews to be vocally and unashamedly critical of what you view as Israel misdeeds, sadly does more to show your willful-naivety and self-righteousness. I say sadly because I very much care about Israel, and have no doubt that you genuinely care as well. I am quite proud of Israel’s accomplishments, especially so that it’s in the face of unparalleled opposition, even though neither I nor you had any hand in that. The difference between us is, you believe that Israel operates in complete isolation as if it were Lichtenstein, whereas I know it is subject to enormous world pressures that are by far not in Israel’s best interests and in fact part of the never-ending attempts to de-legitimize the Jewish state. Those pressures are there not because Israel is an imperfect democracy (btw, I challenge you to show me a perfect one), but because of the same intolerance that Jews have had to fight through the ages and in particular to re-establish a sovereign Jewish state. To ignore those fundamental dynamics, is like a child asking its parents to buy something overly expensive for their means while believing that its as simple as prancing up to an ATM and it magically spitting out endless amounts of cash.
You see, I too find it “wrong” that some rabbis are suggesting segregation, but to not appreciate that they’re call was most likely in reaction to and perhaps even to highlight that their neighbours and “peace partners” have instituted laws the prohibit the sale of land to JEWS, punishable by DEATH!! (A question Ms Sucharov, have you written about that?)
I trust we would both agree that any countries governments can and should be improved, but to ignore the heard of elephants in the china shop while waving fingers is irresponsible and naive.
INCIDENTALLY, worrying about J-Street’s and New Israel Fund’s "limited resources", would lead an unknowing reader to believe that they are not largely funded if not created by the multiBillionaire George Soros.
Steven Werner
Dundas, ON