Dealing with Anti-Semitism is an unfortunate reality for most Jews, but when it comes from within your own community, it’s mind blowing!
Yes, I’m referring to the so-called Jewish Voice for Peace, a misguided—and some would say dangerous—group that promotes anti-Israeli policies like dismantling settlements, boycotts, and divestment. While those silly ideas are shared by many others, it’s hard to accept fellow Jews calling Israel an “apartheid state worse than South Africa.” (Seriously, have these folks studied history? That’s pure fantasy.)
JVP is comprised of notable Israel haters like playwright Tony Kushner, author Naomi Klein, and MIT professor Noam Chomsky—all of whom have been associated with the despicable Free Gaza Movement. {FGM created an anti-Semitic video entitled “Zionists Ran the Holocaust and the Concentration Camps.” Absolutely despicable, I know!}
In addition to spreading their poison online, they have protested outside of an AIPAC meeting and disrupted a speech given by Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Jewish General Assembly.
While I accept that there is always going to be disagreement within the Jewish community, I think JVP has moved into the territory of becoming a hate group. As such, they should not be invited to participate in public spaces, particularly college campuses where impressionable youngsters will be targeted.
Respectful discussion and dialogue is healthy and good, promoting misinformation and spreading hate is bad. I, like the overwhelming majority of Jews, disagree with everything JVP stands for. I don’t consider them the opposition; instead, I recognize them for what they are: the baffling and shameful phenomenon known as self-hating Jews.
Those of use who are proud to be Jewish, who love Israel, and want to ensure a future for the Jewish community must speak out about difficult topics like these. I truly don’t like to criticize others, but something this offensive can’t be condoned.
Paradoxically, there are always Jews that rush to the non-Jewish side of any issue, so as not to appear “too pro-Jewish”. These Jews will go out of their way to show the world, that though they are proud to be Jewish, they don’t have to act or think Jewish. They can take a lesson from the #BlackLivesMatter movement that they so fervently defend. They won’t, though; they will mutter anti-Israel sentiments right up to the time they are led into the next round of gas chambers.
I agree completely with your statement but the notion of being “too Jewish” or overly promoting Jewish causes just makes no sense to me! How can we NOT promote Judaism and Jewish ideals if that’s important to us? I know for me, it’s very important to share/discuss relevant Jewish issues. I don’t claim the Jewish community or Israel is perfect. Mistakes do happen, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be 100% pro-Judaism and pro-Israel.
In playwright’s Tony Kushner’s play “Angels In America,” the most important main theme is law and justice. What is his idea of justice when he promotes hatred and disunity among his own people? Instead of bring people together, he tears them apart. Naomi Klein and Noam Chomsky are just known as publicity hounds who seek any kind of attention. Who can take them seriously anymore?
You touched on a great point: what is justice? To me, it means promoting good causes that help people and seek to eliminate bias and unfair practices.
I did watch the “Angels in America” mini series. It was pretty good and seeing Meryl Streep dressed as Ethel Rosenberg was crazy! Isn’t it funny how someone can be so devoted to one cause in their life while turning a blind eye to others? Kushner is very active in promoting Gay rights, but he doesn’t seem to care about Jewish causes as much.