Opinion

by Sarah Yerkes

Speaking Out Against the Land I Love

In the summer of 1996 I spent six weeks traveling through the Israeli countryside as part of the NFTY Exodus program. To say that summer changed my life would be a huge understatement. Though I had been an active Reform Jew, with a strong belief in God, I can honestly say that after my visit to the homeland I experienced an even deeper love for the Jewish state.

At the same time that my Jewish identity was taking root in my soul, I was learning about social justice through organizations such as Amnesty International and NFTY. By writing letters, signing petitions, and educating myself and others I began speaking out against human rights abuses in Turkey, China, India, and throughout the world. While simple human intuition has taught me these acts are wrong, my strong Jewish morals and values have primed me to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.

Now I have come upon the realization that my beloved Israel, a nation I have always looked upon as a model of moral conduct, is among the abusers. According to Amnesty International, last year 1,600 Palestinians were arrested on security grounds (1,000 after the rash of suicide bombings) solely because of their heritage. Six hundred Palestinians were administratively detained, three Israeli conscientious objectors were imprisoned for their principled stands, 22 Lebanese nationals were held in prison without charge or trial, 1,000 Palestinians received trials that did not meet the international standard of fairness, and 80 Palestinians (including 60 civilians) were killed by Israeli forces.

What message am I sending if I stand by in silence while Israel oppresses and even kills Palestinian civilians? Shouldn't I denounce the nation--the home--I so dearly love?

Yes.

It is because of my deep loyalties to Israel that I must speak out. As Reform Jews, as people who have long preached compassion for other human beings, who have vowed "never again," who raise our children to reach out to the hungry and the naked with the understanding that we, too, have known suffering--it is our undeniable responsibility to demand an end to all acts that are immoral and unjust.

Israel's behavior contradicts her deepest values. Yes, the Israeli government must protect her citizens from terrorists and suicide bombers, but that does not give it license to trample on the human rights of Palestinians as a people.

Some Jews will stand behind the blue and white flag right or wrong. I cannot do that. While I will always love Israel and would gladly give my life for her survival, I must speak out in protest. I will write letters expressing my anger to the Israeli government, inform the world of Israel's human rights violations, and encourage others to do the same. In 1945 we promised never to forget. "Never again" teaches us that Jews without power are easy prey to their enemies. But it also reminds us that we must fight against the corruption of power--even when it is in Jewish hands.