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Thursday October 30, 2003

Pro-Israel groups must open ranks to diverse viewpoints

by Steve Lipman

In recent weeks, strident criticisms have been pointed toward the Jewish Community Relations Council, the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation and even the local Consulate General of Israel — all of which are the central addresses for pro-Israel activism in our community.

Who are these criticisms from? Pro-Israel activists themselves.

These critics claim there should be no diversity of opinion because diversity shows weakness and Israel’s enemies will exploit this. Indeed, such criticism is particularly ironic given the leadership role these organizations have played in meeting the tremendous challenges posed by anti-Israel forces in the Bay Area. But now, these organizations are placed in a position of defending themselves against fellow Jews who criticize them for being too right-wing or too left-wing rather than allowing them to focus on their important pro-Israel work.

Our community has a range of opinions on Israel, overwhelmingly supportive of Israel’s right to exist as a democratic and Jewish state within recognized and defensible borders. Differences arise among us as to where those borders should be, but that shouldn’t prevent us from working together to support Israel where it counts most.

Sadly, some choose to use uncivil language in emphasizing the differences among us. This effort harms rather than advances our common goal of building the strongest possible support for Israel.

There is a big difference between unity and uniformity. Many in our community are reluctant to be active on behalf of Israel because they view the pro-Israel community as having an ever-narrowing definition of what it means to be an Israel supporter.

After three years of unrelenting terrorism directed at Israeli civilians, my support for the state of Israel has never been stronger. I am a member of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. I have lived in Israel and visit frequently. I have family there and am a member of my synagogue’s Israel action committee. I’ve attended pro-Israel rallies and spoken publicly about the need to support Israel. My mind is open to discussions with those who may disagree with me as long as they do not de-legitimize Israel.

Martin Raffel of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs muses that Jewish political diversity and inclusiveness are not incompatible with a coherent, effective pro-Israel message. We’re not like the Palestinians who won’t accept a diverse message. No right wing, no left wing.

Some have told me that American Jews should be united in standing with Israel and that we should not be providing any fodder for Israel’s enemies. The “bad guys” are very good at bashing Israel and, to be sure, there is a tiny fringe of American Jews who have joined with Israel’s enemies, even calling for Israel’s dismantlement. For these folks, I feel nothing but contempt.

But diversity does not breed weakness. There is nothing in the positions taken by responsible right- or left-wing advocates that diminishes by one degree our love and support for Israel, or weakens our message.

Attempts to develop an ideological uniformity are shortsighted, and not the best use of our time and energy. We have real work to do and shouldn’t be wasting energy on internecine fighting.

We can support the state of Israel and yet responsibly and respectfully debate some policies of the government of Israel. We should not shy away from honest, ethical, heartfelt discussion about the issues that affect Israel’s democratic and Jewish nature. There are limits. Those who delegitimize Israel go beyond the pale.

Many remember the awful characterizations directed in Israel against Yitzhak Rabin just prior to his assassination. Do we want our community to emulate that hostile environment?

Surely one should be able to support Israel’s uncompromising war on terror while also supporting attempts to extend an olive branch of peace to Israel’s enemies?

Let’s all think about why we support Israel. Let’s all try to be a bit more pluralistic, a bit more democratic and a bit more tolerant of those whose viewpoints may differ from our own. Let’s keep our eye on the ball and be confident enough in Israel’s cause to open up the pro-Israel tent just a little bit wider.

Steve Lipman is a member of several local pro-Israel organizations and a member of Peninsula Sinai Congregation in Foster City.

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