So there I was sitting in Tischa B' Av services last night. This is a day in which Jews collectively mourn the destruction of the temple. I got to thinking why do we as "liberal" Americans believe that it is our job to love our country but also recognize that there are times that we must protest and question our country. Afterall this is our patriotic duty. Why then are we as Jews expected to blindly support Israel. I do not disagree per se with what Israel is doing right now.
But I am always troubled by how many Jews simply take the attitude my country right or wrong. We as American Jews should not feel ashamed to take a stance the is critical of Israel. I always take the stance that we as Jews should take a higher moral ground. We are critical of Arabs who attack civilians we should then not attack civilians our selves. When the history is written Israel must be seen as the moralist. Why compare our selves to the terrorists.
1 comment:
Two comments:
1) I think that debate within the Jewish community should be free. But I do think that when talking with non-Jews, we should take a more supportive stance. Think of it in the context of family. Maybe there are times when you disagree with your mom; you can argue with her at home; but you wouldn't dis her to strangers, would you? Our people is one big family (children of Jacob); we do have an obligation to support our family.
2) Avoiding comparing ourselves to the terrorists isn't going to get us anywhere; because guess what -- they're on the other side of the conflict, and others are going to compare the two sides, whether we like it ot not. So we might as well put in our perspective. Plus, what are we going to do? Turn the other cheek? We're not Christians, thank God. I also am very disappointed by hints of equivalency in your post. When civilians die from our weapons, it is by accident, and we regret it; when Hizbollah kills civillians, it is by design, and they rejoice. Please don't that; enough people regularly do.
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