Thursday, February 11, 2016
Push back of criticizing Israel
Over the past few years the Israeli Palestinian conflict has had many ups and downs and sometimes Israel doesn't always do the right thing when it comes to attempts at peace. We can all agree that there are terrorists in the west bank as well as in Gaza, but their actions have caused a large amount of consequences for other citizens in these territories that are just normal everyday civilians in the middle of conflict. Criticizing Israel is something many people aren't comfortable doing. Most American Jews have a strong connection to Israel and its existence that they are more focused on keeping Israel alive than making sure Israel does the right thing. In an article I read recently it talked of Rabbis criticizing Israel in their sermons at the end of services. They received a lot of push back from their congregants and agreed to not speak on the subject in public. It then gave some very nice tips on how to discuss this topic in a reasonable and respectful manor. Expressing your care for Israel is very important when criticizing the destructive things it has done to not only terrorists, but also civilians in the west bank and Gaza. I personally care deeply about Israel and have honestly thought about moving here after high school, but that doesn't mean I think it is perfect. Israel has many flaws as well as every other country today, and criticism should be heard to help make this country better and hopefully one day create peace.
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Nice balanced perspective.
ReplyDeleteOften Israel is criticised to the point where we can do nothing right. We here in Israel are in a very difficult spot. I can't tell you what the right answer is to the problems here.
ReplyDeleteJacob, I definitely agree with this. I definitely think that it is important for those who have views on the subject to not be silenced by those who have views which they feel stronger about. In the world today, those who are louder often get to have their views shared and talked about, and the views of those who are quieter often get pushed off to the side. It is important for us all to try to combat this and ensure it doesn't happen in our communities. I agree with this statement completely, but it is also important that those who support Israel not get pushed off to the side either.
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