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This is my second call for a different support of Israel, the first was written here in 2004. I directed both calls first and foremost toward my fellow Israelis and Jewish friends in the US, but also to the many friends of Israel touched by Jewish history and the endeavor of resolving anti-Semitism embodied in the state of Israel.
I grew up in Israel and lived there for 25 years. I view myself as Israeli first and foremost. It has been my belief that for several years now, perhaps since the Oslo process crumbled, Israel’s leaders and a growing number of citizens are in need of a very different support than the one often offered by the US.
It is my perception that the last 8 years of Bush’s administration were detrimental to Israel, as his unequivocal support of Israel’s doing – right and wrong, without discrimination and without holding its leaders responsible to the same human rights we wish to see everywhere, were corrupting Israel’s economic and internal development, and particularly destructive to the moral stance of the IDF restrictive force for self defense measures. During this time Israel has seen unprecedented rise of a fundamentalist Jewish movement, and a lessening ability of peace activists, liberal movements and critical thinkers to balance the perception of threat and pursuit of a sustainable solution.
This over-reliance on excessive force without coherent attempts of reaching sustainable solution manifested in the last two wars. Regardless of whether a Cases Belie was present no sustainable or otherwise conducive outcome seemed feasible from such offensives.
Perhaps it goes back to where psychological needs clash with political and moral goals: The great majority of Israelis fear and loathe in-action more than they do war, I believe. This is the case not because they are war-mongers; on the contrary – Israelis are incredibly tired of wars, have more peace songs than any other nation, and likely have one of the highest percentage of left-wing, critically minded military personnel. But Israelis are familiar with wars, and live with a striking mix of being militarily strong and carrying a perception (justified by history) of being a victim. Being both victims and strong in our eyes, we seem to accept war when we know not what to do. Add to that the consistent perception that “there is no one to negotiate with”, that there had been no change in the Arab League’s approach to Israel. This, while still hurting from having wished for and trusted things could change for the better in the past. So is the inevitable creation of a bully, a tyrant, anywhere.
I suggest that many Israelis and Jewish people living in the US are caught between liberal morals and fears to endanger Israel. Thus we have failed Israel and its people over the last eight years; failed to remind our brothers, sisters, parents how strong we are, and reassure that while targeted and threatened, we are no longer the primary victim. We failed to highlight that there is lasting peace with two out of four neighboring countries. We neglected to highlight the necessity to assume responsibility for occupation, for use of excessive strength, and for refusing to critically examine political choices. In other words, we failed to support hope and change while holding Israel accountable in hard times.
And this is a responsibility we must assume here in the US, because it is too difficult of a task for the citizens of Israel alone. Without clear voices supporting change from its allies, Israel is becoming a frightening shadow of itself: Jewish Israelis who speak against the occupation are openly and consistently being met with anger and disrespect, and are named as enemies of the state in right-wing lists. The Arab citizens of Israel remain unheard and their attempts to participate in change is forcefully rejected and ignored. These are amplified by clearer and more public calls in the political cabinet to disregard human rights as relevant to Israel’s survival.
Like all who care about Israel, I feel helpless and desperately saddened by this situation. I have no immediate solution, but I know that witnessing these trends silently works against most everything I wish for myself, my family and friends, and all people in this world who wish to live peacefully. As our friends and families in Israel grew a habit of acting through war, we grew a habit of not speaking unless in support of Israel. Both are habits that ironically perpetuate fear and distance us from any solution that incorporates change, hope, or trust in human kind. With the rise of this new administration in the US we have the opportunity to support the people and the intentions that desperately struggle.
I chose to believe that there are many of us here, who can support the many Israelis and Palestinians who are fearful and angry, yet yearn for resolution. I believe that we must speak against Israel’s wrong doings, supporting those Israelis who dare to do so, and so we can claim its rights with integrity. Living far away might mean that we have the calm and privilege to hope and the perspective of life beyond a lasting conflict. If we do not speak, we are responsible for the defeat of those intentions for dialoge being silenced, and we will be held accountable for the end of Israel we love. I believe that if no real change occurs we will ultimately see the destruction of Israel by growing violence or see the rise of an Israel we fear.
Einat Metzl, Los Angeles, CA January 2009
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