| September 2025
Amplifying American Jewish Perspectives: A Call to Conscience Friends, I want to call your attention to three significant statements issued this summer by the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), and the American Conference of Cantors (ACC). These statements, available at www.ccarnet.org, demand our careful consideration. I strongly encourage you to read all three in their entirety, as I will only summarize their key points here. Confronting Settler Violence in the West Bank The first statement, issued July 23, responded to the killing of 20-year-old Palestinian American Saif Musallet—a tragic incident emblematic of escalating violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank. Since the war began, violence against Palestinians has surged dramatically, while illegal outposts proliferate unchecked. Most alarmingly, settler violence now targets even Israeli security forces and the IDF. As the statement notes, “Given that the Israeli police force is controlled by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, and the civil administration of the West Bank is under the command of Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Department Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom support expansion of West Bank Jewish settlements, none of this comes as a surprise, but it cannot be condoned.” Torah repeatedly emphasizes our obligation to treat the stranger with respect and equality. Exodus 12:49 declares unequivocally: “There shall be one law for the citizen and for the stranger who dwells among you.” We desecrate Torah itself when we permit violence against innocent Palestinians, deny them water access, destroy their crops, steal their animals, and attempt to expel them from their villages. Addressing Starvation in Gaza The July 27 statement confronted the humanitarian crisis of starvation in Gaza. Too many spend precious time debating technical definitions of hunger versus famine, or arguing whether Hamas or Israel bears primary responsibility. While we know Hamas shows utter disregard for human life, these debates cannot absolve Israel of its moral obligations. The statement powerfully declares: “No one should be unaffected by the pervasive hunger experienced by thousands of Gazans. No one should spend the bulk of their time arguing technical definitions between starvation and pervasive hunger. The situation is dire, and it is deadly. Nor should we accept arguments that because Hamas is the primary reason many Gazans are either starving or on the verge of starving, that the Jewish State is not also culpable in this human disaster. The primary moral response must begin with anguished hearts in the face of such a large-scale human tragedy.” If we truly believe Torah’s teaching that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God—then allowing preventable starvation constitutes an affront to the Divine. This moral imperative exists independent of strategic calculations, and we must acknowledge that hunger and starvation will not secure the return of the 50 remaining hostages, only 22 of whom may still be alive. Rejecting Reoccupation of Gaza The August 8 statement addressed the security cabinet’s approved plan to extend control over Gaza, as extremist ministers openly advocate reoccupation and resettlement. Twenty years ago, Israel’s traumatic but courageous dismantling of Gaza settlements represented a unilateral gesture toward future peace. That unhealed trauma now manifests in both the settler violence described above and dangerous messianic desires to return to Gaza at any cost. The statement warns that such reoccupation would exact a devastating price on Israel and Jews worldwide: “Israel has become, and remains, a powerful nation thanks, in part, to the support of allies around the world. But the length and horrors of this war thus far means that military and other forms of support from longtime allies may be less forthcoming in the future. The current occupation of part of Gaza already risks Israel’s security and international reputation.” While Hamas bears undeniable responsibility for initiating this war, maintaining conditions in Gaza, refusing to release hostages, and resisting improved conditions for its people, “Israel has the ability and responsibility to prioritize its own people and values by recognizing that now is the time to end this war, bring the hostages home, and create a coalition of Arab nations with the U.S. and other allies to rebuild Gaza and shape a better tomorrow for all.” Our Moral Obligation as American Jews I have quoted extensively from these statements because they articulate American Jewish perspectives that must be amplified in our current discourse. Supporting Israel remains both our duty and responsibility, but we bear an equally sacred obligation to offer our perspective and voice as American Jews—anchored firmly in Torah—to help Israel see what it may not be able to see itself. As we approach the High Holy Days, I look forward to seeing many of you. We have much to discuss and much praying to do, both for America and for Israel. In this season of reflection and repentance, let us commit ourselves to the prophetic tradition of speaking truth with love, even when that truth proves difficult to hear. L’shalom, |