On Aug. 27, President Biden hosted Israeli premier Naftalie Bennett at the White House. There were two items that Bennett insisted not be discussed. First, that his plan to continue to expand illegal settlements on Palestinian land should not be challenged. Secondly, that he has no plans to end the occupation.
Judaism is a religion of values. Respect ((Kavod), responsibility (Achrayut), fairness (Tzedek), caring (Chesed), community (Kehillah), kindness (Sever panim yafot), role modeling (Dugma Eesheet), keepers of the Earth (Shomrei Adamah) and trustworthiness (Emunah).
When applied these values mean: treat others with respect; be tolerant of differences; don’t threaten hit or hurt anyone; deal peacefully without anger, insults or disagreements; don’t take advantage of others; use self-control; forgive; help people in need; be a good neighbor; apologize and admit mistakes; support human rights; be an excellent steward of the earth.
You know where this is going. Do the six million Jews who live in Israel pretend that Palestinians are not suffering, sometimes as close as five miles away? When Israeli sons and daughters return from their IDF (Israel Defense Force) service, do their parents plead ignorance about the unjust acts that were committed? Do Israelis pretend that they don’t know about housing demolitions, nighttime home invasions, settlers uprooting Palestinian olive groves, Palestinian children being shot with live ammunition, arrests and detention of children, settlers confiscating water wells from Palestinian land.
Since Israel built a wall around the Occupied Territories and built roads that only Jews can drive on, Israelis can look the other way rather than admit that they aren’t living their values. Do they not see the hypocrisy that they do not apply their values to their cousins, the Palestinians?
As long as the United States permits these abuses and continues to give Israel $3.8 billion a year with no conditions, the abuses will continue. We must insist Israel live up to its Jewish values and end the cycle of violence. We must insist that our leaders make ending the occupation a priority.
Barbara Taylor, Salt Lake City