As a ceaseless testimonial of a desire for unity that goes beyond exoduses and persecutions, Passover will also be an opportunity for Jews across the world to wish “next year in Jerusalem” to each other.
Nevertheless, this fine unity must now face a growing suspicion coming from some Israeli leaders who may be mistaken about who their true friends really are, as they confuse the defence of Israel’s legitimacy with a blind and absolute support to the decisions taken by governmental authorities.
Years after the implementation of a policy that only led to ever more isolation, some elected people and Israeli representatives are now ready to throw themselves into the arms of whoever is ready to declare its unconditional support to Israel, presented as the first barrier against barbarism (read: Islam).
No matter that these leaders seek their backing among Christian fundamentalists whose dangerously regressive political agenda is similar to a literal implementation of Gospels!
No matter that they welcome the representatives of self-confident European far-right extremist parties that claim their attachment to Israel as an indefectible ally in the “Clash of Civilizations”, all too eager to appear modern and to have their old slogans forgotten. This trend was illustrated last December as delegations of leaders who belong to far-right parties were welcomed by members of the government and Knesset MP’s. They view their support to Israel as an unlikely way to prevent the lingering bad smell of open or hidden messages of xenophobia, intolerance and anti-Semitism that can still be heard among their ranks. As Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in Recollections “In politics, shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships” .
Being trapped by a growing feeling of resentment, will Israel give credit to everyone who “still dares” to defend its right to security, but for bad reasons? “As we prepare the path to friendship, we cannot be friends with Evil; we must do Evil to Evil” (Bertolt Brecht).
A few weeks later, Jeremy Ben-Ami, J Sreet’s President, was summoned to give explanations before the Knesset. He explained that a pressing necessity to break with a “hand-tied” support is being felt by almost 170,000 American Jews and the reasons why this should lead Israel to reflection instead of reactions of disgrace.
Link to Jeremy Ben-Ami’s speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcXmCyTCfDQ
A reflection, first, about its ties to Jews all over the world. On 29th September 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu gave, “in the name of his people”, a speech before the UN General Assembly, particularly in reaction to endless Iranian provocations.
Then, a reflection on the values Israel should embody within the international community and defend within its borders. In a worthy democracy, the right to security, if it is of utmost importance, does not necessarily erase the respect that is due to other equally preeminent rights: the respect of the Rule of Law, non-discrimination, freedom of speech, etc.
Turning down this « call for reason » expressed by a significant part of the Diaspora and beyond, with the facile excuse of a distrust toward the fidelity of those who deliver it, would amount to act like the idiot who stares at the finger rather than looking at the moon the finger points to.
To support without complacency, to be trustful, to argue usefully, calmly, with sincerity, these are probably the essentials of true “friendship”.
With this in mind, thirteen JCall supporters have chosen to express the reasons for their commitment in a book coordinated by David Chemla, “Les raisons d’un appel” (The Reasons for a Call).
The JCall initiative is also the commitment of almost 8,000 JCall’ists who have expressed their support through their comments since 3rd May 2010. We offer you a compilation of these reactions.
We cannot act together efficiently without getting to know who you are. Please answer the proposed questionnaire that will only take you a few precious minutes to fill in…
An even better way is for you to participate to the events organised throughout Europe by JCall. We will be waiting for you.
Finally, to express your support, it is important that you sign our Call for Reason and become a member of JCall online.
Best wishes for a meaningful and joyous Passover celebration and Hag sameah
Ivan Terel, Lawyer, Newsletter editor