We Are Here for Israel

Six months ago, when I was invited to become a columnist for the Jewish Journal, I expected that my inaugural column would be about how the actions of right-wing Israeli politicians and settlers made it nearly impossible to promote a productive dialogue on college campuses concerning Israel. I even wrote a draft entitled “Looking in the Israeli Mirror.”  That title referenced a visit by several Knesset members to Northwestern University’s Hillel. One of the ultra-conservative politicians turned to me and asked why it was that with so many presidents of prominent colleges and universities in this country being Jewish, that voices aimed at the delegitimization of the State of Israel were so powerful on America’s campuses.  He suggested that those presidents — including of course, myself — take a close look in the mirror.  My reply was that given his behavior, and those of his peers, he should be the one who looks in the mirror. 

Not wanting to pile on with the barrage of negative stories relating to the divisive efforts to pursue judicial “reform,” I never submitted that column.  Instead, any mention of Israel I have made has been to express my pride in our homeland and my connection with its people. 

I have always loved Israel. I have visited regularly since the 1970s and my Israeli hamsa never leaves its place near my heart.  In light of the horrific recent events, that pride and that connection with Eretz Israel are even stronger. 

Rabbi Brian Schuldenfrei of Adat Ari El suggests that we state loudly and clearly “Anachnu po” — We are here.   I couldn’t agree more.

The savagery of Hamas makes any discussion of intelligence failures and the history of Israel’s engagement with Gaza moot. There will be ample time for that once the nation and her citizens are safe. 

The only question we need to ask now is how best to demonstrate our support.

The answer is multifaceted. For some, it is financial.  For all, it is being vocal and unintimidated. Make sure that our elected officials do not waver in helping Israel defend her borders.  And for all Jews, it is showing our pride as members of the international Jewish community. 

I hope that the horrifying display of barbarism will not suggest to the world that the conflict is an apocalyptic clash of religions.  I have to believe that nobody butchers other human beings in the name of their lord.  They may say that they do, but it is an abomination to blame faith when committing atrocities. 

My son hopes that the global community will be so repulsed by these savage acts that it will coalesce around supporting Israel. I am less sanguine. For many, there is nothing that Israel could ever do that would justify its presence. It is the mere fact that Israel exists that fuels their outrage, not the policies of her leaders. Moreover, some of those critics hate not only Israel, but all Jews. It might be convenient for them to say that it is about Zionism, but it is actually about Judaism. If Israel were gone, they would come for the rest of us in the diaspora next.  If anyone doubted that Hamas and its supporters are in that camp, their actions over the past week surely put that delusion to bed.

I once heard a lecture where a noted historian argued that throughout most of history, disasters, both natural and man-made, brought people closer to their faiths.  Earthquakes and plagues were seen as a sign of insufficient adherence to G-d’s laws.  But more recently, he said, disasters lead some to question the very existence of a higher power.  For me, my faith gives me strength during this horrible time.

Whether you have an abiding religious faith or not, show your unequivocal support for our ancient and forever homeland. And I ask our non-Jewish allies to be as vocal as they can be.  

Whether you have an abiding religious faith or not, show your unequivocal support for our ancient and forever homeland.  And I ask our non-Jewish allies to be as vocal as they can be.  Never have we needed more a united front in our quest for human dignity and security. 

We must shout “Anachnu po,” as we link arms and stand together as one.

Morton Schapiro is the former president of Williams College and Northwestern University.  His most recent book (with Gary Saul Morson) is “Minds Wide Shut:  How the New Fundamentalisms Divide Us.”