Palestinian statehood?
We gotcher back, even though a right-to-left consensus is emerging that even if some recognition is accorded "Palestine" next month, it’s not all that.
Iranian sanctions?
We’re there, even though a left-to-right consensus has emerged that they haven’t effectively slowed Iran’s nuclear pace.
A crisis of confidence in Israel so deep that it has led to talk of an exodus.
Ummm.
Where are the Jews on J14 — the hashtaggable abbreviation for the protest movement in Israel named for July 14, one of its putative start dates?
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Two things brought about this post: Writing a brief on how the World Union for Progressive Judaism, the Reform movement’s international arm, is standing with J 14.
When you wrap up such reporting, you list (or you get angry phone calls) others that have made statements on the same issue.
All I could dig up was Ameinu, New Israel Fund and Americans for Peace Now.
The other thing was following the #j14 hashtag on Twitter. There’s a lot of back and forth over whether the Palestinians should endorse the movement.
It’s an Israeli movement. What about the Jews?
I know the caveats: It’s anti-government. To a degree, yes, but what I’m seeking here are pronouncements — for and against. If the movement invites potshots, then deliver them.
The other caveat: It’s an internal Israeli matter.
Oh please. The boycott law was an internal matter, and it invited comment. Plans to relinquish territory draw comment. Plans to settle territory draw comment.
We are so beyond "internal matter."
How do you support the critical center of Jewish life and not comment on the quality of its life?
Where are the Jews on J14?
UPDATE: I had missed this statement from the Jewish Federations of North America, from last Friday:
The Jewish Federations of North America views the growing social gaps in Israel with concern. While acknowledging the many positive steps taken by the Israeli government to relieve poverty, encourage economic development and improve social equality, it is clear that much more needs to be done.
JFNA supports the calls of many of the groups currently protesting in Israel for lower prices, affordable housing, respectable wages and other elements of social justice. At the same time, we continue to support and applaud the multitude of programs run by so many organizations — particularly our historic partners the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee — which bring relief, development and hope to so many each day.
JFNA’s support goes to those who raise their voice in the public forum for the good of Israeli society, whether protest tent-dweller or member of Knesset. It is imperative that action be taken for the good of the national community, in an inclusive, serious and far-sighted manner.
We therefore urge the Israeli government and the protesters to continue their dialogue and reach agreements that can produce a more just, fair and prosperous society in Israel.
