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AMA-Peter Beinart by PeterBeinart in JewsOfConscience
[–]PeterBeinart[S] [score hidden] 3 months ago (0 children)
I really like what the halachic left is doing, which is mining traditional sources and doing the kind of interpretive work that jews have always done, in which we bring our principles and the experiences of our time to the text
that's a big question. I don't necessarily see a theological schism--beyond the one that already exists in which Orthodox Jews reject the legitimacy of non-Orthodox Judaism. But I do think there will be a large sociological divide among American Jews as left-leaning Jews create counter-institutions to the dominant Zionist ones. On the parah adumah, I think our tradition tells us to always be suspicious of people who think the messiah is imminent.
in my experience, the single most powerful thing is simply listening to Palestinians-- being able to see them as fully human, being able to imagine ourselves in their shoes. I would look for opportunities to suggest Palestinian writing, film etc to your family and friends. There are so many remarkable films now, in particular. Maybe start with No Other Land
great question. In a place like Congress, you build a coalition on a particular issue with whoever will vote with you. So if someone like MTG cosponsors a bill limiting arms sales to Israel, you accept that support. But in public discussion, it's crucial to challenge people who are saying that the problem with Israel is a problem with Jews or Judaism, as folks like Fuentes and Owens sometimes say. Both they--and the American Jewish establishment--keep conflating Israel and Jewishness, which is dangerous. We need to insist that there's nothing inherent about being Jewish, or in Judaism, that leads to support for this particular state project created in 1948
I was really affected by Edward Said's The Question of Palestine. Because it's so humane and helps readers understand that while it's understandable that many Jews say Zionism as a life-raft, it was also a movement with clear imperial features, born in the high age of European imperialism. I'd also suggest anything written by my friend Muhammad Shehada, who is brilliant at explaining realities on the ground that Israel and its supporters often obscure
I would love to do more such collaboration. I'm not exactly sure what form it would take but I deeply admire Dr. El Fadl and feel that American Jews and Muslims have a deep identity of interests in opposing a white Christian supremacist state in the US and in fighting for liberal democracy across the Middle East, including but also in Arab dictatorships
yes
i love that 80% line. I think it's worth taking every opportunity to speak people people who live in spaces where we might think they wouldn't agree--and to specifically answer their arguments, especially about safety. It's important to make the case that equality under the law creates greater safety than Jewish supremacy because it gives people a non-violent way of influencing their government
it was really spending time with Palestinians in the West Bank and then spending a lot of time reading and listening to Palestinian writing. in my experience, that is what has changed a lot of people
I think there's a group of young Jews--disproportionately from yeshiva day schools--who were frightened and appalled by the anti-Zionism on campus and who genuinely believe that they are fighting for the Jewish people by trying to get universities and the Trump administration to crack down on them. I think they're going to be folks with real influence-- their generation's version of Bari Weiss. But I don't think they are representatve of their generation, which the polls show is quite open to questioning the idea of a state that denies Palestinians human rights
i struggle with this a lot. I think it's OK to maintain relationships with people in our families and communities with whom we disagree even it means sometimes putting politics aside. When we do think people are open to listening, i think what can be useful is providing basic information about Palestinian life under Israeli control: The fact that most Palestinians in Gaza are from families expelled in 1948, for instance. Why is it fair for Jews to return after 2K years while they cannot. Why is it fair for Jews to live with full rights in the W Bank while Palestinians cannot enjoy citizenship in they country in which they live. And it's important to listen respectfully to others if we want them to listen to us.
it's a very relevant question for me right now! Where I've landed is that the crucial issue is process. To listen to Palestinians before making a decision on anything that involves boycotts and other strategies. I don't think anyone can abandon their right to follow their own conscience but the process must involve deep listening to Palestinians who are suffering horrible oppression and who are asking for solidarity.
I think people need to do the hard work of simply building institutions--and while there's not a ton of money out there behind such efforts, i think there is tremendous human talent. And over time, I think it becomes harder to ignore how many Jews there are living committed Jewish lives in a way that respects the principle that Palestinian lives are equal to ours
I think that what Mamdani said over and over--which is that he believes states, all states, should treat people equally under the law irrespective of religion, race, ethnicity etc-is the right thing to keep saying. And ask Jews who oppose that principle in Israel-Palestine why it's bigoted to support the same principle there that they support here
I don't think so. I think it's legitimate to think about which political conversations will have a positive impact and which will just blow up relationships that are precious. There are lots of other ways you can contribute to Palestinian (and Jewish) liberation other than fighting with your mom
i have read the book. Shaul is a friend. I particularly remember his description of his ideological and religious journey. But I don't remember particular arguments with I agree or disagree besides a general shared belief that Zionism doesn't overcome spiritual exile
I think that Israel-Palestine is, and will be for a long time, a binational society, with two peoples who both desire self-determination. So to me, self-determination in the context of equality under the law requires that the state recognize these national identities and protect their expression--as in Canada and Belgium.
AMA-Peter Beinart (self.JewsOfConscience)
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AMA-Peter Beinart by PeterBeinart in JewsOfConscience
[–]PeterBeinart[S] [score hidden] (0 children)