June 01, 2010

Emily Soloff: Judaism permits self defense

Emily Soloff, associate director for Interreligious and Intergroup Relations for the American Jewish Committee

Israel is a secular democracy but there is already plenty of deep and profound soul searching going on even among the most secular Israelis about the tragic loss of nine lives aboard the Mavi Marmaroan. Soul searching is also focusing on humanitarian needs in Gaza and about Israel's decision to board the ship.

There is nothing inherently religious about a defensive naval blockade, but Judaism does recognize and permit self defense.

We need only remember the Karine A affair when in 2002 Israeli commandos seized another ship headed to Gaza -- with 50 tons of weapons including explosives, anti-tank missiles and Katyusha rockets -- to understand why Israel wants to inspect aid going to Gaza. Since Israel withdrew in 2005 from Gaza, more than 10,000 rockets and mortars have been fired into Israel. Israel had no option but to impose a naval blockade in an effort to halt the weapons flow.

News and opinion makers around the world are focusing on the political and public relations ramifications of the tragic confrontation. The United Nations issued the usual reflexive condemnation of Israel. Palestinian supporters gloat while demonstrating in front of Israeli embassies and consulates.

On Tuesday, the American Muslims for Palestine held a press conference on the steps in front of the Israeli Consulate during a rally protesting the attack.

Israelis - because they live in a democracy -- both defend and decry what has happened.

Absent from the world-wide conversation are stirring, prophetic, or pastoral words of religious leaders. Many of the people supporting the Free Gaza flotilla see themselves acting in Christian charity for the sake of suffering Gazans, but contemporary religion does not tread easily with 21st century politics.

The call for justice for Palestinians and Israelis is made irrelevant by those with a different agenda.

Hamas, of course, is a religious as well as political movement with a murderous doctrine when it comes to Israel and Jews. Just look at their charter.

Israel repeatedly offered to allow the Free Gaza flotilla to dock at Ashdod and to deliver all humanitarian supplies to Gaza by normal overland routes.

At least one flotilla participant was quoted a few days ago as applauding the possibility of martyrdom - a clear recognition that the intent of the operation was more about confrontation than compassion. To allow that religious fanaticism to succeed is to fail both the political and the religious call for peace and justice.

Posted at 05:27:52 PM

Comments

Let the damage control begin. Unfortunately this piece fails on all levels,
Emily tries to redirect our attention to another ship from 2002 that was carrying weapons, there by linking the flotilla and the Karine A ship, a false comparison.

Israel waged a devastating war after a cease fire had been declared between Hamas and Israel, a point Emily leaves out.

Where are the Jewish religious voices who are calling for peace? Instead we see IDF Rabbis legitimizing the murder of civilians which is another aspect of Jewish law when it comes to Gentiles that Emily has left out.

As far as the canard about taking the material to Ashdod. It is a lie, according to UN relief agencies half of the cargo wouldn't be allowed to be transferred under Israels strict rules of what can go in to Gaza. Second, Israel is allowing only 15 tonnes of aid into Gaza, barely one third of what is required. Third, Israel has confiscated and NOT sent aid from Ashdod in the past. So there is a bit of a TRUST issue.

As far as one participant wishing for martyrdom, that is more obfuscation on Emily's part. This was a non-violent flotilla, the participant was only expressing how he/she would feel if Israel attacked them and killed them. Similar to the civil rights protestors and anti-Apartheid activists who were murdered, they were all MARTYRS.

Rehab well put. With No religion, No Justness, and No Morals what is a nation left with?
Clearly, there is No State, absolutely no State. This crime, which has preceded many other hideous acts committed by Zionist leaders, is no surprise to me. Again a “bash” of slaying innocent human beings is a value that was put on the lives of all humans, by some, to those that do not agree with Zionism. A blood bath again and for what? Have we forgotten the stolen land of “Palestine”? Yes indeed, we must have forgotten the struggle of the people of Palestine again for us to be reminded yet another blood bath from the Zionists. They have now included the rest of the world on their lists of victims lives of innocent people, innocent and helpless for blind power is straight out evil and this is my definition of evil no religion no morality no respect no heart and no state. It has taken me this long to respond because I have finally got my breath back long enough for me to sit and spell out the words Zionist and Evil which takes a lot out of me, as a humanitarian I cannot fathom the fact that I have to accept the existence of such and live amongst them.

Israel is not perfect - even the most ardent Zionists will agree. Israel should have handled the flotilla incident much differently - most agree with that, as well. But let's look at facts - not spin, but facts.

Any country needs to be concerned with security. In the past, weapons have been smuggled into Gaza which have been used to kill Israeli civilians - Jewish and not. A sovereign country has the duty ensure safety for all inhabitants. Being able to inspect the cargo from any vessel is part of that duty. If the same situation existed in the Port of Chicago we would expect no less.

As the author points out, Israel did offer to transport the supplies over its normal land route - just as it has been doing. They even suggested that passengers accompany the shipment into Gaza.

The Israelis mishandled things terribly, but this was also a deliberate, provocative act and both sides must accept some responsibility here.

As to the suggestion that Israel has no justice or morals - - it is the only country in the region where women and gays have full rights. One will not be arrested (or, worse yet, executed) for expressing an opinion that runs contrary to official government policy. If you're truly a humanitarian, Saman, then you must recognize the terrible human rights violations in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen and other countries in the region.

Sadly Ricky misses the point. The point Emily made concerning: "another ship from 2002 that was carrying weapons, there by linking the flotilla and the Karine..." is a clear demonstration of what these ships can bring into Gaza. Talk about Trust, the Folks in Hamas, and you really should read their charter, are trying to get weapons in. WE check grandmas at our airports for weapons. Why in the world is it hard for you to see the need to check for weapons here? Gaza faces hardship because its leaders wish to immerse Israel in blood. Let them walk the paths of Peace , and they will receive the gifts of Peace. Imagine how many goods Israel would be receiving now if the shoe were on the other foot. Israel is justified in the eyes of any objective observer. The loss any life is tragic- Let Hamas reject its blood lust - and Israel will be there with the gifts of peace

Most americans stupidly discount the importance of border security and have bought into the nonsensical social justice arguments of of the Global Federalists.
No borders, take the guns away, freedom for all, just like Mexico.