The hardline policies of the current Israeli government threaten to isolate the nation from the international community. What has changed over the decades that puts Israel in such a place? Even the patience of the United States — historically Israel’s staunchest and most steadfast backer — is fraying. It once would have been unthinkable for a U.S. president and an Israeli prime minister to engage in a public dispute, but the unthinkable happened this weekend. Moreover, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made little effort to hide their exasperation with each other in dueling interviews.
I believe that there is still a left-wing form of Zionism. I, for one, am a left-wing Zionist. I believe that we Jews must have a homeland in part of our ancient territory. I also believe that Palestinians must have a homeland in the West Bank and Gaza. Sadly, Jerusalem will have to be divided, BUT the Western Wall MUST remain in Jewish hands. Organizations such as ARZA are examples of left-wing Zionist groups that proudly proclaim their belief in Zionism, but their (our) Zionism definitely does not mean what anti-Israelis believe. I also supported the original bombing campaign after October 7th, BUT I believe it has captured all the Hamas leaders and members possible. Now, there must be a negotiated settlement with Hamas gone, Israel out, and the Palestinian Authority in. Before that settlement, Israel MUST agree to feed Gazans — Jewish law requires we be a light to the nations. It is gut-wrenching to see fellow Jews blocking humanitarian aid.
I believe that there is still a left-wing form of Zionism. I, for one, am a left-wing Zionist. I believe that we Jews must have a homeland in part of our ancient territory. I also believe that Palestinians must have a homeland in the West Bank and Gaza. Sadly, Jerusalem will have to be divided, BUT the Western Wall MUST remain in Jewish hands. Organizations such as ARZA are examples of left-wing Zionist groups that proudly proclaim their belief in Zionism, but their (our) Zionism definitely does not mean what anti-Israelis believe. I also supported the original bombing campaign after October 7th, BUT I believe it has captured all the Hamas leaders and members possible. Now, there must be a negotiated settlement with Hamas gone, Israel out, and the Palestinian Authority in. Before that settlement, Israel MUST agree to feed Gazans — Jewish law requires we be a light to the nations. It is gut-wrenching to see fellow Jews blocking humanitarian aid.