Young People and Israel
This week, I heard from the PTA president at one of local high schools that some Jewish students were being harassed by classmates about the situation in Israel. Ugly words had been exchanged, hateful social media posts had been spread and Jewish kids were made to feel uncomfortable about displaying their Jewish identity as proudly as before.
As I often do with troubling, perplexing situations, I jumped onto Facebook to visit the discussion board for my Rabbinic association. I noticed that a thread had already begun about similar situations around the country. Although the details were different, colleagues were facing similar situations and questions from the young people at their congregations.
Angered and saddened, I wondered what the proper response should be. There is no easy answer, but these are some of thoughts.
We need to make sure our young people (and our not-so-young people) can have their questions their answered or at least addressed. Seasoned diplomats are unable to resolve the situation and, therefore, we can’t expect our young people to be able to field all questions. But, a basic understanding is critical. The editor of the Forward. Jodi Rudorman, published a worthwhile article on talking to kids about the crisis. Her insights are good for adults also - https://forward.com/news/469995/your-kids-questions-on-israeli-palestinian-violence-answered/
Some of the harassing statements echo the hate speech directed at other minority groups– comments like “Go back to Israel.” We have heard similar sentiments directed at Asians, Muslims and Latin Americans recently. It is important to view such comments in a larger context and for young people to be encouraged to stand up for each other and be allies. Some of the negativity has to do with Israel, but a lot has to do with the unfortunate hateful climate in our country.
It is important that our young people know that such comments – whether online or in-person – are not okay. Criticizing Israeli policies and leadership is legitimate and many times warranted. Criticizing Jewish people, especially Jewish young people, for Israel’s actions is not. Our young people need to be reminded to let trusted adults – parents, teachers, myself - know if they feel victimized, harassed or intimated. I am happy to strategize with anybody feeling attacked or simply confused at this difficult time.
The week ended on a positive note, with a ceasefire being declared in Israel. Let us hope that it is maintained in the week ahead. And, that Israelis and Palestinians use this time for constructive dialogue and reconciliation. It might sound naïve, but I firmly believe that hope and compromise will succeed in the end.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Debbie Cohen