Two Years of Conflict: Examining the War in Gaza and its Impact on Judaism
As the conflict in Gaza marks its second year, with its start marked by the October 7th attacks, both Israelis and Palestinians grapple with its profound consequences. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and its humanitarian impact, is sparking debate among Jewish leaders and thinkers about the conflict's effect on Judaism itself. This article examines the diverse perspectives emerging from within the Jewish community.
The Stalemate in Gaza and Perspectives from Tehran
The war began following a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Subsequent Israeli response has been described as disproportionate. Efforts are underway, including a peace plan proposed by American President Donald Trump, to end the conflict. However, the persistence of Palestinian fighters despite a prolonged Israeli military campaign has surprised analysts, raising questions about the effectiveness and the long-term implications of the war.
According to the Tehran Times, Israel's failure to defeat a few thousand Palestinian fighters in the besieged Gaza Strip is notable. The report claims that despite Israel's efforts, the Palestinian resistance remains steadfast. Netanyahu’s promise to eliminate Hamas has failed, creating a need for a durable solution that recognizes Palestinian rights. If Israel continues its denial, future resistance may surface from Palestinian youth, raising the risk of further conflict and casting shame on the Israeli military.
A Crisis of Faith: Divergent Views Within the Jewish Community
The ongoing conflict has ignited a spiritual crisis among some Jewish leaders. Rabbi Sharon Brous of IKAR congregation in Los Angeles has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and violence in the West Bank are shaking Jewish beliefs. She describes the situation as a spiritual catastrophe affecting the soul of the Jewish people. These critiques predominantly come from liberal Zionist thinkers and rabbis from non-Orthodox denominations.
Critics argue that abandoning Israel during a just war is a spiritual hazard, while others grapple with the ethical implications. Rabbi Ismar Schorsch, chancellor emeritus of the Jewish Theological Seminary, believes Judaism is at a critical moment due to the "chillul Hashem" (desecration of God's name) occurring in Gaza and the West Bank. He calls for ethical constraints on the Israeli government to defend Judaism against this catastrophe, even if it means publicly critiquing Israel's actions.
Moral Reckoning and Internal Debate
Schorsch's views, expressed in an interview with Peter Beinart, a journalist and critic of Zionism, caused dismay in some rabbinical circles. He argued that the "unremitting violence against helpless Palestinians" is leading to a repulsive religion marked by hypocrisy. He sees the current Israeli government's messianism as out of sync with traditional Judaism and a moral abomination. This discussion highlights the internal debates within Judaism regarding the moral implications of the war.
Concerns Over Disregard for Palestinian Lives
Rabbi Brous emphasizes the inherent value of every human life and the moral catastrophe of innocent deaths. She questions if Israeli leaders have divorced themselves from Jewish history and tradition by displaying disregard for Palestinian lives. She quotes historian Yuval Noah Harari, who describes the war as a "spiritual catastrophe for Judaism", fueled by an ethnic cleansing campaign, the disintegration of Israeli democracy, and the promotion of Jewish supremacy. Harari warns that the war could essentially destroy 2,000 years of Jewish thinking and culture.
Orthodox Voices and Counterarguments
Even within Modern Orthodox circles, concerns have emerged. A letter signed by 80 rabbis called for "moral clarity" regarding the hunger crisis in Gaza, framing their critique within Jewish texts emphasizing justice and compassion. Rabbi Yosef Blau, author of the letter, aimed to defend Judaism from policies antithetical to tradition. However, critics argue that such public moralizing provides ammunition to Israel's enemies. They also point to Jewish tradition justifying war for self-defense and securing the land of Israel.
Dueling Narratives and the Intensification of Faith
Some argue that the war has inspired intensified engagement with Judaism. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach criticized those who call the war a spiritual crisis, arguing that spiritual leaders should champion Israel's cause and declare the war a holy fight for Jewish survival. Jonathan S. Tobin, editor-in-chief of JNS.org, urged rabbis to avoid "virtue-signaling ambivalence" and instead support Israel's efforts to extinguish Hamas. These counter-arguments highlight the complex and polarized nature of the discussion.
Navigating Moral Dilemmas
Yossi Klein Halevi of the Shalom Hartman Institute calls for a process of "moral self-critique," suggesting that even in an existential war, there are limits to morally permissible actions. While acknowledging the necessity of defending against lies, he emphasizes the need for a parallel language for grappling with the war's moral dilemmas, particularly concerning the humanitarian crisis, civilian deaths, and settler violence in the West Bank.
Empathy and the Universal vs. Particular Divide
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of New York's Central Synagogue spoke of her fear of discussing Israel and highlighted the lack of empathy on both sides. She called for acknowledging the vulnerability of Israelis and the suffering of Gazan children. She said, "This war has tested our empathy. All of us," and further asked: "But who do we become when we harden our hearts?" Jay Michaelson suggests this is the latest expression of the tension between universalism and particularism, highlighting differing interpretations of Jewish tradition.
The Prophet's Voice: A Call to Action
Rabbi Schorsch stresses the responsibility of clergy to denounce the "excesses" carried out by Israel. He encourages them to use their pulpits, even if uncomfortable, to question Israel in the spirit of the Jewish prophets. He asserts that hypocrisy is destructive to religion and that defending the actions in the West Bank and Gaza is simply hypocritical and a burden for Judaism's future.
