Amos Elberg’s response to Alison Weir did nothing but make pointless accusations which only hinder dialogue. Such global statements as, “advocates for the Palestinians abjure both fact and logic” is wholly inappropriate, untrue, and exactly the attitude that makes impossible any real peace talk or dialogue between moderates on both sides. Perceiving Palestinians as a single polarized people, who are up in arms, intellectually and physically, behind their terrorist extremists is an inaccurate representation of the situation. Elberg said that “anti-Semitism is exactly and only what this conflict is about.” People can criticize Israel, even in a biased and deceptive way, without being anti-Semitic, just as someone can make similar arguments against U.S. immigration policy without necessarily being a racist or xenophobe. This conflict is about lots of things: religion certainly, but also land, homes, safety, security, lifestyle, power, greed, water, anger, hate, self-determination, self-preservation, history, natural rights, even love. It is “about” different things to different people, and that is in part why it is so difficult to solve. Acknowledging the diversity in viewpoints, motivations, and needs of the various parties involved and then working under this acknowledgment is the only way to proceed with anything productive.
Elberg fulfilled the stereotype of the American Holocaust-relying, hate-filled Zionist. There are many ways and reasons to support Israel and Israel’s efforts for peace; the viewpoint that Elberg represents is only one of them. Yes, the Holocaust was an important factor in the creation of the State of Israel, and yes, many people still feel that it is a prime example of why Israel must exist for the safety of the Jews in this world among all the other examples and reasons. But likening anyone to Hitler, his ideologies, and his army, is an inappropriate way to address the situation. Hopefully after reading Elberg’s Wespeak, and the responses to it, people will begin to understand that while dialogue is needed, accusations just lead to more hate. We would also like to remind people that if you would like to discuss the topic of how to appropriately discuss the topic amongst peers, or anything else about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, that you are welcome to attend On Common Ground discussions. The next one will be Wednesday of reading week, and is sponsored jointly by ADAPT and Kol Israel. Look at the Events Calendar for time and location.
Kol Israel’s goal is to promote support, awareness, and understanding of Israel and Zionism on campus through cultural and political education. Kol Israel has no specific political agenda, and our group encompasses a wide range of opinions. Kol Israel meets on Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. in the Bayit.
Leave a Reply