the conversation THE BIG QUESTION
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I AM SO AMBIVALENT HERE. I’VE HAD TO SPLIT MY LOVE OF ISRAEL FROM MY CONTEMPT FOR HER GOVERNMENT. IT HURTS.
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WINTER ISSUE 2022
AMERICAN JEWS’ ROLE IN ISRAEL Susie Linfield was by far my favorite contributor to the issue’s Big Question (“What Should the Role of American Jews Be With Respect to Israel Today?” November/December 2021). She had original and important observations to make. On the other end of the spectrum, we have Alina Jacobs, who had much more concern with Palestinians than with Jews—American or Israeli. And then there was Peter Beinart. How did such an intelligent man, a man whose writing I used to hunger to read, become so, well, silly? His yearning for justice is understandable, but might we have some practical suggestions on how two peoples who’ve been at war for 150 years will suddenly morph into Belgium? Lawrence Jurrist Hollywood, FL A LIVELY GREAT READ Some of the opinions in response to this “Big Question” prompted me to enthusiastically embrace this issue of Moment. Others made me want to toss the issue in the trash! Hence, a lively, provocative and balanced presentation that made for a great read. The topic is particularly important in these chaotic times because of its far-reaching effects. Thanks for taking it on. Michael Alan Finn Washington, DC A DIFFICULT QUESTION Thank you for this important “Big Question.” This is a difficult question for me as someone who is in the process of converting to Judaism. (I’ve approached a Reconstructionist rabbi to guide my conversion, so I know I won’t have the right of aliyah anyway.) I disagree with a lot of decisions made by the State of Israel, but I do feel good that Jewish friends would have a place to go if things got really bad here in the United States. One thing I wish
American Jews would do is listen more to the Israeli Jews and Arabs working toward peaceful relations rather than trying to impose their opinions on a nation with a very different reality. Yossi Casteel Houston, TX LOST AND CONFUSED We Jews have always found laughter and strength in the belief of “two Jews, three opinions.” For those who study Talmud, we often hear that “the question is more important than the answer.” In struggling to apply these worn-out adages to everybody’s words of wisdom in this article, I’m totally lost, confused and worried. I’m only left with my own questions. It’s very safe to play out all these opinions on a page, but could all these influential Jews be gathered into a room to see each other’s humanity, even with all their different opinions? Could they hear each other out and then attempt to respectfully organize together for intelligent interaction and somehow move the Jewish world forward? Would they feel connected to one another? If the answer is no, then what does it mean to be “a people” or “a family”? Gary Wexler Valley Village, CA HOLDING OUT HOPE I am an ordinary American citizen and a Zionist of sorts. My love and support of the United States of America and of Israel remain undaunted and hopeful. Politically, I consider myself a moderate thinker. Usually, I can appreciate both sides of the same topic. I have been a loyal and supportive member of Hadassah for more than 60 years. Israel deserves to be respected in the community of nations. In spite of what is politically happening in our country presently, I wouldn’t give up hope that things will improve, maybe not in my lifetime—I am 88 years old— but certainly in my grandchildren’s or
