Isn’t it mind-boggling that so many people around the world are spewing hatred for Israel and the Jewish people? It is likely that most of the haters know little or nothing about Israel and have little personal contact with actual Jews.
They thrive on lies and ugly stereotypes. They are not interested in facts or historical perspective: they fill the streets with protests and anti-Israel epithets. If they know next to nothing about the real Israel, they know even less about the real Palestinians and Hamas supporters.
While we can complain about the outrageous calumnies aimed at us, it would be wise to think more carefully about our current predicament. Yes, there are anti-Zionists who will hate Israel no matter what Israel does or doesn’t do. Yes, there are antisemites who will believe all sorts of conspiracy theories about Jews, no matter how egregiously false and malicious.
But putting aside the incorrigible anti-Zionists and antisemites, there are many people – including Jews – who find themselves more sympathetic to the “Palestinian cause” than to the well-being of Israel. One of the reasons that people are feeling negative about Israel is because Israel is portrayed as the intransigent oppressor of the Palestinian people.
For many, it doesn’t matter if this portrayal is truthful; it only matters that they be seen as fighters for the oppressed. Israel is constantly branded as a pariah state that denies elementary rights to Palestinians. As long as this charge is given credence, we can expect many people – who are not essentially anti-Zionist or anti-Israel – to side with the oppressed rather than with the oppressor.
Israel has done a very poor job in promoting itself as a light unto the nations. It has, sadly, become a lightning rod for hatred, abuse, and calumnies of all kinds.
Creating a future plan for peace
What can be done to improve the situation? One suggestion is for Israel to develop and promote a peace plan for the future. While this will undoubtedly be criticized as being naïve and unrealistic, it is a strategic and a moral step forward for Israel.
We can be fairly certain that Palestinians will reject almost any peace plan that Israel offers, but let the burden fall on them. Let the world know that Israel is doing everything within reason to reach a peaceful situation where Israelis and Palestinians can build a brighter future.
Offering a peace plan is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength. Calling for genuine negotiations with realistic goals provides an opening for a better understanding of Israel’s concerns.
In our prayers, we ask the Almighty to grant strength to His people and to bless His people with peace. It takes tremendous strength to achieve peace. May God grant His people that strength…and a genuine peace.
Rabbi Marc D. Angel is director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, and rabbi emeritus of the historic Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in New York City.