The time has come for American Jews and all friends of Israel to expand the concept of solidarity and support for Israel. In light of the consensus — among Israelis and Americans alike — that pro-Israel activism has now taken an essential part in the expression of Jewish life in both Israel and the United States, this effort has become all the more necessary.
A conversation I had a few weeks ago with a friend of mine on the subject of expressing one’s backing for Israel left me rather circumspect. Relaying the successes obtained by the Bay Area Jewish community in conveying Israel’s message in the American political arena and in denouncing the boycotting practice of the Rainbow Grocery Cooperative against Israeli products, my interlocutor had hailed that time as a “great week” for Israel’s backers.
I admit I could not hide my surprise at the choice of such positive words. I could not help questioning whether the current forms of activism — shaped by 54 years of campaigns and struggles — still respond to today’s matzav (situation) and address its ever-evolving challenges. “Do we really get the right results?” I asked myself.
Do not be mistaken. As an Israeli citizen and as Israel’s representative in the Pacific Northwest region, I am extremely thankful for all demonstrations of support for our country. I will say forthright that exerting political clout is an essential tool at the hands of the American Jewish community. There is not a shadow of a doubt that we should be proud of our beliefs, of who we are and of what we stand for. My contention is not whether the current form of activism is adequate and sufficient, but whether something more effective, timely and encompassing should be considered.
Raising one’s voice by carrying out
e-mail campaigns, picketing or rallying is a central strategy, but it is my belief our reactions should now take a complementary and critical approach — one based on proactive actions whose results will empower the community and benefit Israel directly.
Let us take the example of the attempted boycott of Israeli products and think of the most potent way to defy it. Our current behind-the-desk tactic would consist of sending hundreds of e-mails and calling for a counter-boycott. I would suggest utilizing additional tools at our disposal such as our economic power. We should take it upon ourselves to guarantee that as many department and grocery stores as possible carry Israeli products. We should make sure to convey to all the friends of Israel that they can best serve our cause by shopping for Israeli products — thus helping a struggling Israeli economy. This is the way the battle will be won.
The strength and durability of the bonds connecting Israel and the American Jewish community have been demonstrated on multiple occasions in the past. Their exceptional quality was proven in the most compelling manner during the course of the past few years as Israel had to face critical challenges and threats to its very existence.
Our enemies have worked hard to undermine our way of life by using terrorism as a political weapon. Targeting the terror infrastructure and chasing the terrorists wherever they hide, the Israeli government has made it clear it is bent on winning this diabolical war. The upcoming Israeli elections on Jan. 28 will enable us to appoint the leaders of the country and determine the methods we will use to tackle the immediate tasks ahead. Regardless of the electoral outcome, the next government will have to deal with key issues that include guaranteeing security for all citizens, working toward acceptance in the region, obtaining international legitimacy, striving for social unity and resuming economic prosperity.
Israel requires the continued support, solidarity and activism of our American brothers in overcoming the current crisis. It is necessary to build on past experiences and complement our usual public relations efforts, our media campaigns and political lobbying, with a more direct participation. I encourage you to visit Israel and invest in its economy — in other words, take a more active role in its daily life, struggles and accomplishments.
The American Jewish community faces many challenges and trials of its own. The nature of its future relationship with Israel is just one of them. It is our responsibility to engage in a dialogue on the questions of Jewish life, Jewish leadership and modern Jewish national character. The goal ahead should be about the creation of a viable partnership, not a liability. This is a time for leaders to show the way and engage in constructive dialogue, and for the rank and file to further explore the different avenues of involvement. It is a time to achieve — and to do just that, let’s work together to increase the effectiveness of our activism.