I never thought it would come to this.
I can understand Jews protesting outside the embassy of a foreign government that supports the Palestinian terrorists, rallying in numbers to counter terrorist murders of innocent Israelis, or protesting anti-Semitism — I’ve organized many such events.
It is beyond comprehension to think Jews who love Israel would mount a rally against the democratically elected Israeli government because it believes that vacating the settlements in Gaza and remote parts of the West Bank will advance the nation’s security and diplomatic interests.
On Tuesday, July 19, the local chapter of Americans for a Safe Israel will protest the Gaza pullout at the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco. This demonstration will be part of an international effort on that day to oppose the disengagement. AFSI is categorically against any withdrawal from any lands won in defensive wars. Based on this rationale, AFSI would be against Israel’s current peace with Egypt since it involved leaving Sinai; a move that all mainstream Israelis view as a bold act that was clearly worth the risk.
In stark contrast to AFSI’s extreme views, the majority of Israelis, in poll after poll, have consistently expressed their support of “land for peace” concessions, a tactic that has been key to all negotiations processes for nearly 40 years.
The disengagement, slated to begin Aug. 15, already has the earmarks of a media circus in which drama and theatrics will dominate the headlines as it gives expression to the loudest voices and most extreme views.
Partisans on the Israeli left and right have kept the pot boiling during recent months over the question of disengagement.
The left has criticized Prime Minister Sharon for failing to “coordinate” the withdrawal with the Palestinian Authority — as if the Palestinian Authority suddenly could develop the will or capability to arrange an orderly transition.
At the same time, the right has accused him of retreating from what it believes is Israeli territory without receiving anything in return.
In contrast to these extreme views, the majority of Israelis have repeatedly expressed their support for the disengagement plan, viewing it as a necessity while thinking it is not likely to bring peace in the near future. Once again, only the extreme positions capture headlines.
Personally, I understand the anguish among the brave settlers in the Gush Katif. They were encouraged by Israeli governments, left and right, to live on the frontier of Zionism. They have endured considerable risk to themselves and their families as they made new lives there. Now they are being asked to make a sacrifice of unimaginable proportions — to uproot their entire lives, including their homes, communities, synagogues and even their cemeteries. I think of their circumstances and see how many may feel angry, reluctant and betrayed.
Yet the vast majority will pack up and leave if that’s what
their nation asks of them. For this they are true patriots. I have the utmost respect for these people. I also deeply resent those who aim to exploit their sacrifices by using the pullout as an opportunity to promote their own extremist views. Punctuating this, a number of Gaza settlers were recently critical of the police and Israel Defense Forces for being too slow at removing anti-disengagement activists — whom they described as “hoodlums” — from the local hotel “Moaz Yam” in Gaza’s Gush Katif.
Will I attend the July 19 rally? Certainly not! Here’s why.
• The rally’s anti-disengagement message caters only to the extremists, while exploiting the thousands of patriotic settlers who will leave Gaza, putting their nation’s security ahead of their own best interests.
• The Israelis have endured a living hell in recent years, and they are the ones who will have to endure the consequences of this disengagement. As a Jew, I support them wholeheartedly; yet as an American I respect them to make the decisions they believe best for their futures.
• Given the frequency of anti-Israel coverage in the local media, the rally will either be portrayed as “see — the Jews hate Israel too,” or give the Israel-haters yet another opportunity to spread their lies. Either way, Israel loses.
So, as one who loves Israel and wants to see a strong Israel enjoy a peaceful future, I encourage all to take the lead set by the majority of Gaza settlers to do what is best for Israel and stay away from the anti-disengagement extremists.
Steve Berley is an Oakland-based marketing consultant and former director of Israel programs at the Jewish Community Relations Council.
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