By Philip R. Scheier, , Seattle
I was quite touched by the unhappy plight of so-called Progressive Jews here in the soul-searching news report by your correspondent Manny Frishberg, (“Progressive Jews confront how they are treated,” June 22). The lead paragraphs cite a litany of problems for Jews here with “policies being pursued in your name, whether it is by the U.S. administration or the government of Israel.”
This “Kadima-facilitated discussion,” as it is described, believes Israel in defending itself against ongoing attacks by Palestinian suicide bombers and rocket attacks, should first check its survival strategy with Kadima and similar so-called Jewish peace groups living here half a world away from danger.
These groups have yet to find fault with never-ending and escalating Palestinian attacks against their fellow Jews. Hence their constant Palestinian-style echo-chamber spin of phrases of “illegal occupation,” along with cries for “the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.” Even worse, in this JTNews report on issues discussed, the canard, “What about the argument that the Jewish lobby is controlling American foreign policy from behind the scenes?” seems treated as fact.
Another speaker, representing the Jewish Voice for Peace, the report noted, just couldn’t understand why a Mercer Island rally last July, “after the invasion of Lebanon,” carrying signs such as “As a Jew I was taught to question the justification of war for peace,” got a rough reaction from bystanders. No signs, apparently condemning the Lebanon-based Hezbollah rocket attacks against northern Israel, which forced Israelis to go after the rocket launchers inside Lebanon. Many Israelis also voice similar sentiments sounded at the Seattle dialogue, but they have earned that right: They live in Israel and share the dangers.