By Sasha Parsley, Western Washington University student, Kirkland
I am deeply disturbed that the JTNews chose to publish the objectionable and narrow-minded message written by Edith Isaacs Ervin, “Broad Goals,” in response to the article “Gay Israelis Reeling After Shooting Attack.” It is comments such as these that further divide and destroy our already small Jewish community, not the decreased rates of reproduction amongst gay Jewish couples as she alludes to. Young Jews in my generation feel increasingly disheartened by the political, ideological, and religious divisions in the Jewish community that exclude numerous members out of a fear of our differences.
Telling gay Jews to “straighten up and fly right” is not an appropriate way to encourage re-population “after the slaughter of World War II” and is an example of the harmful words that turn young Jews away from their tradition. When our community embraces every Jew, regardless of affiliation, political stance, sexual orientation, or gender, we will then fully thrive and flourish. We must never forget our past persecution; however, we must heal, move forward, and celebrate the diversity in our community. As the Talmud says, “Who is wise? The one who learns from all.”