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B"H
Parshat Eikev, August 24, 2019
The Omar and Tlaib controversy
One hot topic many have been discussing concerns Israel's decision to bar entry to two congresswomen, representatives Omar and Tlaib. I’ve heard various arguments for and against, but find nothing compelling that changes my opinion. Regardless of how strong my arguments may be, it’s doubtful anyone will change their position based on my assessment. Thus, I will serve my own self-interest through expression of my personal views. In doing so I’m aware that I may be criticized from all sides.
Before I start I need to vent. I’m hurt and upset at so many people and want to begin by getting those feelings off my chest. First off, I think the president was wrong for injecting our country's domestic agenda into a sensitive foreign relations issue. Whatever his motivation, it sowed division in the American Jewish community and did not serve the best interest of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the Middle East. Furthermore, words uttered can and do offend; words like ‘disloyal’ have rather dire connotations to the Jewish people. Thus, even if he had no ill intentions it would behoove him to follow the Talmudic dictum: “I have never perceived anything better for man than silence”. I also felt wronged by some politicians who deeply love and generally support Israel but who have nevertheless remained silent in the face of a dangerous uptick in anti-Israel sentiment. I appreciate that some are worried about the ramifications of condemning the rhetoric of the squad, but in my mind that is an unsuitable justification. For many of their constituents, silence speaks volumes. I’m also disappointed in certain US based pro-Israel advocacy groups that have voiced opposition to how Israel, as a sovereign country, has acted. If they cherish the continued support of the grassroots pro-Israel advocate, I would sincerely hope that in the future their agenda be limited to supporting Israel and its policies and not expressing indignation. I certainly understand their motivation but nevertheless vehemently disagree with their kowtowing to political pressure.
However, I’m mostly disappointed that this entire episode has played into the hands of our enemies. I’m hurt by my friends who consistently support Israel yet are now openly questioning whether Israel was justified in refusing entry to two United States congresswomen. I’m hurt by friends who should appreciate that Israel’s decision was more than likely based on incontrovertible evidence to the malicious and dangerous intent of the two members of Congress. I’m also aghast at members of the tribe that bend over backwards to find commonality with the enemies of Israel and the Jewish people. By inviting Israel’s enemies into their sanctuaries they fail to grasp that Israel’s enemy will in short time become their enemy. I’m hurt and surprised that my friends, in their innocence, would aid and abet those who seek Israel’s demise. I can’t understand how my friends can naively fail to realize that this entire trip was meticulously planned with the end game being to cause irreparable damage to Israel and its citizens.
Although I’m horrified by everything they stand for and promote I’m certainly not shocked by Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. They are at least genuine and honest people. They openly support my enemies and don’t hide behind a veneer of even handed objectivity. They proudly express their hatred toward Israel and vociferously spew vitriolic diatribes aimed at it’s ultimate demise. They are of a select group of politicians that are not disingenuous. They passionately hate us amd don't mince any words in expressing their feelings. As the Israeli politician so aptly stated: “her hatred of Israel is far greater than her love for her grandmother”.
There are millions of people (some even genuinely concerned and rationally minded) that sincerely believe that Israel is inherently a racist country who behaves despicably towards their Palestinian neighbors. Regardless of the actual facts, their positions are so entrenched that nothing can or will dissuade them. Although I strongly disagree, I can respect people who are passionate about humanity and advocate accordingly. However, I can’t and I won’t respect people who are inherently anti-Semitic and who sieze any opportunity that arises to denigrate Israel or the Jewish people. Their moral compass is configured in a unique manner; no matter the direction, the needle will always point to something terrible attributed to Israel.
And to those who think that no matter the consequences Israel should have let them in, I can only offer the following two thoughts:
1. Entry to the land of Israel has always been limited. When Moses beseeched Hashem to allow him to enter the land of Israel, his request was denied. Why? Because God unilaterally decided his entry would be detrimental to the nation of Israel.
2. I wouldn’t invite someone I knew to be hostile and dangerous towards me in to my home, so why should we demand that Israel do just that? No country, including Israel, should ever be asked to take a risk that may prove to be detrimental to existence.
Shabbat Shalom and hopefully we will continue to stand together in condemning hatred and supporting Israel.
Rabbi Jack Engel
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