Opinion

June 28, 2011

David Suissa: Generation Duh

By David Suissa

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I’m always amused when I hear American Jews complain that they’re being “shut out,” that they don’t feel comfortable “criticizing” Israel, and that many young Jews are becoming alienated from Israel because they don’t feel free to criticize the Jewish state.

Hmm, I wonder, which country are they talking about? Have you ever seen an American Jew afraid to speak up about anything? Open up any issue of The Jewish Journal and tell me if American Jews are uncomfortable criticizing Israel or their own people.

It’s true that because of the anti-Israel propaganda that pervades much of the world, many Jews feel an obligation to push back and make Israel’s case. I would imagine it is this anti-Israel propaganda, more than anything, that poisons many young Jews on Israel — not the honest efforts to push back and correct the record.

Still, that hasn’t stopped the debate from raging, especially since Peter Beinart’s celebrated article a year ago warning about Israel losing a new generation of liberal Jews. As a result, many members of the Jewish establishment have been asking: Are we being too blindly supportive of Israel? Are we tuning out dissenting voices? Should we be encouraging more criticism of Israel?

If you ask me, instead of obsessing over criticism (“Israel can do no right”) or propaganda (“Israel can do no wrong”), we ought to be promoting context: that is, trying to explain and understand the objective context behind Israel’s actions.

Take the case of Gabriel Mathew Schivone, a Jewish student at the University of Arizona, who wrote in Haaretz last week that he “simply cannot sit idle while my country aids and abets Israel’s siege, occupation and repression of the Palestinians.”

Schivone will be joining the flotilla to Gaza this week, sailing with more than 30 other Americans whose goal, he says, is to “actively and nonviolently resist policies” that he considers “abominable.”

“I am one of a growing number of young American Jews who are determined to shake off an assumed — and largely imposed — association with Israel,” Schivone wrote. “Prominent advocacy organizations, such as the American Jewish Committee, which proudly proclaim their unconditional support of Israel, for several years have been declaring their ‘serious concern’ over the increasing ‘distancing’ of young American Jews from the state.

“But what Israel apologists like the AJC view as a crisis, I see as a positive development for American Jews …”

Well, let’s see. Is Schivone’s criticism of Israel a positive development for American Jewry? Let’s compare what he wrote about the upcoming flotilla with an article on the same subject by “Israel apologist” David Harris, head of AJC.

What is noteworthy about Schivone’s article is that while he makes full use of his right to criticize Israel, he provides no context whatsoever for his criticism.

For example, in explaining his mission to Gaza, he talks about the imperative to help “free the slave from a bondage that you would not wish to suffer,” and the Israeli “crimes” that have led to the “death and suffering of mainly Palestinian noncombatants.” But, incredibly, he never once mentions Hamas — you know, that terrorist organization that is actually ruling over these “slaves” in Gaza?

David Harris’ article in JPost, by comparison, provides the context behind Israel’s blockade:

“Hamas celebrates violence,” Harris wrote. “It joyously speaks of jihad, martyrdom, conflict, and the ultimate destruction of Israel. It has matched its fiery rhetoric with a sustained effort to import weapons, courtesy of Iran, smugglers in the Sinai, and tunnels from the Egyptian side of the border. In recent years, literally thousands of rockets and missiles have been fired from Gaza at Israel. Why?

“Israel has no claims on Gaza. To the contrary, Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Soldiers and settlers alike were pulled out by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, giving local residents the first chance ever in their history to govern themselves.

“Israel has an interest in a stable, peaceful, and prospering Gaza, not a gun-toting, missile-firing, jihad-preaching entity.”

Now, you can look at both messages and say Schivone is being more “courageous,” because he is criticizing his own people. But who is being more accurate? Who is providing context and holding the right people accountable? Is it the establishment guy with the facts or the young Turk with the swagger?

In the current bash-Israel atmosphere we are in — when it’s so popular to beat up on the Jewish state — it just may be the David Harrises of the world who are the true dissenters.

Here’s my point. We can’t be so afraid to lose the new generation that we become afraid to correct them when they’re wrong. We can’t get so obsessed with the “right to criticize” that we forget about the obligation to know the context before you do criticize — not to mention, of course, the obligation to defend Israel when the world makes unfair accusations.

It’s one thing to criticize Israel with balance and context; it’s another thing to criticize it just because it’s cool to stick it to the establishment.

Schivone writes that when he sails toward Gaza this week, in what he calls “the most celebrated — and controversial — sea voyage of the 21st century,” he will proudly be wearing the Star of David.

I wish he would also be carrying a picture of Gilad Shalit and reading the Hamas charter.

A version of this article appeared in print.

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“If you ask me, instead of obsessing over criticism (“Israel can do no right”) or propaganda (“Israel can do no wrong”), we ought to be promoting context: that is, trying to explain and understand the objective context behind Israel’s actions. “

couldn’t agree more and I will be anxious to see you do the same when you right about things like Bibi’s policies that the current Pres of Israel, the outgoing head of the Mossad and countless others in israel have called disastrous policies that are putting the country on a fast train into a brick wall in september. Write about that once in awhile to add some context

Comment by lwineman on 6/28/11 at 7:08 pm

funny I watched your entire “debate” with the young leader of j street. It didnt seem to me it was the member of the younger generation who showed himself to be a member of “generation duh” he seemed to leave you speechless in search of a response to his articulate presentation which put things “in contaxt” You responded with slogans

Comment by alan lawson on 6/28/11 at 7:14 pm

another member of “generation duh” ?

World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder, who in the past was considered one of Benjamin Netanyahu’s biggest donors and supporters, lashed out at the prime minister’s diplomatic policy Monday night. He made the comments in a speech to Jewish members of parliament from around the world as they attended a conference in Jerusalem.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/top-jewish-leader-and-close-netanyahu-ally-blasts-pm-for-lack-of-diplomatic-plan-1.370134

Comment by l wineman on 6/28/11 at 10:13 pm

Just think: Almost no one in Generation Duh went to Hebrew or Sunday School, attended services or did anything Jewish in their lives. And Beinart, et.al. would have us believe that youth’s dis-affiliation with Zionism is related to Israel’s policies!  Fact:  Generation Duh, children of seculars, was extinguished long ago by their parents and temples which did little to educate or involve them. Blaming Israel’s policies is a mask for their abject failure to raise their children as participants and believers in the Jewish faith and traditions with an identification with long term goals of the Jewish People.

Comment by Abbushuki on 6/28/11 at 11:46 pm

And generation ditto “corrects” these kids since
any criticism of Israel they voice even if the president of Israel or the former head of the mossad voices the same views it’s all the same they’re hamasniks and they are deluded or misinformed and need to read more suissa
Jstreet or joining the flotilla it’s all the same “generation ditto”

Comment by Lwjneman on 6/29/11 at 1:26 am

There sure are a lot of comments here from wineman, who seems obsessed with Suissa. And the comments keep repeating themselves. Try saying something new, or at least try to be funny. Right or wrong, you’re boring

Comment by gen why on 6/29/11 at 2:11 am

Repetitive?boring? Me thinks thou doth protest to much
As for funny.its funny that my comments elicit reaction from you but not the simplistic and often hateful name calling which will doubtless appear here soon as it does in the comments each week

Be an “adult” post a comment to “correct” those uncivil folk

Comment by Lwineman on 6/29/11 at 3:07 am

I went to a batmitzah a couple of years ago at an Westside “Reconstructionist” Temple (it’s on Sunset Blv) where the Rabbi explicitly said there is nothing chosen or special about being Jewish, but that our culture was special and we should continue it.  I was very close to an outburst!; with leaders like those educating our youth, why do we expect them to value Judaism and Israel?  Blame the parents, not the kids.

Comment by george on 6/29/11 at 8:56 am

Actually, I’ve kicked myself for the three years for not making a public statement - I didn’t want to embarrass my hosts; but morally didn’t I have the obligation to object?

Comment by george on 6/29/11 at 9:00 am

George: Much worse than that: There are ‘rabbis’ who subscribe to J St! Imagine: “Jewish” leadership figures promote insurrection against Israel.  It started with their hating the religious in Israel, who don’t validate their anti-Halachic ‘ordinations’. 

Not to worry: soon enough, their aging congregants will be gone with few to replace them. Temples are merging, temples are sold as churches and these ‘rabbis’ are forced to seek a living elsewhere.  Blinded by their own politics, liberal clergy don’t perceive having lots of children as an important value even as it costs them their jobs.

Gotta Tikkun the whole world. Hey, isn’t that what the missionaries do in Africa? Hmmm?

Comment by Abbushuki on 6/29/11 at 9:53 am

ah the wackos are out as expected
how funny, how boring

c’mon DS be an adult correct them

Comment by lwineman on 6/29/11 at 10:05 am

Dear Wineman, please us by clarifying your position. Which of the following Israeli principles you oppose:
1. The Palestinians will recognize Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people.
2. The agreement with the Palestinians should end the conflict and end further demands from Israel.
3. The Palestinian refugees’ problem should be solved outside the Israelis territory.
4. Jerusalem will remain the capital city of Israel.

This will help us put your anger in perspective.

Comment by Avi Zirler, La Canada, CA on 6/29/11 at 9:04 pm

I’m tired of these piss ant Jewish suburban college kids who have never had a tough day in their lives. Who have never had a fight in their lives. I’m sick of their self described angst and soul searching. And their heckling and their membership in Students for Justice in Palestine and God knows what else.

I came out of a time and place where loyalty meant something. Where you didn’t turn on your family, your friends your people.

Enough with the explanations and the context. What we really need is some sort of vehicle for ex-communication
like the Christians have. And if Shivone feels he can’t sit by. Be a man, make aliyah, stand a watch. Then you can say what you want.

Comment by Bill Pearlman on 6/30/11 at 3:23 pm

Bill:

Sadly we must bear with the death throws of the liberal Jewish community: most of their youth are illiterate Jewishly; some uncut Jewishly with little connection. They will probably marry ‘out’, divorce, have 1 kid. 

They’re already Jewishly brain dead, but use the cache of tribal affiliation to deflect charges of anti-Semitism. Sad, but they have already cut themselves off thanks to their parents’ and ‘rabbis’’ massively successful training in assimilation with Christian society.

Comment by Abbushuki on 6/30/11 at 5:17 pm

You know Abbushuki, I’m fed up with these kids. And I include Beinart and his compatriots in that. You want to line up with hamas and hezbollah against the IDF. Screw them. And the Jewish leadership shoulod stop trying to placate them. There are other kids. Adults, not idiots like Shivone who are worthy of support.

Comment by Bill Pearlman on 6/30/11 at 5:37 pm

With all the tirade coming from LWineman, he’s ignoring the request to clarifuy his position. He is either anti-Israel/ant-Zionist or just Jew hater, regarldless of his parents’ religion.

Comment by Mini on 6/30/11 at 6:18 pm

avi and mini
sorry busy here in israel where i spend half my time. I would say my views are in line with those of Ronald Lauder (ex) Bibi buddy and supporter Ronald Lauder who is intelligent enough to stop being a member of generation ditto and too old to be a member of “generation duh”
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/a-warning-from-a-good-friend-1.370550
http://www.thejewishweek.com/blogs/political_insider/bibi_told_his_policies_need_more_cosmetic_changes
http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=227227

Comment by L wineman on 7/03/11 at 9:40 am

mini

as for my zionist “credentials’ I’ll match yours anytime: Do you :spend half each year in israel, work with israeli student groups ?, recruit americans to israel programs ? fluent in hebrew ? run a business in israel ? i am a yes for all of these

you dont have to be a member of generation ditto to be a zionist if you did at least a third of israel would be in that category including most of the great kids i work with that just finished their army service

Comment by lwineman on 7/03/11 at 9:43 am

lwineman darling, with all due respect (and I do respect), I do not care about your credentials, nor do I think my Zionist credentials are any of your business.  I should not speak for Avi, but all what I wanted was to determine whether you are one of those run of the mill liberal Zionist (who I can disagree with respect), or one of the anti-Israel crowd who flock to the JJ (and who I deeply despise).

Comment by Mini on 7/03/11 at 12:53 pm

@Mini, thank. You said it beautifully. I am still waiting for lwineman to clarify his positions.

Comment by Avi Zirler, La Canada, CA on 7/03/11 at 12:57 pm

i know you two cant read hebrew but i didnt realize english was a problem too. Follow the links, read the comments by Ronald Lauder, I agree with them 100%. Then put me together with Lauder into whatever silly name calling category suits you. As is the case the comments to suissa’s articles always descend to this level (“jew hater”). Mr Suissa we know you’re watching stand up just once for civility.

Comment by l wineman on 7/03/11 at 1:18 pm

oops seems Israel’s ambassador to the US doesnt think obama wants to give the kotel to the Palestinians as the ever reliable Mr. Suissa wrote last week. Will we see a correction to his column ???
(Israel’s U.S. ambassador, Michael Oren, )
“speaking Thursday in a conference call, said Israel was ready to accept President Obama’s outline on May 19 of renewed talks, based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed land swaps, “

http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/oren_presents_israels_priorities_for_talks_20110630/

Comment by lwineman on 7/03/11 at 1:33 pm

lwineman, “name calling”? What name calling? I simply asked you a few questions. Can you answer them please? Not sure why you are acting with so much hostility.

Comment by Avi Zirler, La Canada, CA on 7/03/11 at 1:40 pm

clearly english reading is not one of your strong suits. Go through the thread above

“what name calling”

above verbatim from the woman whose comments you praised:
“He is either anti-Israel/ant-Zionist or just Jew hater, regarldless of his parents’ religion. “

i let ronald lauder answer your questions, I agree with him 100%

btw you should learn a little about negotiations you give a list of “principles” actually they are conditions. The Palestinians are asking to negotiate based on 1967 borders with land swaps after that you got to negotiations no other preconditions. btw is an indep pal state one of your “principles”

Comment by l wineman on 7/03/11 at 1:54 pm

lwineman, actually these are the Palestinian starting points, not Israel’s. You mean, Israel should negotiate with an entity which does even agree to its legitimacy? This is an oxymoron. So you can’t answer my questions. Thanks. BTW your arrogance is not mixing well with your whining. Have a great day.

Comment by Avi Zirler, La Canada, CA on 7/03/11 at 2:06 pm

“Israel should negotiate with an entity which does even agree to its legitimacy? This is an oxymoron”

learn some history it happens all the time:

israel syria
us soviet union
us east germany
mandela south africa
blacks and regime in rhodesia
south vietnam north vietnam
china taiwan
china british in hong kong
north korea south korea
east germany west germany
israel egypt

many more

Comment by l wineman on 7/03/11 at 3:51 pm

lwineman, for a history scholar you seem to have some difficulties articulating a position in a simple words. Thanks for all the irrelevant reading assignments anyway. Too busy right now, may be will get to it in the future.

Comment by Avi Zirler, La Canada, CA on 7/03/11 at 3:59 pm

here are simple words for you since reading more than 3 sentences seems a challenge for you. I’ll keep it brief:

“Israel should negotiate with an entity which does even agree to its legitimacy? This is an oxymoron”

Israel has negotiated with both Assad junior and Assad snior over decades. syria has never recognized Israel’s legitimacy,

Israel has signed peace treaties with jordan and egypt neither ever recognized Israel’s legitimacy as a Jewish state.

I’m done my life here in Israel is too busy for your nonsense. I’ll read political opinions from people that know something in the hebrew language media her.

Comment by l wineman on 7/03/11 at 8:01 pm

Wineman, get some fresh air. Need some anger management. I am worried about you. Get some help.

Comment by Avi Zirler, La Canada, CA on 7/03/11 at 9:17 pm

thks for your logical, carefully reasoned, well researched reply it contributed much to my knowledge of this subject

as usual for the suissaites they get testy when challenged…just like the author himself

Comment by lw on 7/03/11 at 9:55 pm

Gabriel is not Jewish, whether in terms of ethnic ancestry, religious belief or cultural identity. He has never identified as a Jew until it became useful in advancing his political agenda. When asked why he did this, he explained that he has a distant Jewish relative and that ‘you use what you have.’” Schivone’s reported hoax was first analyzed [by] CAMERA… “Schivone emphasizes his Jewish identity no less than eight times, and repeatedly emphasizes the influence of his identity on his anti-Israel activity”

Comment by Truth Teller on 8/09/11 at 5:29 pm

Schivone defines himself as a “Chicano Jew.” When asked specifically if he converted to Judaism or if his parents or grandparents are Jewish, Schivone told the Post “I mean that I foremost am a person of color—a ‘Chicano’ simply means someone of Mexican heritage and ancestry, with cultural ties to Mexico and to the preceding indigenous lands, and with national ties to the United States… I am a first generation immigrant youth in the US. “At the same time I also retain Jewish heritage and ancestry, from parts of my family who are from Mexico.

Comment by Truth Teller on 8/09/11 at 5:31 pm

Schivone is a liar and self-promoter. It is a shame that JVP has made him one of their leading public faces.

That said, JVP does has a point. Young Jews will, by and large, avoid culturally identifying with Israel, and exploring Jewish culture in Israel, so long as Israel is a pariah state.And Israel’s status as a pariah state is largely due to its own policies. Settle for two states on the ‘67 lines, maybe with one-to-one land swaps and special status for East Jerusalem. The animosity towards Israel will subside, and young American Jews will again be drawn to Hebrew, kibbutz, and Israeli universities.

Comment by chai on 10/02/11 at 1:57 pm

Chai, you and your narcissistic friends should read Ethan Teitler’s letter to the JJ “Don’t Support the ‘Blood Libel’ Against Israel”:  http://www.jewishjournal.com/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_circumcision_zionism_breed_street_dennis_prager_20110/

Comment by Truth Teller on 10/02/11 at 5:17 pm

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