Opinion

February 13, 2012

Wolpe vs. Beinart

By Rabbi David Wolpe

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Announcing his new book in a hucksterish e-mail to J street members, Peter Beinart details the truths vouchsafed to him and his fellow enlightened acolytes. A brief sampler:

“I’m looking forward to being with all of you at J Street, since you understand that an American Jewish community that sent its sons and daughters to Mississippi when African Americans were denied equal citizenship merely because they were not white cannot turn away when millions of West Bank Palestinians are denied rights simply because they are not Jews.”

“Finally, it [Beinart’s new book] offers an agenda for what American Jews — especially young American Jews — must do if we don’t want to be the generation that watches the dream of a democratic Jewish state die.”

“The great Jewish question of our age is whether a people who for millennia lived as strangers — and spun visions of justice that inspired the world — will act justly now that we wield power.”

The parade of self-confident sophistries is confounding. “Denied rights simply because they are not Jews.” Beinart’s phrase elides a torturous history of renunciation, rejection, terror, promises of annihilation and, well, war. It places the entire burden of the conflict on the Israelis, inhabitants of the only state in the world whose existence is constantly questioned and threatened. It turns what has been a painful (and, to be sure, sometimes brutal) occupation of a population, with agonizing options on both sides and blood-strewn sidewalks, into the thinly veiled implication of racist oppression. If you said the reverse, that the Arab nations made war on Israel “just because they were Jews,” you would have a more supportable sentence.

I’ve read Beinart’s writings, heard him speak and always thought him smart and thoughtful, even when I disagree. But now, the pen of the propagandist is masquerading as prophet.

The second quote is more appropriate to an oracle than an analyst. “Must do” is not “what I believe we should do” or “what I think Israel needs.” This is not punditry, but revelation. It characterizes those who disagree with Beinart as the destroyers of democracy — pretty dramatic rhetorical overkill. My guess is he has been watching too many Republican debates.

Is there no room for honest dissent? I am no fan of the settler movement. I agree that two states is the only just and workable solution. But (and this is where we apparently diverge) I acknowledge I could be wrong about how to get there. We agree that Palestinians have suffered terribly. An end to the current impasse is urgently needed. But Beinart’s certainty about the ends of equality and statehood has frozen into lockstepping the means, and dictating acceptable attitudes. There are thoughtful, kind people who disagree. Many of them, I suspect, do not aspire to raze democracy. This e-mail is an end-zone dance, a strutting lack of humility.

What is the principal concern of the letter? The good fortune of the author: It begins, apropos the timing of his book, “Sometimes you get lucky.” Its guiding metaphor? The Jewish participation in the black civil rights movement. Its driving assumption — that Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians is the “great Jewish question of the age.”

Yet Mr. Beinart, this is not the great Jewish question of the age. It is a great and important question, to be sure. But when a nation struggles with the threat of being vaporized in a nuclear conflict, to call its policies on the West Bank and Gaza “the great question” is myopic at best. (It also is somewhat ironic to call it the great Jewish question and not cite a single classical Jewish source. So let me repair the omission: Talmud Bavli, Berachot 4a: “Teach your tongue to say ‘I don’t know.’ ”) Does Beinart, does anyone, imagine for a moment that reconciling with the Palestinians will persuade Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to stop weaponizing high-grade plutonium?

The prospect is not theoretical. Here is one of any number of statements from Iran’s president: “Nations in the region will be more furious every day. It won’t take long before the wrath of the people turns into a terrible explosion that will wipe the Zionist entity off the map.” Dead nations have no ethical dilemmas. Still, to Beinart this is not Israel’s principal problem, perhaps because there is no useful analogy to be made between Ahmadinejad’s resolve to destroy Israel and the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott.

Invoking the civil rights movement is an act of unhopeful audacity. (J Street as the NAACP? I wonder which Palestinian leader is Martin Luther King Jr.; let us dream of the time children will be off of school for Abu Mazen Day.) Comparing the Israeli struggle with the Palestinians to the American civil rights movement not only erases historical distinctions, it wields a grotesque historical analogy as a club to beat the political position with which you disagree. It is dispiriting to read this from a former editor of The New Republic, a venerable and important magazine. Is Israel not nestled among enemies? America changed radically in response to 9/11; surely we can sustain some flickering awareness of what it must be to exist surrounded by nations that dream of wreaking such havoc each day? I wonder how this letter would strike the schoolchildren of Sederot.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a historic tragedy. Israel has sometimes done bad, misguided, even terrible things. But it lives every day knowing that peaceful coexistence is for many a stepping stone, not an endgame. This makes the dilemma of deciding how to conduct Israeli policy more difficult than the bromide blast of Beinart’s e-mail suggests. Reading it makes me want to go down on my knees and beg for the same commodity that I beg for when reading or hearing screeds from the far right: Nuance, please. Complexity, please. Humility — for God’s sake, please.

My children do not patrol the borders. They do not dismantle unexploded rockets. They do not walk gingerly into cafes, always wondering, always fearful, even in quiet times. There aren’t too many bomb shelters in Westwood. When I express my opinions about Israel’s conduct, which I do, this reality is foremost in my mind. There is a penalty for choosing not to live in Israel: A certain diffidence, a willingness to listen and appreciate the result of a democratic process, even when one disagrees with the result. A corresponding reluctance, at least, to demonize the elected leaders of the Jewish state. 

Beinart’s e-mail represents what is wrong with the debate: It is smug in its dismissal of Israel’s leadership and grandiose in presenting one view as the sole salvation of that beleaguered nation’s honor. Peter Beinart raises crucial, abiding issues. Then he compares those who take a different view to racist destroyers of democracy. This is not debate. This is not dialogue. This is demagoguery. He is better than this and we must be, too. In Pirkei Avot, Avtalion warns sages to be careful with their words. The warning applies to those who are not sages, as well.

David Wolpe is the Rabbi of Sinai Temple. You can follow his teachings at facebook/RabbiWolpe.

A version of this article appeared in print.

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OUTSTANDING!

Comment by paul jeser on 2/13/12 at 3:22 pm

The article you comment on sounds as though that author believes all can be fixed by resolving land issues. I suppose then that there was no conflict before 1967?

Comment by lauren on 2/13/12 at 3:24 pm

rabbi wolpe - i am curious as to why you think the pressing question of iran’s nuclear program precludes the “historic tragedy” of the israeli-palestinian conflict from being treated with urgency.

Comment by close reading on 2/13/12 at 5:17 pm

Rabbi Wolpe conveys, but more eloquently than I could, my own thoughts about Beinert and many other critics of Israel. That Israel sometimes takes actions with which I disagree does not mean it is the consummate purveyor of evil.  I had always respected Beinert’s intellect but I now think he writes mostly to be sensational.  Level-headed and nuanced doesn’t sell.

Comment by Barbara Berci on 2/13/12 at 5:22 pm

well said Rabbi Wolpe

Comment by jeff on 2/13/12 at 6:30 pm

Thank you, Rabbi, for fighting back against demagoguery, wherever it may be found.  Years ago we learned that extremism in the defence of liberty is a great vice.  So it is in politics and even in selling books.  The man who shouts so loudly that his own viewpoint is the only true one is incapable of hearing the still small voice that gives everyone the right to make up his/her own mind on any subject.  Beinart doesn’t need a little humility, he needs carloads and bushels and ten-ton truckfuls of it.  Let him learn to write less and listen more and be quiet until he does.

Comment by Marion Claire on 2/13/12 at 7:56 pm

Well said Rabbi and not only for the Jewish Community but for all the world. We all need to hear your veracity and often. Thank you for coming forwad to address such a controversial topic.

Comment by William Hart on 2/13/12 at 9:18 pm

Three hearty cheers and thank you for your excellent demolition job.  At last, a sage with some sanity, unlike the prattling prince pontificating from his pernicious perch.

Comment by James b Goodstein on 2/13/12 at 10:38 pm

As my children (who have made aliyah) and grandchildren live in Israel under the constant threats of the Muslim world, both Sunni and Shiite (along with a Jewish population who are either survivors of the holocaust or of the expulsion from Muslim lands)I sit in wonder of the arrogance of Jews who do not live in Israel, but have the answer.  Bless you Rabbi for your mostly thoughtful comments (the attack on the so-called “right wing” did not add to the discussion).

Comment by Aaron on 2/13/12 at 10:57 pm

I do not always agree with you either, but this piece is spot on , kol hakavod

The Real Jerusalem Streets
www.rjstreets.com

Comment by Sharon A on 2/13/12 at 11:37 pm

Very good article, while I agree with most of the viewpoints, I believe the writer is misguided if he believes that “It characterizes those who disagree with Beinart as the destroyers of democracy— pretty dramatic rhetorical overkill. My guess is he has been watching too many Republican debates”. My guess is that he is ignorant of the Democratic view includes if you disagree with them you are stupid, because they know better, or you must be a racist. The reality is it’s pretty hard to have peace with people that want you dead. You need to stop envisioning the world as you would like it to be, and deal with it the way it really is

Comment by stony on 2/14/12 at 3:52 am

Beinart is a spoiled child who never had a tough day in his life.

Comment by Bill Pearlman on 2/14/12 at 5:04 am

Thank you, Rabbi Wolpe.  Your words are so very welcome. 

Peter Beinart, I hope you have read what the rabbi has written and taken them into your heart.

Comment by Grantman on 2/14/12 at 5:16 am

Beinart’s sole mission is to secure a comfortable place for J Street Jews in the American political landscape. Everything else, including Israel,  is secondary

Comment by Zalman on 2/14/12 at 5:26 am

Perhaps the Israelis could allow the the Syrians to handle the the care of the Palestinians!

Comment by Honey Bee on 2/14/12 at 9:23 am

Beinart may sound self-righteous, but one wrong does not justify another.  Beinart is not dealing with the hypothetical threat from Iran, nor is he arguing that it will go away if Israel adopts different policies on the West Bank.  There exists now one state, Israel, in a land with roughly equal numbers of Arabs and Jews.  The dominated minority, the Palestinians, are demanding their independence.  Israel must grant it in order to remain a Jewish state.  If it remains one state it will remain a state of racist oppression and we will have been the generation that the democratic and Jewish state die.

Comment by Irwin Wall on 2/14/12 at 1:17 pm

I am much indebted to you for these clear and eloquent remarks. Beinart and others (J-Street in particular) are causing an unnecessary rift and division in the American Jewish Community. You are totally correct in your refutations. But, we must also acknowledge that the social situation in Israel and the toleration of the Haredi by the government is neither Talmudic, contemporary nor rational. Would you speak about that ? Some of our children have been raised on the principles of prophetic social justice…from our cherished Prophetic books…how to square it off ? My congregation and I look to you for guidance. Thank you.

Comment by Rabbi B Boage on 2/14/12 at 1:27 pm

Iran’s nuclear program is a serious global security issue. Israel’s presence in the West Bank is a moral dilemma for the Jewish people. Giving Jews citizenship in the West Bank and denying it to Palestinians, giving Jews free movement and civilian courts as Palestinians have travel highly restricted and subject military rule is simply wrong. This situation has lasted for 45 years and by subsidizing Israeli Jews to move the West Bank, Netanyahu is closing the door on a two state solution. No group is perfect, certainly not the Palestinians. But attacking Peter Beinart won’t erase the contradiction between our social justice tradition and the settlement policies of Israel’s government.

Comment by Jacob Wirtschafter on 2/14/12 at 2:10 pm

Beinart makes an immoral comparison to the civil rights movement. The “Palestinians” never were citizens of Israel. The people of Gaza were under Egyptian control and the “West Bank” under Jordanian control before the ‘67 war. With the peace treaties with jordan and Egypt, they were under Israel’s control and were given many rights previously denied them, such as education of children and religious choice.
Numerous attempts at a Two State solution were rejected by Arafat, Abbas and Hamas with terrorist rocket attacks, kidnaping of Israelis and vows for the destruction of Jews.
His propaganda is self-hating and despicable.

Comment by Dani El on 2/14/12 at 2:38 pm

I lived in the south during and after the civi right movement.  There is no comparision to the complicated relationship that existed between Blacks, Whites and Hispanics, in Texas, at that time.

Comment by Honey Bee on 2/14/12 at 3:49 pm

I’ve read neither Beinart’s letter nor his new book.  But all Rabbi Wolpe’s diffidence in the face of Israel’s problems does not in the slightest explain away Israel’s frenetic construction in East Jerusalem.  That is, alas, proof of not only recklessness but also of cruelty.  The Talmud is right: Wise men should be careful with their words.  It is not less right when it instructs us to rebuke our friends when they err.

Comment by Leonard Fein on 2/14/12 at 4:06 pm

I am willing to discuss the issue of whether the Palestinians deserve a state on their terms.  Should Israel go to them hat in and say, “Though you rejected peace in 1948 and did not come into existence until 1968 and you conspired to kill my people through three wars and several civil uprisings (including the rockets and human bombs) we will give you want you want.  We cannot talk if you call Israel racists.  I can assure you that black Jews find that offensive.

Comment by Aaron on 2/14/12 at 4:18 pm

Mr. Beinart, “Lauren”, “Close Reading”, and Mr. Wirtschafter: You are correct. All we need is stop acting childish, and force Israel to surrender to the Arab-Hamas dictate. We must agree to Hamas’ right to arm itself with ‘defensive’ weaponry—all Iran would supply. Israel should not be allowed to fly over Gaza, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards should put a division or two of well-fortified armed freedom fighters along the Gaza Strip – only for ‘defensive purposes’, of course – and in preparation for freeing all occupied areas like Ashkelon, Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, Beer Sheba and then the rest of Palestine. (Cont >>)

Comment by Avi on 2/14/12 at 5:31 pm

(Cont’d) We should also recognize Hamas insistence to deny the Jews any rights of self determination in their historic homeland, and support Arab rights to free the land of all Zionists. Furthermore, It is incumbent upon the State of Israel to help Palestinians achieve their righteous goals. But trouble! Israel cannot disconnect from the Palestinians, because the Palestinians do not want to disconnect from the Land of Israel, all the way from the River to the Sea. Do you understand that Peter Beinart,“Lauren”, “Close Reading”, and Mr. Wirtschafter?

Comment by Avi on 2/14/12 at 5:34 pm

Rabbi David Wolpe Joins the “Beat Up a Liberal Elitist” Club http://wp.me/p1Jt6N-tX

Comment by Mitchell S. Gilbert on 2/15/12 at 12:19 pm

Rabbi Wolpe, excellent start

2 state solution: even before the establishment of Israel , the Arabs on every opportunity rejected any approach to a 2-state solution. Current polling by Palestinian academics indicate more than 85% of West Bank Palestinians reject a 2 state solution and an overwhelming majority view a 2 state solution as a step toward redeeming sacred Moslem lands (  100 % of current state of Israel).

Comment by LT COL HOWARD on 2/15/12 at 1:28 pm

Palestinians in Jordan, Syria, etc. are treated much more harshly by their fellow Arabs than even the worst accusations against Israel. In Gaza even contemplating cooperation with Israel is punished with the death penalty. In the West Bank contemplating selling land to a Jew draws assassination which goes unpunished by the Palestinian Authority. Remember, the goal of the PA is a Jew-free West Bank and East Jerusalem

Comment by LT COL HOWARD on 2/15/12 at 1:32 pm

Jacob Wirtschafter;Leonard Fein

1. Read the posting by others. They have information and insights that you should digest before you spout your nonsense.

2. Go to live on the west bank—like I did—then you will see Jacob that what you say is completely untrue. And Leonard, read the history of Jerusalem and you will see that the Jordanians (British equipped, a British trained, British led) destroyed the then robust Jewish presence in East Jerusalem. Their published words glorying in the destruction that they brought to the Jews are chilling. Hopefully Leonard it might affect your heart.

Comment by LT COL HOWARD on 2/15/12 at 1:45 pm

Mr Fein wishes to instruct and rebuke friend when they are wrong.  Mr Fein has it ever occcur to you, in your arrogance,that you are wrong.  If not, consider yourself rebuked.  Thank you LT.COL HOWARD!

Comment by Honey Bee on 2/15/12 at 3:21 pm

It is difficult to have a rational discussion regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.  I am reminded of the story of Pharaoh and Moses, where G_d hardened Pharaoh’s heart after each plague.  It is this hardening process I am interested in since it had an impact on both Pharaoh and the Jews.  It is your script that imprisons you.  Free yourself of your script and you may then be able to live in the moment and experience reality.  Just ask Moses.

Comment by Aaron on 2/15/12 at 4:20 pm

Too much emotion and not enough reason from the Rabbi.  Beinart is right on all counts.  It is time that Israel set this right quickly and stopped procrastinating about vague threats to their security.  On Jan 15th 2012 Nick Clegg the Deputy Prime Minister of the UK stood beside he Prime Minister at a press conference and said that the settlements were a “deliberate vandalism”.  This news was suppressed by many in the US press but left a deep impact on the rest of the world, officially underscoring the feelings of the majority of people everywhere that Israel has violated international law by blatantly and dishonestly stealing the land that rightly belongs to the Palestinians.

Comment by Ronald on 2/15/12 at 8:26 pm

Aaron,say what!  I thoght Aaron was the inturpreture.

Comment by Honey Bee on 2/16/12 at 9:03 am

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