As a Northampton resident, as a Jew committed to social justice and as a community member, I strongly support the mayor’s decision to have Chief Kasper withdraw from the ADL training in Israel. I am so, so proud of our community for choosing not to participate in Israel’s Deadly Exchange program. As a Jew, I cannot stand idly by while extreme violence, military occupation and gross human rights abuses are perpetrated in Israel in my name, backed by U.S. funding.
My commitment to freedom and justice for all is a core part of my Jewish identity, history, culture and religious practice, and no matter what anyone says, criticizing the state of Israel for showing no regard for Palestinian life is NOT anti-Semitic.
In the words of 17-year old activist Ahed Tamimi, “There is a huge difference between Judaism and Zionism. Judaism is a religion. You know, it’s just like Islam. It’s just like Christianity. But Zionism, that’s the occupation. That’s the killing. That’s what closes checkpoints. That’s what detains innocent people. That’s all Zionism that’s causing this conflict with Palestinians.”
Zemora Tevah
Northampton