“It’s complicated.” That was the common refrain I heard several years ago when I spoke with Israelis in rural and urban Israel. I was there as a coordinator of a State Department program promoting civil society among young leaders in Israel and Jordan. So many peace activists, both Arab and Jewish Israelis, told us again and again how complicated the situation was. I worry now about those peacemakers.
The current starvation and genocide in Gaza are anything but complicated. Israel continues its campaign of destruction and annihilation, meanwhile encouraging settlers to occupy even more of the West Bank lands and leave Palestinians without a homeland. As hunger has eroded into undeniable famine, even a group of 80 international Orthodox Jewish leaders have spoken out against Israel’s war. More rabbis need to speak up loudly.
It is not antisemitic to call for an end to Israel’s endless war. It is not complicated to call for the return of the hostages. It is not complicated to be against Hamas and also oppose Israel’s campaign that has killed 60,000 civilians and sees those remaining as collateral damage.
The U.S. Congress and our current president support Israel’s role in Palestine. As we fight against autocracy here at home, let us remember to speak out about our role overseas.
Julie Kumble
Montague