Start new year with compassion
I have some knowledge of Jewish history, which includes times when we had to confront our enemies and conquer cities. This goes as far back as Joshua. While I do not support Netanyahu or our current U.S. president, I recognize our limited power to influence global decisions. I pray for an end to this tragic war and feel deeply for anyone who has lost their life in any conflict.
I often reflect on how we treat our fellow Jews in the Bay Area. I have encountered narcissists, individuals who form exclusive cliques, men who belittle women, families suffering from painful parental alienation, people who seek revenge during divorce, those who engage in backstabbing and lashon hara (evil tongue), and some who exhibit cruelty.
If we believe the world is created of rachamim, compassion, then let’s start by fostering it in our own community. This means cultivating shalom bayit (peace at home), being humble and appreciative of others, communicating honestly and thoughtfully, and expressing warmth and love even to strangers. It would be a good beginning to a new year.
Elly Faden | Richmond
Your protests weaken Israel
I was pleased to see the letters to the editor opposing recent demonstrations against Israel in San Francisco. (Letters, Aug. 22) There are too many letters and stories in J. about these types of demonstrations, making it seem as if the protesters represent the majority of Jews in the Bay Area. I’m happy some of us are raising our voices to oppose them.
I spend my time fighting antisemitism online in different languages and countries, but when I see Jews here demonstrating against Israel, I feel betrayed.
Letters from former community leaders, demonstrations by rabbis in front of the Israel Consulate, and a small group based in Palo Alto that focuses on demonstrating against the democratically elected Israeli government are weakening Israel. According to a J. article, at an Aug. 17 demonstration in San Francisco organized by the Israeli group from Palo Alto, some people left because they felt uncomfortable around the Israeli flags, concerned that it would be seen as supporting the Israeli government’s policies (“Pro-Israel, anti-Netanyahu rally in S.F.: Bring them home, end war, boost Gaza aid,” Aug. 18)
Because Israel is a democracy, it is OK to demonstrate against the government, and this is what has been happening in Israel every week for almost two years. But there is a significant difference in doing it inside Israel vs. abroad.
We are fighting a war against a brutal enemy in Gaza and against the Palestinians who support them all over the world. I have never seen a Palestinian demonstration for peace or a “two-state solution.” Their goal is the opposite: a one-state solution, “from the river to the sea.”
At this moment, when IDF soldiers are fighting and falling, and there are 48 hostages in Gaza, we should focus on our people and not on our enemies.
Ariel Goldstein | Berkeley