An Appeal to Israel’s Prime Minister: Stay Home!

Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,

I write you as a concerned American rabbi with years of experience dealing with antisemitism in greater Sacramento.

In 1999, three synagogues in our community were firebombed, causing millions of dollars in damage. The psychological scars remain to this day.  Meanwhile, incidents of Jewish hatred are increasing exponentially across America.

It is within this context, together with reports that you may be invited to speak before the US Congress, that I appeal to you.

Mr. Prime Minister, if you truly care about the well-being of Israel and the Jews of the Diaspora, then I implore you to decline any such invitation.

Recognize the reality that you have become an extremely divisive figure in Israel, the Diaspora, and much of the world.

Many view your 2015 address before Congress – nominally to oppose the Iran nuclear deal – as an unprecedented controversial intrusion into this country’s internal politics. Another such appearance before Congress will only risk exacerbating already unprecedented levels of anti-Semitism and violence in America – and provide NO substantive benefit to Israel.

As you are surely aware, many of your fellow citizens in Israel are appalled by the enormous damage caused to the nation on your watch.

During your tenure, our beloved Israel has become a deeply divided nation; the reality is that you are no longer an effective representative of the Jewish people.

We Jews in America, as well as our brethren in Israel, need healing and unity — not more division.

So, Mr. Prime Minister, please do the right thing: Stay home!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Reuven H. Taff