The Interfaith Community Takes a Stand, Whether They Act or Not

Religious books : Quran, Bible and Torah. Christianity, Islam, Judaism the 3 monotheistic religions. Interfaith and interreligious dialogue. (Photo by: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The enormity of the antisemitism being experienced in Jewish communities throughout the world is immense. We don’t need people to tell us they enjoyed the hummus and wine we brought to the interfaith meeting! In today’s complicated world many words have different meanings than in the past. How do you define friend?

What is the purpose of interfaith organizations? Given recent events, it is a question that needs to be asked. It’s easy to say that Jews are your brothers and sisters when you share happy times. I imagine no one wants to be put in this position. I understand it puts everyone in challenging situations, but shouldn’t religious organizations follow ethical practices? Or are pretty words muttered, not to be followed when substantive events occur?

I understand what we see on the news is very disturbing and heartbreaking. I don’t believe in war, nor violence. Both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are suffering horribly. Hamas started this war by savagely attacking Israelis enjoying a music festival, or at home with their families. It’s hard to grasp that humans are capable of the depravity they showed as Hamas assailants cheerfully filmed gang rapes, mutilations, torturous killings with parents or children being killed in front of the other and burning people alive.

USATODAY.COM Jack Guez, AP
An Israeli army officer gives journalists a tour of tunnel allegedly used by Palestinian militants for cross border attacks. at the Israel-Gaza border. 7b293232859427fff76dbdbbdfff2b81

Hamas built a 300-mile tunnel network intentionally below schools, mosques and hospitals. The international funds intended to help the Gazan people, were used by Hamas for their own desires without regard to the suffering of the people they are governing. But what would one expect from a terrorist organization? If Israel is successful in ridding the world of Hamas, the greatest benefactors will be the Gazans. Hamas’ intentions in building the tunnels besides shooting missiles at Israel, are smuggling weapons, stealing and storing humanitarian aid, and hiding, including imprisoning the hostages in deplorable conditions. BRING THE HOSTAGES HOME NOW!

The Bring Them Home Now poster featuring photographs of the hostages
(photo credit: BRINGTHEMHOMENOW)

Hamas has stolen so much humanitarian aid that they don’t have room to store it, while Gazans starve.

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Sinwar, said to be the “mastermind” of October 7^th, has described civilian deaths as “necessary sacrifices.”  He intentionally built his tunnels below structures where civilians, especially children would be located, to create gruesome deaths and horrific clips and photos. As Israel defended itself trying to rid Hamas from Gaza, it’s impossible not to kill or injure unintended targets and now Israel is accused of genocide. Although the numbers of killed or injured are certainly distorted since Hamas provides them, these are humans, and the loss of innocent life is tragic. As planned, the world has become enraged, and Israel has become a pariah. Instead of Hamas being criticized for their use of human shields, Israel is blamed. Israel announces that the Gazans should leave their homes or building where they are staying to prevent unintended loss of life because Israel is going to bomb, but at this point is it enough? Gazans have been moved so many times, where is it safe?  Hamas tells them to stay. In a culture that promotes martyrdom, and in which life is such a difficult struggle, too many stay.

As I read articles regarding how some U.S. Imams are preaching antisemitic rhetoric, as posted on MEMRI: Orange County, California Imam Tarik Ata Addresses Muslim Students In Campus Encampments: Allah Will Reward You For The Fear, Anger, Pain You Inflict On These Cruel People, Enemies Of Humanity encouraging, “Allah in this cause will get you rewards, that every ounce of fear and anger that you out [sic] in the heart of Netanyahu and his thugs, and all those who support, collaborate, and finance this violent and inhumane war against a primarily civilian population…” Even if as Jews we don’t agree with war, nor how Netanyahu is conducting the conflict, who do you think “those who support,” refers to? Whatever the Israeli government does, regardless of if we agree with the policies, all Jews are being blamed and attacked. From elementary school, to middle, high school, college and adults, none of us are safe. And who would extremists go after? Netanyahu who is over 7600 miles away, or five miles?

It’s scary, so isn’t this the time when interfaith communities would turn to the ethics of their religion to support their decisions? Not necessarily. What happened to the belief in The Golden Rule? Treat others as you would like others to treat you.

Obviously, there are many interfaith organizations and hopefully, most would not handle what happened in this way…I became aware of one recent instance when threats toward Jews were exposed which were made by a member of an interfaith organization. One temperate idea suggested to deal with the situation was to implement a code of conduct. It was declined. The Jews were told that developing a code of conduct was rejected because they never needed one before, that the complaint was an isolated incident, and their “primary responsibility is to promote interfaith relations, not political or other agendas.” Their organization “should be a neutral and safe space where everyone feels secure.”

Sound familiar? It reminded me of when Harvard’s President was questioned whether she believed calling for genocide of Jews qualified for harassment when she testified in Congress. Her answer? It depended on the context. She was forced to resign.

Although only one incident was brought up, how many threats do you need? The concern had no politics associated with it, as the organization insinuated, and the discomfort was solely a safety issue. The Jews were accused of having political or other agendas. The victims were criticized instead of addressing the perpetrator. It’s not the first time Jews were blamed for people attacking them. The organization was not neutral, they chose to defend the person threatening Jews, apparently Jews didn’t fit into their definition of everyone who should feel secure.

If we were African Americans, would  anyone suggest that only one threat wouldn’t constitute enough concern to take note? Of course not, so why is it acceptable when threats are made against Jews? Another chapter in Jews being the invisible minority—or is it time to open our eyes? Are the reasons for ignoring our safety much worse? Interfaith organizations should seriously consider their positions and realize doing nothing to protect any of their members is a position.

My mother has been gone many years now. Another of her expressions comes to mind…with friends like them, who needs enemies?  I’m still trying to get over the shock that this is the status of Jews, 2024.

May You Live in Peace, שלום and سلام.