A Petition I Signed
A week ago, I posted criticism on (the aftermath and implications) of a petition on the Gaza war that I deplore.
Which begs the question of what kind of petition would I sign.
In general, I am very reluctant to sign petitions. In general, they are poorly constructed; and time and again, they are sources of embarrassment for the signers.
Earlier this week, however, I did find one I felt it appropriate to sign. And so I did.
I won’t spend a lot of space explaining why I signed it. Hopefully, anyone who has read my earlier posts will understand. In short, it expresses my views quite well. And it reflects the urgency of the moment; the Netanyahu government is making a terrible situation worse rather than better, at great risk to life, morality, and reputational capital. I hope and pray that the government falls soon.
My one misgiving about the petition is that it could be perceived— as it was by some friends, who shared their view with me— as presuming that a deal with Hamas for the hostages is straightforward. I read the petition differently than they did— as consistent with my view, which is that Hamas has no interest in a deal that frees all the hostages and that it may tragically remain elusive. (The same goes for the prospect that they will disarm; look at what’s playing itself out with Hezbollah in Lebanon). So I think any Israeli government would (tragically) have a difficult time arriving at the deal that everyone seeks. But that should be the priority, especially given the dismal track record in Gaza over the past 22 months and the low likelihood of success now.
Indeed, the Netanyahu strategy that is being imposed on the IDF despite its misgivings seems very likely to make things worse. And while it is Palestinians and Israelis who are at most risk if it does become worse, diaspora Jews (especially those like me who publicly support Israel in its basic construction as a democratic, Jewish nation-state), not to mention have many Israeli friends and relatives, face risk as well. And so I signed.
Moreover, if there is one thing any Israeli Prime Minister deserves criticism over, it’s the governance of the West Bank. And so the petition’s call for enforcing the law there (the minimum that is required; there are problems with the law!) is appropriate.
My heart goes out to all those who are suffering, traumatized, and/or demoralized by this war. Not to mention the darkness that continues to descend in the United States.
I hope everyone can find peace this Shabbat and weekend.
Ezra