Meeting with Prime Minister
Netanyahu and Unity Mission of Rabbis
October 17, 2018
Remarks by Rabbi
Stuart Weinblatt on behalf of the Rabbnic Mission of Unity
Mr. Prime
Minister, thank you for meeting with us today, a day when Israel once again has
suffered an attack in Beer Sheva. The
fact that you would meet with us today shows how much you value the
relationship of Jews in the Diaspora and Israel. (Upon
the conclusion of our meeting, the Prime Minister went to a security cabinet
meeting that lasted approximately six hours, until a little before 2 am.)
We are a
diverse group of Reform, Conservative and Orthodox rabbis from across North
America - which may be redundant – since every group of rabbis is diverse.
Many of us
became rabbis because of our love for Israel.
And that is
why we are here.
Because of
our love of Israel.
We come to show
our support, to speak with you about issues of concern, and to discuss with you
what we can do together, as partners, to narrow the gap between our two
communities. It is our hope that out of
our discussion we can find a path and the means to encourage stronger
attachment, greater engagement and minimize the distancing and alienation.
We believe
that our fate is linked and that we have a shared history and destiny. What we say and do has an impact on you, in
Israel, and vice versa. The first
midrash I ever learned in rabbinical school was that the people of Israel are
like a lamb – because whenever any one limb of the lamb experiences pain, the
entire lamb feels it. We feel the pain
of what happened today in Beer Sheva.
All
of the rabbis here around the table understands the unique security situation
facing Israel. Although there was no litmus test or prerequisite for being
invited to this mission, every rabbi here spoke with their congregations and
elected representatives about the threat posed by Iran and opposed the JCPOA. This means you are meeting with rabbis who understand
and share your concern about the existential threat posed by Iran, and who do
not need to be convinced about the very real ongoing security threats Israel
faces every day.
It is not
lost on us that we are here during Parashat
Lech Lecha. With Abraham’s journey
to Israel, Jewish History begins. Nahum
of Bratzlav said – wherever I am going, I am going to Eretz Yisrael. Our fate and destiny is inextricably linked
to this land we love.
We know that you care deeply
about Diaspora Jewry. I heard
your speech at the opening of the Knesset, and Israel’s position in the world
and its accomplishments under your leadership is truly remarkable.
We ask you now
to turn your attention to this important area: the relationship of Israel and
world Jewry. Our realities are different. Churchill said – England and America are two
people divided by a common language. In
certain respects, we are one people, divided by a common religion.
You are in a
unique positon, as the leader of the Jewish nation and the Jewish people, to do
what no one else can do. We look to you
to convey our mutual interdependence, and are here to help carry a part of that
burden with you of closing the gap. We
are your partners.
Specific
Issues I would like to raise:
We believe
that Israel is the home of all Jews, but are concerned that for any of a number
of reasons, as revealed in recent polls, not all Jews share that feeling. We recognize that this is the result of a
combination of factors, including a lack of understanding and communication,
and are willing to take responsibility for our shortcomings and how some
actions and comments by some of our leaders are not helpful -- but comments and
actions taken by Israel or various parties exacerbate the situation and do
things which sometimes make those who are in the trenches working on behalf of
Israel to feel as if they are not taken into consideration.
In that spirit, among the issues we would like you
to address –
We are in a tough position – President Trump has
done for Israel what no other president has done, and it is especially apparent
because it stands in such stark contrast to his predecessor. (Cancelling
payments to terrorists, UNRWA, moving of embassy, recognizing Jerusalem, etc) However – his style, temperament as well as
some of his policies are anathema to vast majority of American Jews. Concern that – what happens after Trump, how
can you act in Israel’s best interest, while ensuring that support for Israel
not be associated with Trumpism so that liberal supporters of Israel are not
turned off, and to maintain bi-partisan support for Israel?
We would be remiss if we did not raise the issue
with you about the role of non-Orthodox Jews in Israel, and in the
Diaspora. This question has many sides
to it – as it touches upon the issues of conversion, the monopoly and
stronghold of the Haredim, the power of the Rabbanut and their Byzantine
approach which turns people away from Judaism and places impediments to a sense
of unity, as well as progress on the development of the egalitarian space at
the kotel. We know our realities are
different – and Israel’s political system is different than ours. But that answer does not suffice. In your speech in June you said to AJC,
“Israel is strong not despite its diversity, but because of its diversity.” In commenting on these issues, what can you
do send a message to non-Orthodox Jews around the world that you believe in
pluralism and that you recognize and accept Reform and Conservative Judaism and
Jews?
Finally, any thoughts you have about amending the
nation-state law to reflect concerns expressed about it would be appreciated.
Concluding questions:
What can we do to set up ongoing mechanism to work
together?
What message would you like us to carry back to our
people?
Concluding remarks:
I would like to present to you a statement signed
by the rabbis who are on this mission expressing our continued ongoing support
for Israel and desire to have a dialogue about issues that affect both of our
communities.
I would like to conclude with a word of Torah
related to this week’s parasha.
When Abraham’s shepherds fought with the shepherds
of his nephew Lot over the choice land for their cattle to graze, Abraham
settled the confrontation when he said to Lot, “Al na tehi meriva beini uvenecha, kee anashim ahim anahnu. Let
there not be an argument, or dispute between us, for we are brothers.”
We are brothers and sisters. In other words, regardless of whatever
differences we may have, we are family. Thank you Mr. Prime Minister.
Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt
Congregation B’nai Tzedek
Potomac, MD
