The world has declared that Israel is committing genocide

[CincyDem]

168. This is the conversation going on in Jewish communities through the country.

Years and decades of partnership building have evaporated. Temples bussing members to protests against the Muslim travel ban, gay rights marches, BLM support rallies and voting rights marches to name a few. We have been active participants making our voices heard with oppressed communities across the board.

Following Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack, those partners are in large part silent. Not to an every person level but those who are supportive are the exception to the rule.

This was evident in the earliest days after the attack. Community gatherings to mourn the victims of 10/7 during that first week were telling. My observation locally…they were noticeably “Jewish” compared to other such gatherings (Tree of Life shooting, last years menorah lighting for example). Before the first retaliatory bullets were fired inside Gaza, most of those partner groups suddenly had conflict schedules…logistical issues…and worst of all, silent denial that there was a need to be supportive.

I guarantee you many Jews are wondering how these allies shifted so quickly to fair weather friends. Much of the defensiveness that exists in mid December about everyone knowing what Israel should do now is rooted in those early days where the message sent by so many was “y’all on your own”.

I don’t know what it looks like when this calms down to a quiet roar and I think there’s a political shift going on throughout many Jewish communities, particularly reform and conservative groups.

I don’t think it plays out in voting because women’s rights, gay rights, health care, educational freedom…these are as important to the US Jewish community as they are to everyone and as defining as 10/7 has been, it hasn’t shaken those foundations. But there will be ripples for a long time as we sort out what it means to be on our own.

Finally, I wouldn’t use the word monstrous. 10/7 was monstrous. Seeing so many allies at best stand silent and at worst suggest that 10/7 was somehow justified…it’s heartbreaking.