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A few days ago a friend in Pittsburgh told us of an incident that happened in her home where an Israeli was having a discussion with a local Pittsburgher about Israel's reaction to the kidnapping of the soldiers on the Lebanese border. The discussion became very heated and was turning into an argument, at which time the Israeli said: "Till you live there, you are not entitled to voice your opinion." This ended the discussion.
The dire reality and the threat Israel is under raises a real challenge as to the conversation Jews could be having. This was also true during other periods, such second Intifada. Are we all expected to toe the line and stand as one behind the current policy of what ever government is now in power - are we expected not to voice any opinions or ask questions? Is it a black and white reality or is it more nuanced? Are Jews living in the Diaspora entitled to an opinion - do they have a stake in the Jewish State and the way it evolves through actions and words?
To my mind, if we are looking to engage one another it is vital for us to develop an honest discourse among us in order to create a better understanding of the issues facing us as Jews. It is essential for us to hear each other's opinions and challenge them in order to create a common language, a common understanding of how Jews from different geographical and political perspectives view issues that are on the table whether in Israel or in the Diaspora. We should care enough to enable this dialogue so that we are bridging gaps and not creating a divide. We need to enable a free and open discourse as part of the safe haven of the open public space that the State of Israel has provided for us.
Let's not limit this opportunity that a sovereign entity is giving us, by limiting it to only those that live there or to issues that are mundane. The State of Israel challenges us on every level of our Jewish existence as we are in the process of developing its culture, its Jewish Space and its new chapter of History as part of a long chain of events and historical chapters. We are all part of that. Our discourse can contribute to this process and may be critical to the way we evolve as one people or as separate peoples. To my mind the key is dialogue, creating an understanding of each other.
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