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From the Bimah
June-July 2005

As Fania Oz-Salzberger writes in a recent edition of the Wall St. Journal, "On the eve of Passover, the British Association of University Teachers (AUT) took a decision to boycott two of Israelās eight universities--Haifa and Bar Ilan--for their alleged collusion with the Israeli government in its mistreatment of the Palestinians." In her article, she explains the subtext for the boycott rests on faulty information submitted by Teddy Katz, a 55 year old Masterās thesis student at Haifa University.

Apparently, Katzās thesis advisor, Dr. Ilan Pappe, encouraged his student to incorporate data that was inaccurate and politically driven. The Masterās thesis documented a massacre of 200 unarmed civilians by the Haganah (pre-1948 Jewish army) in a village outside Haifa. The information used for the thesis came from testimonials that were transcribed from tape recorded oral interviews conducted with elderly Palestinians of the town. When Israeli war veterans who were actually involved in the incursion sued Katz for libel, the district court ruled the testimonials were grossly manipulated in the course of transliterating them.

That the Israeli court ruled in the way it did does not matter. There is a growing body of academics who repeatedly try to find ways of besmirching Israel. Funny, how no one would expect the AUT from boycotting any other university outside of Israel. Of course, the AUT never sent anyone to examine the facts, nor did they ask anyone from the university to offer a response. Maybe The AUTās boycott of two Israeli universities has nothing to do with maintaining an open, honest platform for learning and exploring at a college level? Maybe--could it possibly be--good oleā anti-Semitism? Heaven forbid one say such a thing!

A little closer to home, and a variation of a similar theme, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (PCUSA) issued a resolution initiating a "phased selective divestment in multinational corporations doing business in Israel." Why divestment? The PCUSAās upper-echelon believes boycotts are useful tools for social change. Be that as it may, the issuance singles out Israel exclusively. No mention of China before or after Tiananmen Square, or Russiaās occupation of Chechnya, or Palestinian Muslim nationalism that in many expressed forms truncate peaceful co-existence with the only independent Jewish country in the world. Maybe--could it possibly be--good oleā anti-Semitism? Heaven forbid one say such a thing!

So, what are we to do? As I have said any number of times, learn the issues; equip yourself with the ability to verbally defend Israel; learn to debate the points. In this monthās edition of the Voice, Dr. Albert Reff includes a number of watchdog organizations that are well worth your consideration. In addition, actively support organizations that are confronting groups who wish Israel harm. Let us at least be honest, denying Israelās existence--now that Israel exists--is pure, un-adulterated anti-Semitism. Being critical of Israeli policy in a way that is balanced, fair-minded and constructive is not. Groups like the AUT and PCUSA are leveling criticism against Israel by way of economic and social boycott; it is anything but balanced and fair-minded, let alone constructive.

All this leads me to a final thought. Purchase Israeli made goods and visit our spiritual homeland. Regarding the first request, among other places, I enjoy shopping at the Santa Monica Glatt Kosher Market on Santa Monica Blvd. and Colby. You will find a wonderful selection of food products imported from Israel. As for the final request, by now I hope you are aware we are planning a synagogue/community-wide pilgrimage to Israel in December. Consider attending. While the tripās details are being finalized as I write this piece, please know it will be affordable and well worth your while. Including travel, we hope to be gone 12 days. We leave on the 14th with a return ticket stamped December 26. While visiting Israel, you will witness first-hand the most compelling, dynamic and inspirational justification for Israelās existence. Donāt put off any of these requests--the time has come! Yes, good oleā anti-Semitism still exists and it is being expressed by some academics, along with various church and Muslim groups, all of whom wish Israel harm. But, be certain to keep it quiet. Heaven forbid one say such a thing!

Rabbi Michael Gotlieb