Hate is not kosher. It doesn't take long for hatred toward one group of people to redirect itself as hatred toward Jews. History has shown us that wherever hate breeds, it is bad for the Jews. Whenever it has been acceptable to discriminate against any people, it has been bad for the Jews. For this reason Jews have always been involved in the fight for civil rights for all. As Jews we need to model the behavior and language we want to see and hear reflected back to us.
Over the last several weeks, many of us have been involved in efforts to support and defend the Israeli response in the recent conflict.
As we do this, on occasion we have heard some comments about Muslims, which must be condemned. At rallies and protests where tensions are raised and those on either side are passionate about what they are supporting, it is important to remember not to be hateful. As Jews protesting or counter-protesting in support of Israel, it is essential for the messages expressed not to be those of hate of Muslims but of support for Israel.
One pro-Israeli protester yelled out to a Palestinian woman "Go back to your country! Oh wait, you do not have one!" Hateful, antagonizing rhetoric such as that statement not only diminishes the message of the pro-Israel protest, but also diminishes our integrity as Jews who support fair treatment for all.
Anti-Muslim rhetoric contradicts core values of the Jewish tradition. We as Jews are mandated to endeavor to repair the world and increase justice. How can we do that if we, too, are prejudice and unjust in our words and actions?
We just returned from a week in Seattle assisting with the community response after the tragic shooting at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. There we witnessed the best of the Jewish community. We saw Jews helping Jews, and we saw Jews receiving consolation and prayers from Muslim and Christian neighbors. There was not one iota of anti-Muslim or anti-Arab sentiment.
The community acknowledges that this tragedy was the work of an individual, and that he must be treated as such. One Arab American, angry with Israel, sought out Jews to maim and kill. What a shame it would be to add insult to injury and allow more hate to proliferate from the blood that was shed.
Instead, the community is counting its blessings and its strengths, and is moving ahead knowing that being vigilant against hate means being vigilant against all hate of all people.
Let us learn some internal lessons from the tragedy in Seattle. Let us learn from our fellow Jews. The pain that is being suffered is not being used as an excuse for more stereotypes, more discrimination or more hate.
Please understand: It's not about geography. It's about a community that seemingly could have reason to hate and is choosing not to hate. As the strong and vibrant Jewish community of the San Francisco Bay Area, we need to stand together against hate of all kinds. Let us stand together, proud, with the knowledge that we are not adding hatred to the world, but are repairing it through our commitment to justice for all.
