However, the kind of Achdus I had always envisioned was
among observant Jewry. This includes the entire spectrum—from the most
left-wing Modern Orthodox Jews, such as graduates of YCT (Yeshivat Chovevei
Torah), to the most religiously right-wing Jews of Satmar.
I have always felt that there is far more that unites us
than divides us. The fact that we all observe the Mitzvos of the Torah, as we
understand them, creates a shared way of life. We all observe Shabbos, keep kosher,
attend synagogue, fast on Yom Kippur, eat matzah, and hold a Seder on Pesach.
We all celebrate the Jewish holidays.
This commonality, I had always believed, should be the glue
that binds us together. But as it turns out, much as it should—it does not. We
Jews are more divided than ever. For a variety of reasons. Some legitimate and some not. Nowhere is this more evident than in our
attitudes toward the Jewish state. (On that issue, I can find more common ground
with non-Jews than we do with some of my fellow Jews!)
These thoughts came to mind as I read Rabbi Marc Angel’s
thoughtful article on Jewish anti-Zionists, with which I completely agree. Here
are some pertinent excerpts:
The emergence of the modern State of Israel is one of the wonders of world history. After nearly 2,000 years of dispersion, the Jewish people have reclaimed their historic homeland.
Israel has created a vibrant democracy. With a tiny population of around 10 million people (20% of whom are not Jewish), it has become a world leader in science, technology, medicine, and agriculture. It has developed a remarkable military to defend its citizens from intractable enemies. It is ranked among the happiest and most creative countries in the world.
Yet, amazingly, some Jews have not shared in the profound gratitude for the Jewish return to Zion. Not only have they failed to embrace Zionism, but they have been vocal and active opponents of the State of Israel.
Some Jewish anti-Zionists are found among Haredi Jews. Others are among far-left Jews who buy into the anti-Zionist preachings of the radical left. Yet others are highly idealistic Jews who focus on Israel’s real or perceived faults and do not want to be associated with them.
Although the Jewish critics of Israel are diverse, they seem to have one thing in common: They insist that the Jewish state be inhumanly perfect.
The future of Israel and the Jewish people will be secured by those who share the dream of a Jewish homeland that strives to be a “light unto the nations.” The goal is to make Israel as great as humanly possible.
For Jewish critics to demand the impossible is not only unrealistic; it is dangerous and self-destructive.
Yes, indeed. Another way to express this idea is’ through a
phrase I have been hearing a lot lately: The ‘perfect’ is the enemy of the ‘good’.
The problem is that the closer one moves toward ideological extremes, the more likely they are to insist on perfection - as they define it. Which is a prescription for division.
The two largest observant communities in Israel today are
the Charedim and Religious Zionists. Aside from their differing views on the
Jewish state and the degree of emphasis placed on Torah study, their values are
largely the same. And yet, ever since Israel’s war with Hamas, the divide
between them has grown. The lack of significant Charedi participation in the IDF,
while Religious Zionists bear the largest per capita share of that burden, has
created a chasm that now seems unbridgeable.
Religious Zionist families are angry. And I don’t blame
them. They are the ones making sacrifices It is their blood being shed on the
battlefield—not Charedi blood.
Achdus? I no longer see how it is possible. And that saddens
me deeply.
I know people from both camps. They are some of the finest
individuals I have ever met. People with the highest ideals. People with deeply
rooted Jewish values. People who are meticulous in their observance of Mitzvos.
People who place enormous value on Torah study. They should be natural allies
and kindred spirits. Surely, there should be Achdus among them.
But there is not. And it appears there never will be.
And there is only one reason for that: The rabbinic
leadership of the Charedi world refuses to acknowledge the pain they have
caused by preventing any of their young men from serving in the army. And at the
same time demanding the Yeshivas they attend be fully funded by the government
and permanent exemptions from army service by their students.
And so, even with all that the two communities have in common - the chasm widens.
