This is the kind of phrase often used by spokesmen for
groups like “Jews for Justice in Palestine” or like-minded ideologues. Jews who
wouldn’t know a Jewish value if it hit them in the face.
To these people, the idea of Jews living in land “colonized
illegally” by European Jewish Zionist is a cardinal sin. Any claim about a
Jewish heritage to the land is a form of a particularism that is seen as racist
in ideology. Believing that it has nothing to do with “Judaism”. In their
minds, Judaism means universalism. Where individual differences by definition
cannot exist. Thereby striping Judaism of any defining characteristics - making
the phrase “As a Jew” totally meaningless.
Sadly, the only thing that is Jewish about them is that they
were perhaps born of a Jewish mother. A mere happenstance of life that has no
significance. And yet they continue to use the phrase “As a Jew” as though it
made any difference. I challenge any of them to explain the significance of “As
a Jew” means to them. In other words, what is it exactly that makes their views
particularly Jewish as opposed to universal?
The fact is, they have more in common with Karl Marx than
they do with Moshe Rabbeinu.
The contempt, anger, and utter disgust I feel about Jews
like this is palpable. Whenever I hear people like this saying “As a Jew,”
suggesting that the values they articulate are specifically Jewish, I both
cringe and shake with anger. While in some cases they might overlap with Jewish
values, in many cases those values are antithetical to Jewish values.
A political or social principle does not become a Jewish
value just because Jews embrace it. The same is true of a position that does
not cease to have Jewish significance merely because non-Jews also embrace it.
To describe a position as specifically Jewish requires some
meaningful connection to Jewish sources, concepts, traditions, or obligations.
Modern political movements - may - share important principles with Jewish
teachings, but that does not make the movements themselves expressions of
Judaism.
The fact that these Jews don’t seem to know or acknowledge
that gives lie to that claim.
Sadly, though, it’s not entirely their fault…
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