Maskil http://jta.org/user/profile/50892 A freelance writer and blogger in Johannesburg, South Africa. Maskil is a progressive Jew and Green Zionist, and writes mainly on Jewish affairs, Israel, the environment and technology. Maskil on the Web e-mail: maskil@maskil.info Twitter: http://twitter.com/Maskil/ en-us rkampeas@jta.org Copyright 2009 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 It appears to me that the legislation will simply create another class of “Mamzerim” (in the true sense), in some respects part of the Jewish people, but unable to “inter-marry” with them (at least insofar as Orthodox officialdom is concerned). Perhaps that was one of the intentions? 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 I sometimes cannot believe this is Israel in the 21st Century I’m reading about. Time is running out for the authorities to crack down REALLY HARD on the public lawlessness and violence that have become commonplace. This phenomenon is becoming a very real threat to Israel’s shaky Western/democratic credentials, and perhaps even her very survival. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Joel Alperson makes some very valid points here. We need to get to grips with the idea that the ethnic “Jewishness” that served us so well until the end of the 20th Century is not adequate to cope with the challenges of the 21st. If the answer to the fundamental question “Why Be Jewish?” does not have a spiritual or religious component, then that answer is not a long-term one. Jewish continuity for its own sake has taken us as far as it can, and the generations now looking for a reason to be Jewish (or not) are no longer satisfied with the old answers. We need a Jewish renewal that includes a revival of Judaism. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Well said, Robin (Margolis). Isn’t it ironic that those who continually raise the spectre of a shrinking Jewish population are usually the first to reject anyone with the “wrong” Jewish parent or grand-parent? Instead of “welcome home”, they are met with “who are you?” According to one estimate I read, fully half of the current generation will end up in an inter-faith relationship (IFR). Instead of decrying this fact and writing them off, Jewry needs to throw thought and resources into drawing them and their partners and offspring into the Jewish community. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Did Farouk Hosni apologise for his anti-Semitic book burning remarks at the time, or only due to the pressure of the campaign to keep him from assuming leadership of the Paris-based UNESCO? The apology came only now, when the campaign threatened to derail his coronation. Israel has its own reasons for giving way on the issue, but I see no reason why Jewish NGOs should follow suit. Hate speech is OK, so long as it’s only directed at the Jews. Each time we allow a raving anti-Semite to assume high office makes it just that much easier for the next to get a pass. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 It’s time that progressive and traditional Jews stopped being so tolerant towards the outlook and theology of movements such as Chabad. It’s time to get rid of our “Fiddler on the Roof” view of Hassidism and ultra-Orthodoxy and to realise that attitudes such as these are a threat to Jews and to the soul of Judaism itself. It’s time to start saying that not only is this not the only authentic form of Judaism, it’s not even an acceptable form of Judaism. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 I eagerly await the follow-up story where the Israeli AG announces that all the rabbis involved have been arrested and indicted for incitement to mutiny, and that all have been denied bail. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 I’m just glad to hear that the Kibbutz movement still has its activists! 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 “The moderate United Arab Emirates”? Everybody’s a moderate these days… Isn’t the Dubai that refused to grant Israeli tennis star Shahar Peer a visa part of the “moderate” UAE? I just can’t wait for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be granted moderate status… 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 I trust that, this time around, Israel will take the proceedings of the International Criminal Court far more seriously than it did the International Court of Justice (regarding the West bank separation wall) in 2004. Even if the outcome is seen as a foregone conclusion, Israel must defend itself vigorously, perhaps with the assistance of jurists such as Alan Dershowitz. Nobody buys the old “we don’t recognise the authority of this court” approach anymore. This needs to be seen as an opportunity for Israel to present its case, rather than as a threat. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 I agree with John Q. Public. I intend to sign the petition already set up by the FailedMessiah blog calling, amongst other things, for the Government of Israel to immediately deny Pope Benedict entry to Israel until such time as he retracts his reconciliation with Bishop Williamson. FailedMessiah.com: STOP THE POPE - PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION NOW! http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2009/01/stop-the-pope-sign-the-petition-now.html 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 World Jewish Congress? That sounds like a body entitled to talk on my behalf. Strangely enough, though, I don’t recall voting either for Mr Lauder, or any of the delegates at the “13th Plenary Assembly” in Jerusalem. While I have the utmost respect for Ronald Lauder and anyone else prepared to take on the burden of Jewish public life, I just sometimes wish I had a say in the makeup and direction taken by these bodies. In an age where entire nations hold their elections electronically, surely it wouldn’t be THAT difficult to allow individuals to register and vote in running the affairs of the organisations that represent us? 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 I should be used to it, but I still find myself shocked by the actions of these august bodies, one of which recently condemned Rabbi Haskel Lookstein’s participation in the interfaith service with President Barack Obama. So, on the one hand, it’s not OK to take part in something that enhances the reputation of Judaism. On the other hand, however, it’s OK for an entire delegation of Orthodox rabbis to meet with jailed Agriprocessors' CEO Sholom Rubashkin. A delegation that “included representatives of the Orthodox Union, the Rabbinical Council of America, the National Council of Young Israel, Agudath Israel of America and Chabad-Lubavitch”. To observers out there, Rubashkin and Bernard Madoff appear to be vying with one another for the prize of “who has done the most damage to Jews and Judaism in 2008”. Despite this, however, we are treated to the unseemly sight of the entire pecking order of ultra-Orthodoxy in America prostrating themselves before Rubashkin. Surely he should be entitled to chaplaincy visits and nothing more? According to the JTA article, however, the delegation was there “to offer Rubashkin support”. Is it the normal practice of these organisations to “offer support” to Jews within the prison system? Or does this only apply to so-called observant Jews? Perhaps only moneyed observant Jews? The article goes on to say that “At the conclusion of the meeting, Rubashkin led the group in prayer.” It also quoted Rabbi David Zwiebel as saying “I have to tell you, it was one of the most moving experiences I've had in some time,” referring to the prayer service. A moving experience? Don’t make me puke, please. Taking gifts to an orphanage would be a moving experience, not this. I don’t really care anymore that they bring Orthodoxy into disrepute by their actions; I doubt that they could bring its name any lower than it already is. I do care, however, that their words and deeds reflect on Jews everywhere and Judaism as a whole in the eyes of the world. I do care that this fawning behaviour towards someone accused of offences that mock the very meaning and essence of Judaism affects us all. It tells both Jews and non-Jews all they need to know about the moral and ethical standards of Judaism in this age. This is the answer they give to the questions “Why be Jewish?”, and “What is Judaism all about?” Do they really believe that the world, and those in search of answers within our own tradition haven’t noticed, and drawn their own conclusions? My digital stream here: http://stream.maskil.info/ 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Should we really expect more from the country that gave us Tomás de Torquemada and the bombing of Guernica? My digital stream here: http://stream.maskil.info/ 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 I would be happy to support such a bill, provided discriminatory exemptions granted for full-time Torah study are done away with at the same time. The bill will otherwise provide just another loophole for the ultra-Orthodox to shirk their duty as citizens. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 That’s great, but we should not allow the find to distract Israel from implementing alternative energy sources (particularly solar and its derivative, wind energy) on an industrial scale. It also needs to put the emphasis back on public transport (busses and trains) and away from the private vehicle, as well as finding other means to reduce its energy consumption. As long as Israel continues to be dependant on fossil fuels for its energy requirements, it will remain at the mercy of both enemies and allies. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Shouldn’t we be more than a little concerned that presumed Hamas supporters have a database of hundreds of mobile numbers of Israeli soldiers and their families? The Israeli prowess in the computer security arena needs to be put to work to protect these data. my comments at http://www.cocomment.com/comments/Maskil 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 This is very sad. Jewish education (and educators) should always be one of the top priorities for the Jewish community, as the activity most likely to promote continuity. I sincerely hope that support will return once the worst effects of the global economic crisis have been absorbed. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Restoring the “status quo ante bellum” (1967) sounds like a tempting idea, but I’m pretty sure both Egypt and Jordan would have nothing to do with it. I’m open to the possibility of a pleasant surprise, however. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Jewish education and literacy should receive the highest priority, even and especially during challenging economic times such as this. The wider Jewish community should look to sponsor the annual conference, preferably in a venue in Jerusalem or elsewhere within Israel. This dedicated and under-appreciated profession holds the future of the Jewish people in its hands! my comments at http://www.cocomment.com/comments/Maskil 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 The Israeli Arabs themselves need to decide whether they will be a true minority such as the Jews were in Europe, or an irredentist minority such as the Germans were in the Sudetenland. Their choice will decide the Israeli (Jewish) response. my comments at http://www.cocomment.com/comments/Maskil 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Having ended up in prison, I think it’s fair to assume he violated the ethical and moral teachings of Judaism. I therefore have little sympathy for his demand to be able to observe the more ritualistic aspects of Judaism, such as Kashrut. Unfortunately, this appears to be how Judaism is observed these days (particularly in the Orthodox world), where just about any ethical or moral transgression can be overlooked, provided the person is firm in his “observance”. my comments at http://www.cocomment.com/comments/Maskil 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 This is a real stretch! Anti-Semitism is an irrational and often violent prejudice towards a generally peaceful, law-abiding and industrious minority. So-called Islamophobia is a term used to discredit real and justifiable concerns regarding Islamic fundamentalism and intolerance, global terrorism in the name of Islamism, and the absence of a moderate Islam to condemn and oppose these trends. The big difference? One still sees frequent violent acts of ant-Semitism, very few of “violent Islamophobia”. Why? Those who might be tempted to commit them are too **** scared of the predictable reaction to do anything of the sort. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 As with many online articles on controversial issues, the comments above play almost as important a role as the article itself in highlighting the issues. Here’s what I believe the eviction of these settlers from the building in Hebron is NOT about: - Firstly, it’s not about the ownership or occupation of this particular building. - It’s not about land for peace, appeasement, or even peace itself. - It’s not about any God-given right to the Land of Israel, or any God-forsaken corner thereof. - Finally, it’s not about any decisions taken by the High Court, activist or not. This is a struggle over some very fundamental issues for Israel and Zionism, a struggle over: - What kind of state will we have? A vibrant, modern, democratic state, as far as possible integrated into the region and the wider family of nations, or the blighted, ugly garrison state whose violence we see depicted on our TV screens each day? - Who determines the defence, domestic and foreign policies of Israel? Its citizens and duly elected government (however lame duck), or the radicals within the Settler movement? - Whether the State of Israel will have the monopoly over force within its territory (including occupied territories), or whether the parasitic Kingdom of Judea will be allowed to erode this further. Fortunately, there appears to be a recognition on the part of government ministers and others that this is not just about some dump in Hebron. This is a challenge as severe as that faced by Ben Gurion with the Altalena affair, and needs to be met head on and with the same resolve. Once this crisis is over (and perhaps once a new government has been formed), Israel needs a clear official policy and legislation governing settlement in Judea, Samaria and anywhere else that formed part of historic Eretz Israel and/or Mandatory Palestine. If such a policy is in conflict with international law, “world public opinion” or justice and morality, the Israeli public needs to be given the opportunity (by means of a referendum) to approve or reject it and its consequences. Bring on the rule of law! 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 As with many online articles on controversial issues, the comments above play almost as important a role as the article itself in highlighting the issues. Here’s what I believe the eviction of these settlers from the building in Hebron is NOT about: - Firstly, it’s not about the ownership or occupation of this particular building. - It’s not about land for peace, appeasement, or even peace itself. - It’s not about any God-given right to the Land of Israel, or any God-forsaken corner thereof. - Finally, it’s not about any decisions taken by the High Court, activist or not. This is a struggle over some very fundamental issues for Israel and Zionism, a struggle over: - What kind of state will we have? A vibrant, modern, democratic state, as far as possible integrated into the region and the wider family of nations, or the blighted, ugly garrison state whose violence we see depicted on our TV screens each day? - Who determines the defence, domestic and foreign policies of Israel? Its citizens and duly elected government (however lame duck), or the radicals within the Settler movement? - Whether the State of Israel will have the monopoly over force within its territory (including occupied territories), or whether the parasitic Kingdom of Judea will be allowed to erode this further. Fortunately, there appears to be a recognition on the part of government ministers and others that this is not just about some dump in Hebron. This is a challenge as severe as that faced by Ben Gurion with the Altalena affair, and needs to be met head on and with the same resolve. Once this crisis is over (and perhaps once a new government has been formed), Israel needs a clear official policy and legislation governing settlement in Judea, Samaria and anywhere else that formed part of historic Eretz Israel and/or Mandatory Palestine. If such a policy is in conflict with international law, “world public opinion” or justice and morality, the Israeli public needs to be given the opportunity (by means of a referendum) to approve or reject it and its consequences. Bring on the rule of law! Maskil Mostly blogging here: http://blog.altneuland.info/ http://blog.cafebirkenreis.com/ http://blog.j-blogosphere.info/ http://blog.plantmoretrees.info/ my comments at http://www.commentino.com/Maskil 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 As with many online articles on controversial issues, the comments above play almost as important a role as the article itself in highlighting the issues. Here’s what I believe the eviction of these settlers from the building in Hebron is NOT about: Firstly, it’s not about the ownership or occupation of this particular building. It’s not about land for peace, appeasement, or even peace itself. It’s not about any God-given right to the Land of Israel, or any God-forsaken corner thereof. Finally, it’s not about any decisions taken by the High Court, activist or not. This is a struggle over some very fundamental issues for Israel and Zionism, a struggle over: What kind of state will we have? A vibrant, modern, democratic state, as far as possible integrated into the region and the wider family of nations, or the blighted, ugly garrison state whose violence we see depicted on our TV screens each day? Who determines the defence, domestic and foreign policies of Israel? Its citizens and duly elected government (however lame duck), or the radicals within the Settler movement? Whether the State of Israel will have the monopoly over force within its territory (including occupied territories), or whether the parasitic Kingdom of Judea will be allowed to erode this further. Fortunately, there appears to be a recognition on the part of government ministers and others that this is not just about some dump in Hebron. This is a challenge as severe as that faced by Ben Gurion with the Altalena affair, and needs to be met head on and with the same resolve. Once this crisis is over (and perhaps once a new government has been formed), Israel needs a clear official policy and legislation governing settlement in Judea, Samaria and anywhere else that formed part of historic Eretz Israel and/or Mandatory Palestine. If such a policy is in conflict with international law, “world public opinion” or justice and morality, the Israeli public needs to be given the opportunity (by means of a referendum) to approve or reject it and its consequences. Bring on the rule of law! 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 As with many online articles on controversial issues, the comments above play almost as important a role as the article itself in highlighting the issues. Here’s what I believe the eviction of these settlers from the building in Hebron is NOT about: - Firstly, it’s not about the ownership or occupation of this particular building. - It’s not about land for peace, appeasement, or even peace itself. - It’s not about any God-given right to the Land of Israel, or any God-forsaken corner thereof. - Finally, it’s not about any decisions taken by the High Court, activist or not. This is a struggle over some very fundamental issues for Israel and Zionism, a struggle over: - What kind of state will we have? A vibrant, modern, democratic state, as far as possible integrated into the region and the wider family of nations, or the blighted, ugly garrison state whose violence we see depicted on our TV screens each day? - Who determines the defence, domestic and foreign policies of Israel? Its citizens and duly elected government (however lame duck), or the radicals within the Settler movement? - Whether the State of Israel will have the monopoly over force within its territory (including occupied territories), or whether the parasitic Kingdom of Judea will be allowed to erode this further. Fortunately, there appears to be a recognition on the part of government ministers and others that this is not just about some dump in Hebron. This is a challenge as severe as that faced by Ben Gurion with the Altalena affair, and needs to be met head on and with the same resolve. Once this crisis is over (and perhaps once a new government has been formed), Israel needs a clear official policy and legislation governing settlement in Judea, Samaria and anywhere else that formed part of historic Eretz Israel and/or Mandatory Palestine. If such a policy is in conflict with international law, “world public opinion” or justice and morality, the Israeli public needs to be given the opportunity (by means of a referendum) to approve or reject it and its consequences. Bring on the rule of law! 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 @Stanley E. Rose, thanks for shining some light where there is usually just heat! my comments at http://www.commentino.com/Maskil 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 @Paul Winter, do we REALLY need to be able to live anywhere in Judea, Samaria or Gaza? We can’t even seem to find enough people to settle the Galilee and Negev. Sovereign Israeli territory is steadily slipping out of our grasp while we attempt to colonise (who knows how many) millions of Palestinian Arabs with 250,000 Jews. Yes, by rights Jews should be able to settle anywhere within Western Palestine, but it is pointless trying to enforce these rights, in the same way that “A Jewish State with a Jewish majority on both sides of the Jordan” is no longer a realistic rallying cry. Let’s just be glad we finally have “a safe space for our people, after so many years of suffering” (Rabbi Brian Walt, Rabbis for Human Rights), and let’s try to do it without causing suffering to another people. The dog with a bone we see reflected in the water is us! We’re about to drop the real one in exchange for its reflection. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Alexandre J. Eisenberg appears to assume that Jews are choosing Reform Judaism over Orthodoxy, whereas I believe that in many cases they are choosing between Reform Judaism and no affiliation to Judaism whatsoever. We should therefore be grateful to Reform for keeping people within the fold, instead of denigrating it as a halfway house on the way to the baptismal font (although outright conversion is no longer a real issue). I totally agree that intermarriage (inter-faith relationships) is not the problem, but a symptom of the problem. The real underlying problem (challenge) is the question of “Why be Jewish when are no longer compelled to be?” Orthodoxy is no better at answering this question than are the Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform streams within Judaism; otherwise they would pretty much cease to exist. The Orthodox world is much better at producing offspring and keeping them Jewish. I will be the first to admit that the rest of the Jewish spectrum has a lot to learn from Orthodoxy in this regard. 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 More background please! Is Shimon Peres the first Israeli head of state or government to be knighted? While holding office? Does this signal more warmth in the relationship between the British Royal Family and Israel, a relationship that has remained chilly since Britain’s abrupt departure from Palestine in 1948, and the terror that preceded it? 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 “Global terrorism” is not the threat. The use of global terrorism by Islamists (Islamo-fascists) is the threat. Terror is a tool in their hands, not the underlying problem. Aren’t we always taught to deal with root causes, rather than the symptoms? Perhaps there’s also some context that didn’t make it to through to the article, but what about the protection of Israeli lives (and non-Israeli Jewish lives), property and interests? Shouldn’t that be part of the core mission of the IDF? 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Should “crucial of the rush to make conclusions” not perhaps read “critical of the rush to make conclusions”? 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 Fantastic news, but don’t be complacent! The election of Nir Barkat as the new mayor of Jerusalem is wonderful news, but his supporters should not allow themselves to become complacent. Causes for concern include: - Not having obtained a majority of the seats in the City Council. This could allow the opposition to derail efforts to bring Jerusalem back into the fold. - Although voter turnout was better than expected, an even higher turnout may be required to repeat this feat. (In 2003, there was an 80% Haredi turnout behind their candidate. This time around, support for the eventual Haredi candidate was not universal.) This is almost certainly the last opportunity Jerusalem’s voters will have to turn back the black tide and transform Jerusalem once again into a city: - that belongs to all its residents - that is able to take its place as Israel’s eternal (if not undivided) capital - that is adopted as the emotional and spiritual capital of the entire Jewish people 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 “A united effort to storm the gates of Heaven and plead for the financial health of Jewish philanthropists, so that they can continue to support Torah institutions in Israel”? What a load of superstitious garbage. If one good thing comes out of this global financial crisis, perhaps it will be the destruction of the entire kollel/yeshiva shnorrer infrastructure in Israel, with its wholesale evasion of skills training, work, national service and integration with the rest of society. Now that’s something to pray for! 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 @Steve, the issue is by no means as clear cut as you are making out, even purely in terms of Halacha. Generally speaking, we really need to move away from these outdated attitudes towards “those who would cast their lot with the Jewish people”, irrespective of their reasons. There’s not exactly a huge rush to become (or even remain) Jewish, so when a marriage partner does decide to go “the whole hog” and submit to conversion under Orthodox auspices, we could be a little more welcoming. Or would we rather that both adopt the non-Jewish partner’s religion (if any)? 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 So if there’s “an immediate and dangerous threat posed by the Hamas terror organization”, remind me again why Israel is observing a cease-fire (fragile or otherwise) with them… And why does action taken to address this “immediate and dangerous threat” have to be justified with the statement that “there is no intention to disrupt the cease-fire…”? 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00 The original reports I read suggested that there were multiple attackers, and also that drill instructors were implicated in the attack. Sounds as if this is being swept under the rug… 2009-11-08T;03:12:00-05:00