Yehuda Kurtzer discusses his recent trip to Israel and the deep trauma facing Israelis and Jews in the Diaspora due to the war with Hamas. The ethical considerations of Israel's military campaign and the struggle for justice and compassion among liberal North American Jews are explored. The importance of solidarity among Jews and the challenges of finding a balance between supporting Israel and questioning its conduct are emphasized. The perception of American support for Israel, the comparison of 9-11 to recent events, and the growing rift between diaspora and Israeli Jews are also discussed.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast explores the emotional reactions, collective grief, and deep sense of solidarity experienced by Israelis and Jews worldwide following the war with Hamas.
The complexities of American Jewish alliances, concerns about the diaspora-Israeli rift, and the potential impact of the conflict on a two-state solution are discussed.
The episode emphasizes the importance of balancing solidarity with Israel while advocating for ethical practices and the well-being of both Israeli and Palestinian communities.
Deep dives
Impacts of October 7th on Israelis and their Sources of Support
The podcast episode explores how Israelis are coping with the aftermath of October 7th and where they are seeking perspective, solace, and inspiration. It discusses a series of virtual learning sessions where 10 Israelis from the Hartman community share Jewish sources related to loss, resilience, hope, and grief during this unprecedented moment in Jewish history. The episode mentions the emotional reactions, the collective grief felt by Israelis, and the deep sense of solidarity among Jews worldwide. The war with Hamas and the global response are also addressed, emphasizing the significance of solidarity and the impact of alliances within the American Jewish community.
An Interview on the Critical Moment in Jewish History
The episode features an interview conducted by Hanan Weisman with Yuhuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Yuhuda discusses his recent trip to Israel during the war with Hamas and the effects of the conflict on Jewish communities in North America. The interview touches on various topics such as the emotional reactions to October 7th, the mobilization in Israel, the support from the American administration, and the importance of solidarity among Jews. It also addresses the complexities of American Jewish alliances, concerns about the rift between diaspora and Israeli Jews, and the potential impact of the conflict on the path to a two-state solution.
Challenges and Considerations for American Jewish Leadership
The episode emphasizes the challenges faced by American Jewish leaders in navigating the conflict and maintaining solidarity. It discusses the need to address the growing rift between Israeli and diaspora Jews, the role of alliances and allegiances within the American Jewish community, and the impact of the global left's stance on Israel. It also highlights the importance of reevaluating alliances with organizations that hold extreme anti-Israel views. The episode encourages American Jews to lean into complexity, listen to different perspectives, and strive for compromise while preserving their moral commitments.
The Impact of October 7th on Israeli Psyche and Memory
The episode delves into the long-lasting impact of October 7th on the Israeli psyche and collective memory. It draws parallels to the Yom Kippur War as a defining moment for Israelis and highlights the trauma, vulnerability, and fear experienced by Israelis following the attack. The episode explores the challenge of sustaining solidarity in the face of a prolonged conflict and the potential consequences for Israeli society. It also raises the question of how the Jewish community will embed the memory of October 7th going forward and whether it can inspire a path towards a two-state solution.
The Need to Balance Solidarity and Critique
The episode underscores the importance of balancing solidarity with Israel and the need for constructive critique. It addresses the responsibility of American Jews to challenge Hamas and highlight the role it plays in the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. It also acknowledges the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of navigating alliances. The episode encourages American Jews to support Israel's military objectives while advocating for ethical practices and the protection of innocent lives. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a nuanced approach that upholds justice, compassion, and the well-being of both Israeli and Palestinian communities.
In this recording of a live zoom conversation on Wednesday, October 25, Chanan Weissman, director of the SAPIR Institute, and Yehuda Kurtzer discuss Yehuda's recent trip to Israel, which he likens to visiting a shiva house. Yehuda describes the deep trauma facing both Israelis and Jews in the Diaspora as this war develops on the ground and on our screens. Finally, they discuss the ethical considerations of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, and how liberal North American Jews may be struggling to reconcile priorities of justice and compassion with commitments to solidarity and peoplehood.
This conversation was originally hosted by the SAPIR Institute as part of their ongoing series of live conversations about this critical moment in Jewish history. To read or watch more from the Sapir Journal, visit sapirjournal.org.
