Don't Give Up
Learn about these inspiring Israeli grassroots organizations working for a shared, just, and loving society in their troubled land.
Dear Friends,
In my previous post I wrote bluntly about Israel’s deteriorating democracy. But I also wrote this:
As in the United States, there are many dedicated citizens in Israel who passionately oppose these fascist wannabes. And there are many more who are simply trying to make a living and keep a roof over their heads. We must resist our inclination to reduce entire societies to stereotypes of good or evil. We must continue to find our way to do good in the moral morass that is our world.
I have regularly reported in this blog about some of those many dedicated citizens who, against daunting odds, courageously continue to find ways to do good, to seek peace, and to advocate for a just and shared society in Israel and the Palestinian territories. As my readers know, I donate all revenues from paid subscriptions to this blog to one of those efforts, the Sulha Peace Project.
Today I wish to highlight several more groups - among many - that might inspire you and also your support:
Tag Meir means “Light Tag”. This is a Hebrew pun, and to understand its meaning we must describe the name’s origin. In 2011, there was a dramatic increase in hate crimes against innocent Palestinians by young Jewish extremists in the West Bank. They named their activity Tag Mechir, which means “Price Tag”, as in “this is the price you will pay for impeding our efforts to Judaize the West Bank territories.”
Dr. Gadi Gvaryahu, a religious Zionist Israeli man, was disgusted by the coopting of Judaism by these racist zealots. For years Gvaryahu had been active in religious Zionist circles, promoting the concepts of moderation and tolerance as the authentic values of Judaism. Now he broadened his reach. Changing one Hebrew letter, “Price Tag” became “Tag of Light”. The goal was to counter acts of violence with acts of love. The Tag Meir participants would visit Palestinians who had been victims of Jewish violence, and they would visit Jews who had been victims of Palestinian violence. The Tag Meir coalition has expanded over the years to include Israelis of all stripes, including Muslims and Christians.
The Tag Meir coalition continues to be extremely active, reaching out across Israel’s social and ethnic divides with gestures of compassion and love that rarely make the headlines. Please explore their website and their Facebook page and take some time to absorb the commitment and courage of these ordinary Israelis.
Yad b’yad means “hand in hand.” Founded with 50 students in 1998, the Yad B’yad schools have grown into a network of 6 schools around Israel that serve thousands of Arab and Jewish students and their families in a bilingual, multicultural, values-based educational system. I will never forget my visit many years ago to their flagship campus in Jerusalem. Each classroom is co-taught by an Arab and a Jewish teacher. All students learn both Hebrew and Arabic. This cross-cultural outreach is a challenging undertaking under the best of circumstances. As racism and hatred grow in Israel, the Yad B’yad schools face increasing internal strains and also violent threats and attacks from without on their facilities. Yet their enrollment continues to grow, making it clear that there is hunger among a substantial segment of both Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel for a truly shared and peaceful society. I urge you to dive into their excellent website and learn more about this movement.
I have been a supporter of Rabbis for Human Rights since its inception almost 40 years ago. RHR’s member are Israeli rabbis and rabbinical students from all denominations who share the central Jewish tenet that every human being is created in the image of God. This principle leads RHR to fight for the dignity, rights and safety of everyone under the jurisdiction of the State of Israel, be they marginalized minorities, Palestinians living under occupation, or foreign migrant workers in Israel. The members of RHR walk their talk, and I am in awe of their courage. You can learn more about their holy work on their website, and take a look at their most recent newsletter, too.
The Jerusalem Youth Chorus is a choral and dialogue program for Palestinian and Israeli youth based in Jerusalem. I was moved to tears when I saw them on tour in the States a year ago, and if I am able, I hope to bring them to the Hudson Valley where I live when they tour again in the future. In the concert I attended, these beautiful young people spoke directly about the staggering obstacles that they face just to remain connected to one another. But making gorgeous music together helps them to balance the pain of their lives with joy and connection. Their most recent video is a song they created with an American youth chorus, Uniting Voices Chicago, celebrating the work of Standing Together, yet another organization of Jews and Palestinians in Israel fighting for a just society.
You can watch and listen to many more recordings of the Jerusalem Youth Chorus’ music, including their appearance on “America’s Got Talent”, here.
Prospects for a shared and just society in Israel - and in Gaza and the West Bank - seem to recede almost daily from our view. Yet these righteous, life-affirming groups continue to nurture their humanity and to keep their dreams alive. And they are not alone. The Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) has more than 200 affiliated grassroots organizations. I invite you to explore the directory describing all of ALLMEP’s members. Be inspired, and let’s offer whatever support we can.
With hope and love,
Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
May they continue to stand together to make this world better ❤️
Thank you for sharing the various groups that proudly represent many. I choir voices made me teary, so beautiful. Much love and warm regards to Ellen. Be well.