Silencing Jews for Supporting Israel Undermines True Dialogue

Twenty-five hundred years ago, the Biblical Psalmist lamented, "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; let my tongue stick to my palate." For the past 2,000 years, Jews worldwide have prayed facing Jerusalem. Soon, Jews worldwide will celebrate Passover, and after our seder meal, we will repeat the dream our people have shared from generation to generation: "Next Year in Jerusalem!"

Jews (and others) may debate whether Israel lives up to its pre-statehood aspirations or the country’s own Declaration of Independence. Similarly, as Americans, we may argue whether our own country lives up to its foundational documents. Such critical thinking is good and vital for any democracy. Nevertheless, we Americans still maintain a profound connection to the United States. Similarly, the overwhelming majority of the world’s Jewish community maintains an intimate ethnic and religious connection to Israel regardless of their varying views on the actions of the Israeli government.

The Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis is a local group of rabbis who meet to discuss Jewish matters, support one another, and promote the well-being of our greater Cincinnati community. We believe that Israel has the right to exist. Connection with and support for the existence of Israel does not in any way mean that a person is a proponent of the killing and displacement of thousands of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

In particular, Rabbi Ari Jun is a bridge-builder who consistently works for peace and dialogue, as our Cincinnati interfaith community knows. He also cares for Israel. He feels connected to the country and its people.

These are our views as well. We care about Israel, and we care about understanding and dialogue. If such convictions warranted the rejection of Rabbi Jun as a speaker at an anti-Nazi rally on March 9, then it is clear that a large majority of American Jews would also have been silenced by the organizers of the March 9 rally.

More and more often, Jews are being excluded from arenas of public discourse simply because they believe Israel should exist. We reject indiscriminate calls against Jews for holding a connection to Israel.

Instead, in this moment of division, we call for unity, moderation and dialogue. Rather than rejecting the majority of the Jewish community, let us use this moment to understand our diverse community and create dialogue. Dialogue is crucial when differences of opinion arise because we must, together, fight against hate in our community.

As the Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis, we seek partners who will meet us where we are, as we, too, meet them where they are.

We pray for a lasting peace for all the inhabitants of Gaza, Israel and the West Bank. We pray for love and the rejection of hate in our local community. And we pray all will open their hearts to dialogue, so we can work together to build community.

Statement on Community Principles

The Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis’ commitment to K’lal Yisrael and respect for the diversity of expression of Judaism within our community form the foundation of this document. While valuing and supporting the autonomy of a congregation to determine its own religious boundaries, the GCBOR recognizes that the Cincinnati Jewish community is strengthened and enriched when it is welcoming and open to all Jews seeking to give expression to Judaism.

The GCBOR embraces the principles of inclusivity and egalitarianism as fundamental in fashioning a healthy community. The principles call upon us as a Board, and as member rabbis, to ensure an openness to all Jews regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or affiliation, participating equally and fully in the Jewish community and its communal ritual celebrations and observances.

This Board recognizes its responsibility to ensure that these principles, embraced by the majority of the Jewish community, are upheld. It is thus the policy of the Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis to participate in community events and programs that respect full equality of all participants. Only community events and programs that embrace these principles will receive the full support, endorsement, and participation of the Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis and its individual members.

Our community is further strengthened when the highest level of mutual respect, professionalism, and cooperation can be achieved. It is the responsibility of rabbis, agency executives, and others who serve the Jewish community to act in a manner that strengthens and elevates our community. Similarly, synagogues, Jewish institutions, organizations, and agencies should act in such a manner.

The Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis, open to all rabbis in our community, recognizes the responsibility that rests upon us to build a vibrant Jewish community.