Diaspora connections
The debate between Rabbi Daniel Korobkin and Rabbi Lisa Grushcow over Diaspora criticism of Israel (“Diaspora disconnect?” April 23) is really a debate between those who want to help Israel and those who don’t seem to mind if they cause it some harm.
Is there any other diaspora community that persistently organizes campaigns outside its homeland against its policies? Do Canadian expats living in the United States organize groups like J Street to expose the shameful living conditions on native reserves here? Have French expats formed a “Rue F” to protest French “apartheid” in the Muslim banlieues of Paris?
There is no shortage of non-Jewish critics of Israel in Europe and North America. What Israel needs from the Diaspora is vocal support to counter demonization. It is curious that Israel’s Diaspora critics place so little trust in Israel’s democratic institutions. Like Canada, the country has internal safeguards against human rights abuses. With Israel’s liberal Supreme Court, Basic Law and strong human rights lobby, why do so many Diaspora Jews think the country needs external scrutineers?
Marjorie Gann
Toronto
Diaspora connections II
For many years, the issue of whether Jewish leaders are contributing to increased antipathy towards Israel by publicly discussing its flaws has been a challenge for liberal Jews. (“Diaspora disconnect,” April 23.)
But some day, hard as it is to imagine at this time, a future government of Israel of a different bent may make decisions that people on the right will find very hard to swallow. A future Israeli government may decide to dismantle West Bank settlements, for example, to allow a Palestinian state to come into existence. A future government may decide on policies that some will perceive as diluting the Jewish character of Israel in the name of enhancing its democratic character.
When and if these developments occur, then it is the Diaspora leaders who are more conservative who will have to decide whether they should refrain from criticizing Israel so as not to cause disconnect or antipathy in their communities, or whether they need to advocate loudly for the principles they believe in, relying on their community members’ ability to understand that one can criticize and love at the same time.
Rabbi Ed Elkin
Toronto
Jews in jail
The article on Jews in jail (April 9) went to great lengths to describe the dedication of the rabbis who spend time, effort and expense to bring Judaism to Jewish prisoners.
Unfortunately, the article did not give any information, save but one murder, about the crimes committed by the prisoners. Neither was there any mention of the victims. May I assume (and hope) that these well-intentioned rabbis spend some of their time visiting and perhaps assisting the victims?
Isaac Sachs
Montreal
Jews in jail II
It was a shock and surprise to see the front page’s headline was “Jews in jail” (April 9). It would have been enough to put the story in the index. I see the local newspapers always publish negative stories about Jews and Israel on front pages and good reports elsewhere, if at all.
Some of The CJN’s articles are painful to read, but it is important to know what is happening worldwide to our people. It would be pleasant to read something that brings a smile to our lips.
Harriet Morton
Toronto
Eshet Chayil
I am sorry Lauren Kramer has problems with Eshet Chayil (April 9). It’s written in magnificent poetic biblical Hebrew, and I have never seen an English translation that does it justice. One has to study it closely to reveal its beauty in order to understand it.
To me it is no allegory. In it I see the Jewish women I know, my late mother, my wife, my daughters-in-law and my granddaughters, who are selflessly devoted to family, yet still accomplished in the world.
Joe Greenbaum
Hamilton