I am hopeful that our communal leaders will hear and respond to dissent that is not only growing here among American Jews, but also in Israel. The war against Hamas in Gaza led by Netanyahu and his thug partners must be stopped before more war crimes are committed. A few days ago, former Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert most compelling piece saying "enough is enough" was published in "Haaretz". It's a must read. He says a lot. But the takeaway for me, as an American Jew, was this: "No external foe managed to devastate the social solidarity that was the basis of Israeli society's strength in all existential tests facing it since 1948, as the Netanyahu government has done and does."
Thank you, Jeremy. Well articulated and clear as usual. This is the fight before us we as Zionists on the left of Jewish politics, start to voice our position to our communal leaders about the current regime in Israel. Our Jewish Federation executive director here in San Diego, Heidi Gantwork, is a popular leader, but shy about getting into what she needs to do about this. I will try to get an appointment to talk to her and use and expand on what you laid out here as talking points. I can't expect she'll change, at least right away, but I'll start the conversation, and who knows.
Thanks, Jeremy. Unfortunately the voice of the "pro-Israel Left" is not sufficiently amplified for most to hear; yours is one of the few platforms that is more frequently visible in mainstream media. Olmert's recent call was also powerful; on our part, we must find more ways to work together with the growing number of Israeli voices in the streets protesting against the war. As you eloquently point out the "unity" voices are likely themselves a minority, trying to dismiss and trivialize the struggle against Israel's current government, which we must continue to make more and more visible.
I am very comforted by the fact that J-Street is speaking up on these issues.
Like many others, I am outraged by Netanyahu and his coalition partners' policies with respect to Gaza as it is playing directly into the hands of Israel's enemies and the fact that Israel is undeniably committing war crimes is a debasement of the Shoah experience.
I consider this to a form of treason against our collective purpose in the world.
It robs us of an important component of our identity as Jews, as people who stand up to injustice in the world.
The idea of moving to Israel at some point to flee repression is no longer an option.
You may find my LinkedIn posts of interest below.
Ethan
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Posted on Harvard Alumni Page
When Jewish students at Columbia stood together across lines of belief and politics to affirm both their dignity and their values, they reminded the world what moral clarity sounds like.
Harvard’s Jewish students have the same strength—and now, the same opportunity—to speak with one voice. The moment calls not for silence, but for solidarity.
Sh’ma Koleinu: A Joint Message from Jews of Columbia Across the Ideological Spectrum, April 27, 2025 (Excerpted and Condensed)
"We, a diverse coalition of Jews at Columbia and Barnard—Zionists, anti-Zionists, non-Zionists, and Diasporists—reject the exploitation of Jewish safety to justify persecution, detention, and deportation of fellow students without due process.
While we differ in our views on Israel-Palestine, we are united in our belief that combating antisemitism must not come at the expense of others’ rights or free speech. Suppressing protest and dissent makes no one safer—it fosters fear and silences truth.
Jewish safety must never be predicated on the oppression of others. This is our brit—our sacred covenant—to stand as Jews who refuse to let our identities be used as tools of state violence.
Our tradition teaches: “Love the stranger, for you were strangers in Egypt.” We remember persecution not to claim victimhood, but to uphold justice.
We denounce the use of our names to justify defunding education, targeting immigrants, and chilling speech. When politicians weaponize our faith with slogans like “Shalom Columbia,” they betray the true meaning of shalom: peace.
We are a diverse people—across gender, nationality, and religious observance. We reject efforts to define who we are or what antisemitism means on our behalf.
To those who truly seek to protect Jews: invest in our futures, uphold academic freedom, and defend diversity. Do not silence dissent in our name.
We pray for a future beyond war and captivity—for peace, justice, and shared humanity.
Sh’ma Koleinu: A joint message from Jews of Columbia across the ideological spectrum
The Bible reminds us that throughout history, the forces of hate, nationalism, arrogance, fear, tribalism, anxiety, and self-righteousness have been more powerful than empathy, humility, tolerance, perspective, prudence, compassion, and wisdom.
The hope contained in the phrases "a piece of land for a piece of peace (the British Mandated Palestine dividing the territory into Israel and an Arab Palestine), and ("better partition than bloodshed" (the creation of India and Pakistan) has proven a chimera.
Mamadou SowMamadou Sow • FollowingVerified • FollowingHead of Delegation at International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRCHead of Delegation at International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC2w • 2 weeks ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn
In my diplomatic and public engagements, I’m often told that International Humanitarian Law — designed to protect civilians, the sick and wounded, and prisoners of war — has eroded.
It hasn’t.
The law stands. Its principles remain clear, necessary, and profoundly humane.
What has eroded is something far more dangerous: our collective will to uphold it.
This is not the failure of the law, it’s a test of our humanity, our leadership, and our shared responsibility.
It’s time we stop questioning the relevance of IHL and start renewing our commitment to applying it.
I completely agree with you. It's frustrating when some people try to divide organizations by claiming that criticizing the Israeli government is the same as criticizing the State of Israel. In my experience, I've spoken with many individuals—some who are highly critical of Israel's policies, and even some who identify as anti-Zionists—and not one has ever suggested that all Jewish people in Israel, whether in Tel Aviv or elsewhere, should leave.
A clear parallel can be drawn to living in the United States under Donald Trump. I firmly believe that Donald Trump is detrimental to our country, and much like Netanyahu, his actions are driven by self-interest and personal gain. However, this conviction doesn't translate to hating the United States. I love this country, I uphold the Constitution, and despite my strong disapproval, I acknowledge him as the legitimate President.
I detest the behavior of certain individuals, including Donald Trump, Bibi Netanyahu, and unfortunately many others, who resort to blaming, lying, and belittling those who disagree with them.
Jeremy, as you said about us coming together for peaceful and productive dialogue, "from your mouth to God's ears."
I am a 78-year old Jew...and I support JVP and IfNotNow...that is, I am both a leftist in politics and Anti-Zionist. Reading this piece, I guess JSTREET thinks such views, shared by perhaps a third of all American Jews (and a bigger percentage of younger Jews) are outside the pale of discourse.
I am hopeful that our communal leaders will hear and respond to dissent that is not only growing here among American Jews, but also in Israel. The war against Hamas in Gaza led by Netanyahu and his thug partners must be stopped before more war crimes are committed. A few days ago, former Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert most compelling piece saying "enough is enough" was published in "Haaretz". It's a must read. He says a lot. But the takeaway for me, as an American Jew, was this: "No external foe managed to devastate the social solidarity that was the basis of Israeli society's strength in all existential tests facing it since 1948, as the Netanyahu government has done and does."
Well said
completely agree, all of us must stand up for our values. Israel must stop what it is doing in Gaza and the West Bank
Thank you, Jeremy. Well articulated and clear as usual. This is the fight before us we as Zionists on the left of Jewish politics, start to voice our position to our communal leaders about the current regime in Israel. Our Jewish Federation executive director here in San Diego, Heidi Gantwork, is a popular leader, but shy about getting into what she needs to do about this. I will try to get an appointment to talk to her and use and expand on what you laid out here as talking points. I can't expect she'll change, at least right away, but I'll start the conversation, and who knows.
Thanks so much, David.
this letter should be spread far and wide
Thanks so much. Please do share with friends, etc. Important to get this message spread as widely as possible.
So grateful to you for putting these vital ideas in print. We readers need to share and spread them.
Thanks, Jeremy. Unfortunately the voice of the "pro-Israel Left" is not sufficiently amplified for most to hear; yours is one of the few platforms that is more frequently visible in mainstream media. Olmert's recent call was also powerful; on our part, we must find more ways to work together with the growing number of Israeli voices in the streets protesting against the war. As you eloquently point out the "unity" voices are likely themselves a minority, trying to dismiss and trivialize the struggle against Israel's current government, which we must continue to make more and more visible.
Jeremy,
I am very comforted by the fact that J-Street is speaking up on these issues.
Like many others, I am outraged by Netanyahu and his coalition partners' policies with respect to Gaza as it is playing directly into the hands of Israel's enemies and the fact that Israel is undeniably committing war crimes is a debasement of the Shoah experience.
I consider this to a form of treason against our collective purpose in the world.
It robs us of an important component of our identity as Jews, as people who stand up to injustice in the world.
The idea of moving to Israel at some point to flee repression is no longer an option.
You may find my LinkedIn posts of interest below.
Ethan
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Posted on Harvard Alumni Page
When Jewish students at Columbia stood together across lines of belief and politics to affirm both their dignity and their values, they reminded the world what moral clarity sounds like.
Harvard’s Jewish students have the same strength—and now, the same opportunity—to speak with one voice. The moment calls not for silence, but for solidarity.
Sh’ma Koleinu: A Joint Message from Jews of Columbia Across the Ideological Spectrum, April 27, 2025 (Excerpted and Condensed)
"We, a diverse coalition of Jews at Columbia and Barnard—Zionists, anti-Zionists, non-Zionists, and Diasporists—reject the exploitation of Jewish safety to justify persecution, detention, and deportation of fellow students without due process.
While we differ in our views on Israel-Palestine, we are united in our belief that combating antisemitism must not come at the expense of others’ rights or free speech. Suppressing protest and dissent makes no one safer—it fosters fear and silences truth.
Jewish safety must never be predicated on the oppression of others. This is our brit—our sacred covenant—to stand as Jews who refuse to let our identities be used as tools of state violence.
Our tradition teaches: “Love the stranger, for you were strangers in Egypt.” We remember persecution not to claim victimhood, but to uphold justice.
We denounce the use of our names to justify defunding education, targeting immigrants, and chilling speech. When politicians weaponize our faith with slogans like “Shalom Columbia,” they betray the true meaning of shalom: peace.
We are a diverse people—across gender, nationality, and religious observance. We reject efforts to define who we are or what antisemitism means on our behalf.
To those who truly seek to protect Jews: invest in our futures, uphold academic freedom, and defend diversity. Do not silence dissent in our name.
We pray for a future beyond war and captivity—for peace, justice, and shared humanity.
Sh’ma Koleinu: A joint message from Jews of Columbia across the ideological spectrum
columbiaspectator.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Posted on my Personal Page -- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7329819372120608768-2bXk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAIk-kcBiLS7MpZJaw3RsPLH_WqLbLJBtWA
The Bible reminds us that throughout history, the forces of hate, nationalism, arrogance, fear, tribalism, anxiety, and self-righteousness have been more powerful than empathy, humility, tolerance, perspective, prudence, compassion, and wisdom.
The hope contained in the phrases "a piece of land for a piece of peace (the British Mandated Palestine dividing the territory into Israel and an Arab Palestine), and ("better partition than bloodshed" (the creation of India and Pakistan) has proven a chimera.
Mamadou SowMamadou Sow • FollowingVerified • FollowingHead of Delegation at International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRCHead of Delegation at International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC2w • 2 weeks ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn
In my diplomatic and public engagements, I’m often told that International Humanitarian Law — designed to protect civilians, the sick and wounded, and prisoners of war — has eroded.
It hasn’t.
The law stands. Its principles remain clear, necessary, and profoundly humane.
What has eroded is something far more dangerous: our collective will to uphold it.
This is not the failure of the law, it’s a test of our humanity, our leadership, and our shared responsibility.
It’s time we stop questioning the relevance of IHL and start renewing our commitment to applying it.
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Thank you very much for these important views.
This needs to be said again and again, until it gains enough traction to become reality. Thank you for saying it.
Beautifully stated, Jeremy. And Chag Sukkot Semeach!
Kudos Jeremy for hitting the nail right on the head. I fully agree with you and Daniel.
Let it be so.
Hi Jeremy,
I completely agree with you. It's frustrating when some people try to divide organizations by claiming that criticizing the Israeli government is the same as criticizing the State of Israel. In my experience, I've spoken with many individuals—some who are highly critical of Israel's policies, and even some who identify as anti-Zionists—and not one has ever suggested that all Jewish people in Israel, whether in Tel Aviv or elsewhere, should leave.
A clear parallel can be drawn to living in the United States under Donald Trump. I firmly believe that Donald Trump is detrimental to our country, and much like Netanyahu, his actions are driven by self-interest and personal gain. However, this conviction doesn't translate to hating the United States. I love this country, I uphold the Constitution, and despite my strong disapproval, I acknowledge him as the legitimate President.
I detest the behavior of certain individuals, including Donald Trump, Bibi Netanyahu, and unfortunately many others, who resort to blaming, lying, and belittling those who disagree with them.
Jeremy, as you said about us coming together for peaceful and productive dialogue, "from your mouth to God's ears."
I am a 78-year old Jew...and I support JVP and IfNotNow...that is, I am both a leftist in politics and Anti-Zionist. Reading this piece, I guess JSTREET thinks such views, shared by perhaps a third of all American Jews (and a bigger percentage of younger Jews) are outside the pale of discourse.
Hear hear! Perfectly said Jeremy
So agree -- thanks.