Did you get a sinking feeling in your stomach when you read the title of this piece? If you are a member of the “tribe,” did your inner anxious Jewish alarm go off, and a voice then whisper, “You have to protect Israel at all costs?” Are you already in a heightened state of agitation because social media and various independent media outlets are conflating “Jews” with the “Israeli government?”
Right now, it’s hard enough being an American living under the regime of a mad person who is enabling chaos both within the United States and abroad.
Numerous American Jews have been struggling, at different levels, with how the Israeli war in Gaza (People are still being killed) transpired. The razing, starving, and carnage were in deep conflict with their inner moral compasses and values. For others, “Israel, right or wrong” down the line was their unambiguous response.
Now, with the Israeli and American attacks on Iran, numerous Jewish organizations, synagogues, and legacy leaders see only an existential crisis for Israel.
Other Jews see something very different.
Aside from the casualties of citizens in Iran, Israel, and adjacent Middle Eastern countries, they see stepped-up attacks on Palestinians on their own lands, often ending in expulsions or death. They have seen photos of the Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset wearing a Purim costume that celebrates a potential law codifying a “Death Penalty for Terrorists” — only for Palestinians.
I’m not sure how many Diaspora Jewish women read about the new “Western Wall Law” being debated that could make certain kinds of worship in Israel illegal and punishable by up to seven years in prison. Short form: It doesn’t support equality between the sexes.
If you are an American Jew who is concerned about Netanyahu’s actions, don’t let the conflation of criticism of Israel with antisemitism stop you from speaking out. Don’t be fooled by right-wing philosemitism being used to cover anti-Muslim sentiments and acts. And even if it is counterintuitive to everything you feel in your kishkes, don’t let generational fear from the Holocaust make you unable to hear the narratives of others.
If reshaping the future of Judaism (and possibly Israel) is important to you, connect with progressive Jews in Israel and their allies in America who are trying to make a change on the ground. Learn about groups that are searching for solutions built on joint efforts between Israeli Jews and Palestinians.
Don’t follow the status quo.
“How Did We Get Here?”
Marcia G. Yerman
Ink on Clayboard
5” x 7”
2026
