On July 28th, NYJA joined with our partners at T’ruah, Partners for Progressive Israel, New Jewish Narrative, Smol Emuni US, J Street, Israelis for Peace NYC, New Israel Fund, and UnXeptable, to call out: “Let Gaza Live!” These organizations and the people they represented are united behind the need to end the urgent catastrophe in Gaza with a massive surge of aid, end the war, and bring the hostages home immediately.
Jewish New Yorkers often disagree on the wide array of issues we care deeply about – even those who identify as liberal or progressive. But this rally was a rare example of our broad tent coming together in complete alignment to make clear that starvation in Gaza is unacceptable and leaders must facilitate the immediate distribution of food and aid. Indeed, it is in direct conflict with our liberal and Jewish values and our fundamental humanity: it’s that simple. NYJA Co-Founder and Board member Rabbi Rachel Timoner laid out what many of us were feeling on Monday, before she risked arrest with 10 other rabbis:
“I did not want to be here today, but I had no choice. I simply cannot stand idly by as innocent Gazans starve to death and innocent hostages continue to languish in a seemingly endless captivity. Judaism is a profoundly moral tradition, and it calls upon us to feed the hungry, to free the captive, and to stand for the inherent dignity, equality, and freedom of every single human being. Of course Hamas is also to blame, but the Israeli government is claiming to represent Judaism while violating its foundations and tarnishing its soul.“
The leaders who joined us, and the many Jewish New Yorkers they represent, echoed this sentiment in their words and actions as we gathered in front of the Israeli consulate. A minyan of rabbis holding sacks of flour and rice risked arrest, blocking 2nd Avenue to amplify our urgent message, and demonstrating what moral leadership looks like. They included Rabbis Tamara Cohen, Dianne Cohler-Esses, Deena Cowans, Justin David, Laura Gold, Jill Jacobs, Jason Klein, William Plevan, David Rosenn, Rachel Timoner, and Evan Traylor.
NYJA is committed to continue amplifying the voices of liberal Zionist Jews who are calling for peace, diplomacy, safety, and human rights for all Palestinians and Israelis.
