The Progressive Jewish Bind – The Atlantic

Aug 27, 2024
Final Tuesday, I used to be presupposed to have launched my first guide, Tablets Shattered: The Finish of an American Jewish Century and the Way forward for Jewish Life, with an occasion at a bookstore within the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo—a dialog between me and the well-known Reform rabbi Andy Bachman.The occasion didn’t occur. About an hour earlier than the meant begin, I heard from my publicist that the bookstore had “considerations” about Rabbi Bachman as a result of he was a “Zionist.” I obtained one other name whereas in a automobile on the best way to the shop: The supervisor was now refusing to host the dialog with the rabbi. After I arrived, I requested her why she wouldn't allow the occasion to go ahead as deliberate. Her response: “We don’t desire a Zionist onstage.”I used to be stunned. Rabbi Bachman is an outspoken social-justice advocate and a supporter of the institution of a Palestinian state (and my former instructor). My guide is a historical past of American Jewish life within the second half of the twentieth century, and offers critically with Israel’s remedy of Palestinians. Due to my evaluation of the Israeli-Palestinian battle, in addition to my reporting about and public opposition to Israel’s army occupation of the West Financial institution and siege of Gaza, I had feared that synagogues can be reluctant (and absolutely some nonetheless are) to host occasions. I didn't anticipate that the difficulty would come from a bookstore in Brooklyn.Adam Kirsch: The false narrative of settler colonialismThen once more, maybe I shouldn't have been stunned in any respect. Since October 7, the general public discourse on Israel and Palestine has curdled. Some right-wing supporters of Israel have grow to be cheerleaders for violence. In sure areas that decision themselves progressive, intolerance has grow...

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