Report From Israel - Day 4 - December 1, 2023

 

Dear Friends,

I am writing this post from the home of dear friends in Tel Aviv.  Our last day of the trip was yesterday, and this is the first chance I have had to write since leaving Jerusalem.

Before we said goodbye to Jerusalem, we had a very full day.

We began at the Hebrew Union College (HUC) where we studied texts that focused on the concepts of “Activism and Doubt” with Rabbi Dr. Michael Marmur –Professor of Jewish theology, and Dr. Michal Muszkat Barkan- Head of HUC-JIR, Jerusalem’s Department of Education and Professional Development. Dr. Muszkat-Barkan was alsonone of the key leaders of the protest movement in Jerusalem and was an important figure in the creation of a grass-roots program of civic engagement that was literally set up overnight to help the hundreds of thousands of refugees from both the Gaza Envelope and Northern Israel in the aftermath of the October 7th pogrom and the ensuing war with Hamas (See below).

(Rabbi Dr. Michael Marmur and Dr. Michal Muszkat Barkan)

We also received a briefing from the heard of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, Anna Kislanski, about how our Reform movement in Israel is both working to help those congregations and communities most impacted by the war today and how the movement is working to envision what will happened after it is over.  One of the key issues that they had been focusing on prior to October 7^th was the prevalence of racism and anti-Arab hatred that was being fomented by the current, extremist, Far-Right government. These issues will only increase as the war rages on.  She shared a powerful statement created by The Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) and the Israeli Reform Rabbinic Association (MARAM).

After leaving HUC, we visited the Jerusalem “Hamal” – a civilian command center that was set up literally overnight by volunteers who saw the need to provide support to soldiers, refugees and the hundreds of thousands of Israelis impacted by the war. As I indicated above, Dr. Muszkat-Barkan was a key leader in its creation. 

It is hard to describe the extent of services offered by the Hamal. Literally overnight, on October 8^th, the organizers created a computerized spreadsheet that matched people looking for help and those willing of offer it. The needs of the community were great:  everything from medicines to hot meals. Soldiers who need rides to get to their bases were matched with drivers. Parents in need of diapers and baby formula were provided with whatever they needed. Those who came from the south with only the clothes on their backs were given coats, socks and underwear.  A free store was set up and donations poured in from multiple sources. One of the things that struck me the most powerfully was how the volunteers that worked at the Hamal came from almost every sector of Israeli society. Young and old, students and professionals, RightWingers and leftists, religious and secular  - all have come together in this time and need.  These volunteers were able to do what the government could or would not. It was extremely moving to see the best of Israeli society in action.

 

We then travelled to Haddasah hospital on Mt, Scopus where we visited patients who were injured in the attack on October 7th and during the conflict in Gaza. Some were soldiers.  Some were civilians.  One visit was particularly poignant - aThai worker who was wounded by a Hamas Terrorist. He was completely alone and didnot speak any Hebrew or English.  It also happened to be his birthday. 

After leaving Hadassah, we went back to hotel to pack.  And then we had our final dinner together as a group. 

This morning (Friday) we received news that the cease fire in Gaza has ended and fighting has resumed. We pray for the safety of everyone in harm's way and that the hostages will be safely returned. Everyone in israel knows the names of all those who were captured.  Their pictures are posted on every street corner and public gathering space. 

Here in Tel Aviv, life goes on. Friday is a day of preparing for Shabbat.  It is a day of connecting with friends, sitting in cafes, buying flowers and preparing for family and friends to come together for the evening meal.

I was walking on Dizengoff Street this afternoon, buying some last-minute gifts and I came across a series of benches on the street with life-size Teddy bears.  Some had bullet holes.  Others wore bandages. Some were stained red- as though they were bleeding.  The image of these painful, stark symbols juxtaposed against images of people enjoying a beautiful afternoon was striking.

I leave tomorrow night and I will carry with me the strength and determination of the State of Israel and its citizens. This has not been an easy trip. But I truly feel blessed to have been able to be here, bear witness, and send the support of all of you and the entire American Jewish community  to our brothers and sisters in Israel.

I look forward to sharing more about my journey with you when I return next week.

We pray for the safety and wellbeing of the hostages the soldiers, the citizens and all who are in harm’s way.  In the meantime, Shabbat Shalom From Tel Aviv!

Report from Israel – Day 3 November 30, 2023

 

Our third day was a rollercoaster of emotions.  We began at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. All Reform American Rabbinic, Cantoral and Education students spend their first ear of studies at HUC-JIR Jerusalem.  I studied there in 1982. All Israeli Reform Rabbis spend their entire time at the Jerusalem Campus. This morning, our group was joined by Israeli Rabbinic Colleagues and we studied the concept of Pidyon Shvuyim – the redemption of Captives – with the Rabbi Dr. Dalia Marx – professor of Rabbinics. Our discussion was deep and heartfelt.

We then travelled to the Knesset where we met with two elected officials (MK’s) – Rabbi Gil Kariv – of the labor party and the first Israeli Reform rabbi to serve as an elected official in the Israeli parliament, and Idan Roll of the Yesh Atid party. Rabbi Kariv spoke to us about the fact that this moment in history is unprecedented – especially in terms of Israel’s relationship with the diaspora. This posited that Israel is facing both a crisis and a moment of clarity. The fact that the vast majority of world Jewry stands with Israel at this difficult time cannot be minimized. As anti-Semitism raises its ugly head around the world, our communities are linked- not only symbolically, but existentially. He also stressed the fact that President Biden’s support of Israel has been unequivocal and apolitical. The fact that the president of the United States took it upon himself to travel here in a time of war, extend massive military support and strengthen our relationship cannot be minimized.

He also shared that we need to see this conflict as existential.  Hamas does not have the ability to defeat Israel’s military, but they can destroy the concept of a 2-state solution. Also – if Hamas is not completely eliminated, they will destroy the Palestinian Authority (PA) – the only other option for leadership in the Palestinian community – and the only hope for moderation. He has no love for the PA, but he knows that they are the last gasp for any hope of a negotiated solution.

 Rabbi Kariv also shared his concerns about the extremists in the current government.  He shared that their racist and isolationist agenda may have been paused by the war, but they are waiting to impose their will on society as soon as they can. The sense of solidarity that is prevalent during wartime will most certainly dissolve once some semblance of normalcy returns. He warned us that the same ministers who are preaching Jewish unity are also eager to strip Reform and secular Jews, women, minorities and the LGBTQ+ communities of their rights.

                                            (MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv)

(MK Idan Roll)

MK Roll shared much of Rabbi Kariv’s positions – even though they come from different political parties. He told us that this war will not be quick or easy. He also shared that he believed that when the war is finally over, there will be a new governing coalition in place. Netanyahu will not be able to survive the multiple failures of leadership that preceded this crisis.

We spoke about many other issues with these two remarkable leaders- including:

·       The current financial burdens that Israel is facing;

·       The role of NGO’s and civil society in dealing with this crisis and replacing the government in many arenas;

·       The potential for war in the North with Hezbolah;

·       The plans (or lack thereof) for next steps after the war;

I don’t have space or time to list them all – but I will share more upon my return next week.

After we left the Knesset, we drove to Tel Aviv to meet with Lee and Shelly Siegal. Lee’s brother, Keith Segal and Sister-in-law, Aviva were captured on October 7^th from their home in Kibbutz K’far Aza. Thankfully, Aviva was one of the hostages to be freed in recent exchanges, but Keith is still in captivity.  They could not share many details of their loved ones’ ordeals, but the pain, fear and worry that they shared was palpable. They also told us how important it was to have the presence of the Hostage and Family Forum – a group of volunteers that, literally overnight, came together to offer support, raise funds, and provide respite for the families of the hostages. They were grateful for the overwhelming solidarity they have experienced, but, until every hostage is returned home safely, they will not be able to rest.

(Lee and Shelley Siegal - With David Bernstein - Deputy Director of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ))

 We then met with a group of remarkable young people who were participating in the Israeli Reform movement’s gap year “Mechina” program. This is a program where high school graduates defer entering into the army for a year and volunteer to help in needy communities in Israel. They also study Jewish history and thought and serve as future leaders of Israel’s growing Reform Jewish community.

(Participants in the IMPJ "Mechina" program)

Our day ended on a very powerful note as we visited Kikar Ha Hatufim – “Hostage Square” – the gathering place for families of those who were captured and all those who support them- outside of the Tel Aviv museum.  This has become a truly sacred space. It is here that a symbolic table has been set with places for all those who were captured. There are art installations, information booths and, most importantly, circles of chairs set up for those who need to sit in silence, give or receive comfort to all who are in pain. I was honored to lead a short song and prayer circle in Hebrew and English. 

(Link to video of Misheberach at Hostage Square on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1081958072/videos/pcb.10226376342929880/6919164458171366)

We returned to Jerusalem with heavy hearts – but a sense of connection with everyone who is grieving in the amazing country. 

Tomorrow will be our last day.  I will be staying with dear friends over Shabbat and returning on Sunday.

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Joseph R. Black

 

Report From Israel - Day 2 -November 28, 2023

 

Dear Friends,

In the Torah portion for this week, Vayishlach, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious being before he confronts his brother Esau.  Prior to this mysterious encounter we find the following in Genesis 32;11:

קָטֹ֜נְתִּי מִכֹּ֤ל הַחֲסָדִים֙ וּמִכׇּל־הָ֣אֱמֶ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִׂ֖יתָ אֶת־עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֣י בְמַקְלִ֗י עָבַ֙רְתִּי֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַזֶּ֔ה וְעַתָּ֥ה הָיִ֖יתִי לִשְׁנֵ֥י מַחֲנֽוֹת׃

I am unworthy of all the kindness that You have so steadfastly shown Your servant: with my staff alone I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.

As I think about the remarkable individuals that we have encountered during the past two days, these words of Jacob take on a whole new meaning. Like Jacob, many of feel us as though we are split in two as we try to wrap our heads around the trauma that surrounds us. Those of us who have watched the events unfolding in Israel and Gaza feel a sense of horror as we learn about what happened on October 7^th.  Here in Israel, that horror is multiplied a hundredfold as people experience it on a deeply personal level. Loved ones have been murdered or kidnapped. The waiting for news is exhausting. No one is unscathed – everyone is either related to or knows someone who has a connection to a victim, a soldier, or a mourner.

At yet, despite the pain – or perhaps because of it, life goes on in Israel. “Normalcy” is a relative term as over 150,000 refugees from both the Gaza envelope and the North are being resettled in hotels, kibbutzim, and temporary housing. But the beauty of Israeli society is also nremarkable.  Even in the midst of grief, fear and anger, children are going back to school. Babies are being born. Funerals are being held. Businesses, while suffering, are opening their doors. People are doing all that they can to create some semblance of routine. There is incredible beauty in resiliency.  At the same time, everyone seems to be holding their breath as they wait for the next chapter of this painful story to unfold.

On this second day of our mission, we met with many people who were directly impacted by the war. Our first stop was Kibbutz Mishmar Ha Emek in the Jezriel Valley.  This kibbutz has opened its doors to members of their sister Kibbutz, Nahal Oz which was attacked on October 7^th. We sat with several members of Nahal OZ and heard their stories- some of which were triumphant, and others were tragic. For this post, Some  of you may have heard about Tami (Tamar) Raanan. She is a member of Kibbutz Nahal Oz and her daughter and granddaughter from the US had come to visit her in early October in order to celebratI will not share the e her 85^th birthday. Both her daughter and granddaughter were kidnapped by the Hamas Terrorists. Due to the direct involvement of President Biden, both of them were returned safely – weeks before the current hostage and prisoner exchanges. Tami met with Biden and during her meeting she told him: “I am happy that my children were released, but you must do everything you can to release the rest - and I will help you.”

Tamar (Tami) Raanan

(Amir Tibon and Rabbi Josh Weinberg)

We also met with Amir Tibon - a reporter from HaAretz newspaper who survived the attack hidden in a safe room with his wife and two daughters – aged 1½ and 3. When it was clear that the IDF was not coming to help, he called his father, a retired general who got into his jeep with his wife and drove down from Tel Aviv to save them. Their remarkable story was widely reported in the news – most recently on 60 minutes.

Amir had some harsh words for the Netanyahu government who, he said, had abandoned his community. He told us that there was an agreement into which all of the impacted communities had entered:  They would serve as a first line of protection on the border – they would raise their childrenband create a meaningful life while the Government and IDF would ensure their protection. The failure promptly respond to the worst attack on Jews since the Shoah meant that, while Nahal Oz and its members kept their part of the agreement, the government had not.

And yet, while the government’s failures are widely known, one of the most remarkable aspects of life in Israel today is how society instantly came together to help those in need. Once again – we see the duality and resilience of Israeli society. Within 24 hours of the attacks, individuals, communities and groups from every side rallied to provide housing, clothing, food, counseling services and economic aid to the refugees who fled with little more than the clothes on their backs. Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek literally tripled in size overnight as it welcomed members from Nahal Oz. They were not alone. Among the organizers of the aid were those, who just a few weeks earlier, had been coordinating the massive protests against the government. The NGO’s and volunteers who had created a remarkably effective system of protest, now rallied to provide vital services to those in need. They were able to do what the government could not. Not one government minister has come to visit, offer assistance or even check in with the refugees from the Gaza envelope.

At Mishmar Ha Emek we also met with several Israeli Reform rabbis who serve regional councils – traveling from kibbutz to kibbutz, village to village. Theirs is a rabbinate of personal connection.  They have no physical buildings, but they have been able to sit at the sides of their congregants – giving them a shoulder upon which to cry, a prayer to recite, a hug or a soft touch. They understand and embody the importance of being a calm, sacred presence.

(Israeli Reform Rabbis)

From the Jezriel Valley, we journeyed north to Haifa to meet with students and faculty of the Leo Baeck school. A pillar of Reform Judaism in Israel where (as an aside I studied for 4 months in 1975 when I was an exchange student in Israel during my Junior year), Leo Baeck is a remarkable institution. It prides itself in serving Jewish, Christian and Arab communities. Students at Leo Baeck shared with us how they volunteered in the community and helped to assimilate refugees from both the North and south. We met with Arab teachers and students, and learned first-hand how high school students volunteered in the community to help gather supplies for soldiers and welcome refugees into their midst.

We ended our very long day at Congregation Or Chadash in Haifa.  This is one of the oldest and most successful Reform Congregations in Israel.  Their rabbis, Na'ama Dafni-Kellen, and Gabby​ Dagan shared how their community rallied the day after the attack to prepare supplies, offer counseling services, raise funds and deliver collections to soldiers, refugees and individuals affected physically, emotionally and spiritually by the war.

(Rabbis Na'ama Dafni-Kellen, and Gabby​ Dagan )

This is only a small taste of a very long and powerful day.  Tomorrow we go to the Knesset and then to Tel Aviv where we will join with groups of the families of those who are still being held as hostages by Hamas.  Together we will pray, cry and call out to God for their release.

Shalom From Jerusalem!

Rabbi Joseph R. Black

Report From Israel - Day One: November 27, 2023

REPORT FROM ISRAEL - DAY ONE — November 27, 2023

 

Dear Friends,

I am participating this week on a mission in Israel sponsored by the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), the American Reform Zionist Association (ARZA), and ARZENU - the International Reform Zionist representative to the World Zionist Organization (WZO). Our group is a delegation of Rabbis and Reform Jewish leaders from around the world. Our goal in traveling during this difficult time is to bear witness to the events happening in Israel and Gaza, learn as much as we can about the situation, and bring a message of solidarity from our home communities. After a long day of travel yesterday, we began our journey today. I hope to be able to share my experiences with you every day of the trip – but I can’t promise that I will be successful.  Our itinerary is ambitious and doesn’t provide a lot of free time.  Also – jet lag is real…but I will do my best.

 Today was a cold a rainy day in Israel. We had hoped to be able to assist in agriculture – picking oranges to help gather crops that normally would be harvested by Israelis and/or foreign or Palestinian laborers- -but the weather prevented this from happening.  Many of the foreign workers left after the October 7th attacks and some (not all) of the Palestinian sector has dried up. Kibbutzim and moshavim (agricultural settlements) are in need of volunteers due to the fact that many members are currently serving in the IDF on reserve duty. Israelis from all walks of life are currently volunteering to harvest these essential crops.

Instead of working in the fields, we made two stops:  One at a Beduin Village near Beer Sheva called Kfar Huna, and the other was kibbutz Dorot, in the Gaza Envelope. 

(Kher Albaz - Kfar Huna)

At Kfar Hura, we met with a remarkable leader of the beduin community named Kher Albaz. Mr Albas is the co-founder of the “Arab-Jewish Center for Equality, Empowerment and Cooperation (AJEEC). The other founder was Vivian Singer – one of the victims of the Hamas Pogrom on October 7^th.  Vivian was a remarkable peace activist who, along with her Arab partners worked tirelessly to implement a vision of a safer, more humane world.

While in Kfar Hura, we learned about the bravery of many Bedouin who risked their lives to save young Jews at the music-festival. They shared their loyalty to the State of Israel – despite the deep social, educational and economic disparities that current exist. We learned that many Bedouin were killed by Hamas rockets – especially those is so-called “unrecognized communities” - largely due to the fact that the Government of Israel had not provided them with proper bomb shelters and safe rooms.

We learned about the poverty and their subsequent rise in unemployment and poverty – resulting n crime and violence – that plague many Bedouin communities throughout the region. We saw first hand how AJEEC trains men and women in basic first aid and helps provide educational and recreational outlets for children in order to break these unhealthy cycles.

Kher Albaz also shared how he is working to create a “shared society” in Israel – not a place of “co-existence.” He is a proud Israeli citizen and wants to raise awareness of the plight of the Bedouin.

 

(At Kibbutz Dorot)

    

Kibbutz Dorot is located only 3 kilometers from several communities that were attacked in the Hamas pogrom on October 7^th.  Most of the kibbutz lies empty today.  Most of the able-bodied men under the age of 40 are serving in the IDF. All of the mothers and children have been evacuated and are staying in hotels and guest houses around the country (more on this later). We were able to speak to two members of the kibbutz – Yael and Sharon as well as Rabbi Yael Vurgan – the Reform Spiritual leader of the Shaar HaNegev  Regional council, which includes kibbutz Dorot and several of the communities decimated by the brutal Hamas attacks.

They all painted a very bleak picture of life post October 7^th. Rabbi Vurgan spoke of how she has been officiating at funerals, visiting families whose loved ones were murdered, injured or kidnapped. The overall feeling they described was of loneliness and betrayal.  Sharon and Yael were involved with a remarkable program called “Road to Recovery” – founded by a visionary activist, Vivian Singer. They would drive Palestinian patients from Gaza to and from hospitals in Israel so that they could receive medical attention. As some of you may have heard, Vivian Singer was murdered by Hamas on October 7^th.

The despair in their voices and faces was palpable. They felt betrayed by the Palestinians to whom they had reached out and with whom they thought they had partners for peace in the future. They also felt betrayed by the Army and the Israeli Government whose failures to prevent this horrific attack, and whose delay in responding was catastrophic.

They also felt abandoned by international political Left with whom they thought they had partners in working to create a better world. The pro-Hamas, anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic chants and actions that fill the internet and the airways have helped to increase their sense of isolation.

The kibbutz itself had an eery character to it. It was deadly silent. Toys lay abandoned on well groomed lawns. The only sounds we heard were the roar of Jets taking off from a nearby airbase. There were no tractors, cars or factory noises – as one would normally hear on a kibbutz. There were no children – only elders who did not want to leave their homes.

The best way to describe the feeling of our visit can be described as visiting a house of mourning. The fatigue and grief on all of their faces was palpable. They appreciated our visit, our messages of support and our hugs, but it was clear that the trauma that impacts their lives will remain part of their souls for the rest of their lives.

 Finally, I want to say a word about the hotel in which we are staying in Jerusalem – the Dan Panorama. The organizers of our trip were very deliberate in their choice of hotels. It is not a fancy or luxurious place, but it was chosen – not because of its cost, but rather because it is currently home to several families who have been evacuated from their home community of Sderot. Everywhere you look you see children and parents, grandparents and relatives camped out in the lobby.  These are not the usual patrons of Jerusalem hotels.  There are very few tourists.  Most of the foreigners in Israel came from their home communities to volunteer or show their solidarity.  Seeing these families trying to create a sense of normalcy in the midst of chaos is truly remarkable. While there were other, more luxurious places in which we could have stayed, our trip organizers correctly chose to reject any hotel that  refused to take in refugees.

There is a lot more that I could write – but it is getting late and we have a full day tomorrow.

As I sit in my room, all of Israel is anxiously awaiting news of the next group of hostages to be freed. We also have heard news that the pause in fighting will be extended a few more days. While we give thanks for the glimpses of hope and freedom that these hostage exchanges represent – we still are fervently praying for those who are still in captivity.

With prayers for peace, I am, L’Shalom

Rabbi Joseph R. Black