Re: Savit’s Shabbat Shalom (March 6)

Posted

In his latest  “Shabbat Shalom” column, Jeffrey Savit, president and CEO of the Jewish Allinace, gave an enthusiastic report on the recent AIPAC convention that he attended in Washington. The column is worth reading for two reasons.  First, it captures the devotion to Israel of the AIPAC members and their fervent political support of Netanyahu’s Iran policies. Second, it reports on the  “incessant reminders” (at the AIPAC conference)  “that we American Jews must curb our incivility.” 

Savit’s column encourages us “to stand together with Israel, no matter on which side of the political aisle we sit.” I couldn’t agree more. Here’s how: Jeffrey Savit and all lovers and supporters of Israel should go to the J Street 5th National Conference – March 21-24 in Washington, D.C.  (conference.jstreet.org). The long list of conference speakers includes members of the Knesset from a variety of political parties. Our professional leaders should go because they need to understand and communicate the diversity of opinion within our Rhode Island Jewish community and the American Jewish community at large. 

To sample the diversity of opinions, do check out both the New York Times lead editorial and Tom Friedman’s op-ed column on March 3. Their take on Netanyahu’s speech differs markedly from the AIPAC point of view and gives us all food for thought. “Standing together with Israel” doesn’t have to mean supporting all the policies advocated by the current Israeli government.

Eleanor L. Lewis

Providence, R.I