When Good Intentions Meet Reality

By Symi Rom-Rymer

In a recent posting on the Washington Post’s OnFaith blog, a Rabbi and law professor recount their experience on a joint US Jewish-Muslim trip to the concentration camps of Germany and Poland.  According to the authors’ account, “the Muslim leaders were visibly shaken by what they saw” and even those who had previously expressed skepticism about the Holocaust were moved and encouraged those with similar doubts to visit the camps for themselves.

Upon their return, the participating imams issued as statement saying in part, “We condemn any attempts to deny this historical reality and declare such denials or any justification of this tragedy as against the Islamic code of ethics…We have a shared responsibility to continue to work together with leaders of all faiths and their communities to fight the dehumanization of all peoples based on their religion, race or ethnicity. With the disturbing rise of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hatred, rhetoric and bigotry, now more than ever, people of faith must stand together for truth. Together, we pledge to make real the commitment of ‘never again’ and to stand united against injustice wherever it may be found in the world today.”

When we talk about the Middle East

By Symi Rom-Rymer

I think Thomas Friedman can read my mind.  Just as I sat down to write this blog post, I came across a new op-ed of his that addressed my very topic.  (Hat tip to Mr. Friedman)

In his op-ed, Friedman takes on recent efforts by Western political leaders and entertainment personalities to delegitimize Israel.  He argues that Israel is a complex and multi-faceted country that deserves to be seen and understood in all of its nuance rather than as a symbol of unfettered cruelty.  Furthermore, he gives his readers a glimpse into the Israeli psyche and shows just how it fits into the context of the greater Middle East.  But more importantly, he demonstrates that simplistic views, such as the ones put forth by Britain’s Prime Minister or Oliver Stone, serve not to ameliorate the situation, but rather simply prolong the anguish for all involved.

Friedman’s views may not be particularly novel, but his words rang especially true for me in the wake of a rather emotional conversation I had with a new Brazilian acquaintance, Peter (not his real name).  We were both participants in a journalism training course in Prague and were relaxing at a bar with friends at the end of an intense week.   Suddenly, one of the people in our group mentioned that Peter’s last name is also common Brazilian Jewish name.  Teasingly, I turned to him and suggested that he might actually be Jewish.  His immediate reply of: “no, I don’t want to be Jewish,” didn’t bother me until he added that the reason he didn’t want to be Jewish because of Israel.   He felt that Jews were selfish in their dealings with Palestinians and in their refusal to give more land to the Palestinian state.  Blindsided, I didn’t quite know what to say.  I had expected a simple answer of “I don’t want to keep Kosher” or even, “I’m Catholic, why would I want to convert?” My immediate response—although unsaid—was to reply defensively and demand to know what was so bad about Israel.  Another part of me wanted to give him a crash course in Jewish politics and explain the huge rifts within the American Jewish community over that very topic.  A third part of me felt grateful.

FACEBOOK FAN GIVEAWAY: WIN A COPY OF YOO-HOO, MRS. GOLDBERG

Time for another Facebook Fan giveaway! Become a fan of Moment by next Friday (August 13) and be entered in our lottery to win the documentary commemorating the life and work of Gertrude Berg, creator of the popular television character Molly Goldberg. Moment will send 3 lucky winners the movie free of charge (note: only to U.S. addresses).