What does supporting Israel look like?

Read the following for context: Israel may be a place we feel deeply connected to, because of our Jewish identity, Jewish history, family and friends who call it home, and memorable visits. At the same time, we might also find ourselves disagreeing with some of Israel’s policies, whether internal (ex: judicial reforms, issues of religion and state), or external(Israel’s treatment of Palestinians). Navigating when and how to express our criticisms of Israel can be difficult, requiring us to balance expressing our individual values while also supporting a country we care about which is often under attack. We may find ourselves wondering, can we be critical of a place and supportive at the same time?

Read the following: Solidarity is defined as “unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.” It’s also a word that is used often with regard to Israel, especially in times of crisis. But what does expressing solidarity look like practically? Does it mean always agreeing with everything a country, group, or person does, or can you show solidarity and be critical at the same time? Should criticism be expressed publicly or privately? Can the way we demonstrate solidarity change based on the urgency of the situation?

JOURNAL WRITING Facilitator prompts the group: Think of a friend with whom you have a deep relationship, but you don’t see eye to eye on many issues. Recently, this friend has done something with which you completely disagree. Let’s explore different ways you can share critical feedback within this relationship, through some journal writing.

1. 1. Spend 3 minutes journaling your response. Write down everything you want to say, paying attention to your emotions and how this stance or these actions have impacted you.
2. 2. Now, pause. Spend another 3 minutes looking through what you wrote down. Underline the sections of your critical response that you would feel comfortable sharing with your friend, leaving out anything you would keep private.

The facilitator should have a volunteer read through the following source: Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Yevamot, 65b:

כְּשֵׁם שֶׁמִּצְוָה עַל אָדָם לוֹמַר דָּבָר הַנִּשְׁמָע — כָּךְ מִצְוָה עַל אָדָם שֶׁלֹּא לוֹמַר דָּבָר שֶׁאֵינוֹ נִשְׁמָע.

Just as it is a Mitzvah for a person to say that which will be heeded, so is it a Mitzvah for a person not to say that which will not be heeded.

Facilitator shares the following prompt with the participants: Please take two minutes to respond to the following prompt in writing:

• Even though __________ is difficult for me about Israel, I can express solidarity through ___________________.
• As a result of this session, I will be more intentional about when I share critical feedback and when to keep it to myself in order to________________________.

Facilitator prompts the group: If you are comfortable, please pair up with another participant and take turns sharing your answers. Then, discuss the following:

• How might you balance support and criticism in your relationships moving forward?
• How might you navigate this tension specifically in your relationship with Israel?

In this resource, we explored the idea of balancing support for Israel and sharing criticism through the value of solidarity. We highlighted that solidarity does not exclude criticism but it does obligate us to consider when and how to express it, with a distinction between public and private feedback. Ultimately, we can always distinguish between showing solidarity with a country and critiquing its government or policies. Being in a relationship means having difficult conversations, but it need not diminish our deep feelings of connection; ideally, it should strengthen it. Facilitator prompts the group: One way I’m thinking differently about solidarity after this session is__________________.

In this resource, we explored the idea of balancing support for Israel and sharing criticism through the value of solidarity. We highlighted that solidarity does not exclude criticism but it does obligate us to consider when and how to express it, with a distinction between public and private feedback. Ultimately, we can always distinguish between showing solidarity with a country and critiquing its government or policies. Being in a relationship means having difficult conversations, but it need not diminish our deep feelings of connection; ideally, it should strengthen it.

Facilitator prompts the group:

One way I’m thinking differently about solidarity after this session is__________________.