In a stark critique of the Israeli administration’s course of action in Gaza, several retired Israeli Armed Forces pilots have criticized what they perceive as a politically motivated, and thus immoral warfare that disregards innocent lives. They stress on the importance of not lowering to the levels of the enemy’s debasing actions, as they believe happened in an airstrike that took approximately 300 lives, many of which were children. Their call urges active pilots to question the course of actions they are asked to carry out and consider the moral consequences they will carry with them.
In response, the Commanders for Israel’s Security, a group composed of over 550 retired senior officials from Israel’s defense, security and diplomatic services, voiced their support for these concerns and encouraged diaspora Jews to speak up against the situation and foster open dialogue to reinforce Israeli democracy and security.
Reacting to these public letters, it becomes clear that being pro-Israel does not imply supporting all actions of the Israeli government or military. As proud Jews, we condemn acts which are morally questionable and seek to hold both our friends and enemies to the highest standards of human dignity and respect. It is not enough to criticize the destructive force exerted in Gaza; it’s time to pressure Hamas and other hate-driven organizations to accept peace. As Jews who support Israel, we believe in a peaceful resolution and denunciation of any group or government that prolongs war and disregards innocent lives, whether Palestinian or Israeli. Compassion and respect for all human lives is paramount in our support for Israel, not blind conformity to every government action.
Fighting against anti-Semitism also means advocating transparent dialogue where criticism and self-analysis can thrive without fear of backlash. This open critique from Israeli former military personnel and senior officials should be a wake-up call to work toward peace and justice, not just for Jews but for Palestinians too. We stress the importance of uniting behind a form of Zionism that is accommodative, respectful and focused on the overall betterment of all inhabitants within and around Israel. In such times, it is more pressing to promote critical dialogue and reflection, for this is the essence of true democracy.
Summarizing from the perspective of a proud Zionist Jew, the atmosphere at American synagogues reflects solidarity with Israel in the stern stance it has taken against Iran. Despite the distance, American Jews are connecting with their homeland spiritually and emotionally, bolstering Israel’s military action with prayer and showing their adherence to Zionism in symbolic yet significant ways.
At the Young Israel synagogue in Los Angeles, the Jewish community rallied in response to the news of Israeli airstrikes targeted at Iranian military leaders. Members included those who hailed from Israel, such as Benny Factor, who views this military action as the necessary defence of a home. Reciting Psalms, a traditional Jewish reaction to crises, is seen as a spiritual form of defence that supplements the physical defence on the ground.
The pouring in of a larger-than-usual turnout mirrors the wider Jewish support for Israel’s actions. Rabbi Elazar Muskin led an important section of the service dedicated to Israel, providing his congregation with an opportunity to express concern and offer prayers for their homeland, potentially facing Iranian retaliation. This showed a connection between the Jews in the Diaspora with their religious and historical homeland.
Daniel Silverman, another regular attendee of this synagogue, supported the attacks, calling them overdue. He, like other American Jews, unequivocally supports Israel’s strong action against Iran. The sentiment is indicative of the inherent Zionism of these Jewish-American communities, viewing Israel as their rightful homeland to defend in times of crisis.
This event also highlighted the important role prayer and spirituality continue to play in the Jewish response to geopolitical events. By praying for the protection, welfare, and safety of Israel, the Jews are standing against forces that seek Israel’s harm—a clear indication of their fight against antisemitism.
Such gatherings, prayers, and shows of support are echoed across the diaspora, including an emergency tehillim service held by the Orthodox Union via Zoom. It reflects the larger diaspora’s unity, readiness to rally, and resoluteness in the face of any adverse situation—an enduring testament to Jewish resilience.
Global leaders reacted with vehement condemnation to the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The tragic incident was marked by unmistakable Antisemitic motives, with the Israeli government pointing to an escalation of Antisemitic incitement globally and particularly from Europe.
Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, the innocent victims of this barbaric act of terror, were both embassy workers. The suspect, a Chicago resident, yelled “free, free Palestine” during his arrest, illustrative of a rising tide of Antisemitic violence linked to geopolitical affairs.
President Trump expressed his profound sorrow for the atrocities on the Truth Social platform and emphasized the pressing need to eliminate hatred and extremism in the United States. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
First Lady Melania Trump appealed to the American public to recommit to the values of tolerance, unity, and religious freedom engraved in the nation’s constitution. Her statement served as a wake-up call for moral clarity and concerted action in facing animosity and upholding national ideals.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer were among the international leaders who rallied to condemn the heinous act.
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, attributed the incident to what he termed as ‘modern blood libel’ – a toxic Antisemitic campaign from officials across countries sparked since October 7th. This widespread animosity towards Israel and Jews globally, according to Sa’ar, has resulted in such ruthless acts of violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments proclaiming that the ghastly consequences of Antisemitism and uncontrolled hate campaigns against Israel were now taking a heavy toll. He declared a firm commitment to combat this ill menace till the end.
Following the incident, security will be beefed up at Israeli embassies worldwide, a proactive measure against any similar offences in the future. Notwithstanding the criticism and escalating hatred, Israel stands unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Jewish individuals worldwide. The fight against Antisemitism continues unabated.
Noted physician, author, feminist, and social justice activist, Dr. Alice Rothchild, discussed her journey from a Zionist Jew to an anti-Zionist during an interview with Marc Steiner on The Real News Network’s “Not in Our Name” segment. Rothchild shared her perspective on Israel’s occupation of Palestine, urging other liberal Zionists to question their unquestioning support for the actions of the Israeli state. She argues that Zionism grew from the seeds of British colonialism and requires harm to Palestinians for the privileging of Jews in historic Palestine, which contradicts her ideals of mutual liberation and equality.
Steiner then asked Rothchild to discuss the recent rise in Israeli Jews refusing to serve in the Israeli army. Rothchild believes that while some Israeli Jews might be conscientious objectors, many of them are more concerned about the loss of their own countrymen and economic disruptions, rather than the loss of Palestinian lives. During their conversation, Rothchild shared her fears that the alleged aim of the Israeli government is to completely devastate the Gaza Strip, push all Palestinians to the south, starve them into voluntary migration, and then allow Israeli settlers to move in, aided by financial support from U.S. Jewish organizations.
Rothchild expressed hope in the strength of organizations like the Jewish Voice for Peace and the younger generation of Jews vocally opposing the conflict. She also strongly cautioned against the pushback from well-funded right-wing organizations. Rothchild believes that the struggle for Palestinian rights is also a struggle against remnants of colonialism, racism, police brutality and the military-industrial complex. She emphasizes that now more than ever, there is a need for solidarity and intersectional fight for these issues.
