A Reform Zionist Perspective on the Israel-Hamas War
Netzer Australia is grieving along with the rest of the Jewish world because of the tragedies of the last few weeks and stands in firm support of the World Union of Progressive Judaism's statement on the Israel-Hamas war.
With our World Union, we mourn the devastating massacre of Israelis and all loss of innocent life. We feel the enormous impact this is having on our People and join in the calls upon "the global community to unequivocally demand the release of all hostages immediately and without conditions"
We ensure to distinguish between Hamas terrorists and the Palestinian people, acknowledging "the toll this is taking on innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza"
We "note with great concern the rise of antisemitic rhetoric and attacks throughout the world... [and hope] to ensure the safety and security of all communities of faith."
In these challenging times, it is important to remember where our principles come from. As a proud Reform Zionist movement, our role is consistently twofold: First, we will always fight for Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and Democratic state, a right to self-determination deserved by all Peoples. Second, we will always fight for an Israel whose existence is one we can be proud of as shaped by our values of Progressive Judaism and Tikkun Olam. These two aims are inextricable and define the Zionism we believe ought to be defended.
Netzer was created, and continues to fight, for this very purpose.
With this in mind, we commit ourselves to action in working towards our vision for a just future. Netzer has, and will continue, to provide safe spaces for our madrichim/ot (leaders) and chanichim/ot (participants) to learn about and process what is going on. We are working to create and share educational resources and will continue to advocate for our chanichim/ot, community, and People. We hold our friends, families and all who are affected in our hearts and pray for a future of peace for Israel and all humanity.
עוֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא בְרַחֲמָיו יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל כָּל יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵּבֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵןMay the Source of Peace bring peace down to us, Israel, and all who dwell there!
