After the elections 

Collective support of Israel, peace and of human rights has long been the hallmark of Canada’s Jewish community, demonstrating our incredible strength and unity. Organizations that attempt to drive a wedge between the Jewish People and Israel are harmful to this unity. It is a cause for celebration that Israelis, on the front lines facing threats to their safety and security every day, uphold a strong and free democracy enjoyed by everyone.

Yet it is easy to condescend, to condemn your own, to criticize and to express disappointment from the comfort and safety of Canada. It is more difficult to try to steer the Jewish People through a sea of hatred while struggling to find a realistic way to build a lasting peace.

Of the many different conversations we should have had at our seder tables, perhaps the most important now is confronting anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism and the virulent delegitimization of Israel. Weakness, disunity and the politics of defeatism can only diminish us and undermine our own human rights. We must continue standing shoulder to shoulder as a strong, proud and free people. 

Avi Benlolo, President & CEO, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies
Toronto

Pluralism is a virtue

As a rebbetzin for 22 years, I have come across many people within the Jewish communities where I have lived and worked who try to pigeonhole Judaism and try to clarify that their way is the correct way or the only way. 

The miracle at Mount Sinai was witnessed by the entire population with a clarity and understanding. “I am what I will be,” God said to everyone. 

I find the miracle was not only the dramatic scene, but the realization at that moment by everyone of what was being said. “I am what I will be to you, the one who speaks to you, moves you and guides you to get there with love. I will give you guidance for the job that needs to be done for the world to work according to my word. Here is the outline and the guide. Use it to be my people among all other people.”

The true miracle of Mount Sinai was thousands of people understanding exactly what was being said and all agreeing! 

Today we have rabbis who teach the credos of the moment at Mount Sinai. Some rabbis work through social action, others work through knowledge and others form policy and governance.

Each of us individually hears what speaks to us through our rabbis. What works for me religiously might not work for another, but am I wrong for hearing or moving in a different way from my neighbour to obtain the same goal? 

If a teacher/rabbi has the legitimacy and credentials necessary to teach, and people have the ability to hear, observe and grow spiritually, morally and humanistically, then for what purpose is it to say it doesn’t work or is questionable? 

I am extremely glad there is the Canadian Haggadah Canadienne designed for all Jews. I am disappointed that Rabbi Mordechai Bulua would criticize a work written by an educated rabbi (“Not truly Orthodox,” April 2). For everyone to hear the words of the Almighty, we have to speak the language of the people, otherwise it is not really communication, and “I am what I will be” turns into “I am what your rabbis want me to be.” 

Elizabeth Bright
Cote St. Luc, Quebec

No to a two-state solution

With the re-election of Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister of Israel, it is suggested that there is now a significant different point of view between Canada and Israel with regard to a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu has indicated that during his term in office there will not be a Palestinian state. The Harper government is publicly committed to a two-state solution as the best outcome. 

I believe that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is astute enough to realize that there cannot be a Palestinian state while the Palestinian Authority refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and while Hamas is still committed to the destruction of the State of Israel.

A so-called Palestinian state would have to include Gaza and land controlled by the Palestinian Authority. Until both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas agree to Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, there can never be a two-state solution. 

Bert Raphael, President, the Jewish Civil Rights Association
Toronto