Our call is three-fold: Break the Silence, Lift the Siege, Pursue Peace
Break the Silence: We must affirm the humanity of the residents of Gaza by breaking our silence about their suffering. They are human beings, just like us, created in the image of God and as deserving of human dignity, compassion and justice.
Lift the Siege: The Israeli siege on Gaza by land, air and sea that is causing untold human suffering is an unconscionable attack on civilians. This siege that is supported by U.S. government and the EU must be lifted.
Pursue the Peace: There is no military solution to the conflict. The only real solution is a negotiated settlement and it is time for Israel to negotiate with all relevant parties including Hamas towards a resolution of the conflict.
There is an ancient Jewish tradition of calling a public fast in times of moral crisis. The situation in Gaza is a moral crisis for Jews, people of all faiths and all people of conscience. We fast once a month dedicating ourselves to do all we can to end the siege on Gaza and to advocate for negotiation and peace. We support the Milk for Pre-Schoolers program of ANERA that provides fortified milk and a biscuit to children in Gaza.
There are now over 900 people across the world who have made a commitment to Jewish Fast for Gaza. If you wish to join this growing community of conscience, you can sign up on our website.
Some Congressional Representatives have initiated efforts to ameliorate the suffering in Gaza. Jewish Voice for Peace is one of several organizations that has promoted these efforts.
In a few weeks some 1400 people from around the world will be participating in the Gaza Freedom March. We are proud that Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb and other members of Taanit Tzedek have made this sacred commitment. To support them, visit the Gaza Freedom March website.
Now, a year later, the suffering in Gaza is even greater than a year ago. Gazans have no way to rebuild their homes, to reclaim their agricultural land, to renew their lives as Israel blocks the entry of materials needed for reconstruction. Israel still doesn't allow sufficient food into Gaza, the water supply is contaminated and there is the danger of a catastrophic health crisis.
Tomorrow for Sahbbat Hannukah we will read a special Haftarah, a prophetic portion assigned by the rabbis for particular days. For Shabbat Hannukah the rabbis made a surprising choice, they assigned the passage from Zachariah that ends:
"Not by Might, nor by Power, but My Spirit "
The rabbis understood the dangers of military power, that human beings tend to believe that conflict can be resolved by military force. For this reason, they were ambivalent about the Maccabees and expressed that ambivalence by assigning Zechariah's prophetic words to be read on Hannukah.
This year these words are particularly powerful. Operation Cast Lead is based on the belief that overwhelming military force will provide security for the people of Israel.
The rockets from Gaza are also a desperate effort to resist by military means. Israel is less secure than before the operation. There is no military solution to this or any other human conflict. The only solution is political a direct negotiated settlement. As the prophet Isaiah said justice is the only way to create peace and security.
For many in Israel the military resistance of the Maccabees is what is celebrated on Hannukah. This story was very important in the history of Zionism and Israel who saw the Maccabean resistance as an inspiring model.
The rabbis offer a different meaning of Hannukah. Hannukah is a rejection of power and military might and an affirmation of the Spirit of God that inheres in every human being. And it is this connection to the Spirit of Life that must be the center of our lives.
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