Introduction: Growing up in a secular household with a Jewish mother, my connection to my heritage was often indirect and abstract. As a child, I proudly claimed my dual heritage—half Irish and half Jewish—though I didn’t understand what that meant. I began exploring my identity more deeply. I found that my Jewish heritage became entangled with political beliefs, especially as I came to terms with the realities of Zionism and Israel’s role in the conflict with Palestine. This journey forced me to confront the uncomfortable question: What is Israel’s true intent regarding the Palestinians?
The answer isn’t hidden. The Israeli state’s present actions and foundational ideologies of the formation of Israel and Zionism openly admit its expansionist genocidal philosophy.
A Journey of Discovery
As a teenager,
I sought identity and belonging through punk music. This led me to various online discussions, ranging from anarchism to writers like Jack Kerouac. Eventually, these conversations shifted to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was in these spaces that I first encountered troubling information about Israel’s policies and treatment of Palestinians.
I was shocked to learn about Gaza, often described as an open-air prison due to the blockade that restricts freedom of movement and resources. Additionally, I learned about the systemic human rights violations in the West Bank. The realization that Israel—a state I had been taught was a refuge for Jews and a symbol of security after the Holocaust—was involved in actions many consider akin to apartheid and occupation left me grappling with painful dissonance.
The suffering endured by Jews throughout history, particularly during the Holocaust, seemed to be weaponized as a justification for oppressing another group—the Palestinians. As I dug deeper, it became clear that Israel’s actions were not isolated or circumstantial. Instead, they reflected a broader, long-standing intent to control Palestinian land and subjugate its people. This intent, as I learned, is embedded within the very foundations of the Zionist movement.
Reconnecting with Heritage
I found myself needing to separate my Jewish identity from Zionist ideology. Zionist rhetoric continuously looped in my head. While seeking understanding, I discovered a growing community of anti-Zionist Jews who challenged the conflation of Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli state. Jewish identity, rooted in ethical principles, does not necessitate support for a political project that displaces, oppresses, and marginalizes another group of people.
This perspective resonated with me. It allowed me to embrace my Jewish heritage with pride while rejecting Zionism. I began to understand that opposing the occupation of Palestine is not a rejection of Judaism. It aligns perfectly with the Jewish commitment to justice and human dignity.
The phrase “Never Again,” a reminder of Jewish suffering during the Holocaust, must also apply to the suffering of Palestinians, who endure systemic violence and dispossession at the hands of Israel.
Historical Context and The Current Assault on Gaza
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is over a century old. The ongoing occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, along with military strategies that result in tens of thousands of innocent lives lost, purposeful denial of civilian resources including food, water, and medicine to the Gaza Strip, massive reports of malnourished children, an impending famine, and terrorist violence in the West Bank perpetrated by illegal Israeli against the Palestinian people living there. The historical context, particularly the settler colonialism advocated by Zionist figureheads like Theodor Herzl, emphasizes that this is an underlying principle of Zionism.
It is crucial to recognize the difference between Zionism and Judaism. Zionism is an ultra-nationalist movement advocating for a Jewish homeland through colonialist expansion. Zionism is not a representation of Jewish rhetoric. Zionism is a representation of Zionism, a settler movement purposely propped up on the back of one of the world’s greatest tragedies. Many Jews, including myself, stand in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for justice while maintaining a deep connection to Jewish heritage.
The Role of Zionism in Israel’s Intent
Zionism, at its core, has always been about creating a Jewish state in historic Palestine. The Zionist movement was aware of the Palestinian native population living there. The Nakba of 1948, during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes, was a foundational moment in the establishment of Israel and possibly the most devastating moment in the Palestinian people’s history.
The displacement of Palestinians has only accelerated today through illegal settlement expansions, illegal house demolitions, and illegal land confiscation. This falls directly in line with the Israeli state’s actions in the Gaza Strip since October 7th, 2023.
Conclusion: My Identity and Commitment to Justice
Watch me pick apart my head and navigate the complexities of my identity and political beliefs; I am committed to standing against all forms of genocide and oppression. My identity as a Jew is integral to my opposition to Zionist policies that perpetuate suffering and displacement. The historical lessons of “Never Again” must extend beyond the Jewish community to encompass a universal commitment to human rights and dignity for all people. None of us are free until Palestine is free.
This blog fosters discussion and understanding around these challenging issues. I encourage readers to engage with this perspective and consider the broader implications of our collective histories and actions.
FAQs
- What is Israel’s intent toward Palestinians?
Israel’s intent, reflected in its continued settlement expansion, military occupation, and control over Palestinian territories, is rooted in the original Zionist vision of establishing and maintaining a Jewish state. This has led to policies that many view as oppressive and aimed at displacing the Palestinian people. - How do Zionism and Judaism differ?
Zionism is a nationalist political movement that sought to create a Jewish homeland, while Judaism is a religious and ethical tradition. Many Jews, especially anti-Zionists, argue that Jewish identity does not require support for the state of Israel or its policies toward Palestinians. - Why do some Jews oppose Zionism?
Some Jews oppose Zionism because they believe it contradicts the ethical values of justice and human dignity central to Judaism. Anti-Zionist Jews reject the idea that a Jewish state must be maintained at the expense of Palestinian lives and rights. - What is happening in Gaza?
Gaza is under a strict blockade imposed by Israel, restricting the flow of goods, resources, and people. This blockade, combined with military operations, has created a dire humanitarian situation, leading to Gaza being referred to as an “open-air prison.” - Are all Jews Zionists?
No, not all Jews are Zionists. Many Jews around the world, including groups like Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, oppose Zionism and advocate for Palestinian rights based on principles of justice and equality. - How can the phrase “Never Again” apply to Palestinians?
The phrase “Never Again” is a commitment to prevent genocide and oppression. For many, this extends beyond the Jewish experience of the Holocaust and applies to all groups, including Palestinians, who face systemic violence and dispossession.
