Listening with an Educated Ear

Maya Berezovsky
Assistant Editor
KOACH-on-Campus

Officially, Israel and America are allies. After reading the American newspapers or watching the TV news, it hardly seems the case.

Most of the American media has consistently refused to call Palestinian suicide bombers "terrorists" and points accusing fingers at Israel for the innocent loss of life caused by their military. The same reporters excused the American military after they accidentally blew up an Afghani hospital and killed fellow officers in "friendly fire." Oh, and any person in any country with even a plan for delivering ill to an American is named "terrorist" without a second thought. The press’ knee-jerk reaction to sully Israel’s name and protect America’s has to stop.

This past summer, I attended Brandeis Collegiate Institute (BCI), a stimulating 26-day program in California. The objective of the program is to help Jewish young adults better formulate their feelings about the Jewish world around them. Our basic assumptions were challenged and through discussion, speakers, avodah (work) and post-denominational religious services, we examined our preconceived notions about ourselves and others. Not only did we discuss Jewish matters of historical significance, but also, the current situation in Israel. Alongside that debate, we discussed the state of affairs of the country in which we were sitting. After the two-hour discussion was complete, no one seemed to have changed their mind.

During the first Shabbat service, after only three days of the program, the 60-some Jews passionately discussed the relationship of American politics to the political situation in Israel. The general consensus: America is going in the wrong direction, Israel, the right. A few Bush defenders stormed out and one man, to be fair, pointed out the benefits of ousting Saddam. Almost the whole group raised their thumbs high for Israel and thumbed their noses at George W. Bush’s administration. This sight was nothing new for me.

When Israel strikes against Palestinians, I look around at my fellow Jews, some of whom at least momentarily admit uncertainty. Others say, "What else can they do?" Most, in my experience, nod their heads to say, "Right on." However, when America attacks Iraq or Afghanistan, the same group who approved of Israel’s violent moves passionately disagrees with the American government for repeatedly striking the Middle East. While the press is shaming Israel, American Jews are defending her. I suppose if we’re not going to, which other Americans will? Still, I believe, everyone must keep in mind the big picture in both countries.

When the news broke about a senior US Defense Department official allegedly spying for Israel, a Jewish friend of mine was concerned. "What if it’s true? There’s so much evidence. It’s scary to think Israel could be involved in wrongdoing, but maybe it’s possible." Another friend reminded him the American media are not to be trusted.

We have a responsibility to get the facts and to get them straight. While there is no such thing as completely unbiased reporting, there are ways to check on the veracity of what we’re being told. One source is CAMERA, the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (www.camera.org).

We’re likely to find that the truth lies somewhere in between. Some things we’ll like and others we won’t. But at least we’ll have built our opinions on facts rather than rumor and propaganda. We’ll know how to tilt our ears and let the drivel drizzle out. Choosing to have blind faith entirely in certain groups and to plug your ears to others is not a kosher option.

[Posted 10/14/04]