What’s the issue?
In the context of ongoing conflicts in the West Bank, a narrative often arises that equates Jewish ‘extremist settler’ violence with Palestinian-perpetrated violence. This editorial seeks to clarify misconceptions and highlight the asymmetry in the levels of violence and their portrayal in global media discourse.
Why does it matter?
Understanding the actual sources and scale of violence in the West Bank is essential for an accurate representation of the reality on the ground, which impacts international policy and opinion. Addressing the disparity between the perceived equivalence and the actual incidence of violence has ramifications for how the region’s security and peace efforts are viewed and handled.
Recent Attacks and Media Coverage
Recent Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians have largely gone unreported in the foreign media, such as the incidents near Kiryat Arba and the Jewish town of Ateret in Samaria. In contrast, when the violence involves Jewish settlers, the attention it receives often disregards the predominant threat faced by Jews traveling in Judea and Samaria.
Global Response and Perspectives
The international focus on ‘Jewish extremist violence,’ including statements by President Joe Biden and sanctions by the US and UK, often obscures the reality that Jews, including settlers, are predominantly victims, not perpetrators, of random violence in these territories. This false equivalence neglects the fact that Palestinian terrorists, not Jewish civilians, actively plan and carry out attacks with the intent to kill.
The Impact on Jewish Communities
While violent Jewish extremists are shunned in Israeli society, Palestinian perpetrators frequently receive praise within their own communities. Such a dynamic contributes to a skewed perception of the conflict and places undue blame on Jewish settlers, further complicating the path to peace and security.
Advocating for Jewish Pride
In response to the rise in global anti-Semitism, the call for Jewish Pride is clear. This involves embracing Jewish identity, history, and culture as a source of pride, not shame, and standing firm against attempts to distort or undermine the Jewish experience.
Pride as a Response to Hate
The analogy with the transformative power of pride in the LGBTQ+ community is drawn to illustrate the potential for Jewish Pride to serve as an effective response to hate and prejudice. It’s a call for Jews to define their identity on their own terms, resisting external negative narratives.
Celebrating Jewish Uniqueness
The idea is not to isolate but to affirm the unique cultural practices and identity of Jewish civilization. Jews are urged to engage with their heritage in a way that resonates personally, fostering a strong sense of worth and communal responsibility.
Legacy and Continuation
Emphasizing the importance of passing on a strong, unapologetic Jewish identity to future generations, this perspective views Jewishness as a gift—one that should be cherished and shared proudly.
This story was first published on jpost.com.