Message to an Israeli Diplomat

This letter was written by an ARZA member in response to the arrest of Anat Hoffman on Tuesday. It was sent to a member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Amid all of the wonderful things for which we celebrate Israel, the appalling, and disgraceful treatment of Jewish women in Jerusalem and elsewhere is a shanda of the highest order.  As someone who loves Israel deeply and who has a reasonable grasp of the situation, I will tell you there is no issue which contributes more painfully to the breakdown of affinity between Jews abroad and the State of Israel.  Please read the statement here.

While under sway of the Rabbinate and religious parties, the government of Israel and its agencies tend to be dismissive of the Progressive movement and its affiliates, Israel spurns non-Orthodox Jews at its peril.  Non-Orthodox Jews in Israel may have a fatalistic attitude toward living under Orthodox authority, but this situation exists nowhere else in the world.  Directly and indirectly, much of Israel’s support abroad is attributable to committed and engaged Progressive Jews, for whose support and affinity this sinat chinam has very ominous implications if not reversed.

I ask you please to share my thoughts with others in the MFA, and will be happy to respond to any questions.

With deepest respect and friendship,

Steven Franklin
Evanston, IL