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An Israeli columnist called American Jews 'traitors,' here's why he's wrong

From Jerusalem Post · (19h ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • An Israeli columnist, Haggai Segal, called American Jews "traitors" for not immigrating to Israel, a view shared by some on the religious-Zionist right.
  • The author argues this is a moral, psychological, and Zionist mistake, especially at a time when American Jews are showing increased interest in Israel following the October 7th events.
  • The piece emphasizes that Zionism is a call to belonging, not divorce, and highlights the courage of American Jewish students defending Israel on campuses.

The Jerusalem Post, a prominent voice in Israeli discourse, presents a critical commentary on a recent op-ed by Haggai Segal that labeled American Jews as "traitors." The author, Zvika Klein, strongly refutes Segal's assertion, framing it as a profound error in judgment that alienates a vital segment of global Jewry. Klein, who has a personal history with Segal, acknowledges his influence within the religious-Zionist community but firmly rejects his exclusionary rhetoric.

Calling roughly six million Jews “traitors” because they do not live in Israel is a moral mistake, a psychological mistake, and a Zionist mistake.

— Zvi KaThe author's direct refutation of Haggai Segal's controversial statement.

Klein's argument is multi-faceted, touching upon moral, psychological, and Zionist principles. He contends that judging individuals based on their aliyah status is morally flawed, as it dismisses the rich Jewish lives led outside of Israel. Psychologically, such branding is counterproductive, likely to cause disengagement rather than foster connection. From a Zionist perspective, Klein posits that Zionism should be an inclusive call to belonging, not a divisive tool that creates an 'us' and 'them.'

Zionism is a language of belonging, not a language of divorce.

— Zvi KaThe author's definition of Zionism in contrast to Segal's exclusionary views.

The timing of Segal's remarks is particularly criticized. Klein argues that in the aftermath of the October 7th massacre and the ensuing war, there is a heightened sense of connection and a greater willingness among American Jews to engage with Israel. To label them as traitors now, he asserts, is to shut a door that has only just begun to open. This perspective underscores the importance of maintaining bridges with Diaspora communities, especially during times of crisis, and highlights the potential damage of divisive rhetoric emanating from within Israel.

To tell them at this moment that they are traitors is to slam shut a door that has only just opened.

— Zvi KaThe author's criticism of Segal's timing, especially after the October 7th events.

Furthermore, the piece offers a poignant anecdote about a Jewish student at Columbia University facing anti-Israel sentiment. This story serves to illustrate the real challenges and courage demonstrated by Jewish individuals abroad who identify with Israel. Klein uses this example to underscore his point that these individuals are actively engaged in their Jewish identity and in defending Israel, even at personal cost. This local Israeli perspective values such solidarity and sees it as a crucial component of the broader Jewish narrative, a sentiment often missed or downplayed in Western media coverage that may focus more on internal Israeli political debates.

what she was going through as a Jewish student defending Israel and her right to remain a Jew is real journalistic training.

— Zvi KaThe author's observation about the courage and resilience of a Jewish student facing anti-Israel sentiment on a U.S. campus.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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