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Criticism cannot become erasure: A letter to Mamdani on his condemnation of Netanyahu - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • An American Jew writes a letter to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, expressing hurt over his condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • The author criticizes Mamdani's characterization of Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and "architect of genocide" without acknowledging the context of Hamas attacks or Israeli suffering.
  • The letter emphasizes the deep historical and religious connection of Jewish people to Israel, arguing that criticism of a prime minister does not sever this bond.

Dov Bleich, an American Jew, has penned an open letter to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, addressing Mamdani's recent public condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bleich states that while he previously defended Mamdani against accusations of antisemitism, he was deeply hurt by the mayor's recent video calling Netanyahu a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people."

Your video about Benjamin Netanyahu hurt me deeply.

— Dov BleichExpressing his personal reaction to Mayor Mamdani's statements.

Bleich asserts that honest dialogue should not require silence when something causes pain. He acknowledges having serious concerns about Netanyahu's leadership and aspects of Israel's conduct in Gaza, recognizing the reality of Palestinian suffering. However, he argues that Mamdani's condemnation lacked crucial context, omitting any mention of the October 7 Hamas attacks, the hostages, or the fear and displacement experienced by Israelis.

You called him a “war criminal” and “the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.”

— Dov BleichQuoting Mayor Mamdani's characterization of Netanyahu.

The letter highlights the profound and ancient connection between the Jewish people and Israel, predating Netanyahu and the state's founding. Bleich explains that for two thousand years, Jews have prayed toward Jerusalem, and Israel is woven into their faith, memory, and identity. He stresses that a prime minister's actions or policies, even if morally failing, do not sever this fundamental bond.

What hurt me was not that you criticized Netanyahu. I have serious concerns about his leadership, his government, and aspects of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Palestinian suffering is real, and no moral person should look away.

— Dov BleichClarifying that the criticism of Netanyahu itself was not the issue, but the framing and lack of context.

Bleich concludes by emphasizing that Netanyahu is not synonymous with Israel, nor is any single prime minister. He argues that millions of Israelis, including those who oppose Netanyahu, still love their country and that their criticism does not negate their belonging. The letter, written on the eve of Tisha B'Av, a Jewish day of mourning, aims to convey that criticism should not lead to the erasure of Israeli humanity or Jewish pain.

For two thousand years, Jews prayed toward Jerusalem and refused to forget it. Israel is woven into our faith, memory, and identity.

— Dov BleichExplaining the deep historical and religious significance of Israel to Jewish identity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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