Why Israel cannot be secure or democratic without justice for all - opinion

Gershon Baskin opens by extending "Blessed Eid al-Adha" greetings to his Muslim readers, setting a tone of interfaith acknowledgment before delving into personal reflections.

He shares memories of his youth, particularly his involvement in the Zionist youth movement Young Judaea during the 1970s. Baskin describes how his family's move to a predominantly non-Jewish neighborhood spurred his engagement with the movement, which he found intellectually stimulating and a valuable space for connecting with his Jewish identity. His rapid rise within the organization, culminating in his presidency of the Long Island region, highlights his early leadership potential.

Baskin then traces the shaping of his political consciousness to the late 1960s, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval in the United States. He participated in marches against the Vietnam War and for civil rights, and had the opportunity to meet prominent figures like Congressman Allard Lowenstein, a key organizer of the American liberal Left, and Senator Eugene McCarthy, known for his anti-war stance. These experiences, he suggests, laid the groundwork for his later engagement with Israeli politics.

Recalling a role-playing exercise from a 1972 leadership program, where he was assigned the role of "The New Left" in Israeli politics, Baskin connects his American activism to his understanding of Israeli political discourse. This group, he notes, challenged the Israeli establishment and the older socialist Left, particularly after the 1967 war, advocating for positions such as opposition to the occupation. Baskin's narrative weaves together his personal journey with broader political and social movements, underscoring his long-standing commitment to justice and peace.

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Blessed Eid al-Adha. May God return it to you and your family with goodness, health, and peace.