12/21/2023 05:00:18 PM
In one of the most dramatic moments in the Torah, Joseph can no longer contain himself and hide his identity from his brothers. Joseph has been the viceroy of Egypt for some time, and his brother came to Egypt looking for food during the famine. They don’t recognize Joseph, though Joseph does recognize them. Eventually, Joseph reveals himself and says in Genesis 45:6-7, “It is now two years that there has been famine in the land, and there are still five years to come in which there shall be no yield from tilling. God has sent me ahead of you to ensure your survival and save your lives in an extraordinary deliverance.” These verses are similar to a famous line from the Scroll of Esther when Mordechai implores Esther to help save her community and says, “And who knows, perhaps you have attained a royal position for just such a crisis.” Joseph and Esther use their power, their station in life, to help save their people and ensure their safety.
We live in a moment when using our power is also vital for our future. Now is not the time to hold out tongues about the antisemitism that is on display in various venues, both nationally and locally. As I’ve said before, there is nothing wrong with advocating for the welfare of Palestinians. It is important work. However, when critique of Israel spills over into antisemitism, as it has on the Ypsilanti City Council and in public comment at the Ann Arbor City Council, we must raise our voices. So too, when resolutions are brought forth at the Ann Arbor School Board that pay lip service to antisemitism while simultaneously creating an unfriendly environment for our kids in the school, we all have a responsibility to raise our voices.
We may not be Joseph or Esther, but the Jewish community is an essential voice in this community. Who knows, maybe we have attained this collective position for just such a crisis.
Consider reaching out to School Board members and say to them:
a. In order for Jewish and Israeli families to feel their interests are seen/heard, any resolution must include:
i. Acknowledgement that the “ongoing conflict in Gaza” was precipitated by a terror attack by Hamas which broke a previous cease fire already in place – acknowledge the loss of life and suffering of those victims.
ii. Release of all hostages held in Gaza.
iii. Dismantling of Hamas who has expressed its intention to continue attacks like that of October 7.
iv. Statements addressing hate speech, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and speech against Arab Americans and Palestinians should include speech against Israeli students as well.
