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Posted/updated: June 03, 2010
Dear Congregants,
Many of you have read with concern the coverage of Israel’s encounter with the Turkish ship, the Mavi Marmara.
We mourn the loss of civilian life in this tragic incident as well as the serious injuries to Israeli soldiers. We also regret that this event has become another touchstone in the ongoing battle of perception about Israel.
It can be difficult to sift through the many media images, videos and opinion pieces swirling around this incident to understand exactly what happened. There is a rush to judgment and a desire to understand who is to blame. We urge you to stay informed about what is happening in Israel and to push leaders both here and in Israel to work toward peace in Gaza and in the wider region.
We at Central Synagogue affirm Israel’s right to exist and to defend herself. We do not all agree with all the actions of the government of the State of Israel, but we commit ourselves to continue to engage with and support Israel in these challenging times. We must educate ourselves, speak up, and sometimes cry out.
In this spirit, I am including links to a few articles on the recent Flotilla incident.
Michael Oren in The New York Times
Daniel Gordis in The New York Times
Response from Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA)
I hope, also, that you will read the following sermons recently delivered on this topic at our Shabbat services:
May these recent events spur us to learn, to engage and to act on Israel’s behalf.
We pray for the State of Israel and all her people:
Oseh Shalom Bimromav, hu ya’aseh Shalom Aleinu v’al Kol Yisrael.
May the One who makes peace in the heavens, bring peace to us, to Israel, and to all the world.
B’shalom,
Cantor Angela Buchdahl
