OPINION: The Israel trip that challenged, changed and revitalised my Zionism
By Joshua Holt, Nottingham Student
When I left for Israel on the UJS Manhigut trip, I had no idea what to expect. I have always had a huge interest in the conflict and wider region, however I was nervous at what would come of me challenging my views, which I had formed comfortably in my Jewish school and apolitical university campus.
The first full day of the trip eased me into the confusion that was about to follow. My experience on the Temple Mount shocked me greatly, as our tour was interrupted by the virulent harassment of a Chareidi couple, who were followed around by veiled women shouting “Allah-hu Akbar” for the full half an hour they were on the site. What shocked me even more was the graffiti I saw on the side of the Dome of the Rock, and the youths who were playing football on the plaza outside the al-Aqsa Mosque.
I found the lack of respect given to Islam’s third holiest site particularly odd, as it made me wonder how we can ever respect each other if we cannot even respect ourselves.
When visiting the West Bank, we heard from the managing director of the Portland Trust in Ramallah, Kamel Husseini. The Portland Trust’s focus on economic improvement as a path towards peace and Husseini’s refreshing approach towards positive engagement with Israel seemed like a stride in the right direction. However, my optimism was short lived as immediately after meeting with the Portland Trust we heard from the Commissioner of International Relations of Fateh and former Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr. Nabeel Shaath. Dr. Shaath’s narrative was diametrically opposed to everything I believed in and had ever read or learnt about the peace processes, however it was a rare insight into the mind-set of the PA, and as such was enormously valuable. His refusal to accept even a shred of Palestinian responsibility for the failure of a two-state solution was deeply frustrating, whilst his focus on Palestinian victimhood starkly contrasted the proactive approach taken by the Portland Trust.
For me, one of the most telling experiences of the trip was on the Golan Heights, whereby I saw UN observer forces on the Israeli side of the border with (what is left of) Syria, as they were too fearful to be stationed in Syria itself.
The fact that Israel is expected to entrust the UN with critical elements of its security as part of any peace settlement, yet this same UN cannot even fulfil simple observation duties, seemed completely ludicrous.
The various analysts throughout the trip had all given different reasons to explain Israel’s political stagnation, however after seeing the UN in the Golan I finally felt as if I understood the reason behind this status quo, which until this point I had viewed as an outsider with frustration.
At this point in the trip the ‘Netanyahu Mantra’ of fear and distrust seemed, much to my irritation, to be speaking to me. The UN cannot be trusted to enforce armistice agreements, Iran cannot be trusted with nuclear capabilities, the Palestinians cannot be trusted with a state, and the international community cannot be trusted to care about Israel’s security.
However after hearing from former Yesh Atid MK, Rabbi Dr. Dov Lipmanand other representatives, I was able to see this very basic understanding of the region for what it is: an excuse for the prolonging of the status quo.
Israel’s concerns are legitimate, however these speakers demonstrated the necessity of finding a balance that will allow progress to be made and security to be retained.
Manhigut has allowed me to change the way I view Israel completely, and despite all the problems I witnessed, has revitalised my Zionism into something new and much more progressive.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
