OPINION: The three weeks should inspire us to talk to those with a different view of the conflict
As the mourning period in the Jewish calendar ends, Joanne Greenaway says she has been inspired by those who reach continue to build bridges against the odds
One of my most enduring memories after 7 October was the trip I made with a global group of educators to Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Our young female soldier guide, with pain and anger in her eyes, relayed how the people of Gaza living only one mile away flooded into the kibbutz in the ‘second wave’ after the massacre wrought by Hamas to loot and celebrate. Alongside the utter devastation in the kibbutz, I felt an intense sadness at the legacy of hatred between peoples that I assumed would take at least a generation to repair. I was devastated by the betrayal felt by those who had done so much to advance trusting relations between the neighbouring communities.
We are now coming to the end of the period known as ‘bein hametzarim,’ the ‘narrow straits,’ the 3 weeks leading up to ‘Tisha ba’Av,’ the Fast of Av. This time has historically been marked by ‘sinat chinam,’ baseless hatred, which, the Talmud (Yoma 9b) teaches, led to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Our rabbis have traditionally understood this hatred to focus on internal knee-jerk judgement and animosity and have taught us the need to promote unity and avoid ‘lashon hara’ (evil speech). We focus on remembering Jewish suffering in our ‘kinot’ prayers and the megillah of Eicha (Lamentations), both read on the fast day.
This year, we will focus on Jewish suffering of cataclysmic proportions and the ongoing fractures in the Jewish people, exacerbated by divisive and damaging political language and extremism. But I believe this year, after making the time for this process, we must also ensure that we then look beyond our own communities.
As Rabbi Sacks says (in Future Tense), “To be a Jew is to be an agent of hope in a world serially threatened by despair.” Mourning Jewish suffering must flow into ethical action grounded in empathy and universal concern. In fact, the ‘midrash’ commentary on the megillah (Eicha Rabbah 1:25) says, “There is no suffering in the world that is not somehow connected to the destruction of the Temple,” suggesting that this time is connected to a much wider concept of human concern.
In times of anguish, we tend to turn inward to defend ourselves. Our horizons narrow, and we revert to an ‘us’ and ‘them’ binary position. We seek the protection and the support of those who understand us. We take a position on social media, we stake a claim, and we do all we can to dispute unreliable statistics. We take criticism of Israel’s actions personally. We do what we can to defend our nation’s reputation in the eyes of the world, conscious of the real and constant threat of antisemitism. And all the while we are dealing with our own heartbreak, for the loss of our dreams for a peaceful future, for our friends and family on the front line, for those who are still dealing with regular ballistic missiles from the Houthis, for those we know who have paid the ultimate price, and for our precious hostages, taken at the outset of a war that we did not start.
However, to express our concern for the other does not detract from our position. It is not a zero-sum game. As an outcome of the three weeks, we must be sure to reach beyond ourselves to demonstrate compassion for those that have a different experience, a different education, and a different view of the conflict. We must also prioritise a focus on our shared humanity with our Palestinian neighbours, hundreds of thousands of whom are also victims of this tragic war.
I have been so inspired by those who, against all odds, have continued to strive for peace and build bridges over the last 21 months, including Sharon Rosen, peace activist and former Director of Search for Common Ground, a recent guest on my podcast, Women’s Gallery. We must use this ‘bein hametzarim’ to cry out for the pain of the other, to clearly express our concern for them, to support campaigns such as that of World Jewish Relief, raising money in a responsible way for the people of Gaza, and to recommit ourselves to interfaith work and the rebuilding of trusting relationships. Only then will we be able to move forward and rebuild our sanctuary when this war is finally over.
- Joanne Greenaway is the CEO of LSJS
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
