Come together
The title of Rabbi Daniel Cohen’s May 8 essay asked, “Have we Zionists forgotten how to listen?”
I would add we have also not allowed opposing opinions to be expressed. On a national level, universities which should be bastions for the free exchange of ideas have allowed extremists to silence notables such as Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Ray Kelly, Condoleezza Rice, and others from speaking.
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations voted not to admit J Street without indicating why and what needed to be changed in order to
gain acceptance.
On the local level, one synagogue recently hosted an event by J Street. But that same synagogue would not agree to promote an event at the Central JCC in Scotch Plains that is to include a screening of a movie critical of J Street.
We have learned the Jewish people are most vulnerable when divided. We must be ready to listen to opposing views and allow expression of points of disagreement. How else can we move from disagreement to understanding to compromise and to an eventual coming together for common goals?
Conrad Nadell
chair
Israel Support Committee
of Central NJ representing
Congregation Anshe Chesed
Congregation Beth Israel
Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael
Temple Beth El Mekor Chayim
Temple Beth O’r Beth Torah
Temple Emanu-El
Temple Sholom
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