Fault Lines: Exploring the complicated place of Progressive American Jewish Zionism

by Menachem Creditor, Leah Solomon, Zack Bodner

It can be very lonely to stand in the world as an advocate for multiple commitments many consider incompatible. One such hybrid stance is Progressive Zionism, deemed racist by many American Progressives and considered suspect (or naïve) by many American Zionists. Those zero-sum approaches of extremist politics and "cancel culture" make even less imaginable a better day for Israelis and Palestinians, for Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews, and for Jewish Republicans and Jewish Democrats. Zionism commits to Theodor Herzl's two-fold securing the right of the Jewish people to a state of our own AND building a national home worthy of Judaism's multi-millennia ethical legacy. The diverse voices collected in "Fault Lines" explore the unique and often-lonely experience of American Jews within all the worlds they consider home.

Genres: Jewish

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2021

Reviews

[Larkin Tackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays by Progress America Jewish Zionists after the 2021 Gaza War include some important perspectives about this world view that challenge the "false dichotomy between Progressive politics and Zionism." Now in the wake of the October 7 attack and subsequent Israel-Hamas War, the voices are even more important. Because this is such a challenging time for the Middle East, for Israelis, Jews, Zionists, Palestinians, and Palestinian supporters, I appreciated much of the essays included in this collection.

At the time, Progressive Jewish Zionists needed to hear more progressive Jewish voices to contrast other progressives on growing antisemitism and what feels like the singling out of (in many cases appropriate criticism by progressives) of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians and of Zionism amidst the range of global conflicts, and overly-simplistic placing of Israel within the Black-White racial relations frame. My favorite parts of this collection do that diplomatically, while also presenting a case that honors Zionism, acknowledges appropriate criticism of Israel's policy towards the Palestinians, and and moves us (Jews, Israelis, Palestinians, and the global community) forward.

For example, Yossi Klein Halevi writes, "To be perceived as morally credible in our battle against Hamas, we need to prove ourselves committed to a fair resolution of the Palestinian tragedy." Rabbi Denise Eger, the wife of my rabbi, writes, "The only path forward to peace is to create the conditions of peace and co-existence." And from Einat Wilf who writes, "Zionism is about rejecting a destiny of victimhood."

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My essay, "A World Full of Enemies," was published here! Very grateful to be included amongst a variety of contributors, including clergy, scholars and politicians, all making space for progressive Zionism.

[Erika Dreifus]

I'd encountered a number of the essays reprinted here when they first appeared. It was heartening to see them again, and together in this volume.