United can win! Unity is not the Jewish secret weapon.
The raison d’être of the State of Israel is to protect and defend the Jewish people. When the enemy attacks, we realize we are all in the same boat.
In times of war, we realize that what divides us is nothing compared to what unites us.
Since the atrocities of October 7 and the continued anti-Semitic and anti-Israel attacks around the world, we have come together as Am Yisrael. We are all united in our desire for a single Jewish state and for the safety and security of Jews around the world. We are united in calling for a democratic government that respects the rights of all peace-loving citizens and residents.
That’s Pushat, the simple meaning, and everything else, as they say, is commentary. Still, the commentary is very important. Our tradition teaches us that we need to discuss and debate the plain meaning of our actions and laws.
Unity does not require unanimity. Fierce disagreements among the wise men are also recorded in scripture to teach us that disagreement is not forbidden. In fact, we are encouraged to listen to each other and express our opinions, provided we do so respectfully and without insults, violence, or coercion.
discussion not hatred
The essence of democracy that we value is freedom of debate and speech. It’s not hate speech. Incitement to violence is not protected as free speech.
But as a democratic nation, the united Israeli people must be able to freely debate and disagree on the many important decisions facing us. The hostages deal with humanitarian aid stolen by an implacable enemy, Hamas, and calls to return for resettlement in Gaza to prevent future atrocities like those of October 7th. There are passionate debates on both sides of each of these issues, and we must approach and debate them with love and respect.
It is never appropriate to degenerate into name-calling. It is never appropriate to threaten someone who disagrees with your opinion. It is never appropriate to force your views on others by holding them hostage in a car or public transport.
We all have a common Jewish heritage. Whether we are religious or not, there is a Jewish spark in our souls. Today, in these dark times, it is that spark that lights our path. Each of us has our own unique way of cultivating that brilliance.
Unity requires us to see the brilliance even between people with very different perspectives. Uniting requires discussing, debating, and reflecting. And ultimately, unity in a democracy requires acceptance of majority decisions.
The author is the William F. Aldinger Professor of Finance at Baruch College, City University of New York, and is a proud member of the Netzer Chazani community and a resident of Jerusalem.