T’ruah condemns Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to cancel a planned meeting with the German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel as retaliation for his meeting with B’tselem and Breaking the Silence, two human rights organizations working for the betterment of their society.
Human rights organizations are fundamental to the functioning of democracy. Their work keeps governments accountable to their own stated values, and builds stronger and more just societies.
T’ruah is proud to partner with Breaking the Silence and B’Tselem, and believe their work is essential to preserving and strengthening Israeli democracy. Prime Minister Netanyahu should celebrate their commitment to Israel, rather than advocating a boycott of segments of Israeli society—the very tactic he opposes.
Human rights are also fundamental to Judaism and the Jewish people. The Torah insists that all human beings are created in the image of God, entitled to dignity and equal rights. In response to the atrocities of the Holocaust, the international community adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to define the value and freedoms of every person. That transformational document doesn’t only refer to past victims of human rights abuses, but also to every individual whose human rights are violated today—including both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Jewish community has always valued disagreement and dissent. Indeed, the pages of the Talmud are filled with arguments among ancient sages. In one famous Talmud passage, Rabban Gamliel establishes strict standards for entry to the Beit Midrash (study hall). Once he is deposed, the new leader of the Beit Midrash flings the doors open. On that day, the Talmud tells us, 400 or 700 benches were added to accommodate the new students and some of the most perplexing problems were solved. Dissent only sharpens our understanding and strengthens our community. The response to views with which one disagrees must be thoughtful and respectful argument, not silencing.
As we have seen time and again, delegitimizing human rights groups often constitutes a sign of a broader attack on democratic structures. This trend, both in Israel and the United States, threatens the very foundations and morality of our societies.