Letter | No, young Jews like me won’t abandon Israel after annexation

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – JUNE 23: Israelis hold signs and the Israeli flag as they protest against Israel goverment’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank on June 23, 2020 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who formed a coalition government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to break an electoral stalemate, has signaled he will not oppose the prime minister’s unilateral move. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images) Image by Getty Images

By Jack Elbaum June 24, 2020

In the lead up to Israel’s possible annexation of territory in the West Bank, there’s been a rash of hand-wringing and articles warning that American Jews will abandon Israel.

This is not so. The truth is that one does not need to be in favor of annexation (I surely am not) to continue to stand with Israel. We can stand up for what is right, stand up for basic human rights of Palestinians, and still understand the great necessity for the Jewish state.

The days of wishing for the genocide of Jews are not over, as much as anti-Israel American Jews may want to push that narrative. Hamas’ charter, as of today, still calls for the murder of the Jews in Israel and around the world. And, in May, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, called for a “final solution” in order to “free Palestine.”

The history of the Jewish people has been long, tragic and, yet, triumphant. To turn our back on Israel would be a grave mistake, especially when political pressure to do so is at its most fervent point.

Advocating against annexation is vital for the human rights of the Palestinian people. At the same time, advocating for the continuing existence and thriving of a Jewish state in the Middle East is vital for the human rights of the Jewish people.

Young Jews like myself should stand against annexation. But, we must keep in mind, that we should not forget history in the process.

Jack Elbaum will be attending George Washington University in the fall. His writing has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Examiner and Daily Wire. you can contact him at jackelbaum16@gmail.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forward. Discover more perspectives in Opinion. To contact Opinion authors, email opinion@forward.com.

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