Erev Chol Hamoed Sukkot 5769 Rabbi Aaron Goldstein 17 October 2008

Whilst the words of Al Chet were on the lips of Jewish worshippers, some Israeli Jews in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Akko, responded to Tawfik Jamal, a young Arab man driving through a predominately Jewish neighbourhood with his stereo on, windows open and smoking, by attacking his car – and if he had not escaped, probably him. On the West Bank, three young Arab men have been killed this week by Israeli Defence Forces and continuing unrest amongst settlers leaves any talk of a lasting peace accord a dream for 5769 at least.

Ironically, the issue is not Hamas, of whom it is being reported that they will most probably sign an extension to the current truce with Israel over Gaza for another six months. The relative quiet there has highlighted the fragility of Israeli society with neighbours -those on the left felt we could deal with - and the Israeli Arab population that in Akko makes up over a quarter of the population, showing that their patience is waning. Let us not focus on the problems of the Israeli Arab and Palestinian populations, who, over recent months and following the rioting that ensued in Akko, have on the whole sought reconciliation and what most of us would call just treatment. We have little say over their actions.

Rather, let us be concerned about our brothers and sisters of the Israeli Jewish population. Admitting the sins of b’imutz ha’lev – hardening our hearts – b’latzon – showing contempt – b’aynayim ramot – being arrogant – bifrikat ol - defying the moral law – b’sin-at chinam – groundless hatred, seems to hold little significance.

Whilst Tawfik Jamal and local Arab leaders have apologised and sought reconciliation, the local Chief Rabbi and Jewish leaders have refused. The people involved may have been from deprived, blue-collar areas and may have been amongst the zealots, but they are at the peak of what is a deep-seated problem amongst Israeli society. It may not be perpetuated by the bourgeois of Tel Aviv and Ranana whom we most relate to, but it is only too visible in the disgraceful inequality of resource distribution between Israeli Jewish and Israeli Arab neighbourhoods. Whilst Shimon Peres may be able to quell tensions in the short-term, Israeli society would do well to use Al Chet as a basis for serious discussion for their future. It may have been a source of amusement in the past to talk about Israeli arrogance in the form of the absence of bus queues; but I am finding it difficult to laugh and excuse when there is little sign of teshuvah as it seems too few can say ‘sorry’ and to recognise when one has done wrong. I sincerely hope that this incident which has remained relatively minor in that no one’s life has been lost, does make people think.

But I am not doing well in this sermon at fulfilling the mitzvah of rejoicing during the festival of Sukkot. So to change tack, it fills be with pride that in our own Community, we have members who bring great nachas to us, some by small actions, others with larger and longer-term actions.

On Friday 16th May this year, Fahili, from the Akko Jewish Arab Community Centre addressed this congregation together with Carol Brauner. This has led to our congregation donating £100 towards the Women’s Project that Fahili specifically identified as being of major importance to the future of coexistence in Akko. Following the events in Akko, Jack Lynes, a key member of our Israel Committed Group wrote to Fahili to express his and our sadness, and the sincere wish that, whilst undoubtedly set-back, his projects, his people, his community of Arabs and Jews would be able to work through their problems. A small action, similar to many of the actions that we can choose to be involved with on our Mitzvah Day, that made me happy to be on such an Israel Committed Group. I am sure you join me in thanking Jack for his letter.

It was typically great humility, that Ruth Weyl this week let me know of her recent honour: being presented the German Order of Merit by the Federal German President at his official residence Schloss Bellevue Berlin. To mark Ruth’s tireless efforts over many decades and especially being amongst those who initiated the move of the ICCJ head office from London to Germany, to the former home of Martin Buber in Heppenheim. This move was significant in recognising the growing confidence in German-Jewish relations.

Ruth was in good company as Mrs Knobloch, the head of the German Jewish Community was amongst others honoured. Ruth is too humble in her analysis of her contribution. I am sure my father would be the first to recognise that, were it not for Ruth, he and our Congregation would not have received the opportunities and merits that resulted from his involvement in the ICCJ. Ruth has and continues to be a champion of interfaith relationships and I am so proud for her and of her. Ruth, thank you for being our Ruth.

As we make Kiddush in the Sukkah tonight, let us look up and see symbolised in the fruits and vegetables, the positive labours of the past year. Let us also look beyond to see the stars and hope and pray that they will symbolise a year blessed by God in which the seeds we sow have lasting value, for this year and into the future.

Amen.
For a personal view from Akko by our member Jack Lynes click here
And from Carol Brauner click here
Carol Brauner is the director of international development at the Leo Baeck Education Center. Before this she worked as the director of development at the Sir Charles Clore Jewish - Arab Community Center in Acre.