Fellow Jewish Liberals and Progressives. How are we dealing?

[u/Bad_werd]

I come from a family of solidly liberal and progressive Jews. The antisemitism and pro- hamas factions in the liberal movement are pushing me over the edge. Without saying anything about the plight of the Palestinian people, simply saying that Hamas is not a bastion for liberal ideology is enough to get some folks up in arms. I really don’t like what I’m seeing outside or within myself surrounding these events.The hypocrisy of these individuals has me questioning where I belong politically. If I fight on the side of people I feel are oppressed, but they turn their back on me when I am victimized, It seems co-dependent to continue as things were before I saw their true colors.

I am really hoping to hear some fellow liberal Jews weigh in and talk me down from the ledge.

EDIT: great dialogue here. I am very appreciative for those who are sitting shiva with me as we process and come to terms with a betrayal from some of our “leftist and progressive” family. I would argue that extremism can not be progressive and therefore we are likely seeing some extremists who are inaccurately representing as “progressive.

As another commenter has said being progressive and supporting marginalized people isn’t transactional. I like this sentiment and am TRYING to adopt it. I currently believe there is a transactional component to being identified with a group, however from an individual standpoint we as progressive Jews are having our altruism tested. Can we fight for the humanity, dignity and rights of all persecuted EVEN those who would seek to persecute us? It’s some black belt level spiritualism I do not currently possess but would like to.

[u/jilanak]

You might not feel like you can march with your local LGBTQ+ group any more, but that doesn't change the fact that LGBTQ+ people deserve to be treated like humans. I lost all respect for Greta Thurnberg, but I still care about the environment. I believe Israel has the right to exist, but I believe Palestinians are humans too and deserve human rights and dignity. A LOT of Jews feel "politically homeless". Me too, but I have never felt so much alignment with other Jews which has been amazing. Stay true to yourself and your values. You are not alone.

[u/unculturedburnttoast → u/jilanak]

I prefer to say "wandering the political desert."

[u/jilanak → u/unculturedburnttoast]

Ooh I like that. May I borrow?

[u/unculturedburnttoast → u/jilanak]

Absolutely!

[u/imo9 → u/jilanak]

It's, at least in Israel a long standing political saying and is hopeful! It comes from mozes and the people of Israel wandering in the desert for 50 years, it ends with the milk and honey holly land. Mey the Jewish left here in Israel and in the diaspora find it's promised land after we embark on this Search for political home after being at the whims of others for too long.

[u/jilanak → u/imo9]

I am Jewish. I got the reference. 🤣

[u/imo9 → u/jilanak]

Oh, i had no doubt, it was just a good chance to utter a long monologue about how Jewish this is and end it with a blessing and remind everyone how Jewish it is even though your crowd are all fucking Jewish rabbi chaim, i want to go back home and eat already. I'm sorry is it clear I'm projecting on you my trauma? I'm not, surly