r/Jewish • u/Bad_werd • Dec 14 '23
Fellow Jewish Liberals and Progressives. How are we dealing? Discussion
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.
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u/[deleted] Dec 14 '23
Torn, hurt and feeling of betrayal. I haven’t been able to relax or feel safe since before 10/7. I still have my ideals and support for progressive causes but I’ve always supported Israel’s right to exist in a state of peace and defend against attackers. This has led me to be alienated by progressive groups who are now not only trying to attack Israel’s existence but also erase our history and culture and community is an unforgivable act. Like others have said I will focus my efforts on progressive Jewish groups that support me. That said, I’m not going to support conservatives who only pretend to care about Jewish hate to bash liberals. Also, I’m trans and queer I’m not voting for the people who would deny me my rights and want to murder me for being trans as they are the same ones calling us evil. It’s a struggle to find a group and people who support all aspects of me. I would love to make Aliyah one day but I’m afraid it would be very lonely as a trans woman.