Women who libel Israel
 | By Jonathan Hoffman
October 27, 2012 | Share |
http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/women-who-libel-israel.premium-1.472031
By David Landau
Every time Anat Hoffman performs her stunts at the Western Wall, well-meaning liberals like Bradley Burston fall for it.
As a liberal myself (I hope), and as a longtime admirer of Bradley (and in many ways of Anat), I always ask myself, Why? Why participate in a cynical charade designed to portray Israel as a benighted and misogynous backwater?
"Try to imagine this," Bradley begins in his latest fulmination in the wake of Anat's latest provocation. "Try to imagine this in an account of a foreign regime: A Jewish person wearing a prayer shawl is heard publicly chanting the Sh'ma, the core statement of Judaism. The regime's state-funded clerics and its judiciary have ruled that such worship "hurts the feelings" of other people in the area, thus constituting a disturbance of the peace. Police arrest and manhandle the worshipper…"
Well, try to imagine this, Bradley. Try to imagine a Protestant Christian cleric, wearing robes that define his denomination, standing in St Peter's Square, Rome, and leading a group of Protestant Christian coreligionists in a brief prayer service.
It would be brief, because they'd all be carted off by the Swiss Guard quickly enough, for "disturbing the peace".
Now – closer to home for the Hadassah women whose attention Anat was trying to catch – imagine our Protestant doing the same in the forecourt of St Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.
Or, even closer, imagine the Satmar Rebbe and a group of his followers marching into New York's Temple Emanu-El and conducting their prayers there. What would your vaunted American Jewish pluralism make of that?
AHA! I hear you say. But this is the WALL we're talking about, the site holy to ALL Jews. Not some single-denominational place of worship. Anat Hoffman and her Women of the Wall want equal, respectful treatment at the Wall.
"It happened at the holiest site of all of Judaism," Bradley explains. "The Kotel, the Western Wall, the last remnant of the ancient Temple, which the Talmud teaches was destroyed by sinat hinam, the baseless hatred of Jews for other Jews."
Fair enough, let's shift the analogy to the site holiest on earth to ALL Christians, the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Now, try to imagine this, Bradley. Imagine a few Copts straying across one flagstone demarcated in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the praying territory of the Ethiopians. Imagine a few Armenians encroaching onto one minute of the prayer-time demarcated by ancient accords for the Greek Orthodox. Wars were launched for less.
As for Protestants (the bulk of U.S. Christians), they have no locus standi (in the most literal sense) at all in the ancient Church. They venerate the Garden Tomb, elsewhere in the city. Imagine, Bradley, an American Protestant cleric or layman insisting on conducting a public prayer service (as distinct from private, silent prayer) in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The police would have to intervene fast to rescue him or her from the "disturbance of the peace" that would most inexorably ensue.
Where would your sympathies be, by the way, Bradley? Or yours, Anat?
By the same token – and this is really another rhetorical question – where are your sympathies in the matter of Jews, in tallitot like Anat, insisting on declaiming their Sh'ma Yisrael on the Temple Mount, which after all is even holier to Jews than the Western Wall Plaza below?
I know where they are; they're with mine. All three of us liberals see that behavior as wantonly provocative, almost calculated to incite a "disturbance of the peace" in the most literal sense of that phrase, a disturbance that could set the whole Middle East ablaze.
Perhaps the best analogy to the Wall is London’s Westminster Abbey, the foremost national shrine that is also the foremost place of worship of a state that has a state-religion, Church of England Protestantism.
The Catholics, long persecuted in the past, have their own Westminster Cathedral nearby. The Jews, long discriminated against, too, have their synagogues. The Muslims their mosques, and so on.
There is pluralism and freedom of religion in Britain. Everyone can visit every house of worship, respectfully. But they cannot – even if they are devout and pious Christians – conduct any Christian divine service in Westminster Abbey other than the service of the state-religion: Church of England. To do so would entail being arrested and manhandled, as Anat was and hoped and intended to be, when she conducted an act of Jewish worship at the Western Wall that diverged from the rite of the state-religion of Israel: Orthodox Judaism.
Non-Orthodox Jews in the U.S. and elsewhere may understandably balk and bridle at the assertion that Orthodox Judaism is Israel’s state-religion. But it is plain silly for Bradley Burston to deny what is a manifest truth, and to moan and mourn at the blithe indifference of the Israeli press and public to Anat Hoffman's antics.
The State of Israel, a product of European political culture, has a state-religion. American Jews – and Israelis playing to their gallery like Anat – need to understand and accept that, just as Europeans – and Israelis – understand that their constitutional conventions are deeply different from America’s political culture. Just as the Women of the Wall would accept and respect the rules in Westminster Abbey, and surely not sympathize with Methodists or Mormons trying to muscle in and hold a service there.
Israel's formative political culture is not necessarily immutable. As Golda Meir, that American-educated yet benighted and misogynous Israeli head of government (America has yet to elect one), never tired of explaining and repeating: If non-Orthodox American Jews want to influence the issue of synagogue-and-state in Israel, they need to live here in sizable numbers and vote here.
Decades later, that remains demographic, democratic, common-sense.
COMMENTS
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 10:42 Rate this: 1 point |
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Mon, 10/29/2012 - 11:30 Rate this: 0 points | Eric Yoffie - absurd misinformed and certainly no "Rabbi". |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 11:39 Rate this: 0 points | "The Kotel, the Western Wall, the last remnant of the ancient Temple, which the Talmud teaches was destroyed by sinat hinam, the baseless hatred of Jews for other Jews" a good lesson for Mr Yoffie to heed. I would submit that Anat Hoffman is the one displaying baseless hatred for her fellow Jews. What she practices is not Judaism because authentic Judaism prescribes the separation of the sexes. The Holy Temple had a a section called "Ezrat Nashim"The women's courtyard. If the good Mr Yoffie was informed he would know that originally, the women assembled in the courtyard and the men danced and sang outside, beyond the Cheil. This was to enable the women to view the Simchat Bet Hasho'eva (Rejoicing of the Water Drawing Ceremony) which was held in this courtyard during the festival of Succot Since the women were unable to have a good view from inside the Women's Courtyard, they would pass beyond the doors into the area. The mingling of men and women during a sacred celebration is not permitted. To remedy the situation, balconies were erected to provide a viewing area for the women. Ms Anat Hoffman however obviously hates religious Jews that is why she provokes hatred by doing what she knows is not permitted. She will not succeed. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 11:44 Rate this: 0 points | I am shocked and appalled that the former co-vice-chair of the Zionist Federation should cite David Landau, a misogynist who called for Israel to be raped. Maybe that's why he is "former". |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 12:39 Rate this: 0 points | Hate to be nit picky because these observations are not really relevant to the issue which is medieval attitudes to women but...... a) Orthodox Judaism is NOT the state religion of Israel, nor in fact is Judaism. b) the western wall is not in Israel. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 12:51 Rate this: 0 points | How strange that Jonathan thinks that women praying is a libel on Israel. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 14:27 Rate this: 1 point | Millis |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 14:43 Rate this: 1 point | Mary As the article points out , it is no different from staging a Catholic Mass at Westminster Abbey and vice versa . It's just not Kosher . |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 14:47 Rate this: 0 points | The fact that he no longer blogs on tax payers' - your taxes and mine - time is a victory. That is all was ever needed, as his bosses know. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 14:59 Rate this: 1 point | RRZ East Jerusalem including the Jewish Quarter was recaptured during the 67 6 Day War with full protected access for all religions and denominations . |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 15:40 Rate this: 0 points | As you can see from his postings, Mr Hoffman is an ill-mannered, angry man, who does the reputation of the Greater London Authority no service at all. I would like to know how you intend to discipline Mr Hoffman to prevent him continuing his spiteful and vicious campaign against innocent people. “ Millis The above is an extract from your letter which Jonathan has kindly allowed me to be privy to following resolution of your complaint Note :Your letter does not restrict itself to concerns over JH s personal use of IT facilities during office hours . Indeed you would have had no idea what usage would have been acceptable to his employers . Instead your letter calls for a blanket disciplinary measure by JH s employers with all that entails . In truth you had no interest in tax payer accountability . You saw this as an opportunity to make problems at work for JH even to the point of getting him dismissed with no thought regarding the impact on his life and family . Not even the BDS campaigners thought that one up . How despicable, to spread sinat chinam to an employer of an israel advocate with whom you disagree. You should swallow your pride ,acknowledge your mistake and make a full and frank public apology . It would be the right thing to do |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 15:42 Rate this: 0 points | Did someone say segregation? And
There used also to be a Muslim cemetery in Malcha. Its tombstones are now part of the mall there. And there was also a Muslim one in Mamilla. Its stones are part of the foundation of the rich peoples' summer houses there. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:15 Rate this: 1 point | You are being economical with the truth Joe . As you well know , the Courts have acted on an Injunction and its all on hold . As it happens , part of the cemetery you refer to was turned into a car park by the Muslim authority . Anyway see below . 'The protest has left the construction indefinitely stalled, which may be of benefit to historically minded Jerusalemites; while the Museum of Tolerance languishes, visitors can still wander among the mausoleums and headstones of the Mamilla cemetery for a closeup look of a bygone era in Jerusalem.' |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:20 Rate this: 1 point |
Read again. I am not talking about the Museum of "Tolerance". I know it's in the court's hands; that's why I didn't mention it. I was referring to Malcha (Manchat) and Mamilla. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:23 Rate this: 0 points | Harvey Reading comprehension, please.
Any call here for his removal? No. Just for him to be disciplined (and not a blanket one) which apparently he has - and he hasn't even got the gumption )or permission) to post this himself, preferring instead to send a crony to post on his behalf during office hours. In other words, he's had his work time blogging rights removed.
As evidenced by his lack of posting during office hours blogging on company time and therefore on the tax payer's shilling - was not part of his T&Cs.
After the hate filled splenetics and infighting he's created and spread over the years - including being cited as a hero in a vile hate letter to your's truly (in the Met's hands with good news) it's the very least I could do. Glad to have been of service. If anyone should apologise for sinaat chinam, it's him. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:36 Rate this: 0 points | Millis |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:39 Rate this: 0 points | You do seem to be a bit of a glove puppet Harvey. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 16:41 Rate this: 0 points | Not a butterball's chance in hell will I apologise to someone who spread so much hatred and did so much damage to Israel's cause. What goes around comes around - look what happened at the ZF yesterday. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:07 Rate this: 0 points | That's a shame . It takes a big person to acknowledge the error of his ways . Mary |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:13 Rate this: 0 points | Anyway Joe ,Jonathan was easily elected to his preferred BOD division. You failed completely to be elected to yours. I rest my case . |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:20 Rate this: 0 points | He's been a BoD member for yonks (too long perhaps). No wonder he was elected (and he had to shift divisions to do that. He would not have got onto the International division). I'm in my first term as a rep. I never expected to be elected. And to what, precisely, have you been elected, Harvs? |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:20 Rate this: 0 points |
If my ways were erroneous, I would. But they aren't, so I shan't (it's called rhyming). So where's Hoffman's acknowledgement that he spread hatred, infighting and division? Can you get him to let you post that? |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:22 Rate this: 0 points | If my ways were erroneous, I would. But they aren't, so I shan't. So where's Hoffman's acknowledgement that he spread hatred, infighting and division? Can you get him to let you post that? I would if he did but he didn't so I won't . |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:26 Rate this: 0 points | Lol Harvey I don't do hectic What did happen at the ZF yesterday ? |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:29 Rate this: -1 points | And to what, precisely, have you been elected, Harvs? The three Musketeers . I play Porthos . |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:30 Rate this: 0 points | Oh, but he did. And often. So please get the organ grinder to post you his apology. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:36 Rate this: 0 points | Joe |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:41 Rate this: 0 points | Still Am. Time to poison minds again, Harvs. Toodle pip. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 17:55 Rate this: 0 points | Even wrong on the Richelieu reference The novel, depicts Richelieu as a power-hungry, unscrupulous, and avaricious minister. Sounds about right . |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 18:15 Rate this: 0 points | Novel? As in fiction? Jeez. You are relying on Dumas as a source? According to the leading expert on the subject, James Collins, in The State in Early Modern France (Cambridge University Press), Richelieu's tenure was, in summary, a critical reforming era in France. He was largely responsible for centalising the former Feudal political structure where powerful nobles enacted a wide variety of laws in different regions.. Under him, and despite him being a cardinal, even religious interests were subordinated to those of the "state". He helped restrain Habsburg influence in Europe and led to the decline of the Holy Roman Empire (which wasn't holy, Roman or an empire as such). |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 18:22 Rate this: 0 points | ok well lets all lighten up here. We have a pot kettle scenario of gigantuan proortions. Harv were you not heavily involved in the futile attempt to get Joe Millis dumped from his job ? Were you not supportive of Hoff's endless vendettas against members of the community that dissented from your political position ? People that were solution oriented rather than wholly obsessed with self promotion ? So the ZF has elected for, if not respectability, at least for something resembling sanity. Harv you talk of mending fences.I am going to assume you are sincere ( I know,I know I am too good for this world ). So no more vendettas against solution orientated members of the community ? No more of this ? Is this over ? Confer with your lunatic fringe masters. You know where to contact me. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 18:55 Rate this: 0 points | Totally subjective Millis and open to interpretation . |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 19:22 Rate this: 0 points | Anyway, back to the main point. Jonathan Hoffman is citing - actually cutting and pasting - a column by David Landau who urged the US to rape Israel in order to get it to sign a peace deal. I cannot think of anything more depraved than urging a rape. And no, Harvey, it's a novel, a work of fiction. You'll be telling me next that Henry V actually did give the St Crispin's Day Speech à la Shakespeare.
Holding your manhood cheap, Harvey? Or perhaps he really did give this bravura peroration at Harfleur.
And Orwell's 1984 is an accurate depiction of what happened in 1984. |
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 19:39 Rate this: 1 point |
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Mon, 10/29/2012 - 19:45 Rate this: 0 points | I'm just saying that both sides' hands are not clean when it comes to Jerusalem. And to destroy a cemetery is on a par with destroying synagogues. Unless, of course, you take a somewhat racist view, which I suspect you don't. Israel also imposes closures on Temple Mount when it wants, thus restricting access to a holy site. |
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 10:05 Rate this: 1 point | The words 'despicable' and 'contemptible' are wholly inadequate to describe someone who attempts (unsuccessfully btw) to censor an Israel Advocate by depriving him of his livelihood. |
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 10:21 Rate this: 1 point | The words 'despicable' and 'contemptible' are wholly inadequate to describe someone who attempts (unsuccessfully btw) to censor an Israel Advocate by depriving him of his livelihood. |
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 10:44 Rate this: 1 point |
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Tue, 10/30/2012 - 10:53 Rate this: 0 points | There is evidence, just go to Jerusalem to the malcha area and mamilla and check. |
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 10:54 Rate this: 0 points | "The words 'despicable' and 'contemptible' are wholly inadequate to describe someone who attempts (unsuccessfully btw) to censor an Israel Advocate by depriving him of his livelihood." Stealing time or money from the taxpayer is despicable and contemptible, not the reporting of it. You seem to have your values twisted around. They think that(your)way in prison, btw. It's always the whistle blower's fault for blowing the whistle, not the criminal's for doing the crime. You're not entitled to waste the taxpayer's shilling while pursuing your own interests. Where you got the idea you were, is beyond me. At least that damn election is over. |
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 11:01 Rate this: 0 points | Harvey, if Isi Liebler is your source, there's a bridge in Arizona you might want to buy. |
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 12:21 Rate this: 0 points | The organ grinder's organ grinder speaks. No one tried to censor you so don't play the martyr or the victim. That's what the other lot do. You aren't blogging on the tax payer's shilling anymore, and for that we London tax payers can only give thanks. That's all that was necessary despite pathetic attempts by your cronies to say otherwise. |
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 12:23 Rate this: 0 points | Actually, Jonathan, I've gone from complete contempt for you and your ways, which are linked on so many levels, to feeling somewhat sympathetic - if not empathetic. |
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 12:23 Rate this: 2 points |
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Tue, 10/30/2012 - 12:32 Rate this: 0 points | No, silly, seen evidence of them at Malcha. Know that when they built the rich persons' sumer homes in Mamila, they used the rubble of the old houses and other facilities in the area for foundations. |
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Real Real Zionist
Mon, 10/29/2012 - 10:07
Rate this:
What unmitigated tosh. A stream of ludicrous false analogies.
" I am grateful to David Landau. His attack on Women of the Wall was so outrageous, so absurd and misinformed that it can only increase support for the values and the causes that these women advocate. Landau,a smart and usually careful journalist, got just about everything wrong."
Rabbi Eric Yoffie.