Sadly, when Israeli Orthodox leaders unite against violence aimed at Reform Jews it is news. That is both a pathetic commentary on our times and provides a ray of light as intra-communal strife continues to cast its chilling shadow over the Jewish people. That light must be allowed to shine brightly across both sides of the Orthodox, non-Orthodox divide that increasingly defines the Jewish people.

So I’m encouraged by last week’s release of a letter signed by 14 Orthodox rabbis and public figures from the Israeli city of Ra’anana (which happens to have a lot of South Africans and Americans, including some friends of mine – a.k.a. people who hopefully understand the importance of religious pluralism).

The letter condemned an attack on the city’s Reform synagogue—the third one in a year. Most importantly, Ra’anana Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Peretz—who is paid by his country’s chief rabbinate, which continues to veer right—added his name to the list. On April 14, according to the JTA Wire Service, six windows were smashed by large rocks and a black Star of David was spray-painted on the wall above the words “It has begun.” Whether it was done by rambunctious teens or worse, the education that makes such behavior possible was gained somewhere. Police had no suspects as of press time.

Sadly, there are ample opportunities for the non-Orthodox to stand against hatred as well. Legion are the biting, insulting sermons and public comments from non-Orthodox rabbis and Jews about Orthodox Jews’ behavior.

Ultimately, during this holiday season of Passover, we must remember that we left Egypt as individuals, family clans and a people in formation. There is much over which to unite while maintaining the differences that remain integral to how we see the world. 

Finally, one wonders why diverse American Jewish leaders from across the spectrum cannot unite in a blanket statement on such matters. It would make headlines of its own were this country’s Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox rabbis to stand against inter-communal violence and hatred in Israel and to call for respect for fellow Jews at home. This can be readily accomplished, if American Jewry’s titular leaders truly want it to be so.

Amen