Opinion: Jews must be heard in the court of public opinion

by Bruce Ticker

In so many words, Israel was given the exceptional opportunity of telling the world that Jews are generally good people who strive to do the right thing.

This is true. It is intrinsic of our religious teachings, and Jews who are not consistently observant are still guided by basic Jewish values. We have much reason to be proud of our accomplishments, and Israel’s initiative in Haiti coincides with Israel’s public relations campaign to promote its many cultural and economic achievements.

Is it necessary to trumpet our most positive traits?

Yes, actually, especially on a historic scale and within the context of controversies stemming from the Israeli/Arab conflict. Throughout history, the beliefs and actions of Jews have been questioned and challenged. We have been accused of killing Christ, controlling the world, amassing wealth and privilege and, more recently, ousting from their homes an oppressed people who would never hurt a hair on anyone’s head.

Haiti is the latest in the long list of countries to benefit from Israeli physicians, nurses and paramedics during a crisis, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Alan Schneider, director of the B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem, rattled off the names of beneficiaries that include Chad, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Kenya and Georgia.

“The Israeli field hospital is phenomenal,” said Dr. Richard Besser on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “They were up and running on Saturday morning, way ahead of the United States hospital.”

Two Jewish agencies received donations of nearly $4 million, JTA reported in another account.

“I am sure it is good for the Israeli image, but we’re not doing it only because of this,” Israeli diplomat Danny Biran told JTA. “We are doing it because we believe in what we are doing.” Biran is ambassador of logistical and administrative affairs for Israel’s mission to the United Nations and the Americas.

In this instance, there is no need to question Israel’s or the Jewish people’s motives, but why should we pronounce our willingness to do this from the bottom of our hearts? We have nothing to apologize for and such efforts should be seen as something that is expected of us. Besides, Jews are just pulling the same weight as most other people.

Also true, but historically the Jewish people were not viewed as just other people. If we do something nice, we must have an agenda. Jews cannot be trusted for doing good just for the sake of doing good.

This attitude has often come with a high cost for Jews. Anti-Semitism cannot be ignored. This is not name-calling at recess but accusation of serious crimes. Or, a trial in the court of public opinion. The ultimate penalty could be the equivalent of a long prison term or the death penalty.

The level of anti-Semitism in the United States and elsewhere has receded, but that is in large part due to

Jewish efforts to counteract it. Jewish advocacy groups such as the Anti-Defamation League have worked wonders in reducing anti-Semitic activity.

Popular culture has softened our attitudes toward various minority groups. Johnny Carson, for example, spent 30 years on his late-night television show presenting entertainers of all races, religions and creeds, helping American viewers to become more comfortable with minority groups once maligned by their parents and grandparents.

Unfortunately, anti-Semitism persists, and the Jewish people are still a mystery to some, especially as often-confusing news emanates from Israel. People must wonder: What kind of people are these Jews?

Haitians are learning quickly of the good that Israelis can do. A Haitian woman named her child “Israel” after an Israeli doctor delivered her baby. She knew only that these people helped her in a fundamental way. Despite their horrific travails, many Haitians no doubt recognize that Jews and other outsiders are genuinely trying to help them with direct aid or donations.

While we should all try to help for humane reasons alone, Israel and the Jewish people must present evidence of their humanity in the court of public opinion. The trial is far from over.

We need to present this evidence in a dignified, factual manner. I have been uncomfortable with Israel’s promotional campaign of its attributes not because it is untrue but its timing. First, Israel should have been making its accomplishments better known as a matter of course long ago.

The current promotion leaves the impression that Israel is trying to divert attention from disparagement of its military actions and diplomatic policies. Also, Israel and some of its more zealous advocates tend to be heavy handed at times in their style of defending Israeli activities. Nonetheless, we must stand up for ourselves as a people. Some people still actually believe we are not human beings but demons. It is our obligation to one another not to let these slanders pass unanswered.

Bruce S. Ticker is a freelance journalist in Philadelphia. He can be reached at Bticker@comcast.net.