Today, I want to talk about this young generation and the ways we're perceiving the current "peace process." I came across this blog post while searching for ideas for my job search. I was interested in this particular point - young American Jews cannot imagine a life without Israel. How does this view affect young generation's ability to admit that we need Israel and fight for its legitimacy? (Then again, I have been involved in academic discussions arguing that we "don't" need Israel...)
I admit that my views on the conflict are no different from my like-minded American Jewish peers, or the Israelis. We all stand for Israel and want to defend its borders and feel that the Jewish state is significant to us. Some recent poll said that most American Jews would view the loss of Israel as total "catastrophe." Tov, tov. But what is the demographic break down on on the 18-30 year olds who agree with this statement? I would like to bet a bit lower given the young generation's liberalism. Honestly, I am skeptical because if it is really true, then there wouldn't be a need for Birthright. Right? Birthright or any trip to Israel allows us to connect with the Land of Israel as a Jewish country (note that I am refraining from saying "homeland" here out of sensitivity to Jews who strongly believe that America is their home and Israel for for the rest of the Diaspora to flock to.)
The general media is screwing things up and making the problem of peace/border negotiations all the more complex than it needs to be and it doesn't do a good job of explaining why and connect that with personal identity and security (not nationalism). Negotiating land swaps among the elders who witnessed the 1948 and 1967 wars is so emotionally difficult. History shows that it can take several generations for the hardline mindset to soften, become disconnected with victory/catastrophe, and make cessions more easily. We've only gone through 2 generations since 1948 and we are now raising a third generation. The question is, among many both sides, how do we reach out to both Jews and Palestinians so that the possibility of peace can truly happen?
But it just cannot right now because Jews trying to "negotiate" with some party that wants to wipe Israel off the map. There will always be stories of "catastrophe" being passing down among Palestinians, just as we continue to tell about our own throughout centuries. They will never forget 1948 the way we don't about 72 A.D., 1492, 1943 and so on. How can one make peace with another who wants him dead anyway? It's a win-lose situation.
This young generation of Jews and Palestinians grew up hearing their own versions of the 1948 and 1967 wars, which doesn't help to "soften" the diplomatic tone. It is interesting to point out that the David Project and other pro "Jewish identity = Israel" organizations argue that young American Jews have grown up taking Israel for granted (as well as some young Israelis) that we just cannot imagine a world without Israel. The Palestinians grew up hearing of how their land had been seized by Zionists and how it was a catastrophic event. For my generation of Jews, Israel was always there. There's already security. For a generation of Palestinians, Israel was always there. But there's no security.
My thinking is, if young American Jews are registering Palestinians' arguments and historic views of the 1948 war as legitimate for a statehood, why can't they, themselves, imagine a world without Israel? Are they truly "disconnected" with Israel?
At least, I can imagine a world without Israel, personally. My fighting desire to protect Israel at all costs just comes from growing up without knowing about Israel. Maybe I did hear the name "Israel" but didn't connect it as a "country for Jews." Maybe I did hear of Israel as a country but just didn't connect it as a real Jewish state. In any case, I grew up without feeling that kind of security.
So I want to ask young Jews next time I hang out with them, what is security? Does Israel play a role in feeling secure with your Jewish identity? Can you imagine your life without Israel?
Hard questions, I know.
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