By Kenneth Bob, National President
I was disturbed and, frankly surprised, to read in the New York Jewish Week that an Israeli government representative walked out of the Jewish Labor Committee (JLC) dinner last week as a result of criticism of Israeli government policy voiced by one of the speakers. I believe it was damaging to do so in front of leading labor movement officials, including Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO.
The speaker in question, JLC president Stuart Applebaum, speaks regularly at community events regarding Israel. More importantly, he works tirelessly in support of Israel within the labor movement. For example, last year he hosted Israeli Histadrut union chief Ofer Eini during his visit to the United States, arranging events with local labor leaders.
Did he express harsh criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government? Yes, and you can read his complete remarks on the Ameinu website. However, Israel needs vocal support precisely from those on the left and in the labor movement whose backing for Israel includes pointed criticism of current government policies. These are the best messengers when attempting to blunt attacks on Israel from those same quarters. The Israeli representative at the JLC dinner did no one a favor by his actions, potentially alienating important allies and sending the wrong message to friends in the room.
Unfortunately this type of behavior is becoming all too commonplace as certain quarters endeavor to shrink the Jewish communal tent by stifling criticism of Israel and its current government.
B’vracha
Kenneth Bob
Ameinu, National President
