Tag: Star of David

I am again wearing the Star of David.

To be clear, I am not a fan of the Government of the State of Israel.
I do not support the theft with violence of land in the West Bank.
I do not support Israel’s never-ending invasion of Lebanon.
I do not support Israel’s treatment of its own Arab citizens.
Its love affair with the US military-industrial complex is obscene.

I do, however, support the existence of the State of Israel,
and I do understand that it fears for its existence.
Hamas is just one group who vows to destroy the State of Israel.
Jewish friends tell me that the nickname of those born in Israel is ‘sabra’  (צַבָּר) – prickly pears – and I understand their prickly anxiety: could Hamas or some other terrorists complete what Hitler started?

And nobody should ask whether I support the clear-felling of Gaza.
The actions of the politicians and the military in Gaza are a gruesome over-reaction to Hamas’s vile murder and kidnap of Israeli citizens.
The punitive destruction of Gaza is a crime against humanity.
The blood of your brothers, the Gazans, is crying to G-d from the ground (see Genesis 4:10).

But what I think of Israel is not important. My views have no weight in Tel Aviv.

I wear the Star of David in solidarity with Australian Jews.

I have listened with horror and sadness to the witnesses at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
I am appalled that Jews should be treated with such abuse.
I am shocked that Jewish schools need armed guards.

I am disgusted that synagogues are targets for arson and violence.

This is not Australia. Things should not be like this for Australian Jews.

I am grateful for Jewish colleagues and friends over the years.
They have shared with me the riches of Judaism.
They have shown me their synagogues and Torah scrolls.
They have taught me to read the beautiful language of their scriptures.
They have invited me to share Passover Seders and other feasts.

The Jews have taught Christians to worship one true Creator God.

And these are Australian Jews. No one in Australia should be abused, and repeatedly abused, for being Jewish.

I wear my magen David, my Star of David.
I am, with humility and pride, a Jew.