Brit Tzedek v'Shalom

Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace

Wednesday, April 2, 2003 -- Local Jewish people seeking an avenue to support Israel even as they criticize its government's policies have organized a chapter of a new group, Brit Tzedek v'Shalom. The Northampton group, whose name translated from Hebrew means the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, formed last spring and has met monthly since the fall.

"We are hoping to bring together Jews on a local level who would like Israel to fulfill its promise of a democratic country," said Carolyn Toll Oppenheim, co-chairwoman of the chapter. "It is also a place for Jews who feel isolated and lonely around these issues."

Brit Tzedek v' Shalom held its first public event at the Smith College Field House on Sunday, drawing about 40 area people for a potluck dinner and discussion with local peace activist Merle Feld, the featured speaker.

"We are an organization made up of Jews who have a deep love of Israel and support Israel as a democratic state," said Judi Wisch, also chapter co-chairwoman. "At the same time, we strongly oppose the occupation of the territories that were captured in 1967."

Nationally, the organization hopes to encourage the U.S. to broker a peaceful settlement similar to that of the Oslo accord, allowing for two states in the region. They also call for incentives to bring Israelis out of the occupied territories and to resettle them within Israel.

For the local chapter, however, organizers said the emphasis is less on political action than on providing support and a place for discussion by like-minded people.

On Sunday, Feld, who lives in Northampton, spoke of her experiences during a yearlong sabbatical in Israel in 1990, amid a Palestinian uprising called the first Intifada.

Currently she is involved in Seeds of Peace, a group that brings young people from areas of conflict to a camp in Maine to engage in dialogue.

In Israel, Feld said she joined a group that brought together Israeli and Palestinian women for face-to-face dialogues. She said the mission of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom is similar to that project's goals.

"This organization is about the pain of telling horrible truths about the people you love," said Feld. "It is also about the immorality of knowing such truths and not speaking them."

Many at Feld's talk said they were seeking viewpoints on Israel that differ from those of more mainstream Jewish groups, which they say do not openly question Israel's policies.

"All Jews are supposed to have a certain attitude towards Israel," said Peggy Fiddler, a chapter member who is also a member of the local synagogue B'Nai Israel.

Fiddler said praying for Israel had made her uncomfortable, given the tensions. "I was feeling guilty about being a Jew and having mixed feelings about the settlements in the West Bank and what's been happening in Israel," she said.

Meanwhile, those taking part in protests against the current war in Iraq said all Middle East conflicts affect Israel.

"Unless you bring peace to that region, Israel will always be a target," said Ira Horowitz of Northampton, wearing a pin that said "No War in Iraq."

Stan Schapiro, also of Northampton, said he has attended several demonstrations against the war in Iraq, and he appreciates the support this group provided.

"It's important to be able to talk about this with people who have a shared cultural background," said Schapiro. "There's a unique perspective. There are times in the anti-war movement when that's not understood."

In fact, many people interviewed said they are uneasy with some leftist attitudes toward Israel, which they say often blame the nation for all Middle East problems, with little compassion for Israelis.

Oppenheim said some Jewish left-wing activists find it "just plain uncomfortable to swallow what they feel is a lot of anti-Semitism."

The national group, which has chapters in several U.S. cities, was started about a year ago. The Northampton chapter has built up a mailing list of 110 people, according to Bruce Hart, its media coordinator.

David Fradkin said he had been looking for a more concrete political analysis to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

"I was hoping it wouldn't be too one-sided," said Fradkin, a Northampton resident. He said Feld's talk was "objective," but added, "There's obviously atrocities on both sides. I certainly would like to see an end to the violence."