In many Jewish families, generational fractures over Israel and Gaza
PHILADELPHIA — The recent violence in Israel and Gaza has highlighted a growing generational rift within Jewish communities across the city and country. National polls have revealed that younger Americans, including young Jewish voters, are more skeptical of the Israeli government and the United States’ relationship with Israel compared to their older counterparts.
A Wall Street Journal/Ipsos poll found that only 40 percent of respondents under 30 believed that the U.S. has a responsibility to help Israel fight Hamas, whereas over 70 percent of people over 65 held that belief. This discrepancy in views has led to splintering conversations and discord among family members who cannot find common ground on the crisis.
Rabbi Lonnie Kleinman, 32, experienced this divide firsthand when she was arrested at the U.S. Capitol during a call for a cease-fire in Gaza. Her father, upon seeing her arrest on the news, texted her expressing deep disappointment. He believed that her actions would have devastated her grandparents, who were Holocaust survivors.
He is acting from a place of wanting to protect the Jewish people and honor his parents’ legacy. And so am I, said Kleinman. We’re just going about it in very different ways.
David Mandell, 55, a member of Rodeph Shalom synagogue and a critic of Israel’s current government, still found himself filled with fear and a sense of dread after the Hamas attacks on October 7. Mandell’s two daughters, both under 20, are less forgiving of Israeli transgressions, causing a strain within the family.
Thirty-year-old Elya Piazza, a rabbinical student and Ph.D. candidate in Jewish Studies, actively participated in cease-fire protests organized by Jewish Voice for Peace. After being arrested at the U.S. Capitol, Piazza messaged their family group chat, hoping for pride and support from their mother. However, their mother, Laurel Kallen, 70, responded with an article about progressive Jews feeling abandoned by the left. The mother and child are now barely speaking about the crisis.
Zach Malett, 27, sought to persuade his father, Danny Malett, 57, to call their representatives and advocate for a cease-fire. Danny finds himself caught between his parents’ belief that Israel is crucial for the survival of the Jewish people and his children’s perception of Israel as a regional power imposing military control. After difficult conversations, Zach provided his father with two books on the region’s history to promote an open dialogue.
This generational divide is not unique to the Philadelphia area, which has one of the largest Jewish populations in the country. Jewish communities across the United States are grappling with the differing perspectives on Israel and Gaza. The rise in Jewish-led demonstrations against Israel’s siege of Gaza further underscores the deep-rooted tensions within the community.
As the crisis continues, Jewish families and communities face the challenge of navigating these fractures and finding common ground. The conversation surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become increasingly complex, reflecting a wider debate occurring among the younger generation in America.
It is evident that the generational divide within Jewish families over Israel and Gaza is causing significant emotional turmoil and strained relationships. As these conversations continue, it remains to be seen whether bridges can be built to bridge the gaps and provide a path toward understanding and unity.
Target Audience: The article is intended for a global audience interested in understanding the generational fractures within Jewish families regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The content aims to provide insights into the differing viewpoints and challenges faced by Jewish individuals and their families, while promoting understanding and open dialogue.
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