Over 350 rabbis and other Jewish creatives and activists have united to condemn former President Donald Trump's controversial proposal regarding the Palestinians in Gaza. This coalition, including prominent figures such as Sharon Brous, Roly Matalon, and Alissa Wise, signed an advertisement published in the New York Times. The ad denounces Trump's plan as an attempt at ethnic cleansing, sparking widespread criticism and concern across various communities.
Trump's proposal suggests a radical approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He proposed to "take over Gaza," claiming ownership of the region and describing it as a "real estate development for the future." This approach has drawn ire for its perceived insensitivity and lack of regard for Palestinian rights. Trump has further called on Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations to accept Palestinians displaced by his plan, a suggestion met with resistance from these countries and international allies.
The timing of the advertisement coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, a period marked by the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in 1948. The ad was organized by the In Our Name Campaign and reflects a deep-seated concern over the historical echoes of displacement and dispossession. Jewish leaders have voiced their moral objection to Trump's proposal, emphasizing that it contravenes core Jewish teachings.
"Trump has called for the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza. Jewish people say no to ethnic cleansing!" – Sharon Brous, Roly Matalon, and Alissa Wise
Rabbi Yosef Berman of the New Synagogue Project in Washington DC expressed strong disapproval of Trump's actions. He likened Trump's perceived authority to that of a deity, criticizing his ambition to dominate and own lands without ethical considerations. Berman highlighted that Jewish teachings uphold the dignity and rights of all people, including Palestinians.
"Jewish teaching is clear: Trump is not God and cannot take away Palestinians’ inherent dignity or steal their land for a real estate deal. Trump’s desire to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza is morally abhorrent. Jewish leaders reject Trump’s attempts to wring profit from displacement and suffering and must act to stop this heinous crime," – Rabbi Yosef Berman
Since the beginning of October 2023, tensions have escalated following a deadly assault by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a severe military campaign on Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Over the past 16 months, Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 48,200 Palestinians and displaced 2 million survivors within Gaza amidst critical shortages of essential supplies.
Trump's declaration that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to their homes has been met with outrage. Critics have drawn parallels between Trump's proposal and historical atrocities, like Hitler's vision of a "Judenrein" Germany. Rabbi Toba Spitzer emphasized the importance of vocal opposition within the American Jewish community against what she described as an "insidious plan."
"It is vitally important that we in the American Jewish community add our voices to all those refusing to entertain this insidious plan." – Rabbi Toba Spitzer
Peter Beinart, editor-at-large of Jewish Currents, also condemned Trump's proposal as morally repugnant. This opposition underscores a broader consensus against policies perceived as exploitative and dehumanizing.