Israelis United by Shared Traditions, Not Ethnic Differences
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
The author argues that ethnic differences among Israelis are superficial, as they share core religious and national practices, contributing to a vibrant cultural mosaic. While acknowledging past discrimination, the article highlights that generations have passed, leading to integration through military service, education, and intermarriage. The piece criticizes the exploitation of ethnic divisions for political gain, comparing it to Nazi-era classifications, and calls for an end to labeling Jews by their ancestry in Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israelis share fundamental religious and national practices, making ethnic differences superficial.
- Generations have passed, leading to integration in military, education, and intermarriage.
- The 'ethnic demon' is exploited by politicians to foster division, especially before elections.
- The article draws a parallel between current ethnic labeling in Israel and Nazi Germany's classification of Jews.
- Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal explained Berlin's adherence to Halakha in determining Jewish status.
- The author calls the practice of labeling Israelis by ethnicity 'disgusting' and urges its end.
Despite perceived differences between various Jewish ethnic communities in Israel, the author argues that these distinctions are superficial, with all Israelis sharing fundamental religious practices and national commitments. These shared practices include observing fast days, eating matzah on Passover, praying three times daily, reciting 19 blessings in the Amidah prayer, celebrating weddings under a chuppah with a ketubah, lighting Hanukkah candles, reading the Megillah on Purim, and praying for the peace of the state and the IDF. The author contends that the differences lie in minor details, such as variations in prayer liturgies or customs like preparing tea on Shabbat. These variations, while important, contribute to a rich mosaic of Jewish life in Israel, with each element essential to the whole.
The article addresses historical discrimination and prejudice, acknowledging past instances of arrogance and deprivation based on ethnic origin. However, it emphasizes that three generations have passed, and the descendants of those who were once arrogant or deprived now serve together in the military, develop technology, study in the same institutions, and intermarry. The author warns that the "ethnic demon" is being exploited by political actors, particularly before elections, to foster division and maintain parties that exclude certain ethnic groups, drawing a parallel to Nazi Germany's classification of Jews based on their ancestry.
In a discussion about Jewish identity, Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, the Chief Rabbi of Berlin, explained how the German community handles the issue of who is Jewish according to Halakha, especially with the influx of immigrants from the former Soviet Union. He stated that the German government deferred the determination of Jewish status to the community, which adheres to Halakha. The author contrasts this with the current situation in Israel, where, 90 years after the Nazis classified Jews based on ancestry, some in the "Jewish state" are attempting to categorize Israelis by their ethnic background, such as Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Russian, Moroccan, French, or Yemeni. This practice is described as "disgusting" and something that must be abandoned.