About Jewishness

Letter from Levi Felix to his mother, February 25, 2010

Dear Mom,
I still love Jerusalem. I still have a strong connection to the land and feel even more connected to the people living within and around it's many internal borders. I still deeply respect and honor our deep heritage and history. And of course, I am still incredibly proud to answer, when questioned, "Yes. I'm Jewish!" However, I am not so proud of a country that calls itself a democracy when it truly does not believe in freedom of speech or equality. To peacefully protest is a right of any citizen and to organize in their community inherent...race, religion or ideology aside.
Of course I don't disagree with you on that fact that a country has the right to defend itself. But defending oneself does not mean exploiting others or ruling unruly. I back the people of Israel strongly and the issues that Caroline Glick discusses are serious, though she distorts them too as is the tendency on all sides. Iran, Syria and the surrounding non-democratic Arab countries are a definite threat to Israel and it's people, their terrorism and violent resistant measures unacceptable, though this does not justify silencing it's own citizens and disallowing their freedom of speech.
You've taught me well; how to think critically and stand up for my beliefs, even if it is different than of those around me. It is my duty as a Jewish American to not blindly support the Israeli government, but think of how it can be better and fight for the development of a place we both love. If anyone is to be skeptical and to challenge it's system, it is me.
If Israel respected refugee laws, ended random acts of administrative detention, provided equal rights and resources to all it's inhabitants, ended settlements and stopped supporting their illegal developments, and allowed people to speak their mind, organize peacefully and develop as free people - than I would probably dig deeper and find more to work on. So this is what i am fighting for, a place to actually call home, for myself and all those wishing to live there in peace. It's hard, but I am a bigger critic of all things i love.
Regardless, the fear that exists on all sides is incredible and modern Zionism has taken on a new level of nationalism and action that I don't agree with. In the end, Israel is a land of all people and we can't forget that not too long ago we were exiled by the holy man himself. Now having a state and a home, regardless of politics or beliefs, we should treat the stranger in our land with more respect then we do of other Jews; it's actually a commandment.
Thank you for bringing the family to Israel this winter break. It's shattered my reality to now make it stronger. I have had tea with families I would never have met before, I've gained perspectives of those most people will never even allow themselves to meet, and I've created special bonds with a few individuals that will last forever. When things change (as they always do) and true peace nears...I will have unbreakable friendships that provide deep understanding, so together we can work to create a better tomorrow.
I'm excited to grow and learn with you on this mental and spiritual journey. I love you mom. Let's continue to challenge each other and increase our understanding of the world we live in.

Peace and love, Levi