Commentary by Chippy Dee, Photos © by Bud Korotzer
On Saturday, November 21st, Alan Dershowitz was appearing at the 92nd Street Y in N.Y.C. to debate a person representing the new lobby, J Street, on the subject of what the future policies of Israel should be. Dershowitz supports Israel’s most aggressive policies. Aware of that, members of the N.Y. group, Jews Say No, gathered outside the Y with signs and leaflets that said “No, not in our name!” and indicated opposition to the ongoing siege of Gaza, the separation wall, the settlements, and the occupation. People carried placards that read:
Am I really a self hating Jew if I criticize the Israeli government’s unethical and inhumane policies?
Does Israel’s security really depend on illegal occupation and siege?
What Jewish law permits the killing of 1400 Gazan citizens?
Is Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people consistent with the long Jewish tradition of social justice?
Doesn’t the Holocaust teach us that it must never happen to anyone again?
They also handed out copies of Justice Gladstone’s letter to the U.S. Congress regarding his report about Israel’s war crimes.
When Dershowitz arrived he told those gathered that they should come inside and hear what he had to say. People said that they had already read and heard what he had to say, that’s why they were there.
When those attending the event arrived some read the signs with a look of astonishment, obviously not realizing that there was an alternate view within the Jewish community, and a few, very few, expressed agreement. Overwhelmingly, from where this reporter was standing, the response was hostile. A few used profanity but most made comments like, “Shame on you”, “Sure, you want them to kill 6 million more of us”, or simply, “Stupid.”
Several people passing by asked to meet with members of the group to discuss the issues and learn more about Jews Say No.
JSN will continue to gather in public areas with their signs and leaflets to express an ethical voice from within the Jewish community.
Desertpeace 
Buffy said,
November 23, 2009 at 18:39
What a brave and honourable group of human beings!! It takes chutzpah to go against the ‘grain’. More and more Jews are sick to death of what Israel has become, shamed to even be associated with her.
Kudos to all of them!
(Oh and isn’t it ‘self-loather’ now? I thought it was upgraded?? At least that’s how my sis and I refer to our own family!!! 😉 )
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November 23, 2009 at 18:58
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Yassir said,
November 23, 2009 at 21:02
On has to admire these Jews as they face ridicule from other Jews for their position.
EyesWideOpen said,
November 23, 2009 at 22:05
What is a self-hating Jew? If I am Catholic and criticize the Inquisition, am i a self-hating Catholic? If I am a German and criticize my governments past or present, am I a self-hating German? If humanity’s injustices and brutality make me cry out to God, Please! Stop them!!, am I a self hating human? Don’t let the real self-haters use your sense of ethnic solidarity to force you to agree with the unspeakable acts they are committing for their own selfish, grandiose, vicious reasons.
Cadavres said,
November 23, 2009 at 22:22
It is good to finally hear from true Jews, instead of the dominion heretic patsy government of Israel owned by the War Dope and Oil Exchange, that sellout Israel as a B-List loss leader, and fondly referred to as Zionists.
However, I need some real convincing to believe any of the real estate in the land of Canaan can be legally, humanly or ethically claimed by the Jewish parish.
It’s time we begin to consider a one state solution and a representative government that represents not just Zionist Jews, but also the Islamic and
Christian Palestinians as well as the Palestinian Jewish Diaspora that lost their homes when the UN created Israel.
The world has turned Israel. Accept it.
The Progressive Mind » NY JEWS SAY NO TO DERSHOWITZ…. NO TO OCCUPATION « Desertpeace said,
November 23, 2009 at 23:21
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Ferd said,
November 23, 2009 at 23:37
Actually these people are the ones who are really saving the rest of the jews from the wrath of the world. the world is not blind and can distinguish between a bad jew and a good one by their acts. if it weren’t for these heroic people, then the whole lot would be doomed when that fateful day comes when the world will finally say to the demonic state of israel “enough is enough!”
NY Jews Say No to Dershowitz… No to Occupation « Patrick J. Buchanan said,
November 24, 2009 at 03:00
[…] Read more at Desert Peace […]
jon reid said,
November 24, 2009 at 03:05
While that is all nice and considerate, how do we really stop the madness going on? In our government economically, with Israel, and these needless wars.
john mc gillion said,
November 24, 2009 at 03:24
it is totally wonderful to see jews going against israel. their placards were out of sight. god bless them and the world thanks them
NickFortune said,
December 2, 2009 at 01:30
Thank God for these people who have hearts and see others as human beings rather than as enemies. I look at the Palestinian children using slings against the Israeli tanks and I think who is David and who is Goliath? As a Christian I would be proud to stand with these Jews who have the courage to speak out for what is right. God bless you.