This is part of Marc H. Ellis’s “Exile and the Prophetic” feature for Mondoweiss. To read the entire series visit the archive page.
Yom Kippur arrives once again and, for the most part, the synagogues are silent on the continuing and deepening oppression of the Palestinian people. As if the oppression isn’t happening. As if Jews are innocent in our empowerment.
Omitting the most obvious transgression. What a strange confession!
In Israel, the situation is more obvious. With Palestinians, already walled in, a holy day closure is invoked. Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza are sealed shut for Yom Kippur. The issue at hand? Not the oppression of Palestinians but the perils of fasting for Jews observing Yom Kippur.
Instead of the injustices committed, the Israeli authorities remind the public how many Jews are in need medical help during Yom Kippur. Keeping the roads open and clear for medical personnel is crucial. For the Palestinians in need during the Jewish holy day? On a case by case basis. To be decided by military officials on the scene.
What does it mean to fast, to ask God for forgiveness, when that very day symbolizes and concretely intensifies the suffering of those on the other side of Israeli power?
It’s a simple equation. When our repentance omits the very essence of our sin, why fast at all? Why not simply say aloud what we are doing and why? Why not dispense with the call to the confession that when made by Jews of Conscience is thought of as a betrayal?
Yom Kippur is the most hypocritical day of the Jewish calendar. Or is it Passover, where the liberation promised to us, is denied to Palestinians? No wonder why most Jews of Conscience avoid synagogues on Yom Kippur as if they carry the plague of idolatry.
Some years ago a Jewish theologian wrote about the Jewish return into history. His reference was the Holocaust and, because of the suffering in the Holocaust, the need for the Jewish state of Israel. He left out the cost of that “return.” To others, the Palestinians. And to Jews, who now observe Yom Kippur in a convoluted way.
Should Jews fast on Yom Kippur for the sins we are not confessing?
Instead, Jews should fast for Palestine. It’s the confession we need to make.
Good questions. Nobody I know is asking them. I may as well live on Mars.
If one day is holy, they all are or none are. If one people are chosen, they all are or none are.
marc ellis says….fast for palestine
would be a lot easier if the palestinians fasted too,imagine that yom kippur in israel and everyone fasts no matter the relegious beliefs…..all those sins listed that we recount are not exclusive to jews only but to all humanity
Thanks, Marc.
“Should Jews fast on Yom Kippur for the sins we are not confessing?”
No. It’s all for show.
“Video: Palestinian woman dies after being shot and left to bleed by Israeli soldiers
#Occupation
Hadil Hashlamoun, who was shot and left to bleed for at least 30 minutes before Israeli soldiers allowed medics to reach her, died of her wounds
A video published by Palmedia shows a young Palestinian woman lying on the ground bleeding in the old city of Hebron, after Israeli soldiers shot her on Tuesday morning.
18-year-old Hadil Hashlamoun, dressed from head to toe in black and carrying a large purse, was shot at least 10 times at a checkpoint near the entrance of Shuhada Street, which was once the main commercial artery of Hebron.
According to local Palestinian media, Israeli soldiers shot Hashlamoun after she refused to open her purse and lift her face veil, or niqab.
The first-year student was left to bleed on the ground for at least half an hour as the soldiers prevented any medical team, including the Red Crescent, from reaching her.
The Israeli army said that Hashlamoun attempted to stab a soldier using a knife before shooting her in the legs. However, photos released by the Youth Against Settlements group showed Hashlamoun as posing no threat to the soldiers.
Hashlamoun was taken to the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Jerusalem. Israeli medical sources later confirmed that Hashlamoun died of her injuries. …
… Salah Hashlamoun, Hadil’s father and a doctor, told local media that his daughter underwent multiple surgeries upon her arrival at the medical centre.
“Three operations were performed on my daughter,” Salah said, “and part of her intestines had to be removed. But the bullet in her chest was what killed her.”
– See more, including the video at: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/video-palestinian-woman-shot-israeli-soldiers-left-bleed-sidewalk-473970466#sthash.gVDPnrs4.5blTnYnr.dpuf
May those involved choke when they break their “fast”. They exhibit no repentence and will never ask for nor deserve forgiveness.
“Instead, Jews should fast for Palestine. It’s the confession we need to make.”
I wouldn’t hold my breath, Prof.
via Belal Dabour, MD~ pictures of the young woman before she was murdered:
https://twitter.com/hrebat/status/646320505931214848
In the photo, why are the items on the table pixelated?
IS IT SOMEHOW RELATED TO THIS: “Women noticeably absent from Jerusalem ads”, By Nir Hasson, Haaretz, 10/21/11
• Municipality officials deny change in policy, refer to several campaigns that featured images of women. Yet figures in city’s public relations industry say women have been entirely removed from public billboards and advertisements.
ENTIRE ARTICLE – http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/women-noticeably-absent-from-jerusalem-ads-1.391157