The Jewish community must open its eyes to the grotesque armored thing that is modern Israel, and denounce its actions if only in order to save ourselves. And yes it’s true: Palestinians who denounce Israel are pleasing their grandparents and parents; and we are not. But that’s a lame excuse for a thoughtful person in America.

Shaul Magid’s biography of Meir Kahane is timely because Kahane is an icon for the messianic Jewish leaders who are pushing the country further right. The book is Magid’s “attempt to understand his worldview.” But Kahane’s worldview is easy to understand: Jews must forever rule the Promised Land. And that extremist religious Zionism now sets the agenda for the country.

Israel lobbyist David Harris, who couldn’t explain why young Jews are turning against Israel, is finally leaving the American Jewish Committee. And Rabbi Michael Miller is leaving the JCRC because he knows he’s out of touch with the progressive movement in Jewish life.