"Not in My Name" as an Expression of Caring: The Cry That World Jewry Must Sound

Tova Herzl, a retired Israeli ambassador, calls on Jewish organizations in the Diaspora to raise their voices against violence in Judea and Samaria, breaking the silence she says they have maintained since October 7. She recalls the 'Not in My Name' petition from South Africa in 2001 and argues that condemnation now would be an expression of concern for Israel's moral future, not distancing.

Tova Herzl, a retired Israeli ambassador, calls on major Jewish organizations in the Diaspora to speak out against violence in Judea and Samaria, contrary to the silence she says they have maintained since October 7. She recalls the 'Not in My Name' petition signed by liberal Jews in South Africa in 2001, led by Ronnie Kasrils, and explained that then the intention was to disavow Israel's actions. Now, she argues, a firm statement would actually prove genuine concern for Israel's moral future, especially after the elections in which the coalition lost its majority. The writer claims that most Israeli citizens oppose violence and need support, and that silence could be interpreted as consent.