The Red Herring at the Gaza Fence

The following is an op-ed that I wrote, which appears in the June 6, 2018 edition of the Jewish Exponent, in which I examine the recent protests at the Gaza fence:

The Red Herring at the Gaza Fence

June 6, 2018

By N. Aaron Troodler

Peaceful protests have historically been catalysts for effectuating change.

Whether it be in the areas of social justice, racial equality or so many other critical issues, the act of the masses collectively raising their voices and making themselves heard in a non-violent fashion has helped bring about extraordinary and revolutionary adjustments to what had been the status quo. When used properly, peaceful protests have the power to shape history.

When Rosa Parks courageously refused to relinquish her seat on a Montgomery, Ala., bus to a white passenger in December 1955, it triggered a wave of civil disobedience and peaceful protests against segregation that led to the integration of the city’s bus system.

It was the precursor to a nationwide movement for civil rights in the United States that reached a crescendo when on Aug. 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. told a crowd of a quarter of a million people near the Lincoln Memorial that he had a grand dream.

In March 1913, more than 5,000 intrepid women proudly marched in Washington, D.C., in an effort to achieve gender parity in political participation. Seven years later, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was born and women were granted the right to vote.

In response to the British mandate that Indians were prohibited from collecting or selling salt, Mahatma Gandhi famously led a peaceful march over 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to collect salt from the water. Seventeen years after Gandhi’s peaceful protest, India succeeded in gaining independence from Britain.

More than 100,000 Estonians came together in 1988 to protest the Soviet Union’s rule by playing music and singing for five nights in a show of solidarity. Three years later, Estonia regained its independence.

I recall attending peaceful marches in New York City on behalf of Soviet Jewry in response to the persecution of Jews in the Soviet Union, whereby their ability to practice their Judaism was impaired and imperiled. In December 1987, approximately 250,000 individuals marched on Washington, D.C., in solidarity with Soviet Jewry just prior to a meeting between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. Shortly thereafter, Soviet Jews began receiving permission to immigrate to Israel.

We can recognize civil disobedience and non-violent protests, as we have seen them used effectively on numerous occasions. Conversely, we know when something is not a peaceful demonstration, as our world has certainly seen its share of violent protests.

The recent weekly protests by Palestinians at the fence separating Gaza from Israel cannot be categorized as “peaceful,” despite repeated attempts by Hamas to characterize them as such.

The very essence of the Hamas protests is contradictory. While the Palestinians claimed to be protesting the ongoing hardships of Gazan residents, they directed their ire at Israel, rather than Hamas, which is primarily responsible for their suffering.

Hamas uses its power to strengthen itself, not the people of Gaza. It repeatedly diverts financial resources to enhance its military operations aimed at Israel, rather than improving the Gazan infrastructure and addressing the people’s daily lives and basic needs.

The protesters impugn Israel, but it is Hamas’ enduring efforts to destroy the Jewish state through rocket attacks, terror tunnels and terrorism that led to Israel’s need to institute security measures to safeguard its citizenry.

It was farcical when Ismail Haniya, Hamas’ political leader, stood in front of a large banner displaying photos of King, Nelson Mandela and Gandhi and proceeded to deem the Gazan protests “peaceful” and equate their demonstrations with the peaceful efforts of the individuals depicted on the poster behind him.

The image of Haniya in front of photos of these champions of peace was repugnant.

Hamas’ attempt to suggest some parallel between these pursuers of social justice and Hamas, a terrorist organization whose core mission is killing Jews, is disingenuous and distasteful.

Hamas may claim its protests were non-violent, but the fact is that Israeli soldiers were contending with kites from Gaza laden with explosives, protesters hurling firebombs and rocks, and demonstrators who stationed incendiary devices alongside the Gaza fence. We saw Hamas leaders use inflammatory rhetoric to provoke the crowd, which led to them storming the fence in an attempt to breach it and infiltrate Israel.

Those types of actions are more akin to incitement and a declaration of war than to a peaceful protest.

In an emotional address to the U.N. Security Council, Ambassador Nikki Haley unmistakably declared that Hamas bore the blame for the Palestinian deaths and cited examples of the terrorist group’s incitement relative to the protests.

Salah Al-Bardawil, a senior Hamas official, asserted that 50 of the Palestinians who lost their lives were actually members of Hamas. In light of the overwhelming evidence, it would be negligent to maintain that the casualties were innocent noncombatants. That is what Hamas wants the world to believe, but the facts belie that postulation.

While the world focuses its attention on Israel’s response to the demonstrations and debates the actions of the Israeli soldiers guarding the fence, it regrettably overlooks the fact that the protests were intrinsically violent in nature, despite assertions by Hamas to the contrary. Through its repeated vows to annihilate Israel, Hamas has made it abundantly clear that it is not interested in peace. The notion, therefore, that these were “peaceful” protests is preposterous.

Civil disobedience inherently carries with it a degree of civility. Sadly, the Gaza protests were completely devoid of civility and bereft of any semblance of peacefulness. They were merely a smoke screen by Hamas intended to fool the world into thinking that it suddenly eschewed its terrorist ways and violent tendencies.

Let’s hope the world is not duped by this shameless public relations ploy by a terrorist organization whose primary objective is Israel’s destruction.

Aaron Troodler is the principal of Red Apple Strategies, LLC, a public relations and strategic communications firm.

My letter in The New York Times about German students visiting Nazi camps

The following is a letter to the editor that I wrote about German students taking tours of Nazi concentration camps, which appeared in The New York Times:

Tours of Nazi Camps

March 22, 2018

To the Editor:

Re “Tours of Nazi Camps to Curb Creeping Hate” (news article, March 12):

Facilitating trips to Nazi concentration camps for German students is unquestionably a powerful educational tool that can greatly deepen their comprehension of one of the most tragic chapters in their country’s history.

And there is hope that the anti-Semitism and neo-Nazism festering in Europe today can be combated by enlightening young Germans about what happened just over 70 years ago.

By empowering them to get a firsthand look at the eternal memorials to the millions who perished, we are opening their eyes to the devastation and destruction that unadulterated bigotry and religious intolerance leave in their wake.

Not only would it be social malpractice if German lawmakers fail to collectively support these educational outings, but it would also be an abdication of their responsibility to the German leaders of tomorrow, their children.

N. AARON TROODLER

BALA CYNWYD, PA.

No Free Pass For Anti-Semitism

The following is an op-ed that I wrote, which appears in the current edition of The Jewish Press (1/19/18). Entitled “No Free Pass For Anti-Semitism,” it discusses Israel’s latest efforts to combat the BDS movement.

NO FREE PASS FOR ANTI-SEMITISM

By: N. Aaron Troodler

The news that Israel is taking proactive steps to prevent entry by individuals associated with groups that actively advocate for a boycott against the country is not as shocking as the named groups make it out to be.

The boycott championed by BDS activists has significant economic and cultural implications for Israel. It is barefaced anti-Semitism, and therefore warrants a strong and substantial response.

The twenty organizations singled out have only themselves to blame. Their actions fueled this decision by the Israeli government. For any of them to feign surprise and outrage is absurd.

The organizations deliberately turn a blind eye to the fact that it is the Palestinians themselves – not the Israeli government – who have the ability to extricate themselves from the current situation, which their leaders and some compatriots created.

Painting Israel as the aggressor is incongruous with reality, and implying that Israel wantonly subjugates another ethnic group and stifles human rights is farcical. Israel’s actions to safeguard its citizens are necessary responses to overt threats of violence, heinous acts of terror, indiscriminate rocket attacks, and blatant incitement. Contrary to the misguided assertions of the BDS activists, self-defense cannot and should not be categorized as some sort of oppression.

The list of organizations affected by the travel ban includes six American-based groups; namely, American Friends Service Committee, American Muslims for Palestine, Code Pink, Jewish Voice for Peace, National Students for Justice in Palestine, and US Campaign for Palestinian Rights.

What’s particularly striking is that American Friends Services Committee (AFSC), a century-old Quaker organization that purports to “promote lasting peace with justice,” was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 for its efforts to assist Jews who were persecuted by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

In his presentation speech on December 10, 1947 at the University of Oslo, Nobel Committee Chairman Gunner Jahn noted that although World War II did not strike the Quakers personally, they undertook relief work and aided the refugees, despite the fact that countries occupied by the Nazis were closed to the Quakers.

In a statement issued by AFSC in response to its inclusion on Israel’s list, Joyce Ajlouny, the group’s general secretary, invoked its Nobel Prize win, noted that her group has “stood with communities facing oppression and violence around the world,” and then proceeded to make a series of troubling remarks.

“All people, including Palestinians, have a right to live in safety and peace and have their human rights respected,” she said. “For 51 years, Israel has denied Palestinians in the occupied territories their fundamental human rights, in defiance of international law…. The ban on entry to Israel for activists who support the Palestinian-led BDS movement is part of a larger effort by the Israeli government to silence and constrain human rights and anti-occupation activists…. Therefore, as long as these and other human rights violations persist, we will continue to support Palestinian-led boycott, divestment, and sanctions efforts as effective nonviolent tools for realizing political and social change.”

Clearly, AFSC’s efforts relative to the Jews during World War II are notable and laudable. At a time when most of the world turned its back on the Jews in their time of need, this organization did not.

That being said, its magnanimous actions during the Holocaust do not entitle AFSC to a free pass for its current anti-Israel activities. Its efforts more than seventy years ago are certainly admirable but it in no way provide license to boycott Israel today.

AFSC’s actions and those of the other BDS activists are unequivocally anti-Semitic, and for them to not understand that speaks volumes about their true intentions regarding Israel.

Have they ever contemplated why Israel was forced to impose certain security-related measures that impact the Palestinians? Have they ever considered that if the Palestinians took the very basic steps of acknowledging Israel’s right to exist and condemning terrorism, the situation would be vastly different? Have they ever pondered the fact that Israelis also “have a right to live in safety and peace”?

When Israel takes measures to combat BDS, it is not repressing people’s rights, as BDS proponents allege. It is simply taking the necessary and appropriate steps to protect itself against an anti-Semitic and anti-Israel effort of epic proportions.

When he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of AFSC in December 1947, Professor Henry J. Cadbury declared that “the common people of all nations want peace.”

Unfortunately, that statement is not entirely accurate in today’s world. Israelis definitely want peace and long for a time when they can live their lives without having to look over their shoulder to see if a terrorist with a knife or a martyr with a bomb strapped to his chest is lurking in the shadows.

The question the people at the American Friends Services Committee and other BDS activists should be asking themselves is, do the Palestinians genuinely want peace? Until the Palestinians prove otherwise, it appears the answer is “no.”

N. Aaron Troodler is a communications professional with experience in government, politics, issue advocacy, and the Jewish non-profit world. Follow him on Twitter: @troodler

My 9 letters in The New York Times

Here are my nine letters to the editor that have been printed in The New York Times over the years:

Letter #1:

Teaneck's True Beauty

Published: February 25, 2007

To the Editor:

''Proudly Diverse Teaneck Is Forced to Re-examine Its Assumptions,'' by Peter Applebome (Our Towns column, Feb. 18), insinuates that there are ethnic tensions percolating beneath the surface in Teaneck, N.J.

Highlighting the township's recent local election and implying that one particular group is attempting to become a dominant political force is a dangerously divisive approach. The hallmark of democracy is the freedom to choose. Every person has the ability to cast his vote for the candidate of his choice.

I, for one, chose to vote for the candidates who I believed would best represent not only my interests, but also the interests of all Teaneck residents. Teaneck's true beauty is its uniquely diverse composition and the ability of people to coexist irrespective of their race or religion.

We should focus not on what makes us different from one another, but on what unites us and brings us closer together as a community.

Nachman A. Troodler
Teaneck, N.J., Feb. 20, 2007

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Letter #2:

America’s Relationship With Israel

FEB. 11, 2011

To the Editor:

Daniel Gordis sheds some much-needed light on what could perhaps be construed as a dark time for Israel. With the political turmoil in Egypt creating an uncertain future in the Middle East and the threat of Islamic fundamentalist rule looming large, the prospect of creating a sense of stability in the region at this critical juncture cannot be overlooked.

Rather than risk alienating its sole democratic ally in the region when it needs Israel most, America should reassess its position toward Israel when establishing preconditions to peace talks.

Instead of placing the onus mainly on Israel and urging it to accede to certain demands as a prerequisite to renewed peace talks, the United States must insist that the Palestinians demonstrate a show of good faith before moving forward. Addressing the Palestinians’ steadfast refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state is a good place to start.

N. Aaron Troodler
Teaneck, N.J., Feb. 9, 2011

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Letter #3:

Orthodox in Israeli Army

JULY 14, 2013

To the Editor:

As an Orthodox Jew, I am acutely aware of the ideological and theological debate regarding the prospect of members of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community being enlisted into mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces (“Service Brings Scorn to Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Enlistees,” news article, July 7).

While I understand the divergent views on this controversial subject, I find it absolutely appalling that Israeli nationals, regardless of their position on the religious spectrum, would engage in conduct that is intended to denigrate and demean those brave people who have already chosen to serve their country and put their lives on the line to defend Israel’s borders and safeguard its citizens.

We can agree to disagree, but the people who have chosen to protect you deserve your gratitude, not scorn.

N. AARON TROODLER
Teaneck, N.J., July 7, 2013

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Letter #4:

The Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism

AUG. 25, 2014

To the Editor:

Re “Why Jews Are Worried” (Op-Ed, Aug. 21):

Deborah E. Lipstadt did an admirable job noting the distinctions between the anti-Semitism of the Nazi era in the 1930s and the increased level of anti-Semitism we are witnessing today.

Although the impetus for the various anti-Semitic acts may be distinct from one another, the common denominator is that they are all fueled by an innate sense of animosity toward one particular religious group. That hatred is compounded by the fact that anti-Semitism is becoming not just acceptable (to some) but also quite routine.

This brazen assault on freedom of religion is particularly troubling and runs counter to the democratic ideals of a civilized society. The recent uptick in anti-Semitism is akin to a conflagration that is becoming increasingly difficult to extinguish.

As Jews, we do not always need to press the panic button, but we must sound the alarm so the international community takes heed of the acute nature of this growing and disturbing problem.

N. AARON TROODLER
Teaneck, N.J., Aug. 21, 2014

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Letter #5:

The Vatican Recognizes Palestine

MAY 19, 2015

To the Editor:

The determination by the Vatican to confer a degree of international legitimacy on the Palestinian Authority by recognizing a Palestinian state, while it has no tangible effect, is troubling nonetheless.

Pope Francis has made tremendous strides during his papal tenure in enhancing the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Jews, which makes the Vatican’s pronouncement about embracing a Palestinian state extraordinarily perplexing.

The enigmatic decision of the pope, who is a true champion of human rights throughout the world, to overlook the failings of the Palestinian Authority, which include condoning terrorism by giving stipends and grants to terrorists in or released from Israeli jails, is antithetical to the causes and ideals that he has consistently advocated.

Before endorsing a Palestinian state, Pope Francis should have encouraged the Palestinians to eschew their ties to terrorism and demonstrate that they are committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to their dispute with Israel.

N. AARON TROODLER

Teaneck, N.J.

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Letter #6:

The Israeli-Palestinian Tumult: Clashing Perspectives

OCT. 15, 2015

To the Editor:

“Young Palestinians Fanning the Flames of a New Uprising” (front page, Oct. 14) does an exceptional job spotlighting the young Palestinians who have committed numerous acts of terror against Israelis over the last several weeks.

While social media certainly plays a pivotal part in inspiring the perpetrators to resort to violence, you rightly note the deadly role that incitement plays in this tragic tale of terror. By glorifying terrorism and celebrating martyrdom, the leaders in these communities essentially sanction the violence and lead these young people down a divisive and dangerous path.

Teaching an entire generation of Palestinian youths to loathe their Israeli neighbors has proved to be a deadly practice, the reverberations of which are felt every time another life is lost. Those who encourage and endorse terrorism are as culpable as the people who carry out the terrorist acts.

Before an already tenuous situation spirals further out of control, steps must be taken to curb the violence and end the incitement. This deadly tsunami of terror is not going to recede on its own.

N. AARON TROODLER

Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

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Letter #7:

Your Thoughts on Trump’s V.P.

July 3, 2016

As he tries to shed the labels that have beleaguered him on the campaign trail, such as “inexperienced,” “misogynistic,” and “egotistic,” Donald Trump desperately needs a running mate who will help him overcome his perceived shortcomings. Mary Fallin, the charismatic governor of Oklahoma, who served four years in Congress, would be the perfect equalizer. She would bring gender and geographic balance and significant governmental experience to the G.O.P. ticket. While she has Capitol Hill know-how, Governor Fallin isn’t considered a “Washington insider.” She would be a compelling V.P. choice.

N. AARON TROODLER, Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

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Letter #8:

When Racism Comes Out in the Open

November 23, 2016

To the Editor:

Re “Alt-Right, Exulting in Election, Salutes Winner: ‘Heil Victory’ ” (front page, Nov. 21):

The alt-right’s recent conference in Washington is a sad and stark reminder that racism is alive and well in America.

The unabashed denigration of Jews, African-Americans, immigrants and other minorities by the alt-right is a means by which it can peddle and propagandize the prejudice and hatred that have kept it on the fringe for much of its existence. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory should not and cannot give license to racism, and the alt-right’s use of his electoral win to come out of the shadows and feel emboldened is appalling and frightening.

At a time when our nation desperately needs to come together and bridge the divide, hate-mongering by the alt-right counteracts the healing.

The alt-right’s impudence in opposing the tenets of our democratic society in an open forum should serve as a cause for alarm for every American who values equality and social justice.

N. AARON TROODLER

Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

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Letter #9:

Feuding With McConnell

August 24, 2017

To the Editor:

Re “President’s Feud With McConnell Becomes Hostile” (front page, Aug. 23): The deterioration of the relationship between President Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, should concern every American.

The rancor between them is not merely political theater or a trivial battle for supremacy; rather, it is detrimental to the American system of governance. This extraordinary intraparty conflict virtually ensures that government gridlock will reign for the foreseeable future.

The Trump-McConnell feud is a microcosm of a broader issue that has become pervasive in our nation. We cannot allow the acrimony and dissonance that have regrettably become commonplace in America to become an acceptable norm. Civility, not further conflict, can begin helping our nation heal.

After the events in Charlottesville, Va., what we need is more dialogue and less discord. We need to come together, not tear ourselves further apart.

N. AARON TROODLER
BALA CYNWYD, PA.