In the wake of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza in October, many American Jews are questioning their unconditional support for the Israeli government and military. This has exposed deep rifts within Jewish communities, threatening to break friendships, families, and institutions apart.
This episode of the podcast features interviews with people experiencing this division firsthand, as well as an exploration of the long history of Jewish criticism of Israel. Marjorie Feld, professor of history at Babson College and author of Threshold of Dissent, A History of American Jewish Critics of Zionism, joins the episode to provide historical context.
The episode, reported and hosted by Leah Donnella and co-hosted by Gene Demby, delves into the complex dynamics surrounding Jewish identity and support for Israel. It sheds light on the diverse perspectives within Jewish communities and the challenges faced by those who dissent from mainstream views.
