Our Voices

In an age of global conflict and instantaneous reaction, few topics provoke as much passion and discomfort as discussions about Israel. Whether in classrooms, workplaces, or on social media, conversations about the Israeli state often become minefields — fraught with emotion, history, identity, and politics.

To have meaningful and respectful dialogue, it’s crucial to separate two often-conflated ideas: Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation and support for the policies and actions of the Israeli government.

Affirming Israel’s right to exist is a recognition of international law and the historical reality that, since 1948, Israel has been a sovereign nation recognized by the majority of the world. It’s also a recognition of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in a homeland, especially after millennia of persecution culminating in the Holocaust.

Acknowledging Israel’s existence is not a political endorsement — it's a factual acceptance. Denying that right often crosses into dangerous territory, from delegitimization to outright antisemitism. Just as Palestinians have the right to national identity and self-determination, so too do Israelis.
Recognizing Israel’s right to exist doesn't mean giving blanket approval to its government’s actions. Like any other democracy, Israel's leaders and institutions are subject to scrutiny. Criticizing policies — such as settlement expansions, military actions, or treatment of Palestinians — is not inherently antisemitic. In fact, many Israelis and Jewish people worldwide are among the most vocal critics of the Israeli government.

Holding the government accountable is a cornerstone of democratic values. It's possible (and necessary) to engage with complexity: to advocate for the safety and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians, to mourn lives lost on all sides, and to push for justice and peace without demonizing entire populations.
Tough conversations about Israel require nuance, empathy, and a shared commitment to human rights. Here are a few principles that can help:

• Start with humanity. Behind the politics are real people — families, children, communities. Lead with compassion.
• Separate identity from ideology. Being Jewish doesn’t mean supporting every Israeli policy; being critical of the Israeli government doesn't mean denying Israel's right to exist.
• Listen actively. Especially to those most affected by the conflict. Palestinian and Israeli voices both deserve to be heard in their full depth and diversity.
• Be precise in language. Words matter. Terms like “apartheid” or “genocide” carry specific meanings and histories. Use them carefully and with context.
• Reject antisemitism and Islamophobia. Both forms of hate often get inflamed in conversations about the conflict. They must be called out and rejected unequivocally.

Supporting a two-state solution, advocating for human rights, or opposing occupation doesn’t require choosing sides in a zero-sum way. It requires choosing peace over polarization, justice over ideology, and truth over tribalism.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most complex and long-standing in modern history. But if we want a better future, it begins with how we talk about it today — truthfully, respectfully, and with the courage to embrace complexity.