Dear Editor,
My name is Zach Shapiro, and I am the Rabbi of Temple Akiba. I would like to offer an opinion for publication. I am submitting it here. I write not on behalf of of our congregation, but as a concerned Jewish voice:
I love being the Rabbi of Temple Akiba. For decades, Culver City has been a partner in every way imaginable, and I am so very grateful to our City leadership.
Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas not only terrorized Israel, but showcased to the world how innocent Palestinians live under their control, I have taken a deeper interest in City Council meetings.
On a regular basis, speakers approach the podium imploring the City to issue a Cease Fire resolution.
Who doesn’t want peace? I believe we all would like the world to embrace goodness and put war aside.
But here’s the problem …. Many (not all – but many) of those demanding a Cease Fire will casually (yet emotionally) speak about “The Genocide” “White Settler Colonialism” “Racism” “”Imperialism” and “Apartheid.”
They use these words and phrases as though it’s all a given.
Each and every one targets Israel and Judaism as the worst offenders of the world’s greatest problems. This has been the methodology of antisemitism going back thousands of years. We are accused as the perpetrators of the worst evils that exist.
These accusations need to be corrected if there to be meaningful progress. I believe there are incredible, embracing souls who want nothing more than building a strong future in the Middle East and it Culver City.
It won’t take a resolution.
It will take resolve.
Resolve to listen.
Resolve to be vulnerable.
Resolve to dream.
Resolve to put aside predetermined assumptions.
Resolve to open our hearts.
Resolve to see that we are all family.
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
Temple Akiba of Culver City
Our Light Shines Brighter. Together.