WASHINGTON: In an evolving shift within the American Jewish community, over 500 employees from more than 140 synagogues and Jewish organisations have signed an open letter, urging President Joe Biden to broker a cease-fire in the Gaza crisis.

The signatories, many of whom fear job repercussions and thus chose to remain anonymous, represent a diverse spectrum of American Jewish groups, including synagogues, local Jewish community centers, social services agencies, philanthropic organizations, and Jewish cultural institutions.

“Many of us have devoted our life’s work to building thriving Jewish communities,” reads the letter, which follows similar anonymous open letters from various groups of US government employees.

“We know there is no military solution to this crisis. We know that Israelis and Palestinians are here to stay — neither Jewish safety nor Palestinian liberation can be achieved if they are pitted against one another,” they wrote.

This letter, distinct from left-wing Jewish pro-ceasefire protests, reflects a mainstream perspective. It emphasises the need for a lasting peace that considers the well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians. Some of the signatories, who have dedicated their lives to building thriving Jewish communities, express the belief that there is no military solution to the crisis.

While major American Jewish organizations typically support Israel in its conflict with Hamas, dissent is quietly growing, especially among younger employees. The letter underscores a nuanced view within the community, challenging the narrative that all Jews unequivocally endorse current military actions.

One of the signatories, aware of potential professional consequences, stated, ‘If I lose my job over this, well, I honestly don’t want to work at an institution that wants to fire me over my views of Israel.’ This sentiment captures the courage of those within the Jewish community who are taking a stand, emphasising the gravity of their decision.

Congresswoman Becca Balint, whose father survived the Holocaust while a grandfather was killed in it, offered a statement in support of the letter, saying Israel’s bombing of Gaza “risks future security” for Israel.

Opinion surveys suggest a growing disillusionment among young American Jews with the war policies of both the Israeli and US governments. The letter raises questions about the potential impact on the future generation of Jewish leaders, donors, and members if a significant segment feels isolated.

Beyond organisational employees, even White House interns have voiced their concerns. Over 40 Fall 2023 White House interns sent a separate letter to President Biden, calling for the administration’s support for a permanent cease-fire.

“We, the undersigned Fall 2023 White House and Executive Office of the President interns, will no longer remain silent on the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people,” the interns wrote.

“We heed the voices of the American people and call on the Administration to demand a permanent ceasefire,” the interns wrote. “We are not the decision makers of today, but we aspire to be the leaders of tomorrow, and we will never forget how the pleas of the American people have been heard and thus far, ignored.”

In Boston, a gathering of more than 300 Jews and allies at the Boston Public Library highlighted the broader sentiment. While observing Chanukah, they mourned the devastating violence in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2023