Israel at a Crossroads with Tal Becker
Posted on 03/12/2025 @ 06:00 AM
Thanks to all who were able to join us for “Israel at a Crossroads: Three Big Dilemmas for the Jewish State" featuring Tal Becker, Vice President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Whether you joined us in person or missed the conversation, we’re excited to share some key insights from this thought-provoking discussion.
Key Takeaways from the Event:
Tal Becker noted that in Israel, there’s a gap between the strategic opportunities we have right now and the trauma that people are feeling because of the ongoing Hamas war.
Here are 3 dilemmas he outlined that are not about our immediate security and survival but do address the long-term thriving of the State of Israel going forward.
The Pursuit of Peace | Talking about peace may seem almost unrealistic right now, yet true victory is not measured by destruction, but by what we build. As the Gemara teaches, “Be like Aaron, a pursuer of peace.” Not an “achiever” of peace, but a “pursuer”—because peace is not a fixed destination, but an ongoing effort. We must actively seek ways to bring more peace into the world.
In the past, Arab nations encouraged the Palestinians to take the lead in negotiating with Israel, positioning them as pioneers in legitimizing its existence. Today, the dynamic has shifted—the broader Arab world is increasingly normalizing relations with Israel. Perhaps this shift will, in turn, bring the Palestinians back to the negotiating table. Ultimately, Israel does not seek conflict with the Islamic world; rather, it aspires to coexist in mutual recognition of its right to self-determination.
Restoring Legitimacy in the West | Legitimacy—particularly in the West—is a challenge Israel must address.
During a meeting with American university administrators, he posed a question: How are you handling the conflict in Northern Ethiopia, where 400,000 civilians have died over the past few years? Silence. Not a single response. You have no opinion on it, he observed, because your social standing doesn’t depend on having one.
In contrast, one’s stance on Israel in America has become a social litmus test, shaping reputations and influencing acceptance in certain circles. To shift this reality, Israel must engage “norm entrepreneurs”—charismatic, courageous individuals with strong followings—who can reshape the narrative and make supporting Israel resonate with young people.
Rebuilding Israel’s reputation in the West is not just about policy; it’s about cultural perception. We need to make it cool to stand with Israel.
Staying True to Our Values | Israel must remain steadfast in its identity as both a Jewish and democratic state. This means upholding our moral principles even in the face of immorality, refusing to descend to the level of those who seek to destroy us. Jewish values call for compassion toward civilian suffering, even as we remain unwavering in our commitment to defeating Hamas.
We must go beyond mere tolerance and actively celebrate diversity, resisting the pressures of both Radical Progressives on one side and Ultra-Nationalists on the other—both of whom pose serious threats to the Jewish people.
Tal Becker reminds us of a crucial truth: embracing worst-case scenarios can turn them into self-fulfilling prophecies. As a community, we must reflect deeply on this, ensuring that fear does not dictate our future.
Adam Shevin, Rabbi Efrat Zarren-Zohar, Dr. Tal Becker, Rabbi Jonathan Berkun and Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger (L-R)
Special Thanks to Adam Shevin...
This program is part of a yearlong partnership between the Shalom Hartman Institute, the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and is sponsored by Adam Shevin in loving memory of his parents Roberta and Jerome Shevin.
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What’s Next? Get Involved!
We’d love for you to continue engaging with us. Here’s how you can take action:
- Keep Learning: Check out classes sponsored by CAJE
- Help our young people learn: Support the March 16th March of the Living fundraiser to enable our last survivors to travel and our youth to learn deeply about Israel on this transformative program that has a 30-year+ proven track record of impact. An Evening of Legacy: Honoring Holocaust Survivors, Inspiring The Future Generation
- Underwrite a lecture or class: Sponsor more events like this; bring more speakers and transformative teachers to Miami by donating to CAJE Adult Learning and emailing DebbieBWeiss@caje-miami.org or BellaTKrieger@caje-miami.org
Thank you for your support and commitment to CAJE Adult Learning and continuing the community dialogue. We look forward to seeing you at future events!
