‘Not in my name’: The Jewish diaspora fighting the consensus on Israel

Members of the Jewish diaspora stated on May 2, 2024, that they reject Israel's authority over their name, particularly in response to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's participation in the Israel Day parade in New York City. This group, identifying as "Jews for a Just Peace," published an open letter signed by over 1,000 individuals expressing their dissent. The letter, circulated widely online and through Jewish community networks, asserts that "Israel does not speak for us" and that the actions of the Israeli government do not represent their values or the entirety of the Jewish people. They specifically condemned Smotrich's presence, citing his past statements and policies as antithetical to their understanding of Jewish ethics and human rights. The diaspora group aims to create a counter-narrative that separates their Jewish identity from the political actions of the Israeli state, emphasizing a commitment to peace and justice. This movement highlights a growing internal debate within global Jewish communities regarding Zionism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the definition of Jewish identity in the 21st century. The signatories represent a diverse range of Jewish denominations and geographical locations, underscoring the widespread nature of this dissent.