Slezak and Limmud-Oz
Limmud-Oz organizers have sought to explain their actions in banning presenters from their festival.
Dr Peter Slezak
Michael Misrachi explains that the executive committee of Limmud-Oz “decided not to accept” certain presenters, which is problematic enough, but this misrepresents what happened in a significant way. The decision “not to accept” was, in fact, a summary cancellation of talks that were already accepted and listed on the program, and were not thought to be objectionable in any way. No concern was perceived with either my own talk or Vivienne Porszolt’s until after the Marrickville Council meeting on their BDS policy where I had made a three-minute speech. Our presentations for Limmud-Oz had nothing at all to do with BDS, as our submitted titles and abstracts made perfectly clear. Accordingly, it is entirely untrue that the reasons for our removal have anything to do with what Misrachi now describes as concerns about the content of the program. He now explains, “We are not obliged to give expression in our program to every view held in the community,” but he knows that the cancellations have nothing whatever to do with the views to be expressed. My presentation was to be about patriotism and “Ahavat Israel” or love of the Jewish people, adapted from a published article of mine titled ‘Gods of the State.’ Indeed, I had been specifically invited to make a presentation in the Israel/Middle East section, following the talk I had given at Limmud-Oz in 2009 on ‘Jewish Identity and Jewish Responsibility’
These facts casts a somewhat more disturbing light on the motives of Limmud-Oz organizers, including the directors of Limmud International who endorsed it. Director of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Vic Alhadeff, has been reported as approving of the action by Limmud directors, but perhaps he was not aware of these facts and took the official excuses at face value.
Since the official excuses have been the focus of public discussion it is important to reflect on the important principles raised. Misrachi explains “This decision is not about censorship” because he says “we do not deny the right of BDS proponents to express their views to whomever they like”. Permitting us to speak freely elsewhere is undoubtedly very magnanimous. However, organizers are hardly innocent of the charge of censorship for this reason. Misrachi, explains that “this decision is not about ‘banning ideas’ (which we have been accused of doing)” because “We are not obliged to give expression in our program to every view held in the community.” Of course, this is precisely to ban ideas, contrary to the exemplary principles of Limmud-Oz on their website expressing a commitment to inclusiveness.
As so many in the Jewish community have recognized, even if the cancelled talks were to express views regarded as objectionable, not permitting them at Limmud-Oz raises traditional questions about tolerance and the principles of a liberal community. Organizers’ insensitivity to these issues causes great harm to Limmud-Oz and, above all, to the Jewish community who are repeatedly seen to be making such attempts to prevent critical opinions being heard. It’s not a good look, as they say. Efforts to have Israeli and American visitors address Jewish audiences have been repeatedly rebuffed when they are known to be critical of Israeli government policies. This is not the sign of a healthy, rational or decent community. In any other context, concerning any other country, we would recognize this disturbing mentality – intolerant of dissent and seeking to enforce a patriotic conformity. The actions of Limmud-Oz organizers is part of a consistent pattern, trying to excommunicate those failing to show sufficient loyalty to the official position on Israel. These attitudes and actions do the Jewish community great harm internally as well as bringing it into disrepute in the wider society.
Misrachi’s letter cancelling my talk cited my “vocal involvement in the BDS campaign connected to Marrickville Council.” However, it is acutely ironic that my Marrickville speech [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gtf0M3gPQjsttP7GLJjMkjVbpOT8Re8vziITgX7ykk8/edit?hl=en_US&authkey=CM2IjHk] was a plea for liberal values and toleration – the grounds on which I am not tolerated at Limmud-Oz. I did not “publicly advocate a total boycott against Israel” as Misrachi now falsely claims, but argued that even critics of BDS policy should oppose the Council’s backing down from its earlier democratic decision because the campaign of denunciation and vilification should not be allowed to succeed. I suggested that the issue at stake is not so much BDS but the question of the kind of society we wish to live in.
Clearly, the same issue arises for the Jewish community concerning opinions which are, after all, widely held and debated in the wider society. BDS against Israel is surely a position that deserves serious discussion, and not just among those who agree with each other. For this reason, the behaviour of Limmud-Oz organizers is not only an affront to the presenters who were summarily removed from the program. Much more important is the fact that, on their own account, organizers have treated members of the entire Jewish community with contempt by presuming to decide on their behalf whom they may be allowed to hear and what they should believe.
It is particularly revealing that Limmud-Oz organizers had no problem with Palestinian advocate of BDS, Samah Sabawi, being on the program last year. Clearly, Jews appearing in a Jewish forum are perceived to be more of a threat to maintaining conformity with approved doctrines. However, unquestioning support for the policies of the State of Israel must be troubling for many Jewish consciences, and the attempt to prevent dissident voices being heard is a tacit admission of the indefensibility of official views. The danger of hearing contrary opinions is that members of the community might think for themselves and stray from the official line. Jews who support BDS are regarded as having crossed some line, but they might turn out not be as irrational, evil or even disloyal as they have been portrayed.
By any measure, the levels of denunciation have been disproportionate to the alleged sins of BDS. Even its severest critics must acknowledge that BDS is a form of non-violent protest involving investment and purchasing choices based on political and ethical preferences, that is, concerns about justice, human rights and international law. That’s all. However misguided, it is hard to understand why its advocates deserve the demonization that has become standard. The most ardent supporters of Israel must ask themselves whether the moral panic and silencing of dissent on this issue within the Jewish community should be accepted with equanimity. The usual concern is expressed by the term “delegitimizing Israel” which is an Orwellian expression designed to prevent people thinking clearly. The only things being delegitimized are violations of human rights and international law. The existence of Israel is not in question, only a harsh military occupation that must cause moral concern even for the most ardent Zionist. And it is relevant to note that today the only state that has actually become delegitimized to the point of disappearance is a Palestinian state.
The actions of Limmud-Oz directors makes a farce of platitudes about inclusiveness and openness on their website, revealing how little they have understood the basis of decent, liberal societies. They permit robust debate among those who agree with each other! However, contrary to Misrachi’s rationalizations, you can’t have partial inclusiveness and just a little bit free speech. Even the most tyrannical regimes permit free speech to the views they agree with. Paradoxically, in an open, decent society, it’s the views that you detest most of all that you must protect and ensure get a hearing. As a matter of self-interest, the role of the “devil’s advocate” is essential if we are to retain confidence in our cherished views. In his classic essay ‘On Liberty’ in 1859 the philosopher J.S. Mill famously articulated the principle at stake here – the need to protect and, indeed encourage, unpopular opinion against the “tyranny of the majority.” He said this tyranny may be “more formidable than many kinds of political oppression, since … it leaves fewer means of escape … enslaving the soul itself”. Mill argues counter-intuitively that preventing opinions from being heard because they are regarded as not merely false, but even immoral, impious or pernicious, is the case that is “most fatal,” for “These are exactly the occasions on which the men of one generation commit those dreadful mistakes, which excite the astonishment and horror of posterity.” For example, the crime of Galileo was dissent. Socrates was condemned and put to death for challenging official authority and failing to teach “Gods of the State” – my very topic for Limmud-Oz. Mill says that his executors were not bad men, but on the contrary, “men who possessed in a full, or somewhat more than a full measure, the religious, moral, and patriotic feelings of their time and people.”
Members of the Jewish community might reflect on the question: Who brings more harm and discredit to Jews and to Israel? Those who seek to engage in well-intentioned debate over the most difficult, divisive questions, or those who seek to prevent it? The heritage of the Jewish and Western intellectual tradition is the idea that in a healthy society education and intellectual life should be subversive, encouraging people to challenge orthodoxies. It is well understood that the very mechanism of discovering truth depends on institutionalizing dissent. The directors of the Shalom Institute and Limmud-Oz have shown how little they understand these important matters.
# Larry Stillman not only did I mention roughly when we will welcome all manner of vicious attacks against Israel and also against us – the kind that started a few millenia ago,not just a mere 40, in fact a mere 63 specifically against the democratic State of Israel -but I would suggest an amendment. I woke up this morning feeling like no longer accepting anti Semitism, unwarranted incongruities about how best Israel should abandon Judaism, its security etc., to accommodate friendly, peace loving local, neighbouring and generally, well organised international cute little entities bent on destroying the same Jewish State. Slezak and his sellect ilk, for reasons granted here of the “academic”kind, have embraced that dialectic side of the fence which, with polished and sublime elegance, aim at the precisely same result as those who not so eloquently would like to see us and Israel obliterated – has vsholem ! -. Their problem is that the message behind the verbal artifices has been revealed long ago stark,clear and unacceptable. To condiment a bishele they cannot help their testosteron of hatred and show up at public meetings supporting openly a BDS or two, demonstrating with their fists clinched agaist the “criminal” intervention by Israel against the other peaceful sporting club Hamas, and then place a putrid chery on top lecturing us that democracy doesn’t look anything like Israel, but more like….Gaza or nowdays and once “changed” Cairo under the guiding hand of the Muslim B/hood.
There is one thing in wanting to take part in an exchange of ideas, another is giving the obvious impression that the expected audience is made up of shlemils who have no idea where you belong, intellectually, politically irresponsibly etc. etc.
Incidentally, this answers Yael as well.
Thanks for publishing Mr. Slezak’s opinion on J-Wire. I personally believe that on balance it would have been preferable that he was given a right to speak at Limmud Oz and for his critics to thereby have the opportunity to question his views. That is, after all, what such events are designed for in the first place.
I find it disingenuous and hypocritical however, of a supporter of the Marrickville Council and of BDS to rely on the basis of the arguments he has articulated above. One of the objectives of the BDS movement is to isolate and cut off links with Israeli Universities and to close off the very lines of debate and discussion and debate which Mr. Slezak purports to defend. And contrary to what he says BDS is not non-violent. There have been arrests at various BDS demonstrations in this country and overseas and some appalling instances of their supporters menacing staff and patrons of stores with connections to Israel. Perhaps not the violence of chystallnacht but violence nevertheless.
Slezaks comments are lot of mumbo-jumbo and resembles a dissertation for a Ph.D thesis It is devoid of emotion or common sense and reflects an intellectual superiority.I suggest he goes back to his ivory tower and lecture his students in his useless boring discipline of philosophy of science,which has no application in today’s world.
Sorry…cannot say McGeough will go unless absolutely sure
Otto Waldmann writes “right now the Jews, Israel, cannot afford the luxury of indulging in fiery encounters with or just mere observation of radical counter stances on REAL existential issues”
We’ve been hearing this line for at least 40 years now. If not now when? If never–then how can Israel expect to survive as a democracy?
Every response thus far gives Slezaks article credence; Criticism of Israel = crime against humanity.
Peter Slezak is quite disingenuous when he states:
“By any measure, the levels of denunciation have been disproportionate to the alleged sins of BDS. Even its severest critics must acknowledge that BDS is a form of non-violent protest involving investment and purchasing choices based on political and ethical preferences, that is, concerns about justice, human rights and international law. That’s all,”
That’s not all.
Naomi Chazan – President of the NIF – who is speaking at Limmud Oz – heads an organization that does not support BDS – stating on its website
“The NIF opposes the global (or general) BDS movement, views its use of these tactics as counterproductive, and is concerned that segments of this movement seek to undermine the existence of the state of Israel.”
Aligning yourself with BDS puts you in the loop. Lie down with dogs and you get fleas.
Peter Slezak knows that boycotts are designed to hurt.
Welcome to the boycott club Peter and experience that hurt.
Methinks you protesteth too much.
The verbosity with which Slezak presents his arguments against Limmud Oz smacks of academic idealism,without any reference to the realities on the ground in Israel and fails to address the basic issues of of Israels survival in the face of 63 years of aggression by the Palestians and therefore assists in the demonization of Israel.
@ Rita – I think you are spot on. I And let’s remind us it did not stop with the “Kauft Nicht Bei Juden” message – there was also cancelling of professional licenses, increasing refusal of employment, refusal of supply government agencies for Jwish firms etc etc. anything and everything Jewish was boycotted, sanctioned and forced to divest – read sell off for a pittance.
When Q Society brought a couple placards to MV council on 1 March, showing the BDS motion and 1933 Nazi activities side-by-side to illustrate the similarities, ohwej what an Aufschrei!
Please don’t forget the ever adorable Vivienne Porzsolt.
With people like that in our midst, we don’t need enemies.
Excellent decision it’s a pity it didn’t extend to a few others.
.I was present at Marrickville Council and heard Peter Slezak and Antony Lowenstein speak.
They were simply horrific.
I applaud Limmud Oz on its wise decison.
There’s word the IHH Peace Flotilla MkII is still looking for a seasoned propaganda minster.
Wouldn’t Omar Barghouti and his clan be delighted to know their friend Dr Peter Slezak is on board?
Well said Otto !! Shkoyach!
I can’t reply, I doubt it would be published. !!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ Otto Waldman
I have just a little quibble with your EXCELLENT and so articulate letter:
You say: ‘…As a realistic proposition, once the perniciousness of destructive anti Jewish massive forces is resolved in the positive for Jewish concerns, all Slezaks, Pozsolts, Lowesnstein et co will be invited at a Fest of Tachles…
I think your proposition is more optimistic than “realistic”, because as long as these guys are indulged, I can see no positive resolution for Jewish concerns.
I see a frightening parallel between the “BDS” and the route that the Jews of not so long ago took via Kristallnacht towards the Gas chambers. Did that not start with signs in the shops that read: Kauft nicht bei Juden! (Dont buy from Jews)? Just what the Jew-haters and their dhimmy helpers say today??
NB: Comparison to Limmud Oz 2010 including Samah Sabawi is inadmissible; the Melbourne and Sydney Limmud subsidiaries are entirely independent of each other.
Once again, by manipulating intellectual “God terms”, Peter Slezak engages in explaining fallacies as.. meritous ethics.
The norms he embraces and exhibits are so marginal, self serving and deceitful that, if he were to relate the necessity for liberal exchnges of dissenting views, some of the most outrageous stances would be permitted to be aired at a forum that is supposed to cater for the positive enhancement of a state of mind and tangible facts that are of the highest fragility at this point in time for all Jewish concerns.
Simply put, right now the Jews, Israel, cannot afford the luxury of indulging in fiery encounters with or just mere observation of radical counter stances on REAL existential issues.
As a realistic proposition, once the perniciousness of destructive anti Jewish massive forces is resolved in the positive for Jewish concerns, all Slezaks, Pozsolts, Lowesnstein et co will be invited at a Fest of Tachles.
The main topic should, then be ” How the Demise of Hamas Has Changed the Jewish Palestinian Relationship “.
We shall retain, untill then, all details regarding Socrate, Bruno, Spinoza etc. and ,for good measure, we shall enhance the above list with our own Slezak, so badly misunderstood by his ungrateful contemporaries.
I would like to say more, but I am running late to a function to raise millions more for the Comunity Security Fund,the one that caters for the necessary protection of our Jewish vital institutions against terrorist activities…
I did, however, respectfully spent time reading completely the above,Peter Slezak’s, self servig sermon on the merits and virtues of the BDS, so skilfully articulated by the Limud refuznik and,as a result, now I will have to double my pledge to the Communal Security !