Beth Israel congregants reflect on 10 years of protests at synagogue: 'We certainly didn't ask for this'
Henry Herskovitz, founder of an anti-Israel protest group in Ann Arbor, and Donald Abdul Roberts, holding an anti-Israel flag, kick off another day of protesting outside the Beth Israel Congregation on Washtenaw Avenue on Saturday morning.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
As they begin to set up along Washtenaw Avenue outside the synagogue, they each pick which messages they'll be carrying this day.
Signs with attention-grabbing statements like "Zionism Enabled Nazism," "Israel: No Right To Exist," and "Is Ethnic Cleansing a Judaic Value?" eventually line the sidewalks as congregants make their way inside for their weekly Sabbath morning services.
Other signs in the protesters' arsenal read "End Jewish Supremacism in Palestine," "Israel: Not Good for the Jews," and "Ethnic Supremacism: Wrong in Germany, Wrong in Israel."
Ann Arbor resident Shirley Zempel, who waved a Palestinian flag outside the synagogue on Saturday morning, said a yearning for justice drives her to protest Israel.
"I just think this is the most unjust issue there is everywhere and I think it's misunderstood a lot," she said of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "Everybody seems to think the Jews are just so holy that you can't say anything about them or to them, but they're not, and what they're doing is not right."
Several cars honk their horns as they pass by, which the protesters take to mean they have some support in the community, but they also have their fair share of detractors.
Rabbi Robert Dobrusin of the Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Arbor poses for a portrait inside the synagogue on a recent morning.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Some congregants describe the wall of anti-Israel protesters as "the gauntlet," and they say it's taken a toll on the congregation over time.
"It's just disappointing for a community of this kind that this is the way these opinions are being reflected," said Rabbi Robert Dobrusin. "There are serious discussions that can be had about what's going on in the Middle East, but this is not the way to have them."
Herskovitz and members of a group he founded called Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends have used Beth Israel as the venue for their anti-Israel demonstrations since 2003, as they've called attention to the plight of Palestinians and what they describe as brutal actions by the Israeli military.
The group's behavior is once again being scrutinized as Sept. 13 marks the 10th anniversary of the protests. Herskovitz said they have no plans of relenting.
"The real suffering is happening in Palestine," he said. "We're not stopping anybody from praying and we're not harassing anybody."
Congregation leaders, including Rabbi Dobrusin, said they still don't see why the protesters choose to target their synagogue since they don't control the Israeli government.
A coalition of local faith leaders is calling on the Ann Arbor City Council to mark the 10th anniversary of the protests by taking a renewed stance against the group.
The council has publicly denounced the group's behavior before, though city officials acknowledge what the protesters are doing is constitutionally protected free speech.
"Without overstepping our bounds on the freedom of speech rights of those who protest, there's nothing we can do about it legally," said Mayor John Hieftje.
Hieftje added, "I think it'll only stop when the people who are out on the street become sensible and agree to be reasonable about the issue — and start to understand that trying to affect an international issue by picketing a local place of worship is the wrong way to get anything done."
Henry Herskovitz, who proudly flies an anti-Israel flag in his front yard and has butted heads with everyone from his neighbors to city officials, says he might be the most-hated man in Ann Arbor. His shirt features the cartoon character Handala, a symbol of the Palestinian struggle for justice.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
He said there's no better venue for the protests than a place whose name in Hebrew means "House of Israel," and a place that displays the Israeli flag in its sanctuary and prays for the state of Israel.
"Everybody in that building is culpable, responsible for their support of a racist, apartheid state," he said. "Clearly they don't pull the levers of the Israeli government, but who does? That's in large part the Israel lobby in this country, of which Beth Israel is a huge part."
Congregants have responded in different ways to the protesters. Most have chosen not to engage them. Barry Gross actually helped organize a system whereby congregants pledge to donate money to humanitarian causes for every protester who shows up on Saturdays.
"It's a shame we have to do stuff like this, but we at least feel better about it," Gross said. "We've tried to make this into something good."
Gross said they've raised more than $180,000 over the years for Magen David Adom, which is the Israeli Red Cross, and Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, a cooperative village jointly founded by Israeli Jews and Israeli Palestinian Arabs to show they can live side by side in peace.
Jeff Bernstein
"As a committee, we've dealt with things as they've come up, but really we cannot make this end," he said.
Bernstein said people come to synagogue for various reasons. Sometimes it's for a wedding, a bar/bat mitzvah, or a funeral.
"And every Saturday for the last 10 years — whether you have been in a celebratory, contemplative or sorrowful mood — there are people standing outside holding signs that compare us to Nazis, and holding this congregation and its members accountable for things we have absolutely no control over," he said.
Matt Kaplan, the current president of the congregation, and Bernstein both believe the protesters' messages have become increasingly anti-Jewish.
"What I've seen over the past 10 years is a group whose message has gotten more and more hostile, and more and more offensive," Kaplan said.
Matt Kaplan
Herskovitz noted he himself is Jewish, though he said he had a falling out with his faith years ago. He said he used to attend Beth Israel, but he hasn't been to a service in years. He was turned away from attending a holiday service in 2004 because of his protesting.
"We're not protesting Jews per se or Judaism per se," he said. "We are protesting the strength and power of the Jewish community and how they lend their power to supporting the state of Israel."
The congregation's board of directors issued a statement July 31 supporting the resumption of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The congregation has on several occasions voiced support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Dobrusin also signed his name to a letter sent to U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, urging the U.S. to engage both sides in a process to draw borders to create a viable and contiguous Palestinian state. Once the border and security arrangements are agreed upon, the letter stated, Israel should withdraw from all territories designated for the Palestinian state.
"A peace treaty between the Palestinians and Israelis, resulting in a Palestinian state, we hope will free Palestinians of any kind of oppression," Dobrusin said.
Ann Arbor resident Shirley Zempel, who waved a Palestinian flag outside the synagogue on Saturday morning, said a yearning for justice drives her to protest Israel.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"You can't say 'free Palestine' without saying 'end Israel' because it's a zero-sum game," he said. "It's kind of like rooting for Ohio State and Michigan — one only wins if the other loses."
Herskovitz has been flying an anti-Israel flag outside his home for more than a year. Several of his neighbors have pleaded with him to take it down, but he refuses.
He filed a police report recently after someone allegedly snuck into his yard and snapped the flag pole. The flag was wired with a padlock, he said, so it wasn't taken.
Herskovitz said he would agree to stop the protests outside Beth Israel if the congregation would take down the Israeli flag inside its sanctuary.
Congregation leaders said they feel no obligation to respond to the protesters' demands. Dobrusin said the Israeli flag, which is not far from an American flag in the sanctuary, was there before he arrived 25 years ago and he sees no reason to remove it.
"It does not mean we endorse every decision made by the Israeli government," he said. "To me, what it's about is our identification with the people of the state of Israel, our hopes for their security and their prosperity, and our recognition of what Israel means to our people."
Herskovitz acknowledged his group's protests have waned over the years. There used to be about 15 protesters each Saturday, he said, and now there's about seven on average.
Members of the anti-Israel group Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends begin protesting outside the Beth Israel Congregation on Saturday morning. They point to a recent Congressional Research Service report that shows the United States has provided $118 billion worth of assistance to Israel since 1949, mostly in the form of military assistance.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
In the early days, Herskovitz said, the police were out at the protests every Saturday, but they've since left the group alone.
The group is planning to celebrate the 10th anniversary privately, Herskovitz said, but they won't be doing anything publicly other than "business as usual."
Congregants said they've been thankful to see consistent support from the community. The mayor visited the synagogue last year and expressed his regrets about the continuing protests.
"I've been working on this issue for years," Hieftje said. "We've worked with our attorneys. We've looked into it deeply. We've tried to do everything we can."
Council Member Jane Lumm, an Independent who represents the 2nd Ward, said she wants the city to continue exploring possible solutions.
"I've got to believe there are some incremental things we can do so that they can exercise their freedom of speech and not do it in such an in-your-face, offensive way," she said.
Anti-Israel protester Rudy List sits next to a sign urging an end to U.S. aid for Israel.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"All the analysis that I've done tells me it's constitutionally protected speech, and I personally don't want to go anywhere close to restricting free speech," Warpehoski said. "But if it's reprehensible, I'll say it's reprehensible."
Kaplan said the protests have felt more and more like harassment of a single institution as time has gone on.
"The question is how long does this go on and what does it say about Ann Arbor?" he said. "What if this kind of behavior spreads to other places in Ann Arbor? I just think it's really negative for our congregation and for civic culture here and it accomplishes absolutely nothing."
Bernstein said the only person who can stop the protests is the person who started them, and that's Herskovitz.
"We at Beth Israel remain true to who we are," he said. "We certainly didn't ask for this. We certainly don't enjoy it. We wouldn't wish it upon anybody. We hope it ends."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Michael Shalev
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
@Aimee Smith Just curious about your perspective on the Holocaust ?
Colorado Sun
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 10:04 p.m.
@Michael Shalev: I am curious about your perspective about Plan Dalet, and the massacres at Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in 1982 as well as Deir Yassin in 1948. Also your views on the formation of the Kach Party and the former Gush Emunim movement.
Aimee Smith
Sun, Sep 1, 2013 : 6:46 p.m.
Some people claim that Zionism can't be racist because of the diversity of people living in Israel. One claim is that Jews fled oppression in Arab countries to seek refuge in Israel. The truth is that Israel used various tactics (from negotiations to false flag bombings) to dislodge large numbers of these communities in order to justify the expulsion of Palestinians. The actual treatment of these Arab Jews gives away the lie. The implementation of the so-called "Operation Magic Carpet" resulted in the death of thousands of Yemeni Jews. Once in Israel, hundreds of Yemeni children were kidnapped by state authorities and given to European families. The Yemeni parents were told their children had died. In Iraq, the Jews were terrorized by other Jews in order to "encourage" immigration to Israel. Once in Israel, Iraqi Jews continue to be suspect if they express their Arab culture. Recently Israel made the news for a forced sterilization program against Ethiopian Jewish women. If the same rights apply to all in Israel, how come even the Jews among them who don't happen to be European suffer such abuses? And that isn't even getting in to the many ways that the non-Jews are ignored under the law and oppressed in practice... Israel was conceived as a national project for one race. Zionists from the beginning (which long predates the Nazis by the way) were willing to subjugate people of other races (non-Jews and non-European Jews) for their agenda to serve the interests of European Jews. That is called racism. Maybe you didn't know before, but if you give an honest examination of the history, it is rather obvious.
Aimee Smith
Sun, Sep 1, 2013 : 5:56 p.m.
To ContreMilice - Apologies for messing up your handle. It seems you are promoting the war propaganda of the Zionists as fact. I am not saying you intend to lie, but you are promoting claims that have been discredited by historical scholarship. In war and conquest of any kind, the aggressor will develop and distribute a full out pr campaign to justify its actions. The Zionists were no different. Recent scholarship on the history of the creation of Israel has benefited from declassified documents. Israeli scholars can now confirm through documentary evidence what Palestinians have reported all along. See Ilan Pappe's _The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine._ Look at Teddy Katz's work on the massacre at Tantura. The truth is that Zionists wanted to make a state for Jews only. A small minority of others might remain, but the state is by definition not for them and their rights are not equal. One site considered was Uganda. Palestine was chosen for propaganda reasons. The athiests behind the Zionist movement could hypocritically claim a religious right to the land and get Christians to be on board. Mossad has the moto "by way of deception" for a reason. The false flag was often used. Those attacking the King David Hotel to target the British tried to disguise themselves as Arabs. There is the Lavon Affair, the bombing of the USS Liberty and many more. But when you peel back all the lies and misrepresentations (which I spent a lot of time doing) you find that Israel was just another western conquest. Ethnic cleansing was carried out to clear the land of the "wrong" kind of people. Homes, orchards, buildings and all their contents including the land beneath them were simply stolen.
skz
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 1:10 a.m.
As I am now being censored (liberals do this ), I will spend no more time here. Ann Arbor cannot susta a Borders or a print newspaper.
skz
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 9:33 p.m.
(The following was censored. I am complaining to tke powers that be at the newspaper.) Well Mr. Saffold, we do agree on the hair triggered censors, though on nothing else. You misstate the concept of "jihad." Jihad is virtually always used in a war making or terroristic context. Bin Laden was a good (ie, doctrinally correct) Muslim. Please avoid trying to counter my truthful correction by citing a "weak" hadith. The example of Mo, as found in authoritative biographies (eg, Ishaq), is quite clear, as are the ahadith of Bukhari and Abu Muslim. Don't quote abrogated suras from the Koran, either. Nor do I believe you regarding the "irreligious" nature of the core group. However, I notice your taqqiyah, because "the core group" is not all that matters. I mean, just consider your own presence here! If you are not part of the "core group," you nevertheless spend a lot of time and energy on its agenda. (Others should note his word parsing. Muslims are taught that lying to infidels is a-ok.) You also acknowledge that the two imams in AA would join you but are "justifiably afraid" to. Of course they would prefer to support you. In fact, they have already done so in some mumbled comments about Israeli flags. And why would two imams want to support you? Because they know perfectly well about the jihad, which was my original point. The biggest point here, though, is that the entire systematic attack on Israel since its founding is one long jihad. Your group is simply one beachhead of jihad in America.
skz
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 3 p.m.
Finally, you radically misstate Torah in your effort to maintain that Zionism isn't Judaism. References to one's "neighbor" and "the stranger" or "foreigner" (ger in ancient Hebrew) refer to one's fellow Jew. Recall that loving one's neighbor occurs in Leviticus, which is strictly involved in relations among Jews. Furthermore, the ger is understood to mean the convert, ie, the newly Jewish. There were plenty of converts then, and Torah holds that a convert is as Jewish as anyone born Jewish. All of this is clarified in commentary on Torah. I recommend the Stone Edition Chumash. Real Judaism does recognize rights for non-Jews in Eretz Israel. However, if the non-Jew attempts to change the Jewish nature of the state or in any way tries to control the Jews there, or if he does any violence, or if he urges another toward violence, he obligates Jews to wage a defensive holy war to root out the non-Jewish group. The technical term is "milchemet mitzvah." In this case, ALL lives of the group of non-Jews are forfeit. True, there is some disagreement on the extent of group responsibility for an individual wrong. However, the Rambam is on the side of group responsibility. Please consult his Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings. Furthermore, given that virtually no Arab in Eretz Israel is pro-Jewish-state, the issue of group responsibility isn't even relevant. THIS is real Torah. It is perhaps news to you and to the rabbis at the synagogue in question. Finally, I hope that the censor recognizes the value of having at least one participant here who knows something about the two religions involved.
Thomas Saffold
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.
Apparently we have both been purged. Here is the slightly modified reply I sent to to your post, which I saw as completely appropriate--though wrong: Skz writes that the vigil could be part of a jihad, This shows a profound lack of understanding of the concept, though not as twisted as that of the so-called jihadis who practice terrorism. He also asserts that "Ann Arbor imams support" the vigil, and that our group has "pro-Muslim sentiments." There are only two imams in Ann Arbor, one at the U of M's Muslim Student Association and the other Sheihk Moataz at the Muslim Community Association on Plymouth I am an active Muslim, and sadly can assure skz that neither one supports the vigil mainly because they are--justifiably--afraid of Homeland Security using that as an excuse to investigate or even arrest them. As for the group having "pro-Muslim sentiments," I know each participant, and not one of the core group is religious, and all share pretty deep distain for any religion. Skz is a good example of why they feel contempt; he mentioned "Torah" in a sentence meant to justify his hatred, but ignores so many passages within the same Torah that compel the People of Israel to love the neighbor and be generous to "the foreigners," and other ideas that Judaism reflects but which Zionism ignores.
Colorado Sun
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 11:18 p.m.
The Associated Press wires have carried the Rhodenhiser speech to City Council and have made Henry Herskovitz a national story. This is the first time the vigils have been identified in the national media. The Arab-American News, a periodical with an international following, intervewed Henry Herskovitz about the 10th anniversary of the vigils. The Rhodenhiser strategy is backfiring.
akbear
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 8 p.m.
May all the members of the Beth Israel Congregation have a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year. L'Shana Tova.
ContreMilice
Tue, Sep 3, 2013 : 8:51 p.m.
Colorado Sun, it's nearly the 1st of Tishri which is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year 5744 (which this year, 2013, is from sunset of September 4 through after sunset of September 6. ). Did you think that January 1 is the _only_ New Year? Besides the (now more-or-less) secular one celebrated on the eve of December 31st through January 1st, there are Chinese, Vietnamese (T?t), Sikh, Baha'i, Zoroastrian, Persian (Nowruz), Indian, and many other new years. So, what exactly bothers you about someone wishing a the members of a Jewish congregation a healthy, happy, and peaceful New year just a few days before Rosh Hashanah? Of course, how peaceful can it be with the continued disruption provided by the Herskovite gauntlet of hate? Or, are you just trying to be snide?
Colorado Sun
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 11:10 p.m.
What? Only August and you're making New Year's wishes?
ContreMilice
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 6:24 p.m.
"To ContreMiller" [sic] The name is ContreMilice, Ms. Smith, not Miller. You also state, "While no one in Beth Israel may be intending to be racist against Palestinians or Arabs, those who support Israel are doing so." Doing what? It's still an outrageous contention that those who support Israel are racist! One could just as easily make the counter—and equally absurd, but perhaps demonstrably truer—claim that those who support the Palestinian Arabs are racist. What self-righteousness to claim that people who believe in the national rights of Jews to live in a secure land of their own are racists, but think it's just fine and dandy for Arabs to have a land of their own (in fact, quite a number of lands are already largely ruled by Arabs and Moslems and more than one of them not only exclude Jews but deny citizenship to all non-Moslems). Incredible how you cannot see what an amazing double standard the contentions you make encompass! And yes indeed, racist and antisemitic because you want to deny to Jews what Arabs and Moslems already have more than twenty times over and in expanses so large that it makes tiny Israel look like what it is, a microscopic speck of sand in a vast Islamic and Arab ocean. It's playing fast and loose with the truth to state that Israel was created by "planned ethnic cleansing." It was the Jews who readily accepted the partition of Mandate Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab state with the Jews getting far less land than the Arabs would have. Not only did the Arabs violently rebuff that idea, but the heavily-armed military of five neighboring Arab states immediately tried to wipe Israel off the map before it had even really begun to exist. That's much closer to planned ethnic leaning than the absurd fabrication that that was the intent of the Israelis. And, Jews were the indigenous people of the area for thousands of years, far longer than the Arabs who didn't even exist as a people when Jews first settled the land.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:21 p.m.
Aimee Smith: "This quote of the Rabbi is misleading. If by 'Palestinian state' you mean a state like Israel that is for one kind of people only, then it is a false statement." Such hyperbole! Israel is a multiethnic, multiracial, multi-religious state. Even "moderate" Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority has said on more than one occasion that no Jews will be allowed two live in his envisioned future Palestine. This puts the lie to both Ms. Smith's characterization of Rabbi Dobrusin's remarks and the idea that this envisioned Palestinian state would be anything but a single ethnicity-only nation. "That is the implication since most advocates of a two state solution picture the Palestinian state to be for Palestinians only to balance out the racist Israeli state that defines itself as for Jews only.' There is a huge distinction between a Jewish state, i.e., Jewish majority and ideals and a "Jewish-only" state, which Israel is not now and never has been with its large minority of Arabs along with other non-Jews who enjoy equal rights under the law. On the other hand, it is the stated goal of the PA—whose charter has never removed the clause calling for the destruction of Israel, by the way—to have a Judenrein Palestine. "I know it would be more convenient for the Rabbi if the vigilers were driven by hate, so sorry to disappoint, but the truth is the vigil is interested in justice for all." [except Jews and the members of Beth Israel, it seems.} What else than hate do you call the outrageous accusations leveled at the congregants on the "vigilers" signs? What else do you call targeting a Jewish house of worship on Jewish holy days than hate _and_ antisemitism?
annarbor28
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.
From Aimee Smith: "Zionists and Cruise Missile folks have been pushing the projection (of genocide) in order to compell (sic) the US or UN to invade...The crisis there (Darfur) is horrendous but not larger in reach or harm that that in Congo." Aimee Smith (Source: US Green Party National Committee minutes, 6/06) Apparently according to to the Green Party, so much of what happens in the world can be blamed on Israel and Zionists, and they are there to assert this. Why not just go to Darfur or Gaza and try to right these wrongs, Green Party members?
skz
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:41 a.m.
I would be interested to know what kind of comments have been purged here. I'll bet they show that Herskovitz's supporters are even less appealing than many of us already think.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 5:02 p.m.
Than many of us already _know!_ After all, Mr. Herskovitz himself proudly proclaims that he is the most hated man in Ann Arbor. Mr Herskovitz once stated in an interview in the Ann Arbor Observer that half of his relatives don't speak to him. My question: what is wrong with the other half?
annarbor28
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 10:54 p.m.
I don't understand why Herkowitz, et al do not move to Gaza. They would do so much more there than just generating ill-will at a synagogue each week. Or they could go to Syria and help the refugees there. That would be positive instead of negative. By the way, I am not attacking these people. I just cannot understand why this is so important to them, instead of being productive, such as working in Gaza or Syria.
Michael Shalev
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 8:29 p.m.
@Aimee Smith Your definition of Israel currently enjoys security, based on probably the most masochistic definition of joy I ever heard. Syria - Iran's closest ally, threats right NOW that they would attack Israel, once the coalition led by US would respond on the usage of chemical weapons in the Syrian civil war, which since the 15 March 2011 led to more than 100,000 casualties and 1.8 million Syrian refugees. Lebanon - Iran's proxy, Hezbollah, that taking significant part in the Syrian civil war threats Israel on a regular basis, despite unilateral withdrawal of Israel from security zone in South Lebanon in 2000, despite the UN Resolution 1701 that called for disarmament of Hezbollah, after 2006 Lebanon War started by Hezbollah. Gaza Strip - Hamas – till recently, another Iran's proxy, switched side in Syrian civil war. In 2005, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip as part of the Disengagement Plan. All Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip were dismantled, and all Israelis, were forcibly evicted by Israeli security forces. From 2006-2007 more than 600 Palestinians were killed in fighting between Hamas and Fatah, after the Palestinians elections. Hamas rocket attacks on southern Israel, which totaled over 3,000 in 2008 lead to Gaza War. Regarding claims of Goldstone Commission you would better refer to Goldstone article from 2011 at Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/reconsidering-the-goldstone-report-on-israel-and-war-crimes/2011/04/01/AFg111JC_story.html East - Judea and Samaria (West Bank) – if not Israeli protection to the Fatah, they would be demolished by Hamas, exactly at the same way as it happened in Gaza Strip.
akbear
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 10:10 p.m.
Thank you for the comprehensive info and for the truth. It saddens me how much misinformation is readily accepted by those that wish/need to see Israel and the Jewish people as bullies- all 13.5 million on this earth.
Colorado Sun
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
I would note that it is hard to find any Palestinian-Americans in Metro Detroit who are not appreciative of Henry's efforts. Rabbi Dobrusin has contacted Islamic leaders to denounce Henry's actions and while some may privately disapprove of his tactics they do not denounce hs message. One indicated that mosques do not have the Pakistani flag hanging in them, so Henry's point is accurate. Only Dawud Walid has come out and voiced public disapproval of the vigils. Rabbi Dobrusin should be encouraging a dialogue on these issues rather than fecklessly seeking condemnation of those who exercise their First Amendment rights. Enough is enough. The Quakers locally led by Anne Remley had initiated a boycott vote of the People's Food Co-op to bar the purchase and resale of Israeli products. Many University of Michigan students have taken part in protest demonstrations against Israeli government actions. The Huron Valley Greens have endorsed a boycott of Israeli products at the PFC. I would encourage a dialogue on these matters rather than the ongoing rancor.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
Colorado Sun: "…It is hard to find any Palestinian-Americans in Metro Detroit who are not appreciative of Henry's efforts." Has he conducted a scientific poll? "…While some Islamic leaders may privately disapprove of [Herskovitz's] tactics they do not denounce hs [sic] message. One indicated that mosques do not have the Pakistani flag hanging in them, so Henry's point is accurate. Only Dawud Walid has come out and voiced public disapproval of the vigils." If Pakistan were the _only_ Islamic country, I'll bet its flag with its Islamic crescent would be displayed in every mosque the world over. There are nearly two dozen Moslem countries in the world and only one Jewish one. If the Islamic leaders in this area use the flag as their excuse for not condemning the hate gauntlet at a Jewish house of worship, shame on them! Dawid Walid is no friend of Israel, but unlike the pickets and many of his co-religionists, he alone sees the clear distinction between a Jewish congregation and the government of Israel and how wrong it is to stalk Jews on their holy day of rest in their house of worship. All the groups you cite such as the Huron Valley Greens and Anne Remley who are anti-Israel represent a tiny fringe minority who have only one issue. And, BTW, the resolution at the People's Food Co-op that you cite, Colorado Sun, was soundly defeated by 77%-23%. So, what's your point in bringing up all these losing causes to try to justify the ongoing gauntlet of hate at Beth Israel? If you're going to use the First Amendment to justify it, shouldn't that be enough? "I would encourage a dialogue on these matters rather than the ongoing rancor." How many times do you need to be reminded that the acrimony was started by the Herskovites and the peace shattered by them? There is no room for dialog with extremists.
Michael Shalev
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 6:44 p.m.
@Colorado Sun Please keep posting your recommendations. People's Food Co-op would thank you for your free advertisement. Since when Pakistani flag represents about 50 Muslim-majority countries, as opposite to the fact that Israeli flag represents Jewish only state in the entire world. Enough is Enough, couldn't agree more, even the broken watch shows right time twice a day. Leave the synagogue and find life...
Aimee Smith
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
In the video, Rabbi Dobrusin advocates for peace, but note he reproduces the AIPAC talking point of calling for self-determination for the Palestinians and security for the state of Israel. Is the security of the Palestinians not important? Are they somehow less deserving of security? With such imbalanced hopes for the peoples of the region, one doubts if the humanity of Palestinians is respected. It is confusing for people who have not taken the time to research the history and full character of this conflict. But any solution that leaves Israel as it is now means race based second class status for Palestinians. Calling Israel a democracy is no less racist than calling Apartheid South Africa a democracy. Palestinians were first driven out in sufficient numbers to make the vote of the tiny remaining minority irrelevant. Laws have been in place and even strengthened over time to prevent Palestinians from returning to their homes and villages so that the "demographic threat" of "too many" Palestinians can be thwarted. Meanwhile, Jews from any place in the world can move to Israel tomorrow if they choose. How is that just? How is that not racist? The Rabbi seems to accept the racist nature of Israel as something to be beyond question. He claims his congregants all unequivocally support Israel as well. This is the crux of the impasse over the vigil. The vigilers want the congregants to understand that Palestinians are just as human as Jewish Israelis. The vigilers believe human rights trump states rights - hence the sign "Israel: no right to exist." I know that congregants, along with most of the rest of us, have been mislead about the founding and inherently racist nature of the state of Israel. But those who support Israel have a responsibility to know what they are facilitating. Herskovitz didn't know until he went to Israel, but the Rabbi insisted his new found information was not to be shared with the congregation. A vi
skz
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 3:12 p.m.
Uh, Stuart, I see you've dodged my point about racism and the "Palestinian" people. The Fakestinians are no race, so the most common talking point (raaacism) is absurd on its face. They are no people either: they lack the distinct culture that would imply that they really had been together for hundreds--or thousands (lol!)--of years. They are migrant Arabs, period. They owned no property because the Ottomans owned the property. You don't like this? Tough. Complain to the Turks. All land is conquered. That's why there are Arabs in Egypt--and why Muslim Arabs rule there. You don't seem to object to military conquest, only to conquest by Jews. But really, I find this all secondary. I repeat my primary points. The first is that Torah says the land is Jewish. Admittedly, the Koran disagrees. But I see no reason to pay attention to the Koran in this disagreement. Another main point is that I don't appreciate the Fakestinians' anti-Americanism, anti-Semitism, racism directed against blacks, homophobia, etc. I can't imagine any group I'm less likely to want to help. None of you Herskovites can explain why any rational American should defend the "rights" of this bunch. Forget about it.
Stuart Brown
Sun, Sep 1, 2013 : 9:51 p.m.
SKZ, Can you explain the over 500 Palestinian villages that have been removed from areas now claimed by Israel? Bogus argument you are making: Palestinian claims to land now also claimed by Israel are not legitimate because you allege all non-Jewish Arabs only tried to move there from surrounding countries after the establishment of Israel was announced. We are expected to ignore the fact that millions of Jews with no ancestral ties to the land and who mainly came from Europe some how have acquired legitimate rights to land they never lived on. They only way this happens is through military conquest; something the world frowns on these days. Make all the bogus excuses you want to justify the unjustifiable, but don't expect the rest of us to drink your Cool Aid.
skz
Sun, Sep 1, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.
What's wrong, wittle bitty censor? You didn't like my "claim" that all Stuart is saying is "raaacism"? I know it will be hard to process this subtlety, but the Stuarts are limited to a few catchphrases. Fakestinians are not a "race"; they're not even a distinct ethnicity, being merely Arabs coming mainly from what's now Jordan, Syria, and Egypt. Arafat, the phony, came from Egypt. That's why he spoke Arabic--wait for it--w?th an Egyptian accent.
skz
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 11:43 p.m.
Attentive readers will find that Aimee claims that Fakestinians have certain "rights," but doesn't explain why we, as Americans, should, as a matter of self interest, acknowledge such rights. She is a broken record. However, Jewish law prohibits benefiting enemies. Aimee says that it's a-ok to do so. I disagree. Enough. Her case is unpersuasive.
Stuart Brown
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 3:33 a.m.
What is a Fakestinian? Oh, I know, this is a derogatory and racist term used to describe Palestinians. It follows the grotesque distortion of actual history promoted by Zionist apologists, "A land without a people for people without land." But thanks for revealing the fundamentally racist attitude towards Palestinians that ensures the flames of war will continue in the region. With supporters of Israel denying the basic humanity of the indigenous population of Palestine why is there any question about why so much violence exists in the area?
Aimee Smith
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
to SKZ - Even if every Palestinian was out celebrating on 9/11, that does not negate their rights, especially since many of their rights were violated decades prior to 9/11. While Zionism tries to make this into a game of sympathies, it is not a game. It is about demanding a world where everyone has rights, regardless of whether you have sympathy with them or not. Further, not every Palestinian was celebrating that day. Thus you are advocating collective blame which is, in my view, rather racist. (Perhaps that is why you don't like to use your real name?) Speaking of disrupting religious practice, member when Baruch Goldstein entered a Mosque in Hebron (fully armed passed Israeli soldiers) and started slaughtering people as they worshipped? The festivals in Israel for this man's actions could not be contained. Shrines were made for him. And in polls, as many as 80% of Israeli Jews said they supported his actions. Palestinians are not the only ones who count among their number those who celebrate the suffering of others. However, Palestinians would have more justification for their feelings since the US has been a key ally in their dispossession and conquest. Cat doesn't have my tongue. Israel has worked so hard at putting out so many lies, distortions and slanders that one can't possibly manage to answer them all. I have ignored a great many in this article's comment section alone. The Rabbi may not be a deliberate as you in claiming certain land if for Jews only, but that is the effect of his policy proscriptions and red lines in conversation. So it is legitimate to protest his positions.
skz
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:09 a.m.
Notice that this the third time that I have asked Aimee why any American should sympathize with the Fakestinians given their celebration of 9/11. She cannot have missed this simple question TWICE. What's wrong, Aimee? Cat got your tongue? Aimee, I cannot imagine a "people" less sympathetic than those you are defending. It is not in the interest of Americans to give this fake people any land. I'd rather fill the place with Scotsmen or African Animist or Christian refugees from Islamic imperialism. Hey, I'd rather turn the place into a huge zoo. I am also a grown-up, so I don't run in terror from "racism." If we Jews are a race, then we have had to "wander" long enough. Muslims have killed enough unarmed Jews. If one really cares about racism, Israel is a welcome antidote. You seem to point to some concept called "basic morality." There is no such concept. Nor do UN General Assembly pronouncements create such a concept. Instead, there are various moral systems that sometimes overlap and sometimes don't. However, to argue in favor of Muslims based on human rights talk couldn't be more absurd because the spread of Islam is intrinsically anti-human-rights. And if we reject "basic morality," I'm happy to consider Jewish morality (based on halacha) superior to Islamic "morality" (as seen in those Fakestinians who cheered 9/11). Naturally, "Rabbi" Dobrusin has made none of these points. That is why he is no rabbi.
Aimee Smith
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 11:09 p.m.
to ContreMiller - while no one in Beth Israel may be intending to be racist against Palestinians or Arabs, those who support Israel are doing so. Is was created via a planned ethnic cleansing campaign followed by a denial of rights of indigenous Palestinians. The idea of Zionism was promoted without regard to the rights of the indigenous people. See for example Jabotinky's 1920's pamphlet called "The Iron Wall." The impact to the indigenous population was discussed long in advance of the carefully planned crimes that were carried out against them. (Please read _The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine_ for a well-documented historical account.) Demonizing the leadership of the Palestinian people obviously does not justify crimes carried out decades before they came into power. Also, demonizing a society does not justify a genocidal campaign against it. That would be a pretty racist idea. To SKZ - if you want to believe that certain land is "Jewish" based on your religion, you have the right to believe whatever you want. If you wish to justify the use of force and violations of international law (not to mention basic morality) in order to keep that land "clean" of its non-Jewish inhabitants and owners, then you have a problem. But that is exactly why the idea of Israel being a democracy is fundamentally flawed and Zionism has no choice but to be racist. A state for Jews only on land predominantly owned by and inhabited by non-Jews. The Zionists played both sides - might =/= right when Jews are the victims, but might = right when Jews are the beneficiaries. They can be for that all they like, but they can't expect non-Jews and anti-racist Jews to go along, at least not once they learn the cold heard facts about how Israel was founded and how it maintains its Jewish dominance today.
skz
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 7:28 p.m.
In response to Aimee Smith: What is Jewish land? Why Eretz Israel, according to Torah, which is a bit more authoritative than some pro-Arab propaganda about a "Palestinian people" made up by Arafat at the suggestion of Romanian intelligence after the land was lost war that intended genocide against the Jews living there. You suggest that if Jews want their religious rights respected they must respect those of others. However, non-Jews squatting on Jewish land does NOT respect Jewish rights. Absolutely nothing that could happen in the Diaspora compares in terms of disrespect. Since Jews were forced into a defensive war (milchemet mitzva), no Muslims may now live in Eretz Israel whatsoever. Further, all the lands that attacked it are now properly Jewish land based on the principle of milchemet mitzva. But you haven't answered my question regarding why Americans should welcome giving land to a "people" who celebrated 9/11.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
In response to Aimee Smith, no one at Beth Israel has ever denied the humanity of the Palestinian Arabs. It is outrageous to call Rabbi Dobrusin and/or the members of Beth Israel and, by extension, anyone who supports Israel,"racist!" It is equally off-the-mark to label Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East "racist!" No place in the region is as multiethnic, multiracial, multi-religious, or as tolerant and open a society as Israel is. Most of its neighbors and most Arab and Moslem countries, including Hamas-dominated and antediluvian Gaza and the corrupt PA-run West Bank are repressive, brutal, misogynist, homophobic, and oppress their minorities. Instead of making baseless claims about Israel, Aimee Smith and the other stalkers of Beth Israel should be crying out against all the atrocities committed in Arab- and Moslem-dominated countries such as Syria where over 100,000 have been brutally slaughtered in the last two years alone. I don't think it's unfair to say that all this concentration of misplaced hate against Israel is only because it is a _Jewish_ state. How else can one rationally explain that these same anti-Israel people deftly ignore the true crimes against humanity taking place in Moslem and Arab controlled territories?
Aimee Smith
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
What exactly is "Jewish land?" Most of the land acquired by Israel during the ethnic cleansing of 1948 was stolen (~92%). A small percent was purchased (~6%), a smaller percent acquired from the British mandate (2%). All of the building in the lands occupied in 1967 is on stolen land. If Jews expect people of other faiths to respect their basic rights (which I believe they should) then they can't expect those same people to understand the concept of justifying the theft of the land of other people just because those people don't happen to be Jewish. That is bigotry and frankly rather insane sounding. We must respect the basic human rights of each other regardless of faith or ethnicity or race. That is the only way we can have a world based on sanity and mutuality rather than violence and criminality. Are you in or not? (You may call me a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...)
skz
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:37 a.m.
Sorry, I meant to say, why any Jew should support giving Jewish land to Muslims.
skz
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:36 a.m.
Aimee, can you explain to me why any Jewish land to Muslims and why any American should welcome land going to the "folks" who danced in the streets when they heard of 9/11? Of course, Rabbi D. would never ask such questions because there are more pressing matters for him than Jewish law or American interests.
annarbor28
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 10:48 p.m.
Aimee: You are so wrong. You obviously have not spent time driving around the West Bank, as I have. The Israelis and Arabs both live in new housing and cooperate. Gaza is run by Hamas, who stifle rights of women. For instance, a UN sponsored marathon was cancelled this year because Hamas would not let women run. Israel has freedom of speech and religion, and equal rights for women. Gaza does not. I am always amazed how liberals in the US are to willing to throw the rights of women away so quickly, when it comes to criticizing Israel. Also gays, who flee from Gaza to Israel because homosexual**ty is illegal in Gaza and many Arab countries.
Aimee Smith
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 7:36 a.m.
Israel currently enjoys both security and self-determination. The problem is they do not enjoy legitimacy in the eyes of the world since the state of Israel was founded in violation of international law at the time and Israel continues to flout international law. Palestinians enjoy legitimacy. You are incorrect about why they refuse to leave even when they are being bombed and rendered homeless, having their orchards burned, their sheep poisoned and their family members killed and/or jailed. Palestinians refuse to leave because they do not want to be separated from their land. Not because Israel is any great bastion of rights, equality or quality of life. Palestinians do not enjoy equal rights under Israeli law. Exhibit A would be the racist law of return that does not apply to the refugees of the mass expulsions of 1948 and 1967 as international law requires but instead only applies to Jews no matter where they currently live or where their ancestors were from. Not being allowed to return to your house, your farm and your town is a pretty big negation of your rights. No two state solution has ever allowed for the future Palestine to have its own military, control its own borders and certainly not have nuclear weapons as Israel does. After 6 decades of genocide and ethnic cleansing at the hands of the Israeli state, why would Palestinians suddenly feel secure when they are not afforded the right to basic self-defense? The two state solution has always been about Israel getting as much land and water as possible with as few Palestinians as possible. It has never been about fairness, abiding by international law, or justice. As for the AIPAC talking points, pay attention and see how often the line "security for Israel and self-determination for the Palestinians" is used. Obama said it on his last trip there. The implication is clear - some people deserve security and some people do not.
Michael Shalev
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 2:05 a.m.
What's wrong with self-determination for the Palestinians and security for the state of Israel. Self-determination for the Palestinians imply their security. If you think it's not, there's absolutely no problem to add it, as well as the explicit mentioning that they can wake up, brush their teeth and do anything they want to... And it will happen right away when their leadership would be able to reach the permanent peace agreement with the State of Israel. No doubt you would prefer the Rabbi reproduce as you do, Hamas talking points, that don't recognize the right of Jewish state of Israel to exist, but fortunately that will never happen. Israeli Arabs rights respected and protected by law in Israel. If it wasn't the case they would fly away from Israel, something that's not going to happen, because their quality of life is far above other Arabs enjoy in their countries, especially within the immediate neighbors, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, where Palestinians are the majority of the population.
akbear
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 7:06 p.m.
Don't you have more on your agenda? http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/48887
Richard
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 3 p.m.
Enough hate. People should be finding ways to get along instead of finding ways to fight.
Raspel
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:28 p.m.
Richard. a very nice sentiment, but let's not forget who started this mess. Also, the hate is coming from one direction: that of the picketers. The synagogue tries its best to ignore these hate-filled stalkers, but it's hard not feel the chagrin of the congregants when you see the venomous gauntlet with which they have to contend all these years with no signs of ever abating.
Jennifer Lewis
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
We were invited to attend an event at Beth Israel on a Saturday morning and walked over to the synagogue. As we came closer, the menacing signs came into focus. My then nine-year-old got tears in his eyes and said to me, "Are they going to try to hurt me?" No child should feel intimidated in this way, certainly not on the way to attend a peaceful religious service. Henry's group is dwindling. In a college town where there is plenty of criticism of Israel, the fact that no young people have joined their ranks speaks for itself. As a community we need to come together to denounce people who impede Ann Arborites' unfettered access to prayer. We commend the clergy and others who have spoken out on this issue.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:16 p.m.
To further bolster what AnnArbor 28 stated and to refute the outrageous criticisms of Aimee Smith, here are some of the wise words of a Palestinian-Arab-Israeli journalist: "Israel is a wonderful place to live and we are happy to be there. Israel is a free and open country. If I were given the choice, I would rather live in Israel as a second class citizen than as a first class citizen in Cairo, Gaza, Amman, or Ramallah." —Khaled Abu Toameh in "Islam Today" May 18, 2009: http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/511/islam-today-1
annarbor28
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 10:42 p.m.
Aimee have you ever been on the West Bank? I have, and what you are saying is not true. What is true is that suicide bombers blew up thousands of Christion, Jewish and Muslim Israelis doing such things as eating pizza. The Arab population of the West Bank lives well, in very new townhouses, better than what is built for students in A2. Go and see. This is so false.
Aimee Smith
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
Seeing the vigilers might feel scary, especially for kids. But imagine how scary it is to see your home destroyed on your own land because you are the "wrong" kind of person. Imagine how scary it is to have F-16's fly overhead on bombing campaigns. Imagine how scary it is to walk to school with sniper towers overhead. It seems so self-absorbed to complain about "harassment" of one or two handfuls of people holding signs when the leadership (and all of the congregation according to the Rabbi) supports the state whose very nature requires terrorizing the indigenous population i.e. a homeland for only one type of people on land inhabited by another type of people.
akbear
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 11:25 a.m.
If the US, Britain or France attempts to unseat Assad, Israel will be attacked... Meanwhile, speaking to an Arabic-language radio station operated by the United States, Syria's Deputy Information Minister Halaf Al-Maftah said Monday that Israel would face not only Syria in the event that the US, Britain and France attempted to unseat Bashar al-Assad. A coalition consisting of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria would respond to any attack against Assad with a response against Israel, he threatened. In addition, terrorist groups in Syria and Lebanon would attack Israel with full force. Al-Maftah added that Syria has "strategic weapons" that it would use in its attack on Israel. He did not specify what those weapons were.
akbear
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 9:56 p.m.
ContreMilice- I sure do know that feeling. After reading some posters comments, I had to research some of their backgrounds and info about how they came to be so hateful. Didn't find any answers as to why, but felt compelled to post online for the first time to speak against these evil people. And yes, I thought I finally found a home in a city that avoided such nonsense, but apparently fools can be found anywhere. What a pity.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.
Akbear, thank you for the nice thoughts It's very hard to walk that thin tightrope between bursting out laughing at some of the wildly absurd claims of the picketers and losing one's cool at their unjustified, unwarranted exercise in hate, which they inflict upon the synagogue's worshippers and the black eye this gives to our fair city.
akbear
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:12 p.m.
ContreMilice- No problem, you are a much better at getting your point across than I am, especially when I am overwhelmed by irrational people guided by hatred under the guise of understanding.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:10 p.m.
Akbear, thank you for clarifying your position. I appreciate your sympathetic words. Please excuse me for questioning your motives.
skz
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:08 a.m.
If Israel were a light unto the nations as opposed to being the Jew of nations, it would take the opportunity of destroying the zit known as the Al-Aksa Mosque (and the other mosques) on the Temple Mount if Syria or any other Muslim nation attacks it. But then, the powers in Israel are much like Rabbi D. of Ann Arbor.
akbear
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 8:54 p.m.
ContreMilice- No, it is not a good thing and no, I do not support Assad. According to some posters, Israel (or the Jewish people) are the bullies of this earth- all 13.5 million of them. Despite knowing better, I am shocked at the anti-semitism expressed here.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 8:16 p.m.
Akbear, do you think this a good thing? Do you then support What Asad and his allies like Hezbollah are doing to the Syrian people?
Michigan Man
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 11:34 p.m.
Israel v. Syria - David and Goliath once again my friend!
Colorado Sun
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 7:10 a.m.
What a great guy that Henry Herskovitz is - the City Council should pass a resoution honoring him for advocating for the human rights of Palestinians!
greener_tea
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 1:29 a.m.
I have driven past on Sunday mornings when they also protest. They stand close to the curb and wave their signs towards passing cars. It is scary to drive there. I swerved away the first time they waved a sign in front of my front bumper (a reflex that only made it more dangerous). I've become used to it and perhaps they don't wave the signs so much now. But it is a relief when I am past that part of the road. Easy enough to understand why the congregation calls it a gauntlet. Gotta wonder if freedom of speech trumps freedom of religion.
greener_tea
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 1:40 a.m.
I guess it was on Saturdays. My mistake to have said Sundays.
jns131
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 1:11 a.m.
They do it to churches and this is no different. So get over it.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:02 p.m.
Really? Please tell where in the State of Michigan there has been a 10-year protest outside of a church. OK, five years. Can't do it? 1 year? 6 months? I'm sympathetic to their cause, but this vigil has become harassment, pure and simple, and at this point I suspect it is causing the loss of support more than it's creating support. GN&GL
BhavanaJagat
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
I am following the news stories about this protest event over several years and I am not convinced with the view shared by these protestors. I am not convinced as they have failed to attach an acceptable reasoning process to the statements they make. I can easily understand that the religion, faith, belief, and history of Jews come together to establish their identity with the Land which is proclaimed as the State of Israel. Islam had arrived there after several centuries as a consequence of Arab conquest. The identity of a Jew is related to only one geographical location on the face of the Earth, and if Jews have arrived there from a different location is of no consequence to that fundamental identity.
ContreMilice
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:25 p.m.
And Bill Wilson, how much did our society pay for what it took from Native Americans, African-Americans, and Japanese-Americans? As you're not complaining, it seems that the pittance any of them received is adequate compensation. And, if you don't think their compensation was sufficient, are you ready to let Native Americans have their right of return and take over your property? If not, you're preaching a double standard. And why don't you allow that the Jews violently expelled from Arab lands in the 1940s even receive compensation, with interest, as you deem just regarding the Arabs, most of whom left of their own volition or at the order of the Arab governments who invaded Israel in 1948? Better idea, those Arab governments should not only compensate the displaced Jews, but the Arabs they urged to leave as well. Now _that's_ what I call true justice.
Bill Wilson
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 3:32 a.m.
The problem with citing the Bible is simple: every story in it is a rewrite from a Sumerian/Akkadian tale. Not just some: EVERY story. Google 'Samuel Noah Kramer's "History Begins at Sumer", buy a copy, and you'll see. In our society, we pay for land that we take, and respect the rights of property owners. Israel agreed to either pay for the land, or respect the owners 'right of return'. It's time they kept their word.
BhavanaJagat
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
@Bill Wilson: I do recall conversing with you on other issues apart from the Sumerian Tales. I find justification from the Book of Leviticus Chapter 25, verse 23:"Land is Mine and you are but aliens and my tenants." Land belongs to God the Creator. Israel exists at the Mercy of the Lord and Henry cannot change that right to exist. The story of Tibet and its military subjugation is a different topic.
Bill Wilson
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 4:03 a.m.
BhavanaJagat , Totally agree, and also agree with your other posts regarding the racism and broad brush many use when making wrongful abuse claims against China and their army. Good show sir!
skz
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
"'We at Beth Israel remain true to who we are,' he said. 'We certainly didn't ask for this. We certainly don't enjoy it.'" True to who they are? No doubt. Alas, what they are has nothing to do with Judaism, which does NOT advocate turning the other cheek. "Rabbi" Robert Dobrusin is no rabbi, either. The most important comment here noted the following: "It's ironic that Herskovitz has chosen to picket Rabbi Dobrusin's congregation. Rabbi Dobrusin is a former member of the board of Rabbis for Human Rights." In other words, Dobrusin does not support Torah but Secular Humanism as interpreted by leftwing NGOs. He basically agrees with Fakestinian supporters like Herskovitz. So now we know why there are no counter-protestors. We are not surprised that a well-chosen group, with media invited, do not criticize Mohammed in front of an Ann Arbor mosque. Free speech and assembly go both ways, after all. But the "rabbi" does not believe in the Jewish cause.
skz
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3:53 a.m.
So, I get lots of negative votes but no one can point out my errors? Perhaps I am telling an uncomfortable truth to pampered, comfortable Jews.
Mike
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
You guys fight way too nice. Find a mosque and set up a perpetual protest there, better yet set up pickets on the sidewalk if from of some of the agitators houses. Enough is enough already.............
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
Thomas Saffold is a strong advocate of free speech when it comes to his own rhetoric, but gets defensive when anyone suggests that his mosque should be picketed. Personally, I think this would be as uncalled-for as what he does in taking part in a ten-year long picketing of a synagogue. He answers his question of what one would protest at a mosque himself by decrying—or so it seems—the manner in which Moslems do not forcefully condemn the daily brutal acts of violence by Islamists. And I can suggest another reason to picket Mr. Scaffold's mosque: the fact that one of its members (maybe more) participates in an unjustifiable targeting of Jews by harassing the congregants at a Jewish house of worship for a decade now! And also for their failure to denounce this blatant act of hatred directed against Jews going to worship on the Sabbath. The flag issue is ridiculous. Almost all synagogues in the US fly the flag of Israel (in a lesser position of honor than the US flag). And why not? The flag of Israel is an emblem of Jewish pride and carries ancient symbols of Judaism. What an absurd comparison to tell us that his mosque doesn't fly any national flag! If there was only _one_ Islamic country in the world, I'll bet it would fly that nation's flag. There are around two dozen Moslem countries as opposed to only one Jewish one. Israel is the only Jewish state, and so it makes sense that synagogues display its flag as also being the banner of Judaism long before there was a revived Jewish state. I've yet to see any—let alone a rational—response to this question): why aren't Messieurs Saffold and Herskovitz and company bothered by all the other national flags that appear in all the Christian churches across Ann Arbor and the country? To single out an Israeli/Jewish flag and to single ot a congregation of Jews while hypocritically ignoring the same type of flag displays in Christian churches really does seem to be a manifestation of antisemitism, pure and simple.
skz
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 3:25 a.m.
I meant Saffold's. Darned autocorrect.
skz
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 3:24 a.m.
Good ideas, Mike. This so-called vigil/protest is all about jihad, and jihad has everything to do with imperialism and murder. As the umma (Muslim people) are a single entity, it is doubly appropriate to protest at mosques. I'd suggest Stafford's.
Thomas Saffold
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 6:40 p.m.
As a Muslim, let me ask what would you protest? Islam is universal, and not limited to one or any nation states. In the Ann Arbor mosque, we raise no money for Arab governments, and certainly not to use in oppressing anyone. We have no flag in our prayer area, but are commended to be loyal to our nation of residence, i.e., the US. Some of us come from Syria, Egypt, Palestine, and other war-torn nations and have families in them. We follow Islam as a way of life based upon peace with justice. Now, if you want to start a picket/vigil calling upon us to condemn "muslim" terrorist acts, I will help you; I am disgusted with the way our mosques stick their heads in the sand. If you want us to explain in detail what Jihad is--and is not--and organize delegations to travel to regions that suffer from terrorism to educate false "jihadis" and work for a just settlement of conflict, I would lead you, and others from the mosque would join us because we are sick of the cowardly leadership there. As a Christian, I went to Nicaragua, Palestine, and Bosnia during their wars to agitate for an end to violence; although many Muslims are ignorant of it, there is so much in the Quran and example of Mohammed that would see those acts as Jihad, and mandate that Muslims stop those who confuse terrorism with it.
A2centsworth
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
Well, practically speaking, as Henry states, they are down from 15 to 7 protesters. With an average age about 70, this problem should basically take care of itself in a few years.
ContreMilice
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
At that rate, A2centsworth, it will be at least another 15 years before "this problem...basically take[s] care of itself ." Sigh,
Michigan Man
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 1:08 a.m.
A2 - correct - this gene pool will be gone soon - perhaps even quicker if the Obamacare death panels get ahold of them!
SA-A2
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:47 p.m.
As a resident of the neighborhood that hosts the Temple (and I am not a member there and am not Jewish,) I have to say that Henry and his crew are a nuisance to the community. They park and put up their signs, we get traffic slow downs on Washtenaw, we have honking (and by the way folks that honk are not all supporters, you can hear what they shout) plain and simple they are a pain. These are not nice people. What they are doing is meant to provoke. They come just before services start on Saturday and leave just after it begins. Its meant to provoke. If this happened outside of St. Andrews or First Presbyterian every Sunday, it wouldn't have lasted 10 years, something would have been done. The community would have come out as a force. Henry, Gloria and Sol and the rest of them are not nice people, truly not nice, and they are fanatics. They don't know my politics at all, but when I've tried to engage them in "discussion", I've been personally called a "Racist, Zionist, Pig". They are not nice people. They are fanatics. When you try to talk with them their first response is to pull out their phone and say "you are stalking me, if you continue, I'll call the police." I've offered to dial 911 for them. They are in my neighborhood. 10 years is simply enough Ann Arbor. We can put signs in their neighborhoods - across from their houses - on their easments, we can come out in-mass on Saturdays ourselves show our support for the people attending services. (Regardless of your politics about Israel.) There's only about 10 of the "protestors". How many of us who are sick of them? Turn on the sprinklers. Fill the sidewalks with alternative voices. We don't need this to continue in our neighborhood. What do you say? Next Saturday we come out and evict these folks from our community and neighborhood.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 3 p.m.
I know from numerous attempts at discussion with the Herskovites myself and by many of my friends and acquaintances that what SA-A2 says is absolutely true. Plenty of evidence can be seen by reading Henry Herskovitz's blogs where he mocks even others in the anti-Israel camp for daring to question his obnoxious siege of Beth Israel. I've heard this same sort of snide, self-righteous type of predigested rhetoric regurgitated by all the other synagogue stalkers including the "gentle" late Mr. Metz. Mr. Herskovitz has also alienated his neighbors by taking an Israeli flag and desecrating the Star of David, the symbol of Judaism, and making it very visible to all who live on his block while vandalizing the sidewalk in front of his house with an anti-Israel slogan. He boasts of his commonality with the Phelps Family Cult and praises the remarks of known antisemites and Holocaust deniers. This can be seen in all his comments on his blogs and elsewhere. These are only a few examples of just how true are the words of SA-A2. After all, you don't get to be the most hated man in Ann Arbor--by Mr. Herskovitz's own admission--by being respectful, gentle, nice, polite, and well-behaved! And that his handful of supporters follow his lead is pretty clear evidence of juts how "nice" they are, too. Lots of proof also at http://www.hvcn.org/info/feh
Thomas Saffold
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 6:16 p.m.
You are telling lies about us, pure and simple. One of the people you mentioned may have called you names, but not Sol Metz, now deceased, one of the gentlest men in Ann Arbor. Most of us don't have cel phones, but I use a video camera to discourage bad behavior on either side; I've got lots of footage of people stopping and talking, with no hint of the behavior you made up. I could go on, but readers of this should find out for themselves and come on Saturday to observe. Also, I led a very similar vigil in 1997-1998 in front of the churches you mentioned and many more. The issue was the sanctions against Iraq, which were killing the vulnerable, particularly children as a matter of US policy. We picked churches whose denominations had condemned the sanctions, and vigiled in order to plead that the individual churches take the actions their denominations suggested. It was the right thing to do, to call churches to fulfill their moral obligations under Christianity, but we gave up after mere months, in the face of ignorance and bigotry, unlike the synagogue vigillers.
A2centsworth
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
Coming out will just create conflict. If these people are as mean as you say, arguments will most likely ensue. The sprinklers are a very nice passive statement, especially in winter. Why are they protesting a local synagogue that cannot do anything about government decisions, rather than protesting the government, in Washington DC? Seems like these folks are just there for social entertainment, and have made no footprint at all. pathetic.
clownfish
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
How many UN resolutions has Israel ignored? Any other State that ignored the vast number of resolutions Israel has would be a pariah in the USA. For instance, Mr Bush cited violations of UN resolutions in his decision to "use force" against a sovereign state. (not a war mind you, just use of force) . But, Israel gets a pass...because?
bugmenot
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 2:16 a.m.
ContreMilice says: "the US has never sent a single military figure to fight in Israel's wars." One wonders what to make then of Col. Mickey Marcus, "Israel's American general," who with the connivance of US officials agreed to serve with the Haganah under a pseudonym while still retaining his US Army commission. Marcus played a pivotal role in the 1948 Nakba, the founding crime of Israel's history. Still, it is true that except for the various proxy wars fought by US troops on Israel's behalf, e.g. in 1991 and 2003, the Jewish state has not called upon US troops to do its bidding in war. But why would a thoroughly militarized Spartan garrison-state with near-universal male and female conscription need US troops? After all, the US furnishes Israel with billions of dollars in military aid and high-tech weaponry. Americans should just be humbly grateful that they aren't asked to engage directly in Israel's military adventures.
bugmenot
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 2:15 a.m.
ContreMilice, the Israeli attack on the USS LIberty was never determined to be an accident by a US investigation. Israeli culpability was simply taken off the table (see Scott, James. *The Attack on the Liberty: The Untold Story of Israel's Deadly 1967 Assault on a U.S. Spy Ship (2009)*). NSA expert James Bamford has actually taken up the subject in several of his books, it's clear that he believes the attack was intentional as do all or most of the USS Liberty survivors; they call the attack a "war crime" (http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/write_your_congressman.html) but they are probably just Jew-haters like everyone else who doesn't believe what they are told . Re: Pollard, the point isn't that he hasn't been punished but that the government of the US' putative "only solid ally in the Middle east " engaged Pollard as a spy against the US inside the US military. After Pollard was caught and convicted the Jewish state decided to add insult to injury by making Pollard an Israeli citizen. For more on the Pollard case see the Winter-Spring 2011 issue of *The Intelligencer: Journal of U.S. Intelligence Studies* http://www.afio.com/publications/bowman_on_pollard_in_winterspring_2011_intelgr.pdf ContreMilice says: "Bugmenot won't tell you that Israel was asked by President George H. W. Bush to stay out of the Gulf War of 1991." I'm happy to confirm Israel was asked to stay out of that war BECAUSE Israel is not a "solid ally" it is a political and foreign policy liability. Ditto, the 2003 invasion of Iraq--another war for Israel ( http://www.leftcurve.org/LC28WebPages/WarForIsrael.html ) Re: the 1981 Israeli attack on the Osirak reactor in Iraq there's no evidence that Israel staged that illegal act of war for any other reason than its own perceived self-interest. They certainly didn't attack in order to protect Americans during wars ten or more years in the future.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:42 p.m.
Bugmenot and Mr. Herskovitz are always bringing up issues that only tell part of the story or none of it. For example, to denigrate the great alliance between the United States and Israel, they always raise the USS Liberty. US investigations found this to be a tragic error and long ago forgave Israel and continued the longstanding friendship. What Pollard did was really stupid, but he's paying a heavy price, far heavier than many of those who spied for the Soviets and Russians who were all released long ago. Pollard will probably never be free again. And his idiotic actions never really compromised the alliance between the US and Israel, either. And Bugmenot won't tell you that Israel was asked by President George H. W. Bush to stay out of the Gulf War of 1991, this while she was being attacked by Scud missiles launched at her by Iraq which killed and injured some of her civilians! The US didn't want Israel to get involved in that war and in an unprovoked manner, Israel was not only attacked but showed unbelievable restraint in not retaliating when she would have been wholly justified in attacking Iraq for reasons of self-defense alone! Also, Israel did the US and the world a really big favor and saved who-knows-how-many lives of US soldiers and others by blowing up Iraq's nuclear reactor. How convenient of Bugmenot to not mention those facts! And, Israel was also asked to stay out of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, which BTW, IMVHO was a big mistake for the US to do (the invasion, that is), anyway, but that's beside the point. Not only did Israel stay out of the Gulf Wars because the US didn't want her to get involved, but the US has never sent a single military figure to fight in Israel's wars. So, claims of Israel not being a good ally are totally disingenuous, par for the course for the misinformation campaign of Henry Herskovitz and his followers.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
Let's see: the Lavon Affair, the deadly attack on the USS Liberty, the AIPAC spying scandal, the Jonathan Pollard spying scandal, the Ben-Ami spying scandal, the 1973 oil crisis, the repeated illegal transfer of US military technology to China and other countries, the deception of US nuclear inspectors during the Johnson admin., the trillions of dollars in costs to Americans for US support of Israel--some "solid ally". But, hey, Israel really kicked Saddam's ass in 1991 and 2003. Wait a minute ... our "only solid ally" sat out those wars. http://www.wrmea.org/wrmea-archives/251-washington-report-archives-2000-2005/june-2003/4641-the-costs-to-american-taxpayers-of-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-3-trillion.html
Mike
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
Clown - Because they are our only solid ally in the Middle east ..............
Polecat
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
These folks need therapy. Or maybe some friends. What a bunch of goofs.
Bill
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
It's a shame to victimize a spiritual community for perceived political offenses. Beth Israel has been a convenient and inappropriate target for political grievances. When I fly my country's flag it hardly means I support all of its policies, but I support it in principle. Beth Israel makes no political statement by flying the Israeli flag, and it should be allowed to worship in peace. God protect them from the spite of this undeserved attack.
ContreMilice
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:10 p.m.
Nicholas Urfe; Not only do they fly the American flag in the sanctuary as do most synagogues and churches in this country, but the US falg is in the primary, more prominent position of honor. What more integration than that do you seek?
Leslie Morris
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
They do fly the American flag, with its staff in a higher position than that of the Israel flag, as is appropriate in flag etiquette.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.
We are in America, why don't they integrate and fly the American flag?
Michael Shalev
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:11 a.m.
The only reasonable compromise with those hat-reds must be along the lines of the counteroffer of Stephen Colbert to Donald Trump... http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/420539/october-24-2012/donald-trump-s-october-surprise
dianab
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:10 a.m.
There are plenty of groups in Israel -- in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and elsewhere -- that protest the Occupation and protest the barbarous and malicious treatment that Palestinians undergo at the hands of Israel and Jewish Israelis. What's needed is an end to the enormous funding of Israel that comes from the U.S. government. And the end of the funding can only take place if the U.S. populace is made aware of the war crimes and the crimes against humanity that Israel commits on an hourly basis. Israel is a rogue state that flouts international and humanitarian law. There is no other state on the planet that behaves as Israel does and receives the enormous financial backing of the United States that Israel does. The U.S. usually screams bloody murder when states behave as Israel does. Which, of course, begs the question: why do we foot the bill for war crimes and crimes against humanity? If Israel had to make its own way financially, it would have no choice but to behave like a civilized political entity.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Dianab makes a number of serious accusations against Israel. While there is no doubt that Israel has at times mistreated some of the residents of the West Bank and Gaza, on the whole—especially considering the acts of terrorism carried out against her citizens over the decades—she has responded with remarkable restraint and never deliberately targets civilians except in cases of self-defense, which is not the same with the numerous Arab and Islamist terrorists who purposely try to cause as many civilian casualties among Israelis as they can. Now, what can be more barbarous and malicious than that? What makes more sense when it comes to fiduciary matters is that if the PA continues to siphon off billions that should be going to help its citizens, _that_ funding should be cut off immediately not the well-spent dollars that go to Israel. How specious to accuse _Israel_ of war crimes! Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Aqsa Martyrs, Al Qaeda, etc. are the war criminals, not Israel. And, why pray tell, do Dianab and the other anti-Israel gang never say a word about all the Arab on Arab and Moslem on Moslem violence rampant throughout the Middle East and beyond? Doesn't it bother you that Assad of Syria has slaughtered over 100,000 of his own people? Why always harp on Israel, the only Jewish State in the whole world and the only true democracy in the region, but forever ignore the daily mass scale repression and murder going on in Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and Afghanistan? Let's not forget the oppressive, misogynist regimes in Hamas-controlled Gaza, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, and Sudan. Not to mention the extensive "honor" killings that take place in all Islamic-dominated territories including PA-controlled West Bank and Hamas-ruled Gaza. Why don't you raise your voice against these real atrocities instead of inventing imaginary ones by Israel? On its very worst days, Israel is a much better place than most Islamic and Arab countries on their very _best_ days.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
Bill Wilson said: "We let the Germans return to their homes. Why are we allowing innocent people be deprived of the lands they rightly own? These land owners raised arms against no one. Taking their land without 'just' payment is pure theft." 1) The Germans were not thrown off of their land or expelled from their houses. When European Jews tried to reclaim their former homes in Europe including Germany, they were not only rebuffed, many were murdered in pogroms as in Kielce, Poland _after_ the War! 2) And why are the 800,000 innocent people who were deprived of their land and homes in Arab countries in 1948 not allowed to even be compensated for all they lost? These people didn't raise arms against anyone. Expelling them without fair compensation is absolute thievery.
Bill Wilson
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 4:26 a.m.
@ Mike, That's untrue. The rightful owners.... those who NEVER took up arms against either side, simply want either their 'right of return' or wish to be compensated for their land, just as you would if I took your land. Israel agreed to do this, but never has. We need to remember this. We let the Germans return to their homes. Why are we allowing innocent people be deprived of the lands they rightly own? These land owners raised arms against no one. Taking their land without 'just' payment is pure theft.
Mike
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
The goal of Israel's neighbors is to wipe them off the face of the earth. If you don't believe that you are in complete denial or support the destruction of Israel.
clownfish
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
rather ...would you say -I- had a RIGHT to exist on your families land? Then, if you fought back, would it be acceptable for me to seize your neighbors land, because you oppose my seizure of your land and I have a right to defend myself against you?
clownfish
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
POLECAT, if I came and TOOK your families land by force, would you say they had a RIGHT to exist on that land? http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=579310
Polecat
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : noon
Israel isn't the problem. they have the right to defend themselves from a group of people that want to cleanse them from the earth.
Colorado Sun
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 4:33 a.m.
The article speaks of a letter co-authored by Rabbi Dobrusin directed to both U.S. senators from Michigan relating to Israel/Palestine peace negotiations that has four co-authors. One is Rebecca Kanner, who ran against Henry Herskovitz for the People's Food Co-op board of directors with a controversial candidacy filing after a deadline that caused an apology to issue Herskovitz from the PFC president Linda Feldt. Another is Aaron Ahuvia, who was retained by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) to give expert witness testimony against Blaine Coleman in his lawsuit against the AATA to place onto city buses pro-boycott ads opposing Israeli discriminatory policies against Arabs. Ahuvia was compensated at the rate of $250.00 per hour. It is interesting that the letter Dobrusin alludes to contains co-authors that have opposed Herskovitz and Coleman in the past. It is also interesting that attorneys defending the AATA hired as an expert witness someone like Ahuvia who has long expressed extremely vocal and public pronouncements in support of a two-state solution and paid him via public funds - Ahuvia is also the husband of a Reconstructionist rabbi. One of the AATA attorneys that defended the Blaine Coleman/ACLU case, Jerry Lax, had been a long-time board member of the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County. It suggests to me that Dobrusin is a part of a network that has proactively opposed Herskovitz and Coleman - as opposed to being a "victim" of their free speech.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
What is wrong with Rabbi Dobrusin and others to forcefully speak out against Henry Herskovitz, Blaine Coleman, and all local extremists haters of Israel? You seem to strongly support free speech for the Herskovites but not his opponents, of which there are far more than there are backers.
Bill Wilson
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 3:59 a.m.
Here's an idea: how about Israel pays for the land they took, as they agreed to do in the 1940's? And/or, respect the refugees 'right of return', as Israel also agreed to do. There were more than 1 million people who were forced to flee when the war broke out originally, and these are innocent victims of the war, who would just like either their property back, or payment for it, as Israel agreed to do, but never did. Until Israel pays for the land it took from these innocent people, they are no better than thieves.
ContreMilice
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.
Bill Wilson, I've yet to see you state that the Jews who were violently displaced and robbed of their homes, land, and possessions are entitled to compensation and also _with_ interest. You seem to think it's a horrible crime that one people were exiled (mostly by their own choice, BTW) and that another group that was forced out, aren't even worthy of notice, let alone recompense. You call Israelis thieves, so what does that make all those Arab governments and people across North Africa and the Middle East who forcibly threw out, and in more than case murdered many of them in pogroms while stealing their property? Double standard, I'd say. I know of a certain group of people who have these toxic signs that they brandish in front of a Jewish congregation here in Ann Arbor and who also espouse double standards. Are you one of them?
Bill Wilson
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 3:37 a.m.
Contre, I disagree. In addition to the 'right of return', interest should also be paid to the rightful owners. We do not reward thieves in our culture, Contre.
ContreMilice
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 6:33 p.m.
Bill Wilson, what you seem to miss from my response is you are talking about compensation--I think return to the same land is now way out of the question--for one group of aggrieved people (no matter how they left although there's a difference between the forcible eviction of the Jews from their centuries-old Arab lands and the mostly voluntary exit of the Arabs from Israel--and not willing to allow for compensation for their losses. Why is it OK for Arabs who left mostly because the leaders of the governments of five invading armies told them to do so, to be compensated and not for Jews who were violently expelled? In any case, this is all for the various directly-involved parties to negotiate, not you and I.
Bill Wilson
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 11:12 p.m.
Contre, Not getting you. My neighbor is wrongfully evicted, so if my personal circumstances are the same as my neighbor, it's okay to cheat me too? Maybe.... just maybe, we need to take each individual case and decide it on its own merits?
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 6:40 p.m.
And when will all the Jews who were forcibly evicted by their Arab neighbors from most of the lands they inhabited for centuries be compensated? Until they are compensated, why should Israel pay a shekel to any of the Arab refugees--most of whom were not forced to flee, but _told_ to by the leaders of the invading armies of five heavily-armed Arab states who attacked the nascent Jewish state and promised to push the Jews into the sea? The many Arabs who stayed at the urging of the new Jewish state in 1948 have equal rights as citizens of Israel. Those who fled have no right to claim anything until all parties agree to the terms of settlement, which I believe, unfortunately, will probably never happen.
Bill Wilson
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 3:55 a.m.
@ What, What is estimated to be over one (1) million refugees (at that time) were forced to flee in face of the war during the late 1940's. Yes, many, and perhaps most, were of Arab decent. But every individual, regardless of his race, is, and was, entitled to either return to his/her home, or receive just compensation from the land, which was to be decided per the owner's preference. Israel agreed to this. But, since this time, Israel has engaged in a pattern of deception, and has denied both the 'right of return' and the landowner's right of 'just' compensation. I do not believe for a New York minute that if I agreed to purchase your property, and did not pay you, that you would simply shrug your shoulders, and bear the theft without attempting to right that wrong. Until Israel pays for the land it took, the situation is simple: the rightful owners are attempting to reclaim their property. And despite what wrong some individual Arab terrorist participates in, this does NOT reverse the rightful owner of his/her claims. on their land It's time for Israel to pay its long over-due debts.
Bill Wilson
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 3:34 a.m.
Skz, I'm not following you. By your reasoning... If my friend's landlord dislikes me and wrongfully kicks my friend out of his home because I am the man's friend (or member of his faith), this should undo my obligation to pay my landlord for his property? With all due respect, your analogy makes no sense.
what4
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 3:25 a.m.
Yes 1m Muslims were ethnic cleansed (for lack of a better term) from what became Israel, fleeing into surrounding Muslim territory. Also true 800 thousand Jews were ethnically cleansed from surrounding Muslim lands fleeing into Israel. The value of the Jewish holdings in Libya alone exceeded the entire value of the Muslim losses in Israel at the time. Its happened before, get over it. Although several thousand civilians on both sides did die in the process nearly 2m people were relocated- better than other mass land swaps. Sad fact is the surrounding Muslim nations never integrated their brothers and sisters, crowding them instead into camps and manipulating them for their own ends through today. The Jews from all over the Muslim world arrived in Israel and got to work building a state. Until the arrival of Soviet Jews in Israel the Sephardic Jewish population outnumbered Ashkenazi. Get over it and get your history straight.
skz
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 9:53 p.m.
Bill, how 'bout the Muslims paying for the property stolen from the Jews who were expelled from Middle East countries at the founding of Israel?
Colorado Sun
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 3:42 a.m.
The notion that Temple Beth Israel is being unduly "harassed" is ill-founded. The United States Supreme Court in Snyder versus Westboro Baptist Church by 9-1 decision held that persons voicing opinions on matters of public controversy are protected by the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment. The civil remedy for intentional infliction of emotional distress is inapplicable when one expresses observations or opinions on issues of public interest. While I question the wisdom and efficacy of JWPF actions, it is clear their activity is protected by the federal and state constitutions. I also believe that Ann Arbor City Council should not voice any opinions about the synagogue vigils in question. This had been recognized by First Ward City Council representative Bob Johnson who refused to co-sponsor Mayor Hieftje's resolution in 2005 censuring the vigils - Johnson questioned the wisdom of such a resolution against citizens engaged in First Amendment protected activity. It should be noted that the City of Ann Arbor has already, within the last month, shelled out settlement funds on its behalf to settle two separate unrelated legal actions filed under the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1871 for allegedly abridging the First Amendment rights of community activists - one was abortion-related and the other dealt with boycotting the State of Israel.
Eep
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Where did we get a 10th justice on the Supreme Court to allow this "9-1" decision?
Becky Clark
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 3:14 a.m.
I understand we give money & funding to Israel because they are a democracy in the region and our one ally. I don't have a problem with that. But I have a problem with US giving tax dollars to our enemies in the region that hate us and would not help or support US if we needed it. Are we stupid? Protestors at Beth Israel should go form their own group and let these people alone.
Becky Clark
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 3:07 a.m.
I simply do not understand! I thought Ann Arbor was all about diversity. In America (this is not the Middle East), we have the freedom of religion and beliefs. And houses of worship should not have to be harassed because of what they believe.
jjc155
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
Becky. The very same 1st amnd that allows the free practice of religion and beliefs that you speak of is the same 1st amnd that allows the protesters to voice their beliefs. All of none Becky all or none.
NSider
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
You're right, you don't understand AA diversity. Free Speech in AA is okay, but only so long as you go along with the VOCAL liberal groups. If you stray from their perceived politically correct views, you become a racist, a bigot, a conservative, anything that they are not. For instance, should a "diversity club" include anti-gay groups? (I am neither pro nor anti, I don't care one way or the other, I prefer to keep sexuality private.) If a diversity club has a faction that supports or encourages one faction, to be truly diverse, shouldn't it include the other side? Sorry, no, not PC. So, in Ann Arbor, you can be diverse, so long as you follow the populist wave.
annarbor28
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:51 a.m.
How about protesting Hamas' treatment of women and gays in Gaza? Being gay is a crime that leads to prison. Women in Gaza are patrolled by religious police who make sure that they are covered head to toe with burkas. Women are not allowed to ride bikes, read books other than those approved by Hamas, cannot play music, among other prohibitions. In Islamic countries, there are at least 20,000 "honor killings" a year when women speak to men outside of their families, or fall in love (cite is wikipedia for this number) In most Islamic countries, there is no freedom of religion. Certainly now in Egypt, the Coptic Christians are having their churches burned regularly. In Israel, there is freedom of religion. Christians, Jews and Muslims live peacefully. Israel withdrew from Gaza and left beautiful farms. Instead of utilizing these, Hamas tore the farms and use the land for launching rockets against Israel. It is mystifying to me as to why none of the human rights abuses and laws against gays and women in Islamic countries, and in areas like Gaza, are protested by supposed humanists/protesters like the ones in this article. Obviously, being anti-Israel is more PC than acknowledging the many human rights abuses in other Middle Eastern countries, where there is no separation of religion and government, and where there are either monarchies or (military) dictatorships.
bugmenot
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 1:10 a.m.
ContreMilice, you know very well that HAMAS gets no money directly from the US government. I'd like to see your evidence that they get any US funds indirectly via the UN and, if so, that those US funds are diverted for buying weapons. Great Britain is a US ally, they don't get any aid from the US. Israel is a US foreign policy liability plain and simple and that is why it (and Jordan and Egypt) get billions of dollars of US aid every year. The money is used to prop up the demonstrably undemocratic, apartheid regime that is Israel and its two neighboring quisling undemocratic Arab regimes. Oh, and, yes, it is apartheid: http://www.itisapartheid.org/
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 6:30 p.m.
Actually, Bugmenot, whether directly or indirectly, Hamas gets plenty of money from the US (via our UN dues, for example), which is supposedly for humanitarian purposes and meant for their people not their weapons. As the US's greatest ally especially in that festering region, Israel should get aid from us. And equating Israel's democracy with the dictatorships of Egypt and Jordan is more than a farcical comparison. And your proposal to AnnArbor28 (as if you, A2-28, I, or anyone of us control that) to support cutting off aid to Egypt and Jordan if others of us would support doing the same to Israel is a trap and a red herring as well; best ignored.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:46 a.m.
Ummm, annarbor28, how much money does HAMAS get from the US government? What local mosque flies their flag and promotes honor killings? I'm good with cutting off US aid to Egypt and Jordan. Will you support cutting of US aid to Israel?
Ann P
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:17 a.m.
My heart goes out to the Beth Israel congregation, whose members have had to face these protestors week after week. They have handled this trying situation with admiable dignity and patience. I applaud the coalition of local faith leaders who have asked city council to repudiate the actions of this group. It is sad to think that the youngsters in ths congregation have never experienced a Saturday morning service without encountering protestors. There must be some way to bring this harrassment to an end, without violating anyone's freedom of speech. I hope the Beth Israel congregation knows how much support it has within the community.
John
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:49 a.m.
I'm pretty sure that after 10 years of this, any potential ally at the Temple has long since disregarded these protestors argument as not worth the time of consideration. Cheers Mr Herskovitz for alienating almost an entire city with your obnoxious crusade of annoyance and borderline harassment. Even I'm tempted to fly an Israeli flag in support, and I generally find that country's policies to be pretty repulsive. Sometimes it isn't what you say, but how you say it.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
"Borderline?"
SEC Fan
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:06 a.m.
Great article and great journalism. Thank you.
bugmenot
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 1 a.m.
Yeah, Ryan. get with the program and make sure you check with the "right" people before you ever think about running a story like this again.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 6:20 p.m.
i just wish you would stop writing about these fringe fanatics so often! And on the front page of your Sunday print edition! It gives them the exposure that they so obviously crave.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 1:59 a.m.
Thanks!
snoopdog
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:59 a.m.
Henry is a hater, what he is doing is pathetic and sad. I say we all go picket in front of his house 24/7 and hold up hate signs. No, then we would be stooping to his level. Good Day
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 6:18 p.m.
"I'll bet he would ask you to bring it on. More publicity." Yes and no, "free speech" only applies to _his_ speech in the world according to Herskovitz. He'd call the cops for sure as he does whenever he thinks his poor babyish pride is insulted. There's a reason he is the self-proclaimed most hated man in Ann Arbor. Yes, he seeks publicity like moths seek flames and flies...well you know...but he can't abide anyone insulting his sacred symbols of hate.
KMHall
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:35 a.m.
I'll bet he would ask you to bring it on. More publicity.
lucinda walsh
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:54 a.m.
Whatever happened to "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do"? Do the Christians who signed the petition only practice that on Good Friday?
KMHall
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:35 a.m.
I don't think that they claim to be Christians.
lucinda walsh
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:56 a.m.
Oops, that was supposed to be a reply to Mike the Finger below.
hmsp
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:35 a.m.
@ LA, re: "Perhaps the congregation could take up a collection to send Herskovitz... to the Middle East." One thing I know about the guy is that he has been to the Middle East, and his visits there are what changed his life, what made him end up out there on the street, holding up a sign. I have argued with him personally, as a friend, about how well his tactics are working, but it sounds as though, at least to some degree, they actually ARE having a positive affect: "The congregation's board of directors issued a statement July 31 supporting the resumption of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The congregation has... voiced support for a two-state solution... Dobrusin also signed his name to a letter... urging the U.S. to engage both sides... to create a... Palestinian state. It's pretty clear that Mr Dobrusin did this IN RESPONSE to Mr Herskovitz's efforts. Obviously, Mr. Herskovitz's protests have caused a lot of community backlash, and I am not able to say whether the net effect has been positive or negative. But the guy truly believes in what he is doing, and just might be moving things forward in a net-positive way. I'm not really sure where I come down on that –– give me 30 years or so, and I'll let you know. Either way, I defend his right to legally protest for a cause that he believes in, and respect him for his willingness to put himself at what little, but still very real, danger that Ann Arbor definitely presents him with.
CLX
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:57 a.m.
The congregation has for a long time expressed concern for the people in Palestine. Sorry, but your friend has not had an influence. I frankly would be deeply concerned with the hatred he expressed on his website, and with his inability to move forward with more effective, engaging tactics. He is not effective for his cause because he is not respectful and resorts to the lowest means to force his point. And to suggest that he is at danger in Ann Arbor is deeply insulting to the children he humiliates and shames with his childish antics. If anything, I fear for the congregation; he seems disturbed, and there are many who are afraid.
Mike
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:30 a.m.
I give the protesters the bird when I drive by. Enough is enough!
clownfish
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Exactly what Jesus would do!
jjc155
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.
Which is ur right covered under the exact same 1st amnd that protects their right to protest.
AnneC
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:21 a.m.
Ryan, thank you for a well-written article. I wish there was a way our city could end this harassment.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 2 a.m.
Thanks for reading
KMHall
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:37 a.m.
Are you asking that the city government involve itself?
metrichead
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 11:19 p.m.
How can you stop the protestors? They have a 1st Amendment right to be there. I'm pro-Israel, but the 1st Amendment comes, well, 1st. What Henry Herskovitz does is foster hate, not expose it. But he has a right say the things he says. The problem here is rooted in religion. If we weren't sacrificing lives over a bunch of old books with antiquated morals, would Arabs have an issue with an ethnically Jewish state (a very small one at that)? I know Henry Herskovitz wouldn't have a synagogue to protest at.
metrichead
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 12:31 a.m.
To your first point, if you take religion out of the equation and still established an ethnically Jewish state in the Middle East, you would encounter some hostility due to racism/bigotry. You wouldn't completely eliminate hostility, but it wouldn't be near the deadly, toxic levels of hostility we see today. Religious bigotry makes the problem that more intractable and possibly unsolvable. To your second point, the reason the Herskovites (nice touch) don't protest a lot of Christian churches that support Israel is something you'd have to ask Mr. Herskovitz and his followers themselves. I'm not a mind reader, but I'm guessing it has something to do with the dwindling numbers of protesters they have (there weren't much to begin with), and may have something to do with Mr. Herskovitz's former religious beliefs. To your last point, I would indeed hate having to see protesters attend my church or my social gatherings. But I can't shield my eyes from seeing everything I hate, either. Free speech isn't established to protect the speech we like, it's to protect the speech we hate. Plus, the article state that they are shoving their signs in people's faces, which would constitute harassment. I also haven't read anywhere that they've disrupted the services going on inside the temple. To be in view of worshipers is one thing, but the only line they've crossed are lines of human decency, not criminal ones.
ContreMilice
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 3:48 p.m.
Metrichead, I disagree that these protests have anything to do with religion, but when you cite ethnicity, I think you're heading in the right direction. A few points: Were Israel totally non-religious, the fact that it is a _Jewish_ state _ethnically_ would be more than enough and, I think, the chief reason for hostility to its existence by some of its non-Jewish neighbors and fanatics like JWPF. Most lands in the region but Israel are basically Judenrein, and I assert all evidence shows those neighbors don't want a non-Arab and/or non-Moslem nation in the area. In that regard, you are somewhat right as there is clear opposition by a large enough total of Moslems to all non-Islamic religions and even to moderate Moslems to make this a serious problem. The fact that the majority of Jews in Israel are secularists angers hardliners in Israel's neighborhood (including some Haredim, ultra-Orthodox Jews) even more. Many Christian churches support Israel. Why don't the Herskovites picket them? Because they don't fly Israeli flags? That's a weak excuse. As several people here correctly state, most—if not all—Christian churches display national banners of countries with which they are associated, or from whence sprang their particular sect of Christianity, i.e., English flags in Episcopalian churches, Greek flags in Greek Orthodox churches, etc. Suppose you were in a particular religious collective, or an atheist group, and every week when you have your principal gatherings for worship, reflection, talk, or whatever, a band of fanatics with signs calling you and your group mass murderers, or child molesters—the nastiest, pejorative names you could think of—basically shove those signs in your face, making it pretty uncomfortable for you to go into your meeting place, etc. for ten years and counting. Try putting yourself in the place of the congregants at Beth Israel. Would you be so quick to let your First Amendment rights be trampled upon by someone else's abuse of same?
metrichead
Fri, Aug 30, 2013 : 1:46 a.m.
ContreMilice, It's about the 1st Amendment and religion. If not for religion, there why would any of the neighboring Arab nations object to an ethnically Jewish state that takes a tiny sliver of land in the Middle East? But Israel is a Jewish state, both in religion and ethnicity. Mr. Herskovitz opposes this state. Beth Israel supports the Jewish state. And voila, Mr. Herskovitz has been protesting this synagogue's support for the Jewish state for 10 years. It's also about the First Amendment because Mr. Herskovitz, however wrong he may be, has a right to hold those opinions. The people he shares his opinions with have the right to assemble on public property. The reason they hold protests so close to the temple is because it is more practical to hold them near there where they can be seen. As long as they aren't interrupting services, which the article did not say, you have to allow them to continue on.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
Metrichead, you seem to be getting way off topic here. What does your lack of religious belief have to do with the siege of Beth Israel and the harassment that impinges on the congregants' First Amendment right, which you purport as taking precedence over all else, to practice their religion unimpeded, which should also include ingress and egress to their house of worship without having to face a venomous gauntlet of huge hate-filled signs week-after-week, year-in-year-out?
metrichead
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 1:43 a.m.
*Ugh! Replied too early!* Thus, I purposely made a distinction between religion and "nationality" (actually it's ethnicity). Veracity, I consider the Abrahamic religions to all have antiquated morals. The 10 Commandments are a good example. Only two are actual laws in the US: don't steal, don't murder. A few others are commonsense: don't cheat on your spouse, don't covet your neighbor's goods. The rest don't apply to me, like remembering the Sabbath, don't worship other gods or idols. Other antiquated moral codes include wearing clothes of different fabrics, stoning children to death who don't submit to Christ, or killing all non believers.
metrichead
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 1:35 a.m.
Solitude, that was exactly my point. I separated "Arabs" from "Muslims" for a reason. Arabs are born that way, Muslims are trained. Without any organized religion, Arabs would still be Arabs.
Veracity
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:40 a.m.
The Arab religion is just as dependent on "old books with antiquated morals" as is Judaism. And all the Christian religions have sprung from Judaism. And I do not understand what you consider antiquated morals, perhaps the Ten Commandments?
a2citizen
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:16 a.m.
If it wasn't for oil we wouldn't be sacrificing lives over a bunch of old books.
Solitude
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:07 a.m.
It's not "Arabs" that have an issue with Israel, it's radical Islam and, perhaps to a slightly lesser extent, Muslims in general. Radical Islam has an issue with everything and everyone who isn't also radical Islam, however, so that's not really news. Christian Arabs, in Lebanon, in "Palestine" and in Israel, have lived in peace with Jewish neighbors for decades. Please don't confuse nationality with religion.
phredie
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 10:57 p.m.
Long ago this went from being a protest to becoming religious harassment. If you want to protest Israel, go to an embassy, not a synagogue.
Colorado Sun
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 10:06 p.m.
"Congregation leaders stated they felt they feel no obligation to respond to the protestors' demands." This is where the problem lies. They will not negotiate or budge an inch. There is no incentive for the JWPF vigillers to stop exercising their First Amendment rights. JWPF vigillers have been harassed at work, stalked, and threatened by those who claim they are on the side of the victims of the vigil. There have been several police investigations due to harassment against the vigillers. If someone would exercise some leadership and mediate negotiations between the parties, I would expect the vigils to cease within a few months. I believe that JWPF would sit down with Rabbi Dobrusin or the board of the synagogue to negotiate a solution, however zero has been done in this regard. Mayor Hieftje briefly met with Henry Herskovitz and his group on the 60th anniversary of Israeli independence when he and others protested outside of the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County gala and Hieftje had been an invited guest of that celebration. The Mayor has accepted "big bucks" in campaign contributions from local Palestinian-American businessmen and appointed one to the Human Rights Commission - so it would not be unreasonable for him to initiate a dialogue. The Arab-American News periodical headquartered in Dearborn has published a number of articles over the years regarding Henry Herskovitz and Blaine Coleman - none has been negative and many have been positive regarding their exposure of human rights violations in the Middle East by Israeli authorities. Alan and Odile Haber have travelled to the Middle East and sponsored the Megiddo Project to promote a peace dialogue between Jews and Arabs in that region. Alan has ben critical of the extensive security imposed on Palestinians in the West Bank. Mayor Hieftje and Rabbi Dobrusin need to stop posturing for public consumption and initiate a diologue so the vigils may end.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 6:03 p.m.
Just like you don't negotiate with terrorists (if you can at all help it), there's no room for "negotiation" with the Herskovites. They are fanatics, they initiated the siege of the synagogue, and their demands are absurd and unworthy of any kind of recognition from sane, honest, decent people. If you don't realize there's nothing to negotiate here, I feel sorry for you. And the Arab-American News has also run absolutely antisemitic caricatures of Jews that were just like the ones in Der Stürmer, a Nazi propaganda paper of the 1930s and 40s while printing the ravings of neo-Nazis who disseminate conspiracy theories about the Jews. Is it any wonder that they have nothing but praise for two people in Ann Arbor who are off their rockers and spout the most ludicrous, unsubstantiated inanities about Jews and Israel?
Michael Shalev
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:49 a.m.
"The Arab-American News periodical headquartered in Dearborn has published a number of articles over the years regarding Henry Herskovitz and Blaine Coleman - none has been negative" - I wonder why ? "They will not negotiate or budge an inch." Nothing else is reasonable, except maybe something along the lines of the counteroffer of Steven Colbert to Donald Trump... http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/420539/october-24-2012/donald-trump-s-october-surprise
Veracity
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:22 a.m.
What is to be negotiated? What transgressions have been committed by Beth Israel's congregation that justifies Herskovitz singling out this synagogue for his protests? It has already been stated that members of the congregation have visited Israel an argued for a peaceful solution between Palestine and Israel. What do you think the congregation deserves to offer Herskovitz? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
CLX
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 10:22 p.m.
Why would a private religious congregation negotiate anything with a non-member? It's absurd. Your "vigilers" have resorted to vile signs and name-calling on their web site. I don't think any rational, intelligent person would negotiate with these people.
Laurie Barrett
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:48 p.m.
I don't care about the argument in this case but if they are protesting Israel and not the synagogue, or are conflating Israel with the synagogue, then it seems they are like the Westboro Baptist Church, just using a sacred ritual/place to vent ideas that more properly should be voiced in more appropriate venues. I don't think the spirit of the law allowing public protest validates this stuff; it's bad form on the part of the Westboro Baptist Church et al. (?)
Think clearly
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:31 p.m.
In Mr. Herskovits' Jewish background, he should have learned "Beth Israel" or "The House of Israel" is not a reference to the State of Israel, as the phrase preceded the State of Israel by many, many centuries or millennia. It is a reference to a name for the patriarch Jacob, found in the Torah. Does Mr. H mean to demean all the Jews in this long history who consider themselves "Bnai Israel" or "Children of Israel", meaning descendants of Jacob.?
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.
I'm not Jewish. Recently, someone I know well made the statement: "I don't trust the Jews" and repeated a too-popular opinion (the "control too much") as his reason. This is very similar to the claim expressed by these protesters, who, for 10 years have been harassing this local synagogue. What is this? It's conspiracy theory, one do dozens used to justify any number of extremist positions. What's interesting about my friend's anti-Jewish statement is that it was used to justify his not supporting a Jewish organization which HAPPENS to support a cause we both strongly support. In other words: part of his intended meaning was that, even when Jews are doing something we both strongly believe in - people will go out of their way to condemn them. This is insanity. Throwing away a chance for friendly relationships IS INSANITY. This kind of thinking just invents reasons to be against an "enemy" which DOES NOT EXIST. Over the past 50 years or so, Palestinian terrorists have committed murderous acts which horrified the civilized world. They have intentionally taken advantage of the Safe Ground given to them to create bomb factories, arms smuggling networks and organizations dedicated to murdering every Jew in Israel. After the persecution by the Nazi, the Jews of Europe asked for a refuge from all the hate. They needed a state of their own to secure their own survival. The World, in the form of the United Nations, recognized Israel as that refuge. Israel, has worked to contain the danger presented by the Terrorist State we know as Palestine. Who can blame them: their citizens - men, women, and children, have been slain by Jew Haters right in their own country. Scratch any Anti-Israel protester here and you'll find an irrational Jew Hater.
Michael Shalev
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:23 a.m.
@Colorado Sun I'm aware of fact that there's no way I would be able to change your mind that State of Israel represents a pure evil in the world. But you can spend a few minutes of your time, instead of wasting it in front of Beth Israel Congregation, reading the article written by Richard Goldstone in 2011 and published in Washington Post. Yes it's the same Goldstone from the Goldstone Report on Gaza War (27 December 2008 - 18 January 2009) http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/reconsidering-the-goldstone-report-on-israel-and-war-crimes/2011/04/01/AFg111JC_story.html "If I had known then what I know now, the Goldstone Report would have been a different document." "Israel has dedicated significant resources to investigate over 400 allegations of operational misconduct in Gaza, while the de facto authorities (i.e., Hamas) have not conducted any investigations into the launching of rocket and mortar attacks against Israel." "The crimes allegedly committed by Hamas were intentional goes without saying — its rockets were purposefully and indiscriminately aimed at civilian targets." "Although the Israeli evidence that has emerged since publication of our report doesn't negate the tragic loss of civilian life, I regret that our fact-finding mission did not have such evidence explaining the circumstances in which we said civilians in Gaza were targeted, because it probably would have influenced our findings about intentionality and war crimes" "I insisted on changing the original mandate adopted by the Human Rights Council, which was skewed against Israel. I had hoped that our inquiry into all aspects of the Gaza conflict would begin a new era of evenhandedness at the U.N. Human Rights Council, whose history of bias against Israel cannot be doubted"
John
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.
Anyone who wants to heap 100% of the blame on either Israel or Palestine is part of the problem. Both have blood on their hands, and have for a long time. Israel's settlements, which keep expanding despite being in occupied territories, because a group of it's citizens feels entitled to them based on a promise from a book written thousands of years ago, are certainly not helping anything. Nor are randomly-fired rockets from those occupied territories by terrorists. Anyone who thinks one side or the other is blameless for the situation is practicing selective vision.
Colorado Sun
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 10:16 p.m.
The Goldstone Commission Report concluded that credible proof existed of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Israel in Operation Cast Lead in 2008-09. Israel has defied U.N. Security Council Resolution 242 of 1967 requiring Israel to vacate the Occupied Territories. Israel is not blameless in the equation.
Susan
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
Matt Kaplan puts it well: "What I've seen over the past 10 years is a group whose message has gotten more and more hostile, and more and more offensive." This observation is confirmed by: "Herskovitz and his group aren't interested in a two-state solution. They're calling for elimination of Israel altogether and creation of a Palestinian state." Logic is useless in the face of Mr. Herskovitz's ever-changing line of demarcation. At one point in time. Mr. Herskovitz said he would end the protests (a term even he uses in the embedded video) if he were allowed to speak to the Beth Israel congregation. Now, he says, he would agree to stop the protests outside Beth Israel if the congregation would take down the Israeli flag inside its sanctuary." The presence of an Israeli flag inside the congregation's sanctuary has no effect upon Mr. Herskovitz. His weekly protests, however, have a significant, ongoing deleterious effect upon the members of Beth Israel, its visitors and the greater Ann Arbor community. It's time to stop doing the same thing and expecting a different result.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:51 p.m.
And Susan, what you stated so well, "...doing the same thing [repeatedly] and expecting a different result" is a very good definition of insanity.
spaghettimonsters
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
I wish there were persistent, well-organized, orderly, completely peaceful protests outside of ALL houses of worship every week. Not out of malice, but indeed just to keep everyone who enters on their figurative toes. You want to be part of a group? That's great, best wishes! But please *think* about the history--and current affairs--associated with that group. *Every single group* has something to be ashamed of. We should remember that.
spaghettimonsters
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 7:06 p.m.
Jack: And what's so wrong about being a bit self-loathing? To remember how faulty, how misguided, how self-concerned we ALL are is not a bad thing; I believe that a great many of the religions followed by Ann Arborites support the general idea of personal--and group--humility. Is that not so? And, please: stop equating disagreement with "hate." It's a juvenile response.
Jack Gladney
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:07 a.m.
FSM and IPU Atheists are some of the most hate filled self-loathing people walking the planet today. They should picket outside their own homes before worrying about church goers.
Skyjockey43
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
In other words, those who do not agree with me, MUST be held accountable for their lack of conformity!!!
jjc155
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 6:48 p.m.
how many pro-lifers (or people in general) in ann arbor would be all up in arms if their chosen group protested every saturday outside of an abortion clinic for 10 years. Would that be harassment? Hate Crime? The Constitution and most assuredly the 1st amnd is an All or Nothing endeavor, either the protection extends to everyone equally or no one at all. You may have to put up with some things you dont like so that you can say things you do. Seems very elementary but thats the way it is and rightly so.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:46 p.m.
Too bad the people who really need that kind of introspection, i.e., the synagogue stalkers aren't capable of taking that good, long hard look in the mirror and quiet down (for good).
jjc155
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Hmmm appearantly a long hard look in the mirror has quieted some people lol.
pseudo
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 6:46 p.m.
I nominate this for Least Effective Protest Ever! 10 years - and progress have you made? what has changed for the Palestinians? Who has changed their mind to your way thinking? There is a point where one moves beyond righteousness and debate over to stupid useless spectical. In this case, that happened about 10 years ago.
James Rhodenhiser
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 6:17 p.m.
Relationships, respect, and refraining from stereotyping is the answer. Thank you for an article that shows the importance of this, especially under duress, by people of good faith. May our diverse community be inspired to have more direct relationships as this article and the many comments on it and the last one show the challenge and importance of being good neighbors. I especially appreciate the careful remarks of many who used their real names as logon names.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
Colorado Sun: Have you ever tried to dialog with a fanatic? If so, you would realize what a waste of time and effort it is.
Colorado Sun
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 10:11 p.m.
@Rev. Rhodeniser: There have been multiple police investigations of harassment of vigillers. What have you done to initiate a dialogue between the parties involved? Why not be part of a solution by initiating a dialogue?
Gownie
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:16 p.m.
The term "House of Israel" predated the State of Israel by several millenia (Jeremiah 9:25). It was and remains a reference to the People of Israel (i.e., the Jewish People) and not to the State.
bunnyabbot
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:05 p.m.
1st Amendment rights yes. But there is definitely open hostility in this country against Jews and Christians and a prevailing attitude especially in Ann Arbor. No one dare protest outside of Muslim services or mock Muhammed for fear of being called an Islamaphobe (etc etc) Atheists direct their hatred towards Judeo/Christian beliefs but do not against Muslim or Buddist or Sheik. Christians and Jews need to stand together against all hostility directed at Israel's right of exsistance and Judeo/Christian beliefs, this country's founding principles.
Jim Osborn
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
The founding fathers did not create a "secular state". What they did state is that "there can be no establishment of [one] religion, such as the Church of England. Religion was not to be kept out of public life, all were free to practice their beliefs. Prayer could open Congressional sessions, as it does to this day, and newly elected office holders are sworn in with a bible, Torah, or other religious item.
clownfish
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.
79% of Americans call themselves Christian. 5% say "other religion" 3% consider themselves atheist or agnostic. So you are "abused" by 3% of the population? Why don't you try being a part of the 3%, then see how much hatred is directed toward you? We have this total myth that this is a "Judeo/Christian" country, followed by congress people that want to pass laws based on THEIR religion. The Founding Fathers created a SECULAR state for a reason. But, let us not forget that many of them held a bible tight to their chests, and directed their slaves with the free hand.
John
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:21 a.m.
"Atheists direct their hatred towards Judeo/Christian beliefs but do not against Muslim or Buddist or Sheik." I'm guessing you were going for "Sikh" and not "Sheik", since the latter is not a religious designation. Beyond that, there have been many many prominent atheists who have focused on Islam for criticism, very publicly at that. The recently deceased Christopher Hitchens easily comes to mind, as does Sam Harris. You see, the thing about atheists is that they only believe in one less god than you do. You are also an atheist when it comes to 99.9% of all the other faiths as well.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:49 a.m.
Israel is a country with nukes, not a religion.
snark12
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:57 p.m.
What you mistake as "open hostility" are really efforts by some people to prevent the government from being turned into a theocracy while asking society to recognize that all beliefs can be practiced freely in this nation. And those points were REALLY the founding principles of this country.
Marcia Feingold
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:03 p.m.
So Herskovitz is willing to stop the demonstrations if Beth Israel takes down its Israeli flag? Is that all? With that one gesture, he would stop his ten-year attacks on Israel and his demonstrations against the synagogue? What a come-down from his grandiose demands that the US stop all aid to Israel. I wonder if Herskovitz has had enough of self-aggrandizement and just wants some excuse to stop this time-consuming, useless ritual.
leaguebus
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 8:36 p.m.
They would take the flag down and then there would be another issue. These people have nothing else to do on the Jewish Sabbath day. I do like the sprinkler idea.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:20 a.m.
Taking down the flag is Henry's issue, not the group's.
eagleman
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:53 p.m.
Hershovitz is nothing but a bully. People have a right to believe what they want to believe or to support who they want to support. It is not just for Hershovitz to attempt to impose his beliefs on those who disagree with him.His group reminds me of Westboro Baptist Church. Both are extremists who are so convinced of the righteousness of their cause that they believe they have the right to harass other people regardless of the effectiveness or justice of the protest itself. While Hershovitz has the right to protest that does not mean his protest is right.
Joel A. Levitt
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
If a democratic nation is to function, each major faction must believe in the legitimacy of all the others. So, the Israelis and Palestinians are not yet ready to share a viable democratic state. On the other hand, both communities need a state if their societies and economies are to continue to grow. So, I believe that the formation of two, hopefully cooperative, states is the best option.
Joel A. Levitt
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:55 a.m.
It sure does.
snark12
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:49 p.m.
"If a democratic nation is to function, each major faction must believe in the legitimacy of all the others." I agree with that wise statement but it calls our own democracy into question in recent years.
Veracity
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:24 p.m.
Henry Herskovitz and his half-dozen followers do not deserve the publicity that they are seeking.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
And...unfortunately getting. Two stories alone in AnnArbor Dot Com just a few days apart. And making a lot of us waste our time and energy debating them and their actions, to boot.
Greg
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.
There isn't a group I know of in the world that has not been displaced, enslaved or worse sometime in history. These folks need to do what everyone else in the world has done and move on.
John
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:27 a.m.
Would you tell that to the Jews who wanted to form Israel prior to 1947 as well? Just move on?
thinker
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:10 p.m.
If they fly the flag of Israel in their sanctuary, it is just that-part of the sanctuary and thus part of their religious service. Where do they fly it?
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.
That should just be "I'm proud of it" at the end. Please excuse the typo. My computer is acting up on me right now.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.
You can see the flag in the sanctuary if you go to the Beth Israel website. http://www.bethisrael-aa.org/ The rabbi also told me this about the flag: "It reminds us of the role Israel plays in the world, which is for the last 65 years being a place of refuge for Jews who were persecuted. It reminds us of sacrifices Jews in Israel have made on behalf of our people, and I'm our proud of it."
thinker
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
If it is in the sanctuary, they can't really legally protest it, can they?
Anthony
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
You guys do realize that the Jewish people who live in Israel right now are predominantly from Europe, while Palestinians and other Muslims have been displaced from areas they lived possibly 800 years or more, right?
Bill Wilson
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 10:48 p.m.
Anthony, You're correct. What you're getting is a response of answers that the lawyers term "distinctions without a difference." Those individuals who owned the individual tracts of land and were thus forced to flee in face of the war in and around late 1940's, and, have been denied either their 'right of return' or 'just compensation,' ARE the rightful owners of the land in this present day and age. Israel agreed to , at the land owners preference, either pay for the land, or allow the 'right of return.' NEITHER has occurred. This notion that because some random individual once owned a parcel of land means that he or his descendants have a never-ending right to the property is ludicrous. My Grandparents once owned a home in Detroit. By this reasoning, I ought to be able to take back the home for myself, and remove the occupants and force them to go live under a bridge somewhere.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
By your reasoning, Anthony, you and the Herskovites are occupying land that belonged to Native Americans before the preponderance of Europeans who inhabit it now came here. Why is it OK for Europeans to control the country you presumably live in, but not Israel? And, BTW, Jews have continuously inhabited the Land of Israel long before there even was a Moslem religion or such a group as Arabs who came from the Arabian Peninsula. And, let's not forget that in addition to the Jews who never left their ancient homeland even though so many were forcibly exiled, multiple generations of Sabras, native born Israelis, have known no other country as their home. Do you suggest that they be forcibly removed from their homeland now as Mr. Herskovitz desires? And, if so, shouldn't you and he cede the land you occupy back to Native Americans? So, please stop trying to simplify a very complex situation. or you'll only end up spinning a web in which you might get stuck--if you haven't already.
Anthony
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
Also, I looked at some exact numbers, and yes, over 2 million Jews in Isreal emigrated from Europe, a number far higher than those coming from Asia (includes the middle east)--approx 500,000, or those coming from Africa--approx. 500,000. So next time, think before you call someone wrong.
Anthony
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
In any case, the land of Israel/Palestine was most recently inhabited by Palestinians, ie Muslims, who had been living there, as I said, for 800 years or more. I don't think that fact is disputable. And I think that the most recent (as in, this past millenia) residents of an area should be taken into account when western powers step in to create a new state on that exact land.
John
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:31 a.m.
I'm pretty sure they would, Veracity, since they have been since partition in 1947.
Veracity
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 12:40 a.m.
One has to wonder if the Israelis had not transformed Israel into an economic giant in the region if anyone would argue over ownership of the property.
spaghettimonsters
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 7:32 p.m.
Number of downvotes indicates that, no, people don't know that. Sigh...
racerx1909
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:49 p.m.
Thus, those that conquered it some 4000 years after the Hebrew peoples inhabited it and then lost it by a UN action in 1948 (then part of the British Empire) and then lost additional land in a war started by Trans-Jordan in 1967, are the rightful inhabitants of the land ? It would be really hard to determine at just which snapshop in time the rightful owners of any plot of land should be determined by...America would not have gained its independence from the British because the Dutch could have said, "Hold on a minute" it is really ours to lose and not a part of the British Empire...or the French.
Joel A. Levitt
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
Anthony, You are mistaken. The Jews in Israel came from the Arab states, India, South Africa and Ethiopia as well as from Europe. The parents of many of the Palestinians came to the area when the area's economy began to expand during the time of British control.
David Frye
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:35 p.m.
Roughly half the Jews in Israel are not from Europe at all. They are the people (and their descendents) who were expelled from other Middle Eastern countries, from Morocco to Iraq, after 1948 for the crime of being Jewish. In some cases their families had been living in those countries for more than 2000 years.
VillageDweller
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.
It looks to me like the crux of the issue lies here: "Herskovitz noted he himself is Jewish, though he said he had a falling out with his faith years ago. He said he used to attend Beth Israel, but he hasn't been to a service in years." This sounds like it's just one man's veiled personal crusade to hit back at a faith he fell out with. He's dressed it all up very conveniently to mesh with an on-going political problem. If he really wanted to help the political issue get settled he would have done something truly effective years ago. The protesting is only effective in scratching his itch to "stick it to" his former faith & former place of worship. Very sad.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:23 p.m.
VillageDweller: Well stated! I also say there is no evidence that Mr. Herskovitz was _ever_ a member or regular attendee at Beth Israel services. If he was, I'd love to see the evidence or even see or hear the testimonies of those who normally go to used to attend services there that attest to Mr. Herskovitz's regular presence inside the synagogue. We certainly know he's _outside_ it all the time. And just because Mr. Herskovitz _claims_ to be Jewish doesn't mean he really is or ever was
Jack Gladney
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:58 a.m.
The political is always personal. Mr Herskovitz would do better in finding peace in his world by seeking out some counseling to deal with his personal faith-related issues.
lucinda walsh
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
My suggestion to the congregation is each time you start a service first play the Louis CK Pig Newton sketch, bleeping out the bad language, of course. Gain perspective.
Nicholas Urfe
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:53 p.m.
Why are US taxpayers forced to borrow billions from China each year and give it to the incredibly prosperous nation of Israel? Can't Israel just borrow the money from China directly?
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.
PS: And how have the corrupt Palestinian Authority and extremist Hamas governments used all the billions funneled into their economy? Certainly not for the overall benefit of the lives of the Palestinian Arabs under their "protection,"except that which goes into their own pockets and for weaponry.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 5:15 p.m.
Nicholas Urfe: the Palestinian Arabs get plenty of cash from the US, from the Gulf States, from Iran (in the case of Hamas, at least), from the European Community, and _even_ believe it or not, from Israel! The only "trade" that Israel tries very hard and rightly to stop is the transfer of weapons (as if they aren't already too well armed) to the Palestinian territories, which are used to suppress their own people and to attack Israelis. I also wouldn't be at all surprised if you can find enormous amounts of Chinese made goods in Gaza and the West bank.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 1:44 a.m.
"I dunno, why do we give $500 million in aid to Palestine? Can't they just borrow it from China as well?" No. The occupying army is israel does not allow them free trade. Arguably they are not allowed any trade at all.
Joel A. Levitt
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:48 p.m.
Nicholas, Most of our aid to Israel can only be spent in the U.S. for goods that are not available any where else.
eagleman
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
I dunno, why do we give $500 million in aid to Palestine? Can't they just borrow it from China as well?
thinker
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
That same would apply to many nations to which we give money. They would be prosperous, but their leaders grab the money and run.
Joel A. Levitt
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
It's ironic that Herskovitz has chosen to picket Rabbi Dobrusin's congregation. Rabbi Dobrusin is a former member of the board of Rabbis for Human Rights. Rabbis for Human Rights campaigns in Israel, working to convince Israelis that many of their actions against Palestinians are inconsistent with Jewish values and violate Jewish religious law.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
Bugmenot, what a specious comparison. There will be peace when the Palestinian Arabs and other Arabs and Moslems accept Israel as a _Jewish_ state, and terrorists stop their attacks in the vain hope of destroying the Israelis' resolve. And, of course, both sides will have to make big compromises. I'm not all that sure the Palestinian Arabs want to do that, or else, they would have accepted the UN's compromise partition plan over six decades ago. The Israelis did. And, BTW, has the Arabs accepted it back then, they would have had a lot more land than they might ever get in the future.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:11 a.m.
Rabbis for Human Rights are akin to the slaveholders described by Henry David Thoreau who think themselves kind and ethical for giving their slaves Sundays off. As long as millions of Palestinians and their descendants, according the UNHCR, are prevented from living as free and equal citizens in their homeland there will be no peace.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:19 p.m.
The Beth Israel website says Dobrusin serves as co-chair for T'ruah: A Rabbinic Call For Human Rights, the group formerly known as Rabbis for Human Rights. He told me this during our interview: "Am I proud of everything the Israeli army does? No, there are mistakes — or in my mind, bad policies, sure. But Israel's army stands as the defense of the state of Israel."
Boo Radley
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:40 p.m.
If this is ok, why did Mel Gibson get in so much trouble .....
snark12
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.
Yeah, Christians really have it tough in this country.
bunnyabbot
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
That would be because main stream media wanted to publically destroy a Christian who dared make a movie about Christ on top of it. Many Jews openly accepted his apologies. But MSM loved to tare down a Christian.
Glenn Galler
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
I think if the protesters believe their cause is valid they could do it from any other sidewalk in Ann Arbor. From this sidewalk they are just being offensive.
BhavanaJagat
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.
I agree with Henry and I do not support the two-nation theory. Israel is one nation, one state, with one capital. The idea of creating two different states out of one Land is the cause of the problem. The Palestinian struggle is the cause of their own problems. Their struggle is because of their inability to accept the State of Israel.
tim
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:09 p.m.
Couldn't they install a sprinkler system on that side of Washtenaw and run it every Saturday?
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
Tim, the automatically implemented sprinkler idea has been suggested before, but rejected by the congregation. It's not a bad plan especially in the winter, but there's the risk it would also spray innocent bystanders just walking by that gauntlet for some legitimate reason. But, in any case, the synagogue members' forbearance and patience is incredible considering the long siege of their house of worship by the harassers. As for spreading fertilizer on the grass, SonnyDog09, if the stalkers even put so much as a fraction of a toe onto the grass, they should immediately be arrested for trespassing, which is what it would be. How they used to get away with that and not have been booked in the past is beyond me, but you can see them standing completely on the synagogue's property in full color at http://www.aaspurn.org/ Every time, these "peaceful," "well-behaved" "vigilers" did that, they should have all had their sorry rear ends hauled off to the calaboose. Maybe all the fines they would have had to pay would have put an end to their shenanigans years ago had the police only done their job in all those instances. This would, of course, have meant having at least two cops and a couple of paddy wagon there during the appearances of the harassers.
SonnyDog09
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.
or they could spread fertilizer on the grass on Friday afternoons.
paul wiener
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
If Mr. Herskovitz were truly the most hated man in Ann Arbor, and the town were not full of soft-headed, comfort-loving idealists who are afraid of extreme behaviors, then he and his fellow haters would have long ago been silenced. Free speech is a right we all share. Anyone who exercises it, especially when their speech is provocative, confrontational, hurtful, nasty, bigoted, deliberately embarrassing, self-aggrandizing, and, apparently, sociopathic, must accept the consequences of practising, and abusing, free speech. One hopes it's not too late for these people to get their comeuppance.
Skyjockey43
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.
As well as jumping the shark ten years ago
Michigan Man
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:16 p.m.
Herskovitz has now jumped right to the top of my most disliked list of people in and around Ann Arbor!
lucinda walsh
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
Comeuppance? Let us just pray that all the ignorant gain wisdom. That's better.
lucinda walsh
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
What is the big deal? These people are 67 to 83 years old--all 7 of them. They have the right by law to express their opinions and to spend their time as they see fit-- as long as they are lawful. All of us would do well to just embrace the scene as a reminder of the freedoms in this country and then go about our lives. That is not to say that we should not speed dial the police if they behave in an unlawful manner.
CLX
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 6:45 p.m.
So because they are old, we should excuse their behavior? Frankly, because they are old, they should be held accountable for acting like whiny little kids and stomping their feet when they can't get a private religious organization that they are not part of do what they want just because they want it. They should be ashamed - a bunch of old people taking delight in pestering children.
Skyjockey43
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:16 p.m.
There is a big difference between what is legal and what is right. And while I find it questionable at best that this group's harrassment falls under the purview of the 1st ammendment (similar to the activities of Westboro Baptist) the racist and bullying immorality of their little game is crystal clear to me.
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
Ryan, this is an excellent piece of journalism. The text, photos and video provide depth to the topic. Good work.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 2:10 a.m.
Thanks!
Proleptically Living
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
You beat me to it, Jaime! I was going to say the same thing. Ryan did a great job covering this story in a fair, and about as thorough a way as a topic of this magnitude can be covered in one article. Keep up the good work, Ryan!
oldguy
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
Hang tough old friend Henry !! They fly the flag of their beloved second country thus making them fair game for protests about that country. They could have avoided this back in 2003 if they allowed you to report on your visit to the Middle East but their fear of the truth about their second country would not allow it. Never back down from your presence out there. Kudos to your group !!
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:25 p.m.
So, then, why aren't you and Henry harassing every church in town? Episcopalians fly the flag of their "second country," England, in every one of their sanctuaries. Greek Orthodox churches all proudly display the banner of their "second country," Greece. Ukrainians show off the flag of Ukraine in Ukrainian Orthodox or Catholic churches. In Scandinavian Lutheran churches, you will see the flags of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and/or Sweden. If you're bothered by a Jewish congregation flying the banner of Israel and Judaism--as is their right just like that of all those Christian churches with "second countries," how come you ignore the same manifestation of ethnic pride at the other houses of worship? Could it be that the others aren't Jewish? Could it be hypocrisy?
eagleman
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
How can both of you claim to be for peace and justice when both of you defend a people who use terrorism as a means to an end? Hamas and Hezbollah are every bit as bad as the Irgun, Stern Gang, and Haganah every were. Both of you defend murderers and thus have no right to be taken seriously as activists.Both of you are moral frauds.
Greg
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
These cowards won't protest any group that is likely to actively hit them back. That is why there are still picking on one church after ten years. This is Harassment by most any definition.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
Correct, Greg. But, it's _not_ a church any more than a Christian church is a synagogue or a mosque is a church. Please either call it a synagogue or a Jewish house of worship. Otherwise, you are right on the mark. Big thumbs up!
Thomas Saffold
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
Once again, the Snooze.com focusses on supporter of "poor little Israel" rather than evaluate the truth of what we vigillers have been saying: that the "Jewish" State has imposed an Occupation that most of the world, and all reputable human rights organizations see as brutal, cruel, murderous, racist, and unnecessary. We are there because we feel deeply the injustices done to the Palestinian people, particularly because these inhumane actions are subsidized by US taxpayers directly by the billions, and millions more through tax-exempt contributions to "charities" that directly benefit that Occupation. We formed out of desperation, as a small voice in a cacophony of pro-Israel propaganda, to appeal to the ethical values of Judaism that we supposed were held by the congregation of Beth Israel and other Jews that give them moral authority to demand that a nation acting in their names stop its oppression. Rather than being the "losers" as many choose to see us, we have sparked far more discussions on the subject than would have been the case without us. As one who was trained in Biblical Studies in seminary, I think we are more like the prophets in Jewish scriptures who were often ignored and rejected for trying to make the People of Israel repent of their sins against the poor and "the alien," and practicing injustice rather than what G-d commands. We may fail to turn the heart of Beth Israel, but we will succeed in being faithful to the God of Justice. As for the Christian clergy who condemn our actions, they not only ignore the radical demands for Justice from Jesus (a Palestinian, no less), but do not lift a hand to save Christian Palestinians--their own brothers and sisters in Christ--from the same cruelties as their Muslim neighbors suffer. No moral authority there, either.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:07 p.m.
BTW, Mr. Saffold has often thrust his video camera in the faces of worshippers on their way in and/or out of Beth Israel in a most aggressive and intimidating manner. No one has the right to film others without their permission, and he's done this while standing with the other pickets on the _property_ of the synagogue; taking photos and filming also a violate of the Sabbath; that's how much this convert to Islam and former Christian seminary student respects other people's religions ! That's him holding a camera dressed ( http://www.aaspurn.org/ ) in a suit and tie, second from right in the foreground, with the other synagogue stalkers clearly trespassing _on_ Beth Israel's property. It's a great mystery why they weren't all arrested then and there? http://www.aaspurn.org/
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
Thomas Saffold, now a Moslem, and the rest of the vigil-antis won't ever breathe a word about the truly horrible atrocities committed by all of Israel's Moslem and Arab neighbors and way beyond against their fellow citizens and coreligionists. Messieurs Saffold and Herskovitz and the other synagogue stalkers appear to be totally deaf and blind to the horrible suffering, torture, repression, maiming, and mass murder inflicted on a daily basis by Moslems and Arabs against their coreligionists and fellow citizens. To wit, why no complaint from the Herskovites about what Asad is doing to his own people; he's led the slaughter of over 100,000 of them including gassing them? Why is it that these self-righteous "witnesses for peace" are blithely unperturbed and silent about the ever-increasing bombings in Iraq by Moslems against their coreligionists? Or the repression against the slightest deviation from hardline Islam and Sharia law in Iran, not to mention the oppression of its minorities? Why no tears shed about all the women who are raped with impunity even by their own family members, and then murdered by those same families for "besmirching the _honor_ of the family" that takes place in the wonderful Fatah-controlled West Bank Palestinian Territories or Hamas-dominated Gaza? Much less why not a care for the Israeli citizens maimed and those killed by the hundreds of rockets Islamic Hamas launches at Israel? Could it be that Mr. Saffold with his "big heart" is only perturbed by what he disingenuously labels "brutal, cruel, murderous, racist, and unnecessary" acts by Israel because Israel is a _Jewish_ state and that he and the "vigilers" target a synagogue because it is a _Jewish_ house of worship? Oh no, Mr. Saffold would never do that since he has so much "heart." He'd never do that because that would be racist and unnecessary, wouldn't it?
Michael Shalev
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:31 a.m.
Thomas Saffold the prophet, sounds like a very modest and intelligent one...
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5 a.m.
grye, if I staged an armed invasion of your house and property and said I was taking over then I most certainly have started a fight. You just don't know the history of Zionist invasion of Palestine.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 4:57 a.m.
demistify: Rabih Haddad is the man in question and if he had "funneled money to al Qaeda" then he would be in prison and not a free man in Lebanon.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 4:55 a.m.
"Snooze.com", really? Always a brilliant, charitable, and helpful strategy to advertise your contempt for the messenger.
grye
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:50 p.m.
You fail to mention Thomas that Israel did not start the wars. The country was condemned and attacked at the beginning of their very existence. Granted they have continued reactionary attacks when attacked and have taken a pro-active stance in reducing known threats but the majority of the violence has been initiated by the Palestinians and other countries. Why don't you comment about this fact?
demistify
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 6:48 p.m.
"tax-exempt contributions to "charities" " Have you forgotten a "charity" by the name of Global Relief International? If you need a refresher, one of its founders was your predecessor in charge of education at the Islamic Center. He was arrested by the FBI and ultimately deported to his native Lebanon. the "charity" was closed after 9/11 by the US government because it funneled money to al Qaeda.
demistify
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 6:19 p.m.
" Jesus (a Palestinian, no less)" As a former Christian minister, you should know that Jesus was a Jew.
Joel A. Levitt
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:01 p.m.
Thomas Saffold, You certainly have the right to express your opinion, even though it may harden the opposition of those who fear the Palestinians. You might be more effective if you joined J-Street. By the way, there were no or very few Palestinian Arabs during the time of Jesus.
eagleman
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
You are a moral fraud, Thomas. No moral human being can defend Palestinians when they are killing and maiming people. Certainly Israel has committed crimes and they, as an occupying power, are obligated by moral standards to do justice to the Palestinians. But it isn't a one-way street, Thomas. It has to go both ways or peace will never be. This is why your approach is not only amoral, but doomed to fail. For it is amoral to condemn one evil while supporting another and peace is not attained in such conflicts by taking sides. Your smug words that drip with self-righteousness only make peace LESS possible. You are part of the problem, Thomas.
EyeHeartA2
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:01 p.m.
Well, that certainly settled any doubt as to who is crazy in this debate. Thank you.
Linda Peck
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
There are other ways of making their point than this and I think they should stop this harassment now.
LA
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:42 p.m.
Perhaps the congregation could take up a collection to send Herskovitz (and as many of his followers as possible) to the Middle East. I'm sure he could find a nice prominent place to carry his sign(s). He may finally receive the recognition he seeks by people who have more direct access to change than a small peaceful synagog in far-away Ann Arbor.
RunsWithScissors
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
I like that idea! And make it a one-way ticket to the Middle East.
Chase Ingersoll
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:35 p.m.
How about the Palestinians providing some justice for women that don't want to conform to the Hezbolah dress code? Are they blaming the Jews for that too?
Solitude
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:54 p.m.
Chase, you are confusing nationality with religion. Not all Palestinians are Muslim; many are Christian. Not all Arabs are Muslim, not all Muslims are Arab.
1bit
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 6:06 p.m.
You mean Hamas (again), and it's not their "dress code" either.
simone66
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
Ten years of persistent protesting against a community religious organization is no longer about freedom of speech, this is harassment, plain and simple. It should cease immediately. Enough!
Irwin Daniels
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
The protesters push the walk sign all the time, and this slows down traffic for no reason. This happens all the time and the city lets them do this without consequences - this is a major deterrent and leads to traffic being slower in that area for no reason. Sometimes the protesters also photograph the congregants trying to get a reaction, I don't think anyone wants to be filmed for any reason in public (again silence from the City of Ann Arbor). Suggestion, why don't we (me included) go to a church a protest something? I bet you we will not last a day without being arrested for physically harmed. Ann Arbor has always had a double standard and this should maybe one day stop. Over the years Henry's demands of Beth Israel has changed, he gets nothing and asks for more and more. As it has been stated Ann Arbor has way more than one Jewish Synagogue, but none are on a busy street. Lastly they did get kicked off of Arborland property. Funny how that work isn't it?
talker
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 10:42 p.m.
I was driving down Washtenaw Saturday morning to get to Trader Joes. I've driven that route earlier on Saturday mornings and evenings on other times. I wasn't expecting demonstrators on curbs. I was in the right southbound lane because I was planning to make a right turn onto Stadium. There was a vehicle in the lane to my left, even when I reduced my speed. My recollection of those on the curb include seeing a person closer to 50 than 70 or 80 and I think someone holding a large sign near the edge of the curb wasn't allowing more than inches if he or she and the sign were to tumble off the curb. It's a traffic hazard among other things. Washtenaw can be a busy street on Saturday mornings. My experience this past Saturday was on one of the quietest Saturdays of the year here.
SemiticStallion
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:45 p.m.
Pushing the walk button and photographing from public property? Those are pretty reprehensible actions. I think the city should assemble a task force, led by the mayor himself, to regulate the threatening behavior of the aggressive 80-year old protesters. We need to concentrate on these types of problems that plague the world these days.
lucinda walsh
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:31 p.m.
Photos? Smile and give the Queen's wave. Traffic signal? Ask the city to control the signal during certain hours under the guise of traffic control. You can control your responses.
jmcmurray
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
You have a right to photograph anybody in public. Since they're in public, they do not have a "reasonable expectation of privacy."
BuddyBear
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
"Herskovitz said his group isn't blaming the synagogue for the actions of a foreign government — just holding the congregation accountable for supporting the state of Israel." This statement pretty much sums up the ridiculousness of Mr. Herskovitz's argument. Does he agree with all the action of the US government? I'm sure he doesn't but he isn't protesting every organization, business, or household that displays an American flag.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
Bugmenot: And what pray tell is wrong with that? A much more nuanced and reasonable set of beliefs than the Herskovites hold. And, the rabbi's positive statement comes from a position of love, understanding. And the prayer that Mr. Herskovitz so desperately wants to excise from the liturgy is recited all over the world at most synagogues, and it extols peace for Israel and all the peoples of the region. Rabbi Dobrusin and a large number of Beth Israel's congregants support a two-state solution. Mr. Herskovitz yearns for the utter destruction of Israel. All that emanates from Mr. Herskovitz and his band is endless volumes of hatred and yes, antisemitism.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 4:50 a.m.
Joel Levitt, Rabbi Dobrusin would probably beg to differ. Here's what he wrote in an op-ed to the Ann Arbor News on January 21, 2007: "While our congregants' political opinions and philosophical perspectives are all over the map, there is one general statement which I can make on behalf of the Congregation - Beth Israel Congregation affirms without any hesitation or equivocation the legitimacy of the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish State, and affirms the right of Israel to defend itself from enemies who seek its destruction. We express a love for the State of Israel, a deep respect for the contributions its citizens have made to our people and the world, and acknowledge the sacrifices that our brothers and sisters have made on Israel's behalf. No matter how long the protests continue, this will never change."
Joel A. Levitt
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:13 p.m.
In fact, there is no single opinion of Israel among Beth Israel congregants. Many Beth Israel congregants have been criticizing Israel for decades. As to the Israeli flags presence in Beth Israel, to me it symbolizes the fact that most Jews feel responsible for Jews everywhere, proud of their accomplishments and ashamed of their misdeeds.
David Frye
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:26 p.m.
Herskovits: "We're not protesting Jews per se ... we are protesting the strength and power of the Jewish community ..." Pretty much says it all, doesn't it? I spoke with Herskovits once and found that any attempt at reason eventually runs into the brick wall of his belief that Ann Arbor's small Jewish community plays an oversized role in world affairs. He seems to believe that the Beth Israel community, with its "strength and power," could singlehandedly end the occupation of Palestine if it tried. I mentioned that it was unlikely that a synagogue with a few hundred members could reverse US policy or have any affect on what happened in other countries thousands of miles away, and he looked at me with the mixture of pity and contempt that the conspiracy-minded reserve for those who haven't seen through the veil. "Think about," he said. "Its name is Beth ISRAEL. Think about it!" Please.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
Bugmenot: Give me a break! Regurgitating the Herskovite propaganda doesn't prove a thing. Again and again, this reads like a list of demands by hostage takers. Neither you nor Mr. Herskovitz nor anyone else has the right to tell this or any other congregation, person, or group what it should do and much less what it should believe and whom or what it should support or not. Yes, this is very similar to what kidnappers and terrorists do: they hold someone hostage--in this case the whole congregation with the picketers' incessant gauntlet of hate and harassment--and demand all kinds of outrageous things. And tell me, how this is reasonable in any shape, form, or manner. Bravo to the synagogue for keeping these interlopers and their inflamed invective out of their sanctuary and for basically telling Mr. Herskovitz what he can do with his ridiculous list of ultimatums. Now, if they can only find some legal and constitutional way to keep them out of sight and far from their property for violating their First Amendment right to exercise their religion unassailed and to be able to go in and out of their house of worship free from this obnoxious group's stalking, squawking, and intimidation.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 4:45 a.m.
You're right, David, Beth Israel can't change US foreign policy but they can change their own policy of supporting the Jewish state. Here's JWPF's 2007 statement: "Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends have been asked what it would take for us to end our vigils at the Beth Israel Congregation (BIC). "Our answer is simple and well within the power of BIC. We would end our vigils at BIC if the Board of Directors of BIC publicly states its full support for the following principles that basic human rights require: "*The full civil and political equality of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel within Israel; * The prompt implementation of the rights of Palestinian refugees of 1947-8 and 1967 to return to their homes and properties in Israel and Palestine as stipulated in UN resolution 194; and, *The prompt end of Israeli occupation and colonization of all lands seized by Israel in 1967. "Although we are not all Jewish, we hold that inequality, the forced exile of millions of Palestinians, and military occupation are inconsistent with the highest ideals of Judaism."
Pat
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.
When does this cross the line into a hate crime? If this was the KKK marching on a black Baptist church, everyone would be up in arms. They are practicing their free speech, but yet, it's called a hate crime and ethnic intimidation. I believe the same rules should apply here. Enough is enough. 10 years of constant harassment over a policy that Beth Israel doesn't even implement. And just because they have a flag isn't a crime. Lot's of buildings, religious, public, and educational, display flags. Forcing them to remove the flag is no different than asking other churches to remove a crucifix.
ak3647
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
Because as soon as you slap a pair of handcuffs on any of them, then you've just guaranteed them a six-figure lawsuit settlement from the city of Ann Arbor. That's what these people want. They WANT the city to come down hard on them. That way they can sue for violation of their First Amendment Rights and win hundreds of thousands of dollars. Don't give them what they want.
Tesla
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
While I am a Palestinian supporter, it is time to move forward people, and not backwards. Oh and Herskovitz. Tell your people next time I'm by there and they get in my way, Im not stopping the next time. Your people create a roadway hazard and a dangerous situation for motorists. For this reason can't the police do something like moving them out of the road??
eagleman
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
How can you be a supporter of either side? Both commit barbaric acts. Both have reasons for why they do what they do. I just don't see how anyone can take sides in a conflict like this.
Skyjockey43
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
This group's ridiculous antics are hardly indicative of a "yearning for justice". If that were truly the case, then they'd be walking around the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with their sophomoric signs. Of course cowards like Henry Herskovitz and Shirley Zempel know to do so would put themselves at risk of being blown to bits by a peaceful and just palestinian terrorist suicide bomb targeted at innocent civilians. No, instead they would rather annoy their fellow Ann Arbor citizens and neighbors in a childish display of bullying motivated by a hatred of Jews plain and simple. What's truly hilarious is how they think harassing people who are doing nothing but peaceful worshipping achieves anything at all other than the occasional Annarbor.com story. Some people just have way too much time on their hands I suppose.
ContreMilice
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 9:40 p.m.
Dianab makes a mountain of spurious accusations about Israel and ignores the true crimes going on in all the Moslem and Arab countries surrounding Israel and across the globe. Could her fixation on Israel like that of the Herskovites as a "rogue state" have more to do with its being a _Jewish_ country than its so-called "monstrous crimes?" How else explain ignoring the true horror going on next door in Syria. And don't give me that red herring that the US doesn't fund any country but Israel. Egypt, Afghanistan, Iraq, and many others including repressive China and Saudi Arabia benefit greatly from US dollars to large measure in one way or another whether by foreign aid or trade. So, you may run from the truthful accusation, singling out Israel is antisemitism, pure and simple.
dianab
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 3:52 a.m.
There are plenty of groups in Israel -- in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and elsewhere -- that protest the Occupation and protest the barbarous and malicious treatment that Palestinians undergo at the hands of Israel and Jewish Israelis. What's needed is an end to the enormous funding of Israel that comes from the U.S. government. And the end of the funding can only take place if the U.S. populace is made aware of the war crimes and the crimes against humanity that Israel commits on an hourly basis. Israel is a rogue state that flaunts international and humanitarian law. There is no other state on the planet that behaves as Israel does and receives the enormous financial backing of the United States that Israel does. The U.S. usually screams bloody murder when states behave as Israel does. Which, of course, begs the question: why do we foot the bill for war crimes and crimes against humanity? If Israel had to make its own way financially, it would have no choice but to behave like a civilized political entity.
Tesla
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:22 p.m.
It's also a great tax deduction. You're paying for those signs.
Ypsi Russell
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
Only in America
Brad
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
You say that like it's a bad thing. No, in America you get to protest whether you are these misguided people or the KKK or Wesboro Baptist or anyone else. And by "misguided" I am talking about their protest being misguided at this one particular synagogue.
RunsWithScissors
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
I've always thought this protest group seems a little sad and midguided. According to most counts there are approximately 3700 synagogues in the U.S. If it takes 10 years + to convince just one congregation to give in to the protester's demands (and I'm not saying they should) then they're in for a looooong and unproductive protest. I don't know much about the issues but I do know there are better ways to be heard by someone who can actually do something about it. I commend Beth Israel for their patience and pledging donations based on the number of protesters outside. I have to wonder, though, if things would be different if Herskovitz was allowed to attend holiday services in 2004. I don't know the circumstances - other than he had been protesting in front of the synagogue - but welcoming him into the fold may have been the best they could do.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
Why should the synagogue invite someone in who's going to shout at them with hateful bumper sticker ready slogans about how they are complicit in "mass murder" and other acts of "brutality?" Mr. Herskovitz and his ill-mannered crew inserted themselves onto the congregation's landscape uninvited and with no provocation. His demonstration of hate for over ten years is already over the top enough as is. The congregation has absolutely no obligation to ask an unwanted intruder into their midst just to have him harangue them.
bugmenot
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 4:39 a.m.
To Joel A. Levitt: Who are you to invite Herskovitz "to rejoing the Ann Arbor Jewish community"? Just because Beth Israel won't let him attend services and, according to Herskovitz, Rabbi Levy wishes he were dead doesn't mean he's not part of the Jewish community.
Joel A. Levitt
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.
RunsWithScissors, I have more than once invited Herskovitz to rejoin the Ann Arbor Jewish community. This would not have involved changing the opinions that he expresses in any way. Unfortunately, he has refused every time.
Veracity
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.
If it is true that Herskovitz was not allowed to participate in holiday services in 2004 then he was likely prevented from attending because of the risk that he would disrupt the service.
Eduard Copely
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.
Henry Herskovitz describes this protest as vigil?
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 4:57 p.m.
And MiniPax was Newspeak, i.e., Ministry of "Peace" but actually Ministry of _War_ in George Orwell's _1984_
Michigan Man
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 12:56 p.m.
Protestors just a bunch of losers with nothing better to do - total waste of their rime with no benefit whatsoever other than they waste their lives away do nothing.
ContreMilice
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 9:21 p.m.
Grye: Other than the "satisfaction" of seeing their names and mug shots in print way too often in the Dot Com, these monomaniacs will never get any satisfaction, i,e,. not a single one of their stated goals will ever be met no matter where they take their sideshow. Clearly their circus act needed to leave the current besieged site long ago. Maybe they should emulate their spiritual models for "free speech," the Phelps Family Cult, and take their show on the road. I recommend Me'a Shearim or B'nai Brak in Israel or Gaza City.
grye
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.
Stihl1 is correct. The protestors are never going to get any satisfaction until they address their issues with the entity that can fulfill their wishes. However, that will never happen.
stihl1
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
There's nothing wrong with protesting or demonstrating for something you believe in. Picking your target for effective results would be good though. There is nothing this congregation can do to address the issues being protested. These people are harassing that congregation and having no effect. In the end, all this energy and time is wasted, and all they end up accomplishing is hurting a bunch of people trying to worship.
simone66
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
Michigan Man, in all your life, you have never stood up for something? Now that's wasting your life.
RunsWithScissors
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Hmmm. Tell that to the participates in the Boston Tea Party. Or to the participants in the Civil Rights era. How 'bout the Vietnam war protesters? I could go on & on. Without protest and protesters we would be a vastly different nation.
clownfish
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
Mr Netanyahu, Tear down that wall!
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
That wall--really mostly a fence--has helped reduce terrorist attacks including suicide bombings by something like 95%. It's unfortunate that the security barrier needs to be there, but it definitely saves lives including those of non-Jews such as Arab, Moslem, and Christian citizens of Israel, workers from the Philippines and other countries, etc.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.
That wall is what has cut down suicide bombings and other terrorist activity in Israel by something in the neighborhood of 95%. It's unfortunate that it has to be there, but it's a necessary life saver. Israel has a right to defend its borders, and the barrier (mostly a fence not a wall) is one of the most effective ways to do that. And paraphrasing a quote from someone who honored SS murderers in a cemetery in Bitburg, Germany is really awfully inappropriate.
clownfish
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 11:52 a.m.
That is what the Germans told the Poles.
eagleman
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
Hamas and Hezbollah, stop killing civilians.
antikvetch
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
Apparently when I've honked, you've failed to see me pointing and laughing.....
Nicholas Urfe
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
Didn't this story just run? Why doesn't a2.com do a story on the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the suffering that results? Be sure and include how much financial and military aid the US gives Israel.
Ann23
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:35 a.m.
Please do not compare Native Americans to Palestinians. They are very different cultures.
racerx1909
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
Correct, we took it from the Native Americans. I think if you look at any particular country, through the ages, there are a number of peoples whose land rights have been violated by the current inhabitants. Israel took over the land that it owned historically but did not occupy again until 1948 - yes with the continued support of its strongest ally, America. Since that time, it has endured multiple attacks by its "neighbors" who wished to see them erased. The Palestinians, historically not actually treated all that well by the Jordanians, threw in their lot with the losing side in 1967...now with Hezbollah and the Iranians. Texas is a US State, no longer part of Mexico. India is a sovereign nation, no longer part of the British Empire, etc. The Palestinians wanting a "do-over" back to 1967 or 1948 is like Britain getting India or Mexico getting Texas back.
eagleman
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
Nicholas Urfe, the Ottomans(Turkey)possess that land for hundreds of years so your analogy is flawed.Israel was created out of a British mandate. A mandate only possible because the Turks were foolish enough to involve themselves in WWI. Then, of course, there is Europe's indifference to the rise of Nazism and all the horrors that it brought for Jews and the world. Palestine as a political entity has not existed for some 500 years. Palestine, like England before it, has seen numerous conquerors in its history. (England, for those who are not aware, was conquered by the Romans, Angles, Saxons, Vikings, and finally, the Normans.)Israel is basically the Normans except they did not actually conquer the territory, but were given it as the result of European indifference to the Holocaust. The Palestinians have been wronged, but so have the Jews. If people had stood up for the Jews in the 30's there would have been no Israel because there would have been no need for European Jews to leave Europe to create a state where they were in total control. I don't think people like Nicholas can really comprehend the Jewish experience. It is taking the Black experience in America and extending it by a 1000 years. Pograms, ethic cleansing( See: Edward I and expulsion of England's Jews in 1290 for one example) and general persecution of European Jewry has created the modern Israeli mindset. That is not to excuse unjust Israeli policies, but rather only to explain what we are dealing with. I don't see how anyone can take sides in this tragic conflict because both sides have done their fair share of killing. Herskovitz won't talk about the victims of Palestinian terrorism because they, like Palestinian victims for defenders of Israel, are an inconvenience for their one-sided arguments.
Veracity
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
Yes, Nicholas, and the story should explain the reason for occupation including the unilateral violent attacks against Israeli's supported by Hamas. Palestine harbors the Hezbollah, an established terrorist organization that is determined to destroy Israel. And do not forget that the Hezbollah receives financial support from Iran.
Nicholas Urfe
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.
"You mean the occupation of a land Jews have lived on for 5,000 years?" Do you live on the land of Native Americans? If so, why? By your argument you should vacate immediately. By your argument, they would be perfectly within their rights to occupy you.
racerx1909
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
If you'll check your history, I think that you'll find Palestine was a Greek and then Roman creation (occupiers). It was the traditional land of the Hebrews millenia before it was the land of those who wish to wipe them from the face of the map. The Dome of the Rock is built upon the ruins of the Old Temple. Even if we are to assume that the Palestinians have some right to that land as they inhabited it until 1967, it was land lost in a war that was started by Trans-Jordan (to which the Palestinians held citizenship). That would be like Mexico re-claiming Texas.
Skyjockey43
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 12:58 p.m.
You mean the occupation of a land Jews have lived on for 5,000 years?
Townspeak
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
Why just turn the sprinklers on at that time. Also why not take the flag out of sanctuary and put somewhere else? I certainly dont agree with protesters but i am not big on inside flags to begin with. Why not find a vulnerable constituent and sue him and his group for emotional distress. cause those selfish and misguided people some financial pain.i suggested this five years ago. I think they have rights of worship, mourning, celebration. Creative lawyering has not been attempted. Hh relies on the law, so too should the temple.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Thu, Aug 29, 2013 : 4:21 p.m.
"legal and inoffensive." I wouldn't go that far. It certainly doesn't justify the 10 years of protests, but reasonable people can find support of the state of Israel offensive.
ContreMilice
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 9:09 p.m.
Townspeak: "Also why not take the flag out of sanctuary and put somewhere else? I certainly don't agree with protesters but i am not big on inside flags to begin with." So, you're suggesting that the congregation give in to blackmail? Who cares what you or Henry Herskovitz, or anyone else thinks of "inside flags?' It's no more your business than Mr. Herskovitz's to tell anyone what to do inside their private building especially since what they're doing in the _shul_ (Yiddish for synagogue) is legal and inoffensive. And one thing it appears that no one else has mentioned, if Beth Israel yielded to the absurd demands of the JWP&F, not only would a band of fanatics have won a victory, but they will push for more...and more...and more... That's how extremists operate. Demanding the removal of the flag and altering the liturgy are just pretexts. The Herskovites would always find other excuses to continue their so-called "vigil." In case no one noticed, we are not dealing with logical, rational people when it comes to the synagogue pickets. If we were, then they wouldn't be doing what they're doing. Is that concept so difficult to grasp?
Townspeak
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 4:42 a.m.
Thanks ryan. That was same party line they gave me. Not everyone feels that way but the committee has always controlled the present position. Really they are only being worried about creating a stir and they are concerned there would be an even greater antisemetic backlash.i was hoping this new generation would have some cahones to deal with this targeted nuisance. Don't let them fool you however their inaction is not at all about protecting free speech rights.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:12 p.m.
They have said they don't want to do anything to infringe on free speech rights, so they wouldn't turn on sprinklers or do anything like that, and they said they have no plans to bring a lawsuit. The rabbi told me the congregation is simply looking to the city to keep an eye on the situation and, if it ever escalates into something not protected under the First Amendment, they hope the city would take steps to shut it down.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:20 p.m.
Do you really think they'd have more chance of winning against these guys than the Snyders did against the Phelps?
HannahMarie
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.
Would peace in the Middle East end these protests? Probably not.
Brad
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
Will any of us survive long enough to see peace there? Probably not.
SemiticStallion
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 9:31 p.m.
That is a very ignorant and disrespectful comment. You do realize that people are losing their lives every day in the Middle East fighting for your freedom and all you can do is make a joke of their efforts? This is not a laughing matter.
SonnyDog09
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
"Herskovitz and his group aren't interested in a two-state solution. They're calling for elimination of Israel altogether and creation of a Palestinian state." There is the key point in the article. He and his merry band will not be satisfied until Israel ceases to exist.
Aimee Smith
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
This quote of the Rabbi is misleading. If by "Palestinian state" you mean a state like Israel that is for one kind of people only, then it is a false statement. That is the implication since most advocates of a two state solution picture the Palestinian state to be for Palestinians only to balance out the racist Israeli state that defines itself as for Jews only. If by "Palestinian state" you mean a single state with equal rights for all inhabitants of historic Palestine (the land between the sea and the Jordan River) then it would be correct. Whether or not that state would be called Palestine is not likely something worth vigiling over. The important question is full rights for all regardless of religion and no automatic right to immigrate if you happen to be Jewish or happen to have Jewish ancestry. Books that have been putting forward this vision of justice include "Sharing the Land of Canaan" by Mazin Qumsiyeh and "One Country" by Ali Abunimah. Salman Abu Sita has been showing for years how most of the refugees, if allowed to return, would displace very few Israeli Jews. I know it would be more convenient for the Rabbi if the vigilers were driven by hate, so sorry to disappoint, but the truth is the vigil is interested in justice for all.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 4:50 p.m.
Mr. Herskovitz's blogs and the signs he totes as well as the Israeli flag and its Jewish Star that he defaced are more than ample proof--along with Ryan J, Stanton's quoting Mr. Herskovitz from his interview of the latter--are more than ample proof. How much more evidence do you need, Timjbd?
metrichead
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
Mr. Herskovitz, there's a two-state solution between France and Germany as well. The French live in France, and the Germans in Germany. Who'd have thought, eh?
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
Here's a direct quote from my interview with Henry Herskovitz on why he thinks a two-state solution can't work: "If you have a two-state solution, that's exactly apartheid. You're going to have Jews live here, and non-Jews live here. What better definition could there be? That's not fair. And the Jewish state is going to have nuclear power. They're going to have an air force. They're going to have a navy. They're going to have an army. They're going to have all the bucks the United States gives them and the weaponry, and Palestine is going to have bupkis."
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
I don't know where Herskovitz and his group stand on this issue: the article may be right. But it's worth noting, SonnyDog, that there's a difference between saying that Israel doesn't have a right to exist and saying that you're not willing to compromise on the existence of Israel.
timjbd
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
"Herskovitz said he would agree to stop the protests outside Beth Israel if the congregation would take down the Israeli flag inside its sanctuary." That seems to stop far short of doing away with Israel entirely.
SonnyDog09
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
So,TIm, how do you interpret "Israel: No Right to Exist?" It seems pretty clear to me.
timjbd
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
Rabbi Dobrusin characterized Herskovitz's group that way in his letter to Levin and Stabenow. The reporter seems to be paraphrasing the letter. That was not a direct quote of Herskovitz or his group. I looked at their website and I didn't see anything like that. I hope it was not an assertion made by the reporter.
A2comments
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 10:32 a.m.
I actually agree with the Mayor. Regardless of your opinion of the Middle East situation, this is harassment.
ContreMilice
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 4:46 p.m.
"Westboro Baptist Church says and does is 100times more despicable what is going on in this case." I beg to differ: "Last fall we reported on a visit to Central Michigan University campus to hear Shirley Phelps-Roper [of the radically homophobic and antisemitic family cult that pickets funerals--including those of fallen American soldiers--with "God hates fags" signage] speak about Westboro Baptist Church, and their reliance on the Constitution's First Amendment to have their views heard. And though their issues and those of Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends are different, there is a commonality between the two groups." (March 5, 2011) Both groups are inveterate stalkers and harassers. Plenty more on how similar the Herskovites and Phelpses are including a demonstrated hatred for Jews can be seen at http://www.hvcn.org/info/feh and throughout many of Mr. Herskovitz's statements on his blogs and elsewhwere
OnTheRight
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 2:33 p.m.
This group just wants attention. They aren't working diligently with community Jewish groups to facilitate discussion and educate the wider community about both viewpoints. They are basically standing in the street stomping their feet and yelling their opinions with their fingers jammed in their ears like little children. They do a great disservice to the pro-two state/Palestinian rights "side", who want rational dialogue about how to heal the rift in that part of the world. The only positive is that they are so offensive, they aren't recruiting new members....their dwindling numbers and absence of any members younger than 67 speaks volumes.
Ann23
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:28 a.m.
Bullying committed on public property is still bullying.
metrichead
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 11:41 p.m.
How can you stop the protestors? They have a 1st Amendment right to be there. I'm pro-Israel, but the 1st Amendment comes, well, 1st. What Henry Herskovitz does is foster hate, not expose it. But he has a right say the things he says. The problem here is rooted in religion. If we weren't sacrificing lives over a bunch of old books with antiquated morals, would Arabs have an issue with an ethnically Jewish state (a very small one at that)? I know Henry Herskovitz wouldn't have a synagogue to protest at.
jjc155
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 6:38 p.m.
like I posted in the previous article about this. Whether you agree with the message or not, it is protected under the 1st amnd. The same 1st amnd that grants the freedom to practice whatever religion you choose also grants the right to protest. Like I said before, I dont belive in a single thing that the Westboro Baptist Church belives/says BUT I would DIE to protect their right to belive it/say it. Not a single difference in this instance and I personally feel what the Westboro Baptist Church says and does is 100times more despicable what is going on in this case.
Robert Hughes
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
Regardless of your opinion of the . . . wait. It's not opinion, it's fact.
metrichead
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 : 10:41 a.m.
I dunno. Are they disrupting services inside the synagogue to the point where the Rabbi can't be heard? They're a bunch of hate mongering loud mouths, but they're on public property. You can have division without religion, but you can't have religion without division.