Embracing Justice: RHR-NA celebrates Yom Ha'Atzmaut in New York

Gratitude with Attitude; Festive but Restive

72 rabbis -- of all denominations and from all over the New York metropolitan area -- braved the rainy weather on Yom Ha'Atzmaut to join in Rabbis for Human Rights North America’s joyous celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary, marking the young nation’s miraculous rebirth and achievements, while not shying away from serious concerns about justice and criticisms about compromises of democratic realities in the Jewish state. The crowd was energized by the message found in Israel’s Declaration of Independence that “The State of Israel . . .will be based on freedom, justice, and peace as envisaged by the Prophets of Israel ...”

The 75-minute program at the busy Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park in midtown Manhattan began with the launching of Rabbis for Human Rights - North America’s “Planting Justice: Two Trees Initiative,” as two saplings were potted by Rabbi Brian Walt, RHR-NA Executive Director, and Rabbi Esther Lederman. These saplings represent paired trees that will be planted in the West Bank, to replace Palestinian’s olive trees illegally uprooted, and simultaneously in impoverished Jewish communities within Israel, to address economic inequalities plaguing, and expanding, the underclass.

Famed singer-songwriter Debbie Friedman and Rabbi Simkha Weintraub joined in leading a stirring traditional Minhah service, after which Rabbi Gordon Tucker led a profound teaching based on a Talmud-like Tractate called “Masekhet Ha'Atzmaut,” a commentary on Israel’s Declaration of Independence developed by the RHR Human Rights Yeshiva in Jerusalem. The words of Chaim Weizman, Berl Katznelson, and other Zionist leaders who stressed not only the physical rebirth of the Jewish nation but its moral compass and spiritual character, joined with songs of justice, freedom, and peace.

Participants in the event expressed the sentiment that the program gave them a way to rejoice on Israel’s 60th anniversary but be honest at the same time. They also said it was an honor to both support the courageous work of RHR in Israel to promote justice for all and also join together as Americans to work within the United States to end torture and restore our country’s moral standing.

The scores of rabbis ended with HaTikvah, “The Hope,” Israel’s national anthem, stirred by its message to continue to hope for human rights and equality for all citizens of Israel and the occupied territories.

Complete pictures of the event.