Indeed, acknowledging the late arrivals to the crusade against mass extermination is important, but there must be responsibility. Barely a week after the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, Raz Segal, an academic with Israeli roots, studied the Holocaust, branding Israel’s response to Gaza as ‘genocidal.’ His use of the term was not metaphorical but strictly literal, grounded on indisputable legal definitions. Segal, with his vast scholarly prowess, gave credibility to his warning, but it wasn’t a prerequisite to foresee the direction of Israel’s aggression.
Anyone observant enough could discern the intentions of Benjamin Netanyahu’s extreme-right, settler-heavy governing alliance. The coalition’s annihilative rhetoric aimed at Palestinians, and the West Bank pogroms it had enabled for almost a year before the attacks, were stark indicators of their agenda. It painted a picture hard to dismiss or forget. Accusations of genocide, or at least man-created famine, soon seemed to echo from mainstream liberals and elected Democrats about Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.
Such labels seem to have become acceptable, if not necessary. Critics were motivated by the notion ‘Better late than never’. The consensus was to welcome newcomers, expand the alliance, and exert pressure for political transformation. The necessity to widen the spectrum of voices, enlarge the alliance, and change attitudes seems agreed upon without reservation, but the significant danger remains in dodging accountability.
Drawing from the American experience in the ill-considered invasions of Iraq and the lack of responsibility which has left an indelible mark on foreign policy demonstrates the necessity of accountability. In the aftermath of 9/11, strategic caution was a virtue espoused by brave critics, but their warnings were cast aside and reputations derided. It seemed safer to make wrong judgments then, with the possibility of expressing regret much later, creating a problem of accountability that hangs its specter over American foreign policy.
Joe Biden’s hands were stained when he enabled a year of Israeli atrocities in Gaza with full knowledge, only to surrender the presidency to Donald Trump. Biden’s dubious record dates back to the Iraq War when, as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in October 2003, he sided with those who supported the Iraq War. Alongside Antony Blinken, who built bipartisan support for the war, Biden’s decisions during his tenure continue to be problematic.
Brett McGurk, who played arguably the most critical role in Biden’s administration leading up to the events of October 7, launched his public career as part of the regime in Iraq, raising questions about his ability to make sound decisions. It becomes increasingly apparent that the Democratic establishment, an institution abundant with figures who faced no serious repercussions for disastrous decisions in the early 2000s, continues to spread its influence while repeating the same mistakes in the 2020s.
It’s a trial for many to believe that people change because the evidence indicates the contrary. Strikingly, few public figures initially supported the Iraq War, listened to more peaceful voices, reexamined their previous assumptions, and actively worked to stop similar foreign policy disasters. Instead, most chose to dismiss Iraq as an isolated mistake, perpetuated the same aggressive US international role and largely ignored critics who had a more perceptive view on Iraq.
Consequently, skepticism is warranted when elected officials, journalists, celebrities, and progressive rabbis overlook repeated instances of Palestinian children being harmed in Israel’s bombing campaign, but suddenly claim famine-stricken children images have roused their consciences. It’s clear some may be sincere and some may rue their initial silence or tacit approval. However, others seem to conveniently use this opportunity to clean up their records and hide their roles in supporting crimes against humanity.
The ‘sudden’ liberal switch on the Gaza issue has been an anticipated and forecasted event, making praises for their moral bravery both unnecessary and perverse. At best, they are joining an alliance built by those they once rejected, ridiculed, and, in some cases, sought to imprison when their truths mattered the most. While there’s room for them, meaningful participation demands teshuva – a Hebrew term symbolizing ‘repentance,’ the commitment to an ongoing, life-long effort to atone for supporting the genocide, be it active or passive.
Here’s where real courage gets displayed. Much like the exemplary activists who took genuine risks, often sacrificing jobs, friendships, and freedom, these newcomers too must show that courage. Acknowledging their roles and taking risks for doing what’s right – this isn’t just obligatory, it’s the very least owed to the Palestinians of Gaza.
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