Kol Ha Bayit (BST Blog)

How Should A Jew in Fredericksburg Feel About Events in Ukraine and the Russian Invasion?

As Americans, we should pay attention.  Any rudimentary knowledge of history tells us two things:

-          The U.S. cannot insulate itself from wars in Europe

-          A military invasion of neighboring country by a large, powerful country does not end with just one conquest

As Jews, we must look for ways to act for justice and perform acts of compassion.  We will look for ways to aid Ukrainian  citizens and the refugees that will undoubtedly emerge. 

Our individual politics may differ but for now we can do the basic things we know we should do:  stay informed using multiple sources of information while maintaining a skeptical eye.  Always understand the other point of view.  Deliberately, explicitly and rationally let our elected Federal leaders know how we feel.   

There are times when a country has to go to war, but it’s hard to objectively justify Russia’s fully armed invasion of a non-threatening adjacent sovereign state.  This is flat-out wrong.  It is the opposite of a core precept of modern Judaism:  tikkun olam, “repairing the world.” Russia's actions are tearing the world apart in a way we haven't seen for three quarters of a century.   It does not bode well for our children and the future of humanity.   

As Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement: "The Russian attack on Ukraine is a violation of the world order and Israel condemns it. Israel is ready to give humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Israel knew many wars. War is not the way to solve conflicts".  

Finally, as Beth Sholom Temple is a part of the Union for Reform Judaism, you can read the statement from the URJ on the situation between Ukraine and Russia - click here.