Right vs. Left
When reporting the news of the local Jewish community from one week to the next, it stands to reason that there will be certain stories and points of view that some readers will celebrate and others will condemn.
In a community as diverse as that of Greater Boston’s, with an estimated 250,000 members, whether this celebration or condemnation comes from the Left or the Right, those on either end of the spectrum may one week feel slighted or offended and another validated and vindicated.
From celebrating Israel, offering commentary on the situation and domestic social issues to featuring certain organizations, exhibits and columnists, the variety in our many communities is endless. It is the job of this newspaper to reflect that variety.
Seldom does a day go by that readers do not offer an opinion on how they feel the paper is leaning these days and what we should be doing more or less of. As a community paper we do our best to respond, provide a balance of viewpoints and accurately report on the news of the day. That does not always happen. We make mistakes. We run material that angers some of our readers.
Some of our readers might say that those pieces we run that criticize Israeli policies or call for greater debate and discussion give aid and comfort to our enemies; that those which support a particular candidate are harmful to Jewish interests; and those that feature the work of some organizations and movements are just more of the same naďveté from the tikkun olam and social justice crowd.
Others will say that in the name of morality and justice, the human rights of all in the Middle East must be taken into consideration in determining policy and procedure; that a candidate whose views on Israel may vary from that of the establishment is OK; and that the work being done by progressive Jewish organizations is essential for continuity and the creation of a just and pluralistic community.
And while the opinions expressed by Jewish Advocate columnists do not necessarily reflect those held by its ownership or editorial staff, we are committed to allowing for the expression of wide range of viewpoints that encourage debate and discussion. The editorial page is the place for readers to write in and comment on our coverage, and the place where the position of the paper is affirmed in the editorial.
For those who have thanked us for a particular feature or for allowing certain debates to take place in the pages of the paper, we promise to continue doing that. And for those who have threatened to or actually dropped out of the debate, we ask you to rejoin it. In the end, it cannot continue to be Right vs. Left where never the two shall meet.
There will always be disagreement among reasonable, well-meaning people. But only through the Jewish values of debate and discussion – along with a bit more understanding, respect and forgiveness – can we hope to arrive at answers and strengthen the Greater Boston Jewish community now and in the future.
Other headlines
- Damaging divestment - 04/17/08
- The future of Hillel? - 04/10/08
- Israel advocacy - 04/03/08
- The land of Israel - 03/27/08
- Minister mishigas - 03/20/08
- Enough is enough - 03/13/08
- Shameful story - 03/06/08
- Living memories - 02/28/08
- Obama and the Jewish vote - 02/21/08
- ‘Advocate’ goals - 02/14/08
- The next big Jewish idea - 02/07/08
- The pursuit of perfection - 01/31/08
Subscribe to the Jewish Advocate today and save up to 64% on the newsstand price
