(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

In response to Shalom Somerville’s July 17 letter to the Editor, If Not Now Boston does not believe that showing Israelism, a film critical of Israel, is antisemitic. Instead, we are grateful to Arts at the Armory and Somerville for Palestine organizers for creating a space for learning and exchange of perspectives.

In light of the ongoing violence against Palestinians in Gaza, local community organizations gathered for a screening of the documentary film, Israelism. Somerville for Palestine and If Not Now Boston co-hosted the screening and panel discussion at Arts at the Armory with the intention of fostering learning and discussion. Somerville for Palestine is an interfaith, interracial, intergenerational community-led effort demanding a ceasefire in solidarity with Palestinians in their fight for liberation, self determination, and human rights. If Not Now Boston is a chapter of the national movement of Jewish Americans organizing to end apartheid in Israel. 

Israelism features young Jewish Americans who are challenging the narrative of Israel’s centrality in American Judaism after learning about the historical and present apartheid, violence, and illegal occupation in Palestine. The film, which was completed before October 7th, creates opportunities for vital discussion among both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences as Israel continues its genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. As Jewish Americans who support Palestinian liberation and self-determination, we reject the idea that Israelism and criticism of Israel are inherently antisemitic. 

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that 39,445 Palestinians have been killed and 91,073 have been injured by Israeli Defense Forces since the tragic loss of roughly 1,200 Israeli lives on October 7, 2023. Israeli Defense Forces are also destroying Palestinian homes; critical infrastructure for clean water, fuel and sewage; entire universities and schools; Christian and Muslim places of worship; and Gaza’s natural landscapes and resources. Shalom Somerville’s focus on the “inclusivity” of the Israelism screening in their letter could be construed as a lack of understanding or care for the atrocities that Israel continues to commit in Gaza. 

The writer of the letter suggests that legitimate criticism of Israel should be focused on Israel’s policies and leaders. We disagree that criticism of any state should be limited to their laws and elected officials, but in the spirit of sharing different perspectives, we offer the following examples focused on policies and leaders:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently reviewing South Africa’s case against Israel for Israel’s genocide against Palestinians, in part based on Israeli leaders’ repeated comparisons of Palestinians to animals. In a separate case issued on July 19, 2024, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion describing Israel’s laws and policies as upholding racial segregation between Jewish Israelis and Palestinians and constituting the crime of apartheid. 

Judaism encourages us to ask questions, engage in discussion, and seek truth and justice in pursuit of tikkun olam, repairing the world. As we watch this genocide unfold in real time, why should the complex relationship between Jewish Americans and Israel be exempt from public discussion in places like Arts at the Armory? 

Members of If Not Now Boston and Somerville for Palestine have diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideologies, and thoughts on what the future for Israelis and Palestinians might look like. In each of our organizations, we make time to work together and learn from each other’s values and perspectives, especially as we share opinions that others may disagree with. In the spirit of these values, the Israelism event was open to the public, and all were invited to peacefully attend and submit thoughtful questions. Event organizers and marshals from Somerville for Palestine clearly communicated to protesters that large signs, flags and megaphones were not allowed inside the Armory, and that individuals trying to enter the venue with those items in an aggressive manner would be asked to leave. We want to be clear that people were denied entry for reasonable and clearly stated reasons.

If Not Now Boston and Somerville for Palestine value and create intentional spaces where people can disagree respectfully and safely, and explore new narratives and perspectives. In order to promote a feeling of security in these spaces, event organizers are responsible for ensuring that all event attendees are engaging safely and in good faith. We believe that Arts at the Armory succeeded in its mission to provide an inclusive and accessible venue that brings diverse audiences together, and enriches and transforms lives. 

We ask that Somerville community members continue to support Arts at the Armory and their mission to create spaces for challenging and meaningful conversations. 

If you are interested in viewing Israelism, visit their website to find a screening or streaming service: https://www.israelismfilm.com/

Author: Skylar Karzhevsky (Somerville resident, Somerville for Palestine, If Not Now Boston)