I was drawn to the master’s program in nonprofit management at Hebrew Union College because I thought it could be a springboard to pursue my passion for deep, thoughtful Israel advocacy. For most of my life, I’ve dreamed of building a career centered around sharing my love for my complex country, Israel, and spent the past two years working for this diploma to advance that goal. My mother flew from Israel to join me for the graduation ceremony on May 14.
With great pride, I marched into the Stephen S. Wise Temple sanctuary and sat in the front row. Our commencement speaker, author Michael Chabon, took the stage.
Very quickly, it was clear that Chabon, as eloquent as he was, viewed Israel in black-and-white terms. He condemned Israel’s security wall, proclaiming “Security is an invention of humanity’s jailors … putting up the separation barriers and propagandizing hatred and fear of people on the other side of the wall. Security for some means imprisonment for all.”
Unlike Chabon, I lived in Israel throughout the Second Intifada, and know that the security wall is not a prison. It is a lifeline.
As I heard his one-sided take, I thought: Unlike Chabon, I lived in Israel throughout the Second Intifada, and know that the security wall is not a prison. It is a lifeline. I know that the fear of people on the Israeli side is not driven by fake fear or government propaganda, but by constant terrorism that we experience and the loved ones we have lost.
I know that the same wall he said he despised enabled me to live a normal life and to use the bus as a young girl.
Chabon also demonized a group of Israeli Jews: “I have never seen a sorrier and more riotous group of convicts than the Jews of present-day Hebron,” who he asserted lived behind a “wall made from the bodies of teenage soldiers.” It was as if horrific terror attacks have never occurred against these Jews – this “sorriest” and most “riotous” group of “convicts” Chabon has ever seen. Maybe he hasn’t seen the virulent Jew-hatred that permeates Palestinian society.
As I heard Chabon’s simplified takedown of my country, the room began to spin. I turned back to look at my brother, who served in a combat unit in the Israel Defense Forces. He looked sick to his stomach. I got up from my seat and approached my family. I wanted to stand up and scream, but my voice wouldn’t come out. I felt ashamed for being part of this gathering, ashamed that many in the audience were just nodding at this reductionist view of a multilayered and complicated country.
I asked my mother if not seeing me graduate would disappoint her. She responded that she would feel ashamed to see me walk on that stage after what had been said. We stood up and left the sanctuary. Standing outside, I was nearly brought to tears as I heard the crowd of Jews give Chabon a thunderous applause.
For someone who presents himself as an intellectual – steeped in nuance – Michael Chabon has a remarkable ability to present a one-dimensional reality.
For someone who presents himself as an intellectual – steeped in nuance – Michael Chabon has a remarkable ability to present a one-dimensional reality in which the Jews are evil oppressors and the Palestinians are powerless victims, with no agency, no responsibility and no blame.
Such a careless disregard for depth and complexity dishonors an institution of higher learning – particularly a Jewish one – particularly on a graduation day. I wish we would have heard from someone such as Yossi Klein Halevi, who, in my opinion, best captures the complexity of an intractable conflict, and makes me think rather than just react.
In recent years, as I’ve watched the same caricature that Chabon painted on display across the global media, it’s only renewed my determination to share the story of the country I love, with all of its challenges. Next month, I begin my career in the Jewish nonprofit field, guided by two truths: To live as a Jew at a time when there is a Jewish state is an incredible miracle; and this miracle is not the black-and-white narrative people like Michael Chabon would have us believe, but is full of complicated, challenging and fascinating colors.
This article originally appeared in the Jewish Journal.
(33) Silicon Valley Resident, June 20, 2018 8:17 PM
The Chutzpah of Reform Leaders
http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/the-chutzpah-of-reform-leaders/2018/06/15/
(32) IrisB, June 9, 2018 7:10 AM
I love Israel
I love Israel. I am a liberal, atheist Jew. I love Israel.
I was raised in a Conservadox home, with Orthodox grandparents influencing my life. That is why I am an atheist today.
I love Israel and see all of its beauty and wonders. I am proudly liberal and I would not have sat quietly listening to Chabon’s virulent drivel and lies. No liberal I know agrees with anything he says. My liberal friends love and support Israel. I resent the suggestion proposed by many that liberals are responsible for antisemitism. It is simply not true.
I love and support Israel and I am proudly liberal.
(31) Neria, June 7, 2018 2:32 PM
Deep Regrets and Col ha Kavod
I am so sorry that you had such an ignorant, hateful graduation speech. I say Col ha Kavod -Bravo! for walking out with your family. You empowered and inspired all of us to dismiss and walk away from such dishonor. That speech was totally unacceptable. I only ask- why did Hebrew Union invite Mr. Chabon? Let's look forward to truly uplifting speakers in the future. Thank you for this article.
(30) Margarita, June 6, 2018 9:07 PM
Thank you
Thank you for your courage. This needs to be confronted and it's not an easy thing to do.
(29) Dean Feldman, June 5, 2018 3:04 PM
Powerful
What a horrible experience described so well. I stand with Israel. Today & always.
(28) Aharon Rubenstein, June 4, 2018 1:17 PM
Yasher Kochacha to Morin Zaray for not participating in this loathsome exercise of Orwellian dimension lies.
Should anyone have given the keyote, presenting the real facts on the ground, he/she would have been heckled, and the speech would have been halted by protesters, even if allowed to speak in the first place.!
(27) marjorie meyer, June 4, 2018 2:18 AM
He is no Jew-Chabon
I agree with the writer of the article: Chabon is a disgrace!
And those who applauded him are a disgrace too
(26) Anonymous, June 4, 2018 12:39 AM
How can a Jew be so anti-Jewish?
I did not know until now of Chabon's anti-semitic attitude. I had thought of him as a Jewish writer, who seems to use Jewish life as the background of his novels. I feel betrayed by yet another Jew-hater Jew.
(25) A P Kinsberg, June 4, 2018 12:30 AM
“Let my right hand forget its cunning...if I don’t taise up Y-m above my greatest joy.”
Like the socialist Jews of the late 19th century into the 20th century, every ethnic group had the right of ‘national self detrrmination’ except Jews. Unfortunately, a majority of American Jews hold variations of this. Jews are Democrats first. Or Leftists first. Even Refrm and Conservative Jews have forgotten: im eshkachaich Yerushalayim tishkach yemini...im lo aaleh et Y-m al rosh simchati.” =“Let my right hand forget its cunning...if I don’t taise up Y-m above my greatest joy.”
(24) Andi Ziegelman, June 3, 2018 7:34 PM
Chabon is known to be anti-Isarel
I don't understand how Chabon was invited to speak at an Israeli university graduation ceremony. He is known to be anti-Israel. I would think that such a person does not belong at any official Israeli ceremony.
marsha, June 12, 2018 3:12 PM
It wasn't an Israeli university
It was the Hebrew Union College, flagship institution of the reform movement
(23) Sharona, June 3, 2018 8:29 AM
I greatly adimire you
That took courage to get up and leave the room.
It also takes courage to realize that the situation is complex. No one opinion is toatlly right. There is no black and white.
Good luck to you in your desire to disseminate your views.
(22) Scott, June 2, 2018 4:33 PM
What did you expect
Chabnon didn't hijack your graduation. Your "Jewish" university hijacked the word Jewish. I'm sorry but the rift between lefty American Jews and Israel is almost complete. Its sad. Doesn't hurt Israel. By any measure Israel is a miracle. When the Babylonians led Israel into captivity history says only one in ten decided to return at captivities end. Many scholars chose to stay in Babylon and their writings showed they remained Jewish but most were just lost to time. Its the same today. Israel exists. Its imperfect and difficult and risky but its here and those that choose to remain in galut risk dissapearing. The sects that support your college are experiencing 80% intermarriage rates and despite the lies they tell to make them seem significant their membership is aging as the children raised in these communities simply see no reason to stay Jewish. These are the same people that brought you the treifa banquet. Why are you surprised that they bring you Israel hatred today?
(21) Robert Braun, June 1, 2018 10:25 PM
His parents should have shared his views
If only his parents shared his views
(20) Stuart Kaufman, June 1, 2018 1:07 PM
To be. expected....
What did she expect? This speech was tghe Reform movement in a nutshell. It pretends to be Jewish, and expresses love for Israel, while twisting Jewish values and substituting a vile, alien creed for the principles that have stood us in good stead since the Exodus. The old aphorism was never more approprioate than in this case: if you lie down with dogs, you ghet up with fleas.
(19) Karla Ober, June 1, 2018 7:17 AM
Thank you!
I was practically pounding my desk as I read the "Address" given to - no - IMPOSED upon - the graduates., by Machael Chabon. Thank you for voicing my feelings so eleoquently. He was a terrible choice as speaker.
Annie, June 1, 2018 8:19 AM
He was, of course, relying on the courtesy of everyone else, as they would be unlikely to walk out.
(18) Howard Floch, June 1, 2018 12:19 AM
?self hating anti semitic Jew as a graduation speaker
Years ago I read one of his books and became curious about him. I discovered that he was a self hating antisemitic Jew. From what I have seen near home, I worry that the reformed movement is headed in this direction
(17) Rita-RIvka Lewy, May 31, 2018 8:34 PM
How sad that our own people have been so misled about Israel
I just acquired a big hardcovered book by Michael Chabon, and had read two pages when I saw a report (before yours) about the hurtful and simplistically misinformed speech he gave about Israel - I ripped up the book and threw it into recycling. Thank you for publicizing his shameful words, and representing the truth about our beloved country. May Hashem turn hearts towards what is real here, and may each of us be zochim to build bridges with others, esp. jews, to create more unity/ Achdut and informed opinions.
(16) Lori Palatnik, May 31, 2018 5:34 PM
Kol HaKavod!
Proud of you-- one sane person in a room of insanity.
Anonymous, May 31, 2018 6:50 PM
To Lori Palatnik
It's good to "see" you here!
(15) zlate1, May 31, 2018 5:26 PM
I am sorry
I am sorry your graduation was ruined. I am surprised though that as a lover of Israel you chose to attend HUC. The Reform movement as is well known and documented, is not pro Israel. Many of it's adherents are very liberal and left leaning. The only good thing about this movement is that they are in their twilight years. The won't be missed.
(14) Judy Kaufman, May 31, 2018 4:57 PM
Great article.
Chabon was also invited this year to our JCC's book festival. He is a totally polarizing writer who doesn't deserve a platform. It is not a matter of Free Speech. He has no idea what he is talking about and needs to be educated by someone as to the complexity of the situation. And to say that Jews should not marry other Jews is disgraceful.
Anonymous, June 1, 2018 9:19 PM
To commenter Judy Kaufman
Did Chabon end up speaking at your JCC book festival? Re: His needing to be educated. Sadly, many members of my family fall into the same category. :-(
(13) Bob Van Wagner, May 31, 2018 4:51 PM
Why we have the gift of shout and yell, Baruch Hashem
To attend passively such a monstrously perversion of a cram down captive audience lecture is not a good. It is an assent to lies and slander, it empowers tham.
I know, from prior experience, what my actions would have been, and by my uproar an uproar would have ensued, for great confusions! Better confusions than for anyone to imagine that this man's hubris and inafmous lies have no rebuke to be had.
Walking out is a valid response too, but we who can yell and shout magnificantly should in such a case. Why else do we have grander lungs than the common!
Anonymous, June 1, 2018 8:22 AM
Yes, but a graduation is different. Walking out would spoil it even more.
It's easy to be wise after the event.
How about a slow clap, insulting but peaceful ?
(12) May Long, May 31, 2018 4:22 PM
My heart hurts for Morin ZARAY and his family, so I did write to the school.
As an american Jew, I am deeply proud of the people of Israel. My America Grandson is just finishing his service in the IDF after 4 years of training and service. I don't understand the confusion that causes our American brothers and sisters to embrace "fake news". I don't understand the hypocrisy of the various world churches and governments. The people who seem to understand their commitment to righteousness are mostly Evangelical Christians who cherish our Bible and stand for truth for our beloved Israel. In 2006 I Founded Christians and Jews United for Israel I love the People and the Nation of Israel, God's gift to the Jewish people.
(11) Diana Ruchelmam, May 31, 2018 4:01 PM
Chabinbt Morin Zarathustra
Thank you for publishing this article.
(10) Anonymous, May 31, 2018 3:23 PM
United we stand; divided we fall.
Jews dividing Jews will be our ultimate downfall. Michael Chabon, or anyone who has only a myopic view of any situation, is never the right commencement speaker choice for any graduation.
(9) Joshua, May 31, 2018 3:22 PM
I hope no regrets
I hope you will never regret not having spoken up and shared your "ground zero" experience and perspective with that audience.
(8) Anonymous, May 31, 2018 3:01 PM
Totally one sided
“A man sees what he wants to see, and disregards the rest.”
(7) Sylvia Moscovitz, May 31, 2018 3:01 PM
Michael Chabon's take on Israeli society
One would assume that an intellectual of Michael Chabon's repute would be able to recognize and acknowledge the intricacies and complexities of Israeli society and culture. Never a supporter of Republicans (or, in my Canadian context, Conservatives) I am more and more convinced of the truth of Ronald Reagan's statement made on "Sixty Minutes: in 1975: "If fascism ever comes to America, it will come in the name of liberalism".
Malcolm, June 3, 2018 6:01 PM
Chabon intellectual
We have fallen into the trap of assuming that anyone who puts complete sentences together with muti-syllabic words is an intellectual. We fall even further by assuming that such intellectuals have something of value to tell us. Most do not. Most are totally incapable of understanding intricacies and complexities, but are very capable users of the words "nuanced" and "tiikun olam" for anything they knee-jerk support. Calling Chabon an intellectual is an insult to our true Jewish intellectuals - our Torah scholars. Chabon is a garden variety Jew-hater who, G-d willing, after ruining this graduation ceremony, will sink into lifelong anonymity בב"א.
(6) Rena, May 31, 2018 2:52 PM
I am so sorry...
Dear Morin,
I am deeply saddened that your graduation day was ruined. What should have been a day of joy and gladness was ripped from you and your family. I am so sorry. I pray you will be emboldened by this event and continue to make a difference wherever you go. Am Israel Chai! Shalom, Rena
(5) Haim, May 31, 2018 2:46 PM
Deleted comment
This comment has been deleted.
Shalom Rubinstein, May 31, 2018 8:59 PM
Chabon Is Deluded
Our friend Haim claims to have lived in Jerusalem and claims Israel is an Apartheid state. Clear he has no idea what Israel is and/or what apartheid is. Below is a link to a brief video easy done by Kenneth Mashoe, a Black South African member of South Africa's Parliament. He is far better at explaining that Israel is not apartheid than I could.
https://www.prageru.com/videos/black-south-african-israel-and-apartheid
(4) Anonymous, May 31, 2018 2:33 PM
Why are you surprised?
From the beginning -- the Reform movement had a very "troubled" relationship to the idea of a Jewish Homeland. For the Reform, Judaism was a "Universal" religion. The early Zionists were either *secular* or *religious*... but "reform"?? It is only LATER that the Reform movement decided to "embrace" a Jewish State -- hoping that this would somehow reverse the catastrophic decline of their "religion".
So, it should be no surprise that not only did the Reform INVITE this speaker -- but that this invitation was DEFENDED by the administration of HUC-JIR.
(3) Anonymous, May 31, 2018 2:27 PM
I agree with commenters #1 and #2
With that said, I am politically liberal. However, I have never liked the Reform brand of Judaism. And yes, it IS a brand. I grew up in a reform synagogue and heard about how men did not have to wear kippot or talit. Nobody was required to learn Hebrew and there was the ever present organ, even at Friday night services. I saw an organ in a reform synagogue several years ago. This is not true Judaism.
Michael Wall, May 31, 2018 2:53 PM
What's your issue with music in shul?
What's your issue with music in shul?
Anonymous, May 31, 2018 6:48 PM
To commenter Michael Wall
I do not have an issue with music in shul. I DO have an issue with the presence of an organ, ESPECIALLY if said organ is being played on Shabbos. Also, the "temple choirs" in reform synagogues are nothing more than a derivative of a church choir.
(2) Moshe Schorr, May 30, 2018 6:54 PM
What can you expect
Why am I not surprised? Disappointed yes, but not surprised. When Torah values are not existent and "Progressive Liberal" views are the basis of one's world-view, that is what were going to see. But of course, Reform parted ways with the Land of Israel many, many years ago. "Germany is our home and Berlin is our Jerusalem". The lessons of 70 years ago are not to be learned.
A ahame.
(1) Ben, May 30, 2018 4:20 PM
Guest Speaker Shows Problem with Reform
Imagine at a Jewish "Rabbinic" Graduation by HUC the GUEST SPEAKER proclaims he is an Atheist, Is Against Jews Marrying Fellow Jews AND Complains that Israel Tries Defending Its People from suicidal terrorists and calls Jews that want to live in Hebron Criminals for thinking they had such a right in the ciy of the Jewish Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Is this how Non Orthodox Millenial "Progressive" Institutions prepare they people to Self Hate fellow Jews and Judaism and Advocate Against them??? As indeed we see via J Street U and "Jews for Peace" !