C ommunity / deaths
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
B E N D E R
Lois Bender (nee Zulkow), May 11, 2021.

Wife of the late Jack Bender and the late Ed-
win Myers. Mother of Marcy (late Robert)
Schnitzer, Craig (Sharon) Myers and David
Myers. Step mother of Janice (Joel) Frezel
and Linda (Dean) Anglin. Grandmother of An-
drew (Crystal) Herring, Wes (Michelle) My-
ers, Erin Myers, Tracey (Scott) Slobotkin,
Brooke (Bryan) Werley, Sandy Anglin, Zach
(Kat) Anglin, Nikki (Mike) Burkons and David
(Alana) Frezel. Great grandmother of Grayson
and Gabriella Herring, Olivia Myers, Rylie and
Luke Slobotkin, Robert and Emma Werley,
Sal and Georgia Anglin, Jack and Ellie
Burkons and Parker Frezel. Contributions in
her memory may be made to the American
Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road,
Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004 or a char-
ity of the donor's choice.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
B E N N E T T
Sheldon “Shecky” Bennett on April 23, 2021.

Beloved husband of Lois (nee Bear); Loving
father of Laura (Ray) Blau, Bonni (Farrell
Smith) Plenn, Beth (Joel) Peskin, Michael
Steiner and the late Michael Bennett; Dear
brother of Bonnie Baumhor; Devoted grand-
father of Barrie (Brian), Ben, Jared, Zach,
Lilli, Sophia and Alexa; Adoring great-grand-
father of Riley and Sienna. Services and inter-
ment were private. Contributions in his
memory may be made to the Veteran’s Ad-
ministration, www.va.gov
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
B R A S ON
Stanley Brason on May 8, 2021. Beloved hus-
band of the late Norma (Roseman); Loving
father of Cindy (Jeffrey) Gordon and Alan
(Stacey) Brason; Devoted grandfather of
Chad (Molly), Jason (Wendy), Matthew and
Jordyn. Contributions in his memory may be
made to University of PA Hospital, Oncology
Dept., 3535 Market St., Ste. 750, Phila., PA
19104, www.pennmedicine.org
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldseinsfuneral.com
C H A N S K Y
Norman Morton Chansky of Swarthmore, PA
died on April 30th, 2021. He was the devoted
husband to the late Elissa Chansky (née Ell-
sas). Norman graduated from Boston Uni-
versity and Columbia University. A long-time
professor of educational psychology and
statistics at Temple University, he retired as
Professor Emeritus. Norman was also an avid
gardener, lover of nature, a prolific writer,
and musician. Norman is survived by his five
children Linda Janidlo (Thom), James (Kath-
erine), Keren Suberri (Moshe), Tamar
Chansky Stern (Phillip) and Matthew (Lisa),
his grandchildren Elizabeth Hunt (Ryan), Sara
Preheim (Scott), Bethany Janidlo, Allison
Burch (Bobby), Isaac, Gilad Suberri (Sarit),
Kinneret Suberri (Alan Mitchell), Mer, Raia,
and Emma June, and great grandchildren,
Abby, Corinna, Tyler, Daniella, Eitan, Nadav,
Arran, Rona, Eleanor, and Solomon, as well
as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins,
along with friends. And by Sophie Mulugeta
Gordon who was treasured by both Elissa
and Norman. Donations in Memory of Nor-
man can be made to: HIAS (Hebrew Immig-
rant Aid Society) www.hias.org; Chester Chil-
dren's Chorus www.swarthmore.edu/chester-
childrens-chorus/gift JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com MAY 20, 2021
DEATH NOTICES
G E T Z O W
D O V B E R G
It is with profound sadness that the Dovberg
family announces the passing of Dr. Jerome
L. Dovberg on April 12, 2021. He was our
beloved Husband, Father, Zaydie, Son, Broth-
er, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and Friend.

“Jerry” was born in 1945, in Philadelphia, to
the late Nessie and Maurice Dovberg. He
grew up as the only brother of four younger
sisters. He and his wife Sandi (nee Lassoff),
had recently celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary in December 2020. Jerry gradu-
ated from Lincoln High School, Temple Uni-
versity, and The Pennsylvania College of Po-
diatric Medicine. After completing Medical
School, the Army commissioned him to be
the Chief of the Podiatry Clinic at The
Pentagon, and later at Dewitt Army Hospital,
in Fort Belvoir, VA. After settling in Northern,
VA, Jerry opened a private practice with 3 of-
fices. Although he was a Board Certified Sur-
geon, he loved kibitzing with his patients.

One patient shared, “It was like visiting a
friend, laughing, and having a good time,
while receiving excellent care.” For over 34
years, Jerry and his family took annual vaca-
tions to the Carribean Island of St. Maarten,
which was a highlight in his life. His love of
Smooth Jazz brought him and his family on
jazz cruises all over the world, and to live
concerts & festivals nationwide. He loved
playing the “piano by ear”, and he was a tal-
ented artist. Jerry was a member of many
Jewish organizations and a great supporter of
the State of Israel. He was a proud member
of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, and also a
Freemason. Jerry is survived by his wife,
Sandi; daughter, Mindi; sons, Michael
(Dana), and Jeff. His granddaughters, Maya
and Mila; grandsons, Mazen and Mylo; His
Sisters, Sandy Brown, Sherie Hershman
(Mark), Debbie Molotsky (Dwight), and
Deena Ginsberg (Gary). Over his 75 years on
this Earth, Jerry’s magnetic, “larger than life”,
personality was felt by everyone who met
him. He will be remembered for his pro-
found love for his family. He will be deeply
missed. Contributions in his memory may be
made to The United States Holocaust Me-
morial Museum, in Washington, DC .

www.ushmm.org F I EL D S
Michele Tamara Fields nee Turetzky, May 11,
2021. Wife of Steven L., Mother of Scott
Fields, Justin Fields, Josh Fields, Adam Fields
and Alyssa Fields. Daughter of Arnold and the
late Shirley Turetzky. Sister of Jill (Jeff)
Workman. A school teacher. A member of
Ohev Shalom of Bucks County. Funeral ser-
vices were private. Contributions in her
memory may be made to the Next Step Pro-
gram www.tnsprograms.org or Doylestown
Hospital, 595 W. State Street, Doylestown, Pa
18901. GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
F O R M A N
Kenneth Jay Forman, M.D., age 78, of Hunt-
ingdon Valley, passed away peacefully on
May 9, 2021, surrounded by family. Beloved
husband of Barbara (nee Rifkind), devoted
father of Stacy Theil (David) and adoring
“Zay-zay” of Abby and Zach. Also survived by
his brother-i-law Michael Rifkind (Susanne),
his nephews Mark and the late Stephen,
many cousins and one great aunt. Death was
due to complications from a stroke. Dr.

Forman was a graduate of Northeast high
School, where he was editor –in chief of the
school paper, the University of Pennsylvania,
and George Washington University Medical
School. One highlight of his medical school
experience was, when on a cardiology rota-
tion at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he
had the opportunity to meet former Presid-
ent Eisenhower and take his blood pressure.

He was in private practice as an internist and
cardiologist. He was on the staff and an act-
ive teacher of Albert Einstein Medical Center,
a member of the Maimonides Society, and a
rollicking performer of the Einstein Bedpan
Players Troupe. He was also on the staff of
Rolling Hill Hospital, where he was Chairman
of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Commit-
tee for 12 years, Vice President of the Medic-
al Staff, and Chairman of the Cardiology Per-
formance Committee. He was on the staff of
District Council 33’s John F. Kennedy Me-
morial Hospital, where he was President of
the Medical Staff, Acting Medical Director,
and Chairman of the Department of Medicine.

He was the Chief Internist of the Police and
Fire Medical Association. He finished his ca-
reer at Montgomery Hospital in Norristown
.He especially enjoyed working with the hos-
pital residents. He won the Golden Apple
Award for Excellence in Teaching twice,
once at Rolling Hill Hospital , and again at
Montgomery Hospital. He was known
throughout the community as an excellent
and compassionate physician. Dr. Forman
was a long time subscriber to the Phil-
adelphia Orchestra and various theater com-
panies. He was, over his lifetime, a loving pet
parent of seven dogs and six cats, now re-
united with them on the Rainbow Bridge. He
was also an avid gardener, an enthusiastic
traveler, and a voracious reader of non-fic-
tion. He was very fond of World War II Nav-
al history. Because he believed strongly in
the education of the future generation of
physicians, the family asks that contribu-
tions in his memory be made to Albert Ein-
stein Medical Center STEM Program, 5501
Old York Rd., Phila., PA 19141; or Keneseth
Israel Meyers Library Fund, 8339 Old York
Rd., Elkins Park PA, 19027; or The George
Washington University Medical School White
Coat Fund,
2300 I Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
Charles H. Getzow, age 89, of Doylestown,
Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, May
7th, 2021. Charles, was still the loving hus-
band of Marilyn after 67 years of marriage,
and the proud father of Ellen Graham, Dr.

Martin Getzow and Stewart Getzow, de-
ceased. He also leaves behind five grandchil-
dren, Gregory Graham, Samantha Graham,
Nathaniel Getzow, Matthew Getzow and An-
drew Getzow and two great-grandchildren,
Madison, and Charlotte Graham. In addition,
he leaves behind an extended family, includ-
ing Larry Graham, Judi Field, Lisa Getzow
and Alex Graham. He and Marilyn developed
many friendships from Congregation Kehilat
Hanahar, Temple Judea, Warminster, Phil-
adelphia, New Hope, Central Bucks Senior
Center and Wilmington, North Carolina. They
will miss his warm smile, willingness to help,
and strong handshake. Charles was born in
Philadelphia, the son of Maurice and Hannah
Getzow and the brother of William Getzow, all
deceased. He was the third generation to
manage Getzow Jewelers, established in
1886, now located in Bensalem, PA, but un-
der non-family ownership. While growing
up, Charles had numerous interests, includ-
ing the Boy Scouts. Charles attended central
high school in Philadelphia, where he played
on the varsity soccer team and served two
years as president of his high school fratern-
ity. He was a graduate of Temple University
Business School. While at Temple, he was
the business manager of the varsity wrest-
ling team. Soon after graduation, he was
drafted into the military, and he became a
field radio repairman at Camp Gordon, GA.

After the military, he entered the family jew-
elry business, which he helped manage until
he retired. He then had a few parttime jobs,
including being a real estate agent. He was
subsequently hired by the Social security Ad-
ministration and became a claims adjuster,
working at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office.

He and Marilyn spent many years vacation-
ing in North Carolina, becoming involved with
volunteering, enriching their lives and where
they still have numerous friends. It was there
that he learned to play bridge and was intro-
duced to the computer. Donations can be dir-
ected to Temple Judea of Bucks County,
Doylestown https://www.templejudea.org/
Synagogue Kehilat HaNahar, New Hope ht-
tps://www.kehilathanahar.org/ GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
www.JewishExponent.com H O R W I T Z
Fred M. Horwitz, 86, Musicologist, originally
from Coatesville, PA and more recently of
Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at Atria
Center City on May 10, 2021. He was prede-
ceased by his loving, supportive parents Ezril
and Gertrude Horwitz. Survived by his caring
and devoted sister Susan Horwitz Goldberg,
Allan M. Horwitz, Esquire, Dr. Rudy Horwitz
and brother-in-law Sherwood (Woody) Gold-
berg. It is with a heavy heart that we share
the passing of our beloved, very uniquely tal-
ented brother, who was a well-admired Musi-
cologist, Violinist, Teacher of many close
friends on the violin, as he shared with much
delight his amazing knowledge of classical
and motion picture music and backgrounds
on famous actors and actresses. Over the
years, Fred owned and operated a video re-
cording enterprise for attorneys, was a most
valued research director and music coordin-
ator for the ‘’Mike Douglas Show’’ when it
was performed live from Philadelphia. He
also was very proud of his award-winning
shih tzu puppies he raised. His international
friends included the world reknowned flutists
Sir James and Jeannie Galway and Eamonn
Lenihan, freelance radio broadcaster and pro-
ducer in Ireland with whom he shared much
about music and delightful ‘’Irish Humor’’
along with his joy in speaking with an ‘’Irish
Brogue’’, whose accent entertained many
over dinners with many valued friends of all
walks of life. Interment was private. Dona-
tions can be sent in tribute to Fred’s legacy
and love of music to the Curtis Institute of
Music at 1726 Locust St., Phila. PA 19103
for the ‘’Ezril and Gertrude Horwitz Piano
Master Class’’ endowed series.

JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com Honor the memory
of your loved one...

Call 215.832.0749 to
place your memorial.

TO PLACE A MEMORIAL AD
CALL 215.832.0749
A Community
Remembers Monthly archives of
Jewish Exponent Death Notices
are available online.

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O pinion
C ommunity / deaths
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
M I LL E R
Florence “Flossye” Miller (nee Waxman), age
99, on May 13, 2021 at peacefully with fam-
ily by her side. Beloved wife of the late David
Miller. Loving mother of Lois (Stan) Sinowitz
and Stephen (Dianne) Miller. Doting grand-
mother of Michaela, Josh (Megan), Debbie
(Mike), Zach (Pam); adoring great grand-
mother of Hannah, Molly and Jake.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
N I M O I T Y N
K O V N A T
Arthur Samuel Kovnat, on May 10, 2021.

Husband of late Lorraine Mostovoy Kovnat.

Son of the late Isadore and Sarah Kovnat.

Mother of Larry Kovnat (Denise Bolger Kovn-
at) and Karel Kovnat (Lee Adler). Grandmoth-
er of Jacob, Eliza (Blake), Sarah and Rachel.

Great grandmother of Owen and Miles.

Brother of Selma (deceased), Donald (de-
ceased) and Stanton (deceased) (Renee – de-
ceased and Joyce – deceased). Uncle of Paul
(Ellen) and son Ethan, Stuart (Helene), and
the late Brian as well as Paula (Michael), son
Daniel and the late Stillman (Joyce). Before
his marriage in 1952 to Lorraine, Arthur
served in the US Navy and was stationed in
the Pacific during WWII. He graduated from
the Temple University School of Pharmacy in
1951 where he was a member of the Alpha
Tau Omega fraternity. Arthur owned Kovnat
Pharmacy, Rx Pharmacy, Larkar Pharmacy,
Largood Shopping Center, Dauphin Phar-
macy and Medical Center and Arway Phar-
macy. He loved to work and he loved the
people he worked with so much that he nev-
er successfully retired. Arthur continued
working at the Atlantic City Medical Center on
a seasonal basis well into his ‘80’s. Arthur
loved the sun and lived between his and Lor-
raine’s shore and Florida homes until they
moved to Rydal Park in 2013. Arthur loved
to travel and ventured around the world with
his wife and friends. Most of all Arthur loved
Jewish culture and traditions and regularly
read the Torah throughout his life, and even
most recently last month at Rydal Park. He
had a deep commitment to his Jewish faith
and was delighted to be a member of the
Miyanaires at Congregation Beth Shalom. He
was dearly loved by family and friends and
will be deeply missed. Contributions in his
memory may be made to the Greater
Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Mul-
tiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssoci-
ety.org. and Congregation Beth Shalom ht-
tps://www.bethsholomcongregation.org/pay- ment.php
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
L I N D Y
Joy Cynthia Lindy (nee Cohen) on May 10,
2021 (UPenn, ’48). Beloved wife of the late
Alan M. (USNA, ’49); Loving mother of David
C. (Ruth) Lindy, Kimberly Ruth Lindy, and
Jeffrey M. (Nancy Librett) Lindy. Devoted
grandmother of Alona (Matan), Maya (Shai),
Sam, Caroline, Isaac, and Olivia. Also sur-
vived by 5 great-grandchildren. Services and
interment were private. Contributions in her
memory may be made to American Jewish
Committee, www.ajc.org or Planned Parent-
hood, www.plannedparenthood.org
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
Janet Nimoityn, 74 of Phila., PA died May 5,
2021 at Lions gate in Voorhees, NJ. Janet
had a career as a teacher and was the daugh-
ter of the late Dr. Benjamin and Edith
Nimoityn. She is survived by her siblings
Sally (Dr. Arthur) Smith and Dr. Philip (Hil-
lary) Nimoityn and also survived by many
nieces and nephews. Burial took place at
Montefiore Cemetery. Contributions in her
memory may be made to Chabad of the Main
Line 625 Montgomery Ave. Merion Station,
PA 19066.

PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS
www.plattmemorial.com N O V I N
Fredric Novin, On May 12, 2021. Beloved
husband of Andrea Novin (nee Bass). Be-
loved son of Bernice A. Novin. Loving broth-
er of Charles E. Novin. Graveside services
were private. Contributions in his memory
may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Re-
search Foundation, 555 Croton Road – Suite
111, King of Prussia, PA 19406
www.jdrf.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
S C H E E R
Barbara E. Scheer (nee Schoenfeld) passed
away on May 11, 2021. Mother of Melissa
(David) Lowdermilk and Pamela (Robert)
Kornfeld. Grandmother of Bree Lowdermilk
(Anna), Rachel Lowdermilk Roberts (Sam),
Julie Kornfeld and Danny Kornfeld and Great
Grandmother of Noah Lowdermilk Roberts.

Contributions in her memory may be made to
Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/delval.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
S C H W A R T Z
Ruthe Schwartz (nee Weinstein) on May 9,
2021. Beloved wife of the late Sol H.; Loving
mother of Dorene (Dr. Stephen) Karasick.

Also the mother Dr. Howard Schwartz; De-
voted grandmother of Abby and Hannah. Ser-
vices and interment were private. Contribu-
tions in her memory may be made to Beth
Tikvah Bnai Jeshurun, 1001 Paper Mill Rd.,
Erdenheim, PA 19038
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
A Community
Remembers Monthly archives of
Jewish Exponent Death Notices
are available online.

www.JewishExponent.com DEATH NOTICES
S H AW
Donald W. Shaw, age 83, on May 3, 2021, of
Blue Bell. Born in Philadelphia, he was the
son of the late Maurice and Rose (nee Port-
noy) Shaw. He was a US Army veteran. He
was a Salesman and Owner of the former Al-
lied Tank Manufacturing Co. in Norristown
before his retirement in 2014. “Captain Don”
loved sailing the waters of the Chesapeake
Bay for over 30 years on his boat, the “Many
Tanks”. Don also loved to keep moving as he
held his air pilot license and enjoyed sports
cars and motorcycles. He is survived by his
Beloved Wife, Christine Marie, and is the De-
voted father of Lisa B. Aversano and her hus-
band Anthony of Ventnor City, NJ, and
Jonathan R. Shaw and his wife Joanne of
Newtown Square, PA. Don is the cherished
grandfather of Jason & Brandon Aversano
and Jordyn Shaw, and he is also survived by
his sister Sandra Berkowitz of Cherry Hill, NJ.

Services and interment were held privately.

URBAN FUNERAL HOME, Inc.

www.UrbanFuneralHome.com S P EC T O R
Anita L. Spector (nee Stomel). May 12, 2021.

Wife of the late Edward. Mother of Donald
(Jayne) Spector, Janet (Leonard) Barag,
Shelley Spector (Yvonne Latty) and Barry
Spector (Caroline Padavano). Grandmother
of Morgan (Michael) Klippper, Jordan (Brian)
Blatt, Everett Spector, Nathan Spector, Nola
Latty and Margo Latty. Great grandmother of
Sadie, Tessa, Ezra and Bodhi.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.golddsteinsfuneral.com
S T A LL E R
Irene Staller (nee Protas) passed away on
May 12, 2021. Wife of the late Isadore
Staller. Devoted mother of Andrea (Richard)
Zeises and late Jerome Staller. Loving grand-
mother (known as Mommom) of Shara (Eric)
Rich, Chad (Ashley) Staller, Farah (Jeff)
Stupine, Lisa (Mark Brender) Zeises and Il-
ana Zeises. Also survived by 9 great grand-
children who affectionately referred to her as
big Mommom. She was a loving, amazing
and caring woman who had the ability to light
up a room. She served as a role model to her
children, grandchildren, great grandchildren
and all who knew her. Although she didn't
know how to cook a steak or bake, she knew
how to inspire all around her to be their best.

She was a pioneer in being a "modern" wo-
man. Contributions in her memory may be
made to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N.

3rd St., Phila., PA 19123, www.donors1.org
or Cong, Adath Jeshurun, 7763 Old York Rd.,
Elkins Park,
PA 19027
www.adathjeshurun.info GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
W E I S BE R G
Marvin Weisberg on May 13, 2021. Beloved
husband of Sheila (nee Tancheff); Loving
father of Brad (Audra) Weisberg and Scott
Weisberg; Devoted grandfather of Anna,
Lilah, and Michaela. Services and interment
were private. Contributions in his memory
may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Asso-
ciation, www.lbda.org
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
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JEWISH EXPONENT
Solomon Continued from Page 18
It is not disloyal, antise-
mitic, anti-Zionist, self-hating
or traitorous to demand that
the Israeli government work
proactively toward security,
justice, equality and dignity
for all human beings in this
land. On the contrary, it is
the responsibility of every
loyal and patriotic Israeli. And
according to the Pew study
released this week, American
Jews largely agree.

I speak out despite painful
backlash and even attacks from
fellow Israelis and Jews because
I know that neither Israelis nor
Palestinians are going anywhere.

Our stories are intertwined,
our futures inextricably linked.

Neither of us can possibly win
until all of us win.

One sentiment being widely
expressed in Israel and among
pro-Israel Jewish Americans is
that now is the time for thoughts,
prayers and solidarity — and not
for calling for policy change.

“Politics” should come only after
the immediate threat subsides,
the argument goes. I reject this
idea. Now, when everyone is
listening, is the time to declare
that we are not destined for
endless conflict.

It is precisely because I and
countless friends and colleagues
care so deeply about Israel and the
Jewish people that we do every-
thing we can to create a better
future here for all. Anything less
would mean abandoning our
children and future generations.

I pray for a quick cease-fire
and halt to all violence. And
then I call on every Jew who
cares about the future of the
Jewish people in the land of
Israel to hold tightly to the
sense of urgency we feel right
now, and to work not just for a
lack of violence but for a future
of justice, security, equality,
freedom and flourishing for
all. For the sake of Zion and
Jerusalem we cannot allow
ourselves to be silent. Not ever
— and certainly not now. l
But lack of violence is not
peace, and lack of violence does
not on its own advance justice,
rights or long-term security for
either side.

While violent resistance is
absolutely condemnable, it is
sadly unsurprising after decades
of discriminatory policies,
separate and unequal systems of
law, and tremendous suffering.

Nor is it surprising that the
Palestinian citizens of Israel,
who are inextricably part of the
Palestinian people, have joined
in the fray.

And we, the Israeli side,
have most of the power. Had
our elected officials chosen
over the past seven years of
relative calm to strive toward a
better future, there were count-
less ways to have improved the
situation for all. And had we
— Israeli citizens and Jewish
supporters of Israel — taken
advantage of the relative peace
to place this issue at the center
of our national and peoplehood
agenda, our leaders would
have been forced to listen and
work toward a durable and just
resolution of the conflict.

Tragically, however, it seems
that the only time we pay atten-
tion and feel goaded to act is
when violence and war explode
— precisely the time when true
and deep work toward lasting
security, dignity, justice and
true peace is nearly impossible.

Palestinians, of course, have
a parallel responsibility to work
toward peace, justice and security
for all. They must do every-
thing in their power to remove
the murderous Hamas regime
in Gaza, to demand elections
and new, visionary leadership in
Ramallah, and to build a broad-
based nonviolent movement that
will work for a better future for all
in this land. And I am profoundly
grateful to know many extraor-
dinary Palestinians working
tirelessly every day toward those
goals. But just as they must hold Leah Solomon is chief education
their leaders and society account- officer at Encounter and lives in
able, so, too, must we.

Jerusalem with her family.

MAY 20, 2021
27