Behrman House Blog

I recently read an article in the paper about the upcoming bar mitzvah of a young man in South Africa. He is the grandson of Richard Goldstone, a prominent South African judge who was also the head of a United Nations investigation into war crimes during Israel’s recent intervention in Gaza. As you probably know, this "Goldstone Report" condemned both Israel and Hamas, but mostly focused on Israeli transgressions.

Faced with threats of a protest during the ceremony, Judge Goldstone announced that he would not attend. How very sad! I always find the most tender moments of a bar/bat mitzvah ceremony are seeing the joy of the generations witnessing the event.  

These threats came from members of the congregation - to be conducted in the synagogue!  When our own people prevent us from witnessing our family simchot, we must wonder if there is a time to put politics aside!

Hopefully, good sense will prevail and the Judge will celebrate with his family within the sanctuary and the protesters will demonstrate at his office.