Bird’s-Eye: Last October “Justice Richard Goldstone, primary author of the Report that followed the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, had been “effectively barred” from attending his grandson’s bar mitzvah.” This was done by the South African Zionist Federation, and the SA chief rabbi. After huge protests, sanity has been restored, and he will be able to attend… but the story of how that happened is fascinating. The opening link has a stunner of an editorial cartoon… worth clicking for that alone!
* The Goldstone Bar Mitzvah saga from beginning to end (at least so far) Open Shuhada Street
* Letter from US Rabbis to Justice Goldstone Mondoweiss
As rabbis from diverse traditions and locations, we want to extend our warmest mazel tov to you as an elder in our community upon the bar mitzvah of your grandson. Bar and Bat Mitzvah is a call to conscience, a call to be responsible for the welfare of others, a call to fulfill the covenant of peace and justice articulated in our tradition.
As rabbis, we note the religious implications of the report you authored. We are reminded of Shimon Ben Gamliel’s quote, “The world stands on three things: justice, truth, and peace as it says ‘Execute the judgment of truth, and justice and peace will be established in your gates’ (Zekharya 8:16).” We affirm the truth of the report that bears your name.… Judge Goldstone, we want to offer you our deepest thanks for upholding the principles of justice, compassion and truth that are the heart of Jewish religion and without which our claims to Jewishness are empty of meaning. We regret that your findings have led to controversy and caused you not to feel welcome at your own grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. We believe your report is a clarion call to Israel and the Jewish people to awaken from the slumber of denial and return to the path of peace.
* Email from Judge Goldstone to Rabbi Michael Lerner Tikkun Magazine
“The SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is pleased to announce that, following consultation between all the parties involved, an agreement has been reached confirming Judge Richard Goldstone attending his grandson’s forthcoming barmitzvah ceremony.”
I need hardly say how happy our family is that I will be attending the synagogue services.Thank you again for your tremendous and much appreciated support. I am moved beyond words by the honor that you have announced [the Tikkun Award to be given in 2011 to Judge Goldstone during our 25th anniversary celebration/conference].
