Normative to criticize Israel

Ammi Hirsch writes a letter to his colleagues at B'nai Jeshurun.

I read with dismay your letter about the UN vote upgrading the Palestinian status to observer state, and your subsequent letter expressing regret for the feelings of alienation that it caused, but affirming the essence of your original message.
Some of the criticism directed towards you is unfair. We can be critics of Israel and lovers of Israel at the same time: it is often critics who express the greatest love. Furthermore, you are right that the pulpit must be the place where moral issues are discussed. We have a responsibility to express our views publicly, honestly and forcefully.
However, I do not agree with some of your admirers that your letter demonstrated unusual courage. Nowadays it is not courageous to criticize Israel in the liberal and progressive circles in which we travel. It has become normative to criticize Israel in these circles – sometimes fairly, but often unfairly and immorally. In fact, it takes courage to face down these critics and their increasingly self-righteous moralizing.
Continue reading: http://www.thejewishweek.com/editorial-opinion/opinion/progressive-rabbi-bnai-jeshurun-colleagues-gave-wrong-message