Peter Beinart offers a deeply personal and theological reflection on the situation in Gaza from a Jewish perspective, framing it as both a moral and spiritual reckoning that will permanently impact Jewish identity and conscience.
Peter begins by explaining "chillul hashem" (desecration of God's name) from Jewish tradition - the idea that because of the special covenant between God and the Jewish people, Jewish actions reflect on God's reputation. He notes that according to Jewish law, this sin uniquely cannot be atoned for.
He describes the dire situation in Gaza both before and after October 7th, citing it as previously "unlivable" according to the UN, with 67% unemployment and severe restrictions. He then details the current humanitarian crisis, including widespread destruction of infrastructure, medical shortages leading to preventable amputations, and severe food scarcity.
Peter's argument is that what's happening in Gaza represents a chillul hashem of unprecedented magnitude that will create a lasting spiritual crisis for the Jewish people. The speaker argues that this will be "the greatest spiritual crisis that the Jewish people have faced since the Holocaust" — not because the events are equivalent, but because it raises the question of Jewish complicity rather than Jewish victimhood.
He urges the stopping of weapons shipments to Israel and allowing international justice processes to proceed, including accountability for both Israeli leaders and Hamas.
Don't miss Peter's powerful talk HERE on his Substack channel
