Preface

The Weitzman’s position on Israel and Zionism is, and has been, that the Jewish people, have a right to exist in a Jewish state established for the ingathering of Jews from every part of the world. We unequivocally condemn the massacre perpetrated in Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, and all acts of terror. The Weitzman is committed to further developing its position as a leading voice in countering the unprecedented rise in antisemitism that has been revealed during this time through education, exhibitions, curriculum development, collaborations, and Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM).

The Weitzman is rooted in the intersection of Jewish values and American ideals, values such as:

• betselem Elohim—every life is precious because every human is born in God’s image,
• makhloket l ’shem shamayim—civilized debate, and
• hachnasat orchim—welcoming the stranger, values that we see breaking down around us.

We have witnessed an increase in antisemitism in recent years, and antisemitism anti-Zionism are elevated when Israel is in conflict with its neighbors. The recent outbreak following the October 7^th massacres in Israel is unprecedented and alarming. We believe it stems from a long, systematic effort to delegitimize Israel and dehumanize Jews and Israelis. We are committed to being a leader in reversing this pernicious trend.

We strive for the day when all peoples can live in peace, security, and freedom.

Through our work, we reaffirm the Weitzman’s position and actively address issues related to anti-Jewish and anti-Israel activities and rhetoric that have permeated the media, academia, and our communities.

Israel’s Importance within the Weitzman’s Mission

The Weitzman is a museum of American Jewish history, which:

• Explores and portrays the American Jewish experience with rigor, reflecting a variety of perspectives.
• Is committed to celebrating and advancing America’s Jewish community and the United States of America, which has given so much to the Jewish people and the world.
• Has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism and is committed to be a leading voice in countering and combating antisemitism through its education, exhibitions, curriculum development, collaboration and JAHM.

Reflecting our primary mission of celebrating the history of Jews in America and connecting Jews more closely to their heritage, The Weitzman supports Israel and takes a clear stance on anti-Zionism because:

• The Jewish People are indelibly connected to their historic homeland—the land of Israel—through their history, sacred texts, prayers, language, and cultural heritage.
• The Jewish People as a nation have the right to self-determination in their homeland.
• Israel is the only assured refuge for Jews worldwide and is now home to nearly half the Jews in the world.
• The future and fate of America’s Jews cannot be dissociated from that of Jews worldwide or of the State of Israel.

The Weitzman’s Position on Israel

• The Jewish People have a right to a Jewish nation state in the Land of Israel.
• The State of Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself and its citizens from aggression and terrorism.
• The Weitzman strongly rejects the narrative that Israel and Zionism are colonialist enterprises, or that Israel is guilty of apartheid or genocide.
• Israel is a vital ally of the United States of America, with shared values and common enemies. A strong U.S.-Israel relationship is essential for advancing peace, security, and prosperity for both countries, the Middle East, and the world.

Diversity of Viewpoint at The Weitzman

• The Weitzman is committed to celebrating free speech, and with that, understands that there are divergent viewpoints on a variety of topics related to Israel, both within and outside of the Jewish community.
• We want everyone to feel welcome at The Weitzman, and we understand some may question or criticize Israeli policies and actions. We embrace the freedom to respectfully discuss divergent ideas and viewpoints but will not intentionally give voice to hatred or bigotry of any kind.
• The Weitzman will not intentionally give voice to individuals who deny the right of the State of Israel to exist as a Jewish State or to defend itself.
• The Weitzman will not intentionally give voice to individuals who deny or seek to make invisible, atrocities committed against Jews, whether with regard to the Holocaust or to terrorism against Israel or to Jews anywhere.
• The Weitzman intends to speak with moral clarity and rejects propositions of moral equivalency.

Return to the Weitzman’s ‘Response to Israel Attacks’ Page

v. 01/2024