I have a jumble of negative feelings as I sit to write to you today, reflecting on the week that passed. I do not have to tell you the details of the Russian invasion of Ukraine—you know what is happening. I cannot avoid the feeling of hopelessness as I read or listen to the news. I am not sure what is the correct expression to define what it is that I am feeling: it is a mixture of dismay, depression, anger, negativity, and a sense of doom. Every day since Thursday, the invasion continues, bringing with it more despair. I abhor this senseless loss of life, misuse of resources, and infliction of pain. I know that sometimes there are two sides to some stories, yet in this one there is a clear difference between who is right and who is wrong. Ukraine is being dragged into this conflict, and I am in awe of President Zelensky who is fighting in order to stop the Russian aggression. The sadness I feel over this conflict in Europe is compounded by the reaction of some American politicians and pundits. Some pundits are praising the Russian dictator and some politicians are blaming President Biden’s administration for what is happening in Europe. It is infuriating. It is unacceptable. This is a time when politicians and media outlets in this country have the responsibility to stand united under the banner of truth and goodness. I expect our fellow Americans to sober up, letting go of hateful speech and petty political feuds in order to present a unified reaction to this international criminal. We are seeing clear evil; we are witnessing a country and its leadership committing a crime. These are the actions of an authoritarian madman, with delusions of grandeur, trying to extend his rule throughout the world. Praising Putin or laying blame for this conflict on the current administration is wrong and dangerous. All of us must let these politicians and these media outlets know that this is a line that should never be crossed.
A passage of the Torah that requires us to stop this kind of speech is found in Chapter 19 of the Book of Leviticus, verses 16-17. “You shall not go about slandering your kin. You shall not stand over the blood of your fellow human beings. I am the Eternal. You shall not hate your sibling in your heart. You shall surely reprove your fellow and not bear guilt because of them.”
(translation based on Robert Alter’s The Five Books of Moses)
I read these two verses as saying: Do not say wrongful or hurtful things because you want your ratings to go up, or because you think it will resonate with your voters. When you act in this manner, you are harming your country and your fellow citizens. When you share these ideas and incorporate them into your comments, you contribute to the proliferation of hate that creates deep divisions among the inhabitants of the earth.
Therefore, speak out against misinformation and sensationalism, stop the cycle of violent hateful speech, so you will not be responsible for the destruction of the fabric of society.
You cannot just let it go, or dismiss commentaries as silly because they are said by people in which you believe. Words have weight, and each person has the obligation to stop the proliferation of words that continue to hurt and fray the fabric of our society.
I hope that soon we will see the end of this conflict and witness international action that will sanction this shameless power grab. In addition, I pray for greater collaboration and good will in America, bringing blessings to the people of this country and adding to peace efforts throughout the world. May this happen quickly, may we witness an era of peace right now.