Rabbis for Human Rights

Al Kheyt for Peace

This year the words of Al Kheyt take on new meaning in the wake of violence that has left tens dead, over 2,000 wounded and the future of the peace process and coexistence in question. While we are not excusing Palestinian and Israeli Arab violence, Yom Kippur is a time to rise above the justifications which prevent us from looking honestly at ourselves.

The examination of our deeds tells us we have much to atone for. The provocation on the Temple Mount was only the match which fell on dry tinder. Israeli Arabs are systematically under represented in all areas of Israeli society, while their communities are disproportionally over represented in terms of poverty and unemployment. In the Territories, unfair allocation of water, land expropriations, harassment by settlers, humiliation and despair leave Palestinians with little faith in the peace process or hope for a better future.

Excessive and unnecessary use of lethal force has unleashed pent up rage, leading to another round of violence. Within Israel, Israeli forces fired on rioters rather than use accepted non lethal means of riot control. Over the green line the situation is more complicated because armed Palestinians were also firing on Israelis, but disturbing evidence suggests that Palestinians took up arms only after Israeli forces were firing chest high during the initial disturbances.

For the sin which we have sinned against You by hardening our hearts —
To the grinding poverty and despair of Palestinians and Israeli Arabs.

And for the sin which we have sinned against You by exploitation —
Living well while others live in poverty.

For the sin which we have sinned against You consciously or unconsciously —
Preventing Israeli Palestinians from fully and equally participating in Israeli society, and leaving them under represented in government, academia and business.

And for the Sin which we have sinned against You knowingly or unknowingly —
Allowing the Israeli government to continue expropriating land, demolish homes, build roads, uproot trees and deny water in our name, even while publicly speaking words of peace.

For the sin which we have sinned against You by causeless hatred —
Demonizing the "other."

And for the sin which we have sinned against You with our words —
Of incitement.

For the sin which we have sinned against You by desecrating Your Name —
By abusing others and calling it Your Will.

And for the sin which we have sinned against You through insolence —
Saying that only Jews have rights to the land.

For the sin which we have sinned against You by silence —
When we knew that human beings were being mistreated, and said nothing.

For the sin which we have sinned against You by the abuse of power —
Using excessive lethal force to kill and maim

And for the sin which we have sinned against You by justifying —
The use of excessive lethal force.

And for the sin which we have sinned against You by narrow mindedness —
Feeling only our own pain, closing our minds to the agony of bereaved Arab mothers and fathers.