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March 29, 2024
The Honorable Philip Dunton Murphy,
Governor of New Jersey
P.O. Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
Governor Murphy, Shalom,
My name is Ari Lucas. I was born in New Jersey and am the senior rabbi of Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell – a vibrant Conservative congregation of 800 families. We are proud Jews and Zionists and are part of the fabric of this community.
I write to share my concern with your recent statement on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As Jews, our hearts are first and foremost with our brothers, sisters, children, family and friends in Israel who are still grieving the horrific attack of October 7 and are grappling with the difficult realities of war against an immoral enemy bent on Israel’s destruction. In our synagogue, we pray daily for the Israeli soldiers, innocent civilians still being held hostage in Gaza, the families of the victims, and the over 100,000 displaced Israelis from the North and South who fear for rocket fire from Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and the constant looming threat of Iran.
And, as Jews, we believe that all people are created in God’s image. We share your sense of heartbreak at the devastation in Gaza and mourn the dire circumstances Palestinians face. They are in our hearts as well as we pray for a more peaceful future without war and bloodshed.
I disagree, however, with your call for an “immediate and sustained ceasefire.” I do not believe that calls for a ceasefire will lead to a sustained peace in Israel or for Palestinians as you suggest. In my opinion, the biggest obstacle to peace is Hamas’ extreme ideology and their hold on power in Gaza. I recommend you read former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton’s recent op-ed in which she reflects on the lessons learned from previous ceasefires that she helped broker. In the piece she argues:
October 7 made clear that this bloody cycle must end and that Hamas cannot be allowed to once again retrench, re-arm, and launch new attacks—while continuing to use people in Gaza as expendable human shields… [Additionally,] a full cease-fire that leaves Hamas in power would be a mistake. For now, pursuing more limited humanitarian pauses that allow aid to get in and civilians and hostages to get out is a wiser course.
In February, I led members of our synagogue on a mission to Israel to show our support, volunteer, and hear from Israelis. My most significant impression was the sense of anxiety and isolation Israelis feel at this moment. Your statement does not reassure Jews in Israel, New Jersey, and around the world that you understand our concerns.
I trust you are aware of the many ways in which the recent wave of antisemitism has affected Jews in our state as well. In November, our own synagogue had to be evacuated during Shabbat morning services because of a bomb threat against our building. We repeatedly experience antisemitic and vulgar Zoom bombing in our online prayer services. Our congregants struggle with experiences at work, on college campuses, and online. The fears in Jewish communities are higher than any time I can remember.
We look to you for leadership and support. We also welcome you to join us in prayer at Agudath Israel for an opportunity to listen and learn from one another. I pray that God blesses you with wisdom and courage. We need those qualities now more than ever.
Sincerely,
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