The Audacity of US Jewish Opposition to Jewish Resettlement of Gaza

Photo Credit: Courtesy

Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf presented by a map of planned new settlements in the Gaza Strip by an aide to settlement activist Daniela Weiss, November 28, 2024

The Times of Israel recently reported statements from a number of prominent centrist and liberal American Jewish organizations opposing the resettlement of Gaza by Jews. These groups, including the Jewish Federations of North America, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), United Reform Judaism, United Synagogue (the Conservative movement), and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), have characterized the policy as “far-right.”

Their position reveals a troubling disconnect from historical and strategic realities, and their public statements on the matter are shameful.

A Repeated Mistake
These same organizations were among the most vocal supporters of the 2005 Gaza Disengagement. That policy dismantled 21 flourishing Jewish communities, expelled nearly 10,000 Jews, and handed Gaza over to what became a terrorist regime. The result was the October 7th massacre, a horrific consequence of their misguided advocacy.

Yet, despite these failures, they have not acknowledged their role in promoting a policy that devastated lives and undermined Israel’s security. Their opposition to resettlement is not just flawed but indicative of a refusal to learn from history.

Gaza: A Legacy of Jewish Presence
Gaza’s history as Jewish land stretches back thousands of years. From the biblical city of Gaza to thriving Jewish communities during the Roman and Byzantine periods, and to Rabbi Yehuda Najara—the Chief Rabbi of Gaza City in the 16th century who penned the Shabbat hymn “Ka Ribon”—the region has been deeply intertwined with Jewish heritage.

Framing Gaza as solely “Palestinian” erases this historical connection. Today, much of Gaza’s population has demonstrated open support for Hamas, even celebrating atrocities like the October 7th massacre. This reality underscores the need for a strong Israeli presence in the region.

Strategic Imperatives
Resettling Gaza is not merely about reclaiming Jewish history; it is a strategic necessity. Israel’s withdrawal in 2005 created a power vacuum that Hamas exploited to establish a stronghold for terror. A Jewish presence in Gaza could serve as a deterrent against future attacks, bolstering Israel’s security and stability.

In the Middle East, strength and deterrence are essential for survival. This lesson has been repeatedly demonstrated, from the Sunni uprisings in Syria to the challenges posed by Iran’s proxies. Yet, many American Jewish organizations continue to cling to an outdated worldview that prioritizes appeasement over security.

The Danger of Appeasement
Ironically, these organizations often champion liberal values but fail to recognize that only strength and sovereignty can preserve such ideals in Israel. Appeasing international opinion and political pressures—especially from the Biden administration—only weakens Israel’s position in a region where survival depends on moral clarity and decisive action.

Learning from Tragedy
The tragedy of October 7th was a direct consequence of abandoning Gaza. It allowed Hamas to fill the vacuum with terror and destruction. To honor the memory of those who perished and to safeguard the future, it is imperative to learn from this mistake, not repeat it. Resettling Gaza with a robust Jewish presence is an act of justice and survival, not extremism.

A Call for Leadership
If these American Jewish organizations are unwilling to acknowledge their past mistakes and adapt to the realities of the Middle East, they should step aside.

Israel and the global Jewish community cannot afford to let outdated ideologies dictate their future. The stakes are far too high for anything less than resolute action and clear moral leadership.