Justice Advocates is both pleased and fortunate to present...
Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning
A Dialogue with the Author,
Peter Beinart
Justice Advocates is deeply grateful to Peter Beinart and Ben Sax for the insightful and inspiring conversation offered on September 25. The conversation could not have been more timely and yet still deeply hopeful. A link to the recording is included on this page.
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in his book Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning,
Peter Beinart, a leading Jewish thinker, challenges the dominant narrative
of Jewish persecution that overshadows religious nuance and erases Palestinian suffering. He envisions a future based on equality rather than supremacy, and mutual safety for Jews and Palestinians. His book is a provocative call to rethink stories that prioritize the state of Israel above human lives, and to embrace liberation for both peoples.
Peter is a professor of journalism and political science at the City University of New York, the editor of Jewish Currents, a contributing opinion writer at The New York Times, an MSNBC political commentator, and a fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace. You can access his Substack column here.
Our thanks to Benjamin E. Sax, Ph.D., Head of Scholarship and Jewish Scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies, who moderated the conversation so effectively. Watch for his forthcoming book: Is Dialogue Possible? The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Question of Antisemitism which publishes in March 2026. Read more about it here.
We welcomed DoGood Virginia as a co-sponsor of this event. Learn more about them here.
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Quick Links
Recordings of all JA events (when available) can be accessed through the Advocates in Action tab for each year
(located on the header bar above) .
Lament, Reflect, Act:
An Interfaith Election Response
Statement Opposing Christian Nationalism
Resources for Further Study
Justice Advocates hosted a powerful Zoom session just after the 2024 election focused on seeking answers to lingering significant questions: How do those of us that are suffering recover? How do we deal with our fear and uncertainty? How do we interact with those folks with whom we disagree? What do we do now?
The evening featured voices from four distinct faith traditions:
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Rev. Dr. David A. Jones, Williams Memorial Baptist Church, Roanoke
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Rabbi Kathy Cohen, Temple Emanuel, Roanoke
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The Honorable Sam Rasoul, Delegate 38th District (Muslim)
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Jim Borling, Heart of the Blue Ridge Sangha, Buddhist​
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Deacon Jon Greene (moderator), Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Virginia
Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy (2024) is an excellent resource for understanding the historical and political background of this movement that is now entrenched in the halls of power. Information and the film's trailer can be found here. For a viewer's guide to this documentary, click here. A resource listing can be found here. The film can be viewed on multiple screening platforms.
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Mission Statement
To change lives by:
-Listening to, and hearing, the concerns of the marginalized;
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-Raising community awareness for inclusion and equity in our institutions;
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-Creating opportunities to engage in advocacy for change;
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-Offering ourselves and our resources in the cause of justice.
