Jewish Voice for Peace Booklet Advises Against Hebrew Prayer for Palestinian Sensitivity

A 2021 booklet by the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) Havura Network has recently resurfaced, drawing significant criticism for its recommendation that Jewish prayers be recited in English or Arabic rather than Hebrew. The controversial guidance, intended for Tisha b'Av, a Jewish day of mourning, suggests that "Hearing the Hebrew language can be deeply traumatizing for Palestinians."

The booklet, titled "Creating Liturgy," explicitly states: "Therefore, prayers are best said in English or Arabic, rather than Hebrew. It is not our place to redeem our tradition on the backs of Palestinians. Enough has been taken." This statement, widely circulated on social media, has been met with widespread incredulity and condemnation from various Jewish and public figures. Critics argue that Hebrew is the ancient and traditional language of Jewish prayer, predating modern political conflicts.

Jewish Voice for Peace describes its Havura Network as dedicated to supporting "diasporist, anti-Zionist and non-Zionist Jews, and Jewish spiritual communities" in an effort to create a "Judaism beyond Zionism." However, the organization has frequently faced scrutiny for its radical anti-Israel and anti-Zionist positions. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) characterizes JVP as a group that "advocates for the eradication of Zionism and the boycott of Israel" and often "promotes messaging that descends into the antisemitic vilification of 'Zionists.'"

Beyond this specific recommendation on prayer language, JVP has been involved in numerous controversial actions. The group has been accused of justifying actions by Hamas, promoting antisemitic tropes, and actively targeting mainstream Jewish institutions. For instance, JVP chapters have organized protests at synagogues and engaged in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns against Israeli entities.

The resurfacing of the 2021 booklet highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding JVP's approach to Jewish identity and its relationship with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the organization claims its actions are rooted in Jewish values, many in the broader Jewish community view its stances, such as the suggestion to avoid Hebrew in prayer, as an attempt to undermine Jewish tradition and identity.