Oregon Food Bank won’t retract statement in dispute with 12 Jewish organizations
- Oregon Food Bank refused to retract its statement condemning violence in Gaza despite backlash from 12 Jewish organizations, which have withdrawn support.
- The Food Bank's statement criticized both Israeli military actions and Hamas attacks, emphasizing the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including widespread deaths and hunger.
- Jewish organizations accused the statement of bias and misrepresentation, while Oregon Food Bank defended its stance by highlighting the interconnectedness of war and hunger and received support from other community groups.
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The Oregon Food Bank has refused to retract its statement on the Israel-Hamas war, despite significant backlash from 12 Jewish organizations that have cut ties with the nonprofit. This move has sparked a heated debate among community leaders, with some questioning whether the Food Bank's stance on the conflict has irreparably damaged its relationship with the Jewish community.
Background
The controversy began on April 30, when the Oregon Food Bank issued a statement titled "Calling for a Ceasefire of Israel’s Violence Against Palestinians." This marked the first time the Food Bank had taken a public stance on an international conflict. The statement condemned the violence perpetrated by the Israeli military against Palestinians, particularly aid workers. It also condemned the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and others, as well as the abduction of over 200 hostages.
The statement highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 36,000 people have been killed during the conflict, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. The Food Bank expressed deep concern for the deaths and hunger in Gaza, including an Israeli airstrike that killed seven food aid workers with World Central Kitchen.
Jewish Organizations' Response
The Jewish organizations, which include the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and five synagogues, issued a letter on Friday criticizing the Food Bank's statement. They argued that it was biased and that the Food Bank was mischaracterizing the situation by placing all the blame on Israel. The letter stated:
- Mischaracterization of the Situation: The organizations claimed that the Food Bank's statement "presented a very one-sided approach" and mischaracterized the situation, demonizing Israel.
- False Accusations: They accused the Food Bank of making false charges of colonialism and genocide, which they felt the Food Bank was not in a position to substantiate.
- No Retraction: Despite consultations with community groups, including the Jewish Federation of Oregon, the Food Bank refused to retract its statement.
The organizations believe that the Food Bank's statement will not help alleviate hunger in Oregon and have decided to withdraw their support. They will no longer volunteer or hold food drives for the Food Bank.
Oregon Food Bank's Response
The Oregon Food Bank has stood its ground, stating that its initial statement accurately reflected the realities. The Food Bank has received overwhelming support from community groups and individuals who have donated in solidarity. The Food Bank's president, Susannah Morgan, told OPB that the situation in Gaza is interconnected with the organization's broader mission of addressing hunger and poverty.
"The situation in Gaza does tie in with our wider work of fighting hunger," Morgan stated. "War and violence are root causes of hunger."
Despite the criticism, the Food Bank remains committed to its stance. In a new statement, the Food Bank emphasized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a cease-fire. The statement read:
"Many of you have reached out, commented, posted, published written statements, signed petitions, and donated in solidarity with Oregon Food Bank. Thank you for your support."
Community Reactions
The controversy has sparked a wide range of reactions within the community. Some have supported the Food Bank's stance, viewing it as a necessary step to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Others, particularly within the Jewish community, have been deeply critical of the statement, feeling that it unfairly targeted Israel.
Rabbi Michael Cahana of Congregation Beth Israel, one of the synagogues that signed the letter, expressed his disappointment:
"I was really shocked and appalled. I found the statement to mischaracterize the situation, to demonize Israel and to present a very one-sided approach."
However, the Food Bank's president, Susannah Morgan, has defended the statement, stating that it reflects the realities and information derived from credible national and international sources.
Prospects for Reconciliation
The future of the relationship between the Oregon Food Bank and the Jewish organizations appears uncertain. The Food Bank's statement has already led to significant backlash, and the Jewish organizations do not see how their support can continue in its current form.
"It’s very hard to turn back the clock — damage has been done," said Rabbi Cahana.
The Food Bank, however, continues to hold open the possibility of a relationship with these organizations and community members.
Conclusion
The dispute between the Oregon Food Bank and the Jewish organizations highlights the sensitivity of international conflicts and the challenges of maintaining a balanced stance. While the Food Bank has stood firm in its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Jewish organizations have withdrawn their support, citing concerns over the statement's bias and inaccuracies.
This controversy underscores the importance of respectful dialogue and understanding in addressing complex issues, particularly in a context where public opinion and community relationships are at stake.
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