Dear Lab/Shul Community,

Happy and meaningful Pride!

A quick note before I board a flight to see my mother and family in Jerusalem, and protest for peace with Palestinians and Israelis at an epic rally in Tel Aviv. (you can join online with this link)

On this Pride Sunday, I’m sharing with you an op-ed I wrote for today’s New York Times. It’s about why, painfully, I didn’t feel like I was able to participate in any of the NYC Pride marches today, and how I’ve chosen to mark Pride this weekend, instead.

My decision was in response to the tensions so many of us keep wrestling with in this critical time of crisis, continued violence, increased polarization and intolerance with nuance and complexity.

I am unable to march with pride alongside organizations that stand with Israel but ignore or minimize Palestinian suffering, silencing any criticism of this ongoing tragic war. And I’m unable to march for liberation with queer allies who fight for justice but demand an anti-Zionist stance.

I don’t believe that extremist positions will help us end the war and forge the path towards peace. It’s not about either/or anymore – it’s about and/with. Our future, and the futures of Palestinians in Israel are Interwoven. Like it or not,  only together, with respect for the pain and purpose of all people, can we reimagine reality and tend to this much-needed healing.

I chose to write and publish this article with trepidation — but from a firm belief that you’ve heard me talk about before — we need to co-create more safe  and sacred spaces for nuance, tolerance, empathy and hope for better days. 

Please note that this article reflects my personal opinion, and does not reflect an official position of Lab/Shul. And although we are not marching as a community this year, mostly for technical reasons, I hope that many of you do find your place at any of the pride events happening today, raising flags and voice for love and tolerance, freedom and peace.

I imagine that not all of you will agree with my choice and views, and I welcome feedback, with the hope that discomfort leads to helpful conversations and stronger connections.

I’ll be sharing more reflections in the days ahead from my trip Israel and Palestine, and I look forward to hearing yours.

With love and pride, for justIce and peace,

Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
Co-Founder, Senior Clergy and Spiritual Leader