Yossi Sarid, the longtime leader of Israel’s far left, passed away earlier this month. The British rabbi Jeremy Rosen reflects on his legacy:
Yossi Sarid was the standard-bearer of secular, left-wing Judaism in Israel. Unlike most of his colleagues, he was well versed in Judaism, a master of sources, and an elegant speaker and writer in literary Hebrew. But above all he was a man of principle, idealism which I respect even when I disagree with the ideals. He always expressed himself openly and honestly and calmly, no matter how controversial or unpopular his views. . . .
He despised corruption of any sort, both secular and religious, and everything he did he measured by the ethical standards of Judaism. It was typical of him that he insisted that no rabbi or cantor or representative of institutionalized Judaism be present at his funeral. Yet his two sons and daughter joined together in reciting the traditional kaddish most movingly. . . .
He was . . . a Jewish renaissance man, a man for all seasons. [Watching the funeral on television], I felt a powerful sense of regret and loss that Sarid’s much more balanced and softer voice would no longer be heard. I can respect the left’s opinion even if I disagree with them. But I think they have abandoned a Jewish commitment for the neo-Marxism of many of their forebears. This, I believe, is a luxury we cannot afford at this moment.
More about: Israel & Zionism, Israeli left, Israeli politics, Israeli society, Meretz