CONTROVERSY: Arun Gandhi resigns from MK Gandhi Institute for Jewish remarks

[ Updated below with statement from Hindu American Foundation ]

Arun Gandhi, the South African-born grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and the founder of the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, has resigned from the institute following charges of anti-Semitism. The uproar arose over his remarks in the Washington Post's "On Faith" section online, in a Jan. 7 post titled, "Jewish Identity Can't Depend on Violence":

"Jewish identity in the past has been locked into the holocaust experience -- a German burden that the Jews have not been able to shed. It is a very good example of a community can overplay a historic experience to the point that it begins to repulse friends. The holocaust was the result of the warped mind of an individual who was able to influence his followers into doing something dreadful. But, it seems to me the Jews today not only want the Germans to feel guilty but the whole world must regret what happened to the Jews. The world did feel sorry for the episode but when an individual or a nation refuses to forgive and move on the regret turns into anger.

"The Jewish identity in the future appears bleak. Any nation that remains anchored to the past is unable to move ahead and, especially a nation that believes its survival can only be ensured by weapons and bombs. In Tel Aviv in 2004 I had the opportunity to speak to some Members of Parliament and Peace activists all of whom argued that the wall and the military build-up was necessary to protect the nation and the people. In other words, I asked, you believe that you can create a snake pit -- with many deadly snakes in it -- and expect to live in the pit secure and alive? What do you mean? they countered. Well, with your superior weapons and armaments and your attitude towards your neighbors would it not be right to say that you are creating a snake pit? How can anyone live peacefully in such an atmosphere? Would it not be better to befriend those who hate you?"

The post has generated hundreds of comments, many of them accusing Arun Gandhi of bigotry despite an apology he later posted. The MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence had relocated from Memphis to the University of Rochester in New York, and university president Joel Seligman called the resignation 'appropriate' on the "On Faith" site:

"I was surprised and deeply disappointed by Arun Gandhi's recent opinion piece in the Washington Post blog, On Faith. I believe that his subsequent apology inadequately explains his stated views, which seem fundamentally inconsistent with the core values of the University of Rochester.

"In particular I vehemently disagree with his singling out of Israel and the Jewish people as to blame for the "Culture of Violence" that he believes is eventually going to destroy humanity. This kind of stereotyping is inconsistent with our core values and would be inappropriate when applied to any race, any religion, any nationality, or either gender."

Clearly the university was under heavy pressure. From the AP:

"I think it's shameful that a peace institute would be headed up by a bigot," said Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, an international group that opposes anti-Semitism. "One would hope that the grandson of such an illustrious human being would be more sensitive to Jewish history."

For a radically different take on the incident, see how the Tehran Times covered it, with the headline 'Gandhi Grandson falls victim to Zionist Lobby':

Arun Gandhi, the fifth grandson of the revered pacifist, became the target of the influential Jewish lobby in the U.S. and, according to his son Tushar Gandhi, was persecuted for his point of view.
<snip>
Mr. Gandhi said he had come in the line of fire since then with a particularly virulent arm of the Jewish lobby in the U.S. launching a concerted campaign against him. “I forget their name, but I call them Zionist Nazis,” he said.

Coverage elsewhere:

• USA Today: "Gandhi grandson quits non-violence institute"
• Washington Post: "Gandhi's Grandson quits Nonviolence Institute"
• Daily Kos blog: "Arun Gandhi forced to resign from nonviolence institute"
• Rochester Democrat & Chronicle guest essayists: "Community must heal hurt Gandhi inflicted"

The Hindu American Foundation has issued a statement about the situation. Full press release below:

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) absolutely rejects an entry by Arun Gandhi, a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, appearing on the blog "On Faith" carried by the Washington Post, the foundation said today in a press release.  Gandhi sparked widespread condemnation with his entry on January 7 lambasting Jews, writing that, "We have created a culture of violence (Israel and the Jews are the biggest players) and that Culture of Violence is eventually going to destroy humanity."

Below you will find:

• Arun Gandhi's resignation statement; the president's statement
• the institute board's statement
• the June 1, 2007, press release by the university when Gandhi moved the institute from Memphis
• the Hindu American Foundation's statement

POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW.

Resignation Statement by Arun Gandhi
(January 24, 2008)

Today I am announcing my resignation from the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence.

My statements on the recent Washington Post blog was couched in language that was hurtful and contrary to the principles of nonviolence.

My intention was to generate a healthy discussion on the proliferation of violence. Clearly I did not achieve my goal. Instead, unintentionally, my words have resulted in pain, anger, confusion and embarrassment. I deeply regret these consequences.

I would like to be part of a healing process. The principles of nonviolence are founded on love, respect, understanding and compassion. It is my sincere hope that this situation will give me and others the opportunity to work together to transform anger and negative emotions, create deeper mutual respect and understanding and build more harmonious communities.

o o o o o

M.K. Gandhi Institute Board Release
(January 25, 2008)

Yesterday Arun Gandhi chose to resign his position as President of the Board of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. The Board of Directors respects his resignation as final as a result of this incident. The essence of Arun Gandhi’s work has been to educate and promote the principles of nonviolence. In that spirit, the Institute plans to work with the University of Rochester and other community groups to use the recent events as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding through dialogue employing the principles of nonviolence and peace. The Institute invites partnership in this process.

o o o o o

President Joel Seligman's statement regarding Arun Gandhi’s resignation
January 25, 2008

Arun Gandhi has now resigned as president of the board of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. He was not a member of our faculty or of our staff. When I met with him yesterday after he resigned, he gave me a copy of his resignation letter that recognized that language in his recent Washington Post blog "was hurtful and contrary to the principles of nonviolence" and he deeply regretted "the pain, anger, confusion, and embarrassment" caused by his words.

A fundamental value of the University of Rochester is a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. We welcome and support all who teach, study, learn, or work here. Our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness occurs simultaneously with our fundamental commitment to the value of ideas and of free speech.

Universities exist and best serve all of us if they foster open and virtually unregulated teaching, research, discussion and debate, including viewpoints that are diametrically opposed to each other. A University's role in society is not to impose intellectual orthodoxy, but to provide the opportunity to develop and articulate opinions or beliefs that may be unpopular or little believed. We progress because we are a marketplace for ideas, the most enduring of which often only emerge after considerable debate and initial doubt. We all benefit from the tradition of rational debate within our universities in which we have the opportunity to bring together people, often with long and tragic histories of grievances and violent interactions, to speak freely to each other.

Arun Gandhi's January 7 statement in the Washington Post's "On Faith" blog did not reflect the core values of the University of Rochester or the values of the M.K. Gandhi Institute itself. Under the circumstances, I believe that Arun Gandhi's resignation was appropriate.

The M.K. Gandhi Institute itself is separate from Arun Gandhi and will continue its mission here. The Institute is not formally part of the University of Rochester, but has been provided space and staff support at the University since it moved here in June 2007. The Institute's mission is to educate about nonviolent conflict resolution and to inspire and support efforts that promote harmony among people.

The University of Rochester will host a forum later this year to provide Arun Gandhi, a leader of the Jewish community and other speakers the opportunity to address the issues raised by Mr. Gandhi's statements and related issues. A University can and should promote dialogue in which we can learn from each other even when the most painful or difficult issues will be discussed.

o o o o o

University of Rochester press release
June 1, 2007    
Contact: Sharon Dickman
sdickman[at]rochester.edu
585.275.4128

Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence Relocates to University of Rochester

The University of Rochester will be the new home of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, which was founded by the grandson of the Indian humanitarian to promote his ideals internationally through educational programs. Working with support from New York State Assemblyman David Koon, Arun Gandhi will relocate the institute's materials, including artifacts and books, and his headquarters to the University's River Campus.

"The University is honored to be the new home for the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Its presence will enhance the studies and practice of peace and nonviolence, core values that are shared across all cultures and all nations," said University President Joel Seligman. "We are very grateful to Assemblyman David Koon for helping to bring the institute to the University of Rochester. His efforts were instrumental in making sure that the entire Rochester community will be able to benefit from Mr. Gandhi's work."

Currently located in Memphis, Tenn., the institute was founded in 1991 by Arun Gandhi and his late wife Sunanda and offers programs that teach the theory and practice of nonviolence to young people and adults. Advocating the peaceful methods that his grandfather Mohandas K. Gandhi used to secure Indian independence from Great Britain, Arun Gandhi travels across the United States and abroad as a speaker and lecturer.

"The presence of the M. K. Gandhi Institute will provide new opportunities, both academic and extracurricular, that will enrich the student experience," said Richard Feldman, Dean of the College. "The University of Rochester is delighted that Mr. Gandhi has chosen to base the institute on our campus."

University of Rochester students will be able to participate in internships at the institute. The institute's research library, which includes the 100 volumes of Mohandas K. Gandhi's writings as well as other research material, videos, audiotapes, and photographs, will be moved to the University. Arun Gandhi plans to reach out to the local interfaith community on new programming and events, which will be coordinated by a community relations officer.

"The people at the University of Rochester and in the Rochester community have been very open and welcoming," said Arun Gandhi. "The university is a place where we come to open our minds and learn of new things. I feel that we will be able to achieve much more over the next few years because everyone has been so receptive."

The M. K. Gandhi Institute sponsors two national conferences a year; offers programs for middle, high school, and college-age students; and provides diversity and nonviolence training workshops and seminars to churches, service organizations, and other interested groups.

"I consider it both a prestigious honor and an exciting occasion for the University of Rochester—and for our entire community—to have the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence relocate here," said Assemblyman Koon of Perinton. "Arun Gandhi has carried on his grandfather's legacy and established himself as one of the foremost proponents of nonviolence in the world today. To have him and the institute he founded centered here in Rochester creates an opportunity for us to make great strides in the area of peacemaking, both locally and globally."

Arun Gandhi has been a regular visitor to the University of Rochester over the past decade, talking to classes taught by Professor of Philosophy Robert Holmes, a close friend. He also has delivered several public lectures on campus, most recently last September when he discussed "Terrorism and Nonviolence—Choices for the Future." His lecture inspired several University of Rochester students to create a new student group, Nonviolent on Campus. Gandhi also has spoken at other colleges in the Rochester area.

Programs reach out to diverse audiences, groups
Other programs of the M.K. Gandhi Institute include:

Alternative Spring Break. College students attend lectures at the institute and then volunteer at local community service organizations like food banks or Habitat for Humanity.

A Season for Nonviolence. In 1998, Arun and Sunanda Gandhi organized memorial events to mark the 50th anniversary of Mohandas K. Gandhi's assassination on Jan. 30 and the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4. The 64-day period between the two days was called "A Season for Nonviolence" and included other community programs and events designed to build relationships across ethnic, racial, religious, and economic groups. "A Season for Nonviolence" has become an annual program in more than 200 cities and communities in the United States and abroad.

Behind the Prison Walls. The Gandhi Institute sponsors an annual essay contest for prison inmates, with the winning essays awarded prize money and printed in an institute publication. "It's interesting what people of violence think of nonviolence," Arun Gandhi explains.

Arun and Sunanda Gandhi
Arun Gandhi was born in South Africa to Gandhi's second son and was raised in the first of the nonviolent communities established by M. K. Gandhi in South Africa and India. In 1946, his parents sent him to India, where he lived for 18 months with his grandfather during the campaign for independence from British rule.

At 23, Arun Gandhi returned to India and became a journalist with the Times of India. He met his wife Sunanda, a nurse, when he was hospitalized in Bombay and the couple married in 1958. Together with their colleagues, they founded the Center for Social Unity, an economic self-help program to alleviate poverty and discrimination among India's poor, an initiative that has now spread to more than 300 Indian villages.

In 1987, the Gandhis came to the United States, where they founded the M. K. Gandhi Institute at Christian Brothers University in 1991. The couple moved to the Rochester area in 2004 to be closer to their daughter and her family. In February this year, Mrs. Gandhi passed away at the age of 74.

About the University of Rochester
The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Memorial Art Gallery.

o o o o o

HINDU AMERICAN FOUNDATION

HAF Disturbed by Comments about Jews by Arun Gandhi

For Media Inquiries contact:
Ishani Chowdhury
Office: 301.770.7835

Washington, DC (January 27, 2008): The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) absolutely rejects an entry by Arun Gandhi, a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, appearing on the blog "On Faith" carried by the Washington Post, the foundation said today in a press release.  Gandhi sparked widespread condemnation with his entry on January 7 lambasting Jews, writing that, "We have created a culture of violence (Israel and the Jews are the biggest players) and that Culture of Violence is eventually going to destroy humanity." Gandhi failed to categorically disown his remarks in a carefully written follow-up posting, and in the face of opposition, now has resigned as the director of the MK Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence based at the University of Rochester.

"The simplistic and biased comments by Gandhi were not just unbecoming of one who presumes to lead a conflict resolution institute, but dangerously misguided," said Nikhil Joshi, Esq., a member of the HAF Board of Directors.  "His resignation is a rather unhappy end to his controversial career as director of the MK Gandhi Institute."

The Foundation took strong exception, especially, to Gandhi's sweeping attack on Jews as a people, rather than focusing an argument against specific policies of Israel in response to the daily threats against and attacks on Israel.  "Jewish identitity in the past has been locked into the holocaust experience -- a German burden that the Jews have not been able to shed," Gandhi wrote.  "It is a very good example of a community can overplay a historic experience to the point that it begins to repulse friends."  The American Jewish Committee, The Anti-Defamation League and many other prominent Jewish-American organizations released statements condemning Gandhi's remarks.

"The Hindu American Foundation continues to believe that true inter-faith dialogue must be predicated on mutual respect, tolerance and understanding," Joshi said.  "Sadly, Arun Gandhi failed to uphold these principles, and by his capricious comments could reverse many gains of painstaking progress."

The Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism. Contact HAF at 1-301-770-7835 or on the web at www.HAFsite.org.

Comments

[Srinivasa Raghavan]

It's too bad for Arun Gandhi. In denouncing Israeli militarism, all the friends of Israel aimed their turrets at him. What he said is essentially right.

[davemakkar]

Support free speech rights & Arun Gandhi

America is not a Israeli colony support freedom of free speech rights & Mahatama's grandson Arun Gandhi should not have resigned for making honest comments.

[panditjugalkishoreshastri]

from the days of shakespeare's shylock down to our own times, anti-semintism, has thrived with official and unofficial patronage. pushing its antiquity further back, a historic and uninterrupted run of anti semitism will go back to the days of
herod, pilate and justin. A methodic and deliberate persecution of this bright community whose quiet genius in banking, physics, mathematics, humor, entertainment, had to protect itself under the garb as converted christians isn't just a hiccup of history. it's malicious and wilful persecution for contrary belief. the gratitude that history has expressed to them has been relentless persecution for 20 centuries. it's historic prejudice against a group of people who belonged to a contrary faith. those who find a justification for anti semitism because they are bored with repititiousness of holocaust in contemporary discourse are likeliest victims of many upcoming ism's including terrorism, fought best with israeli militarism.

moral: what a pity an emblamatic icon of tolerance and peace, Gandhi, had to be in the middle of this mess.

[coolieno99]

Apparently, the Jews have succeeded in silencing another critic(A. Gandhi). What Mr. Gandhi said has much truth to it. The Germans were all not totally "evil". Germany was the first European country to offer the rights of citizenship to the Jews.

[Dan]

Reading these comments supporting these despicable comments by a descendent of the great Mahatma Gandhi truly makes me ashamed to be Indian. Do you see Mahatma Gandhi would have ever said or even thought something so despicable?

[disappointed observer]

I am astounded by the amount of antisemitism here.

[Dan]

Sorry, my voice dictation program messed up and I forgot to proofread; my comment should have read as follows:

Reading these comments supporting these despicable comments by a descendent of the great Mahatma Gandhi truly makes me ashamed to be Indian. Do you think Mahatma Gandhi would have ever said or even thought something so despicable?

[latha]

Why are all comments directed at the Jewish community an automatic reason for apology or dismissal? In a world where honest dialogue and freedom of expression should be encouraged, isn't an ability to debate this issue a must? The Holocaust was a barbaric tragic incident but I agree that if it is allowed to define the Jewish people and it is used as a tool to silence all criticism it loses its ability to show people how hate can destroy and rather becomes a strategic ploy for increased aggression.

[Gopal Ratnam]

On Gandhi's comment that "a community can overplay a historic experience to the point that it begins to repulse friends," scholar and historian Tony Judt (Jewish himself) had to say this in the latest edition of the New York Review of Books (excerpted from his lecture delivered in Bremen, Germany, on November 30, 2007, on the occasion of the award to Tony Judt of the 2007 Hannah Arendt Prize)

"But in recent years the relationship between Israel and the Holocaust has changed. Today, when Israel is exposed to international criticism for its mistreatment of Palestinians and its occupation of territory conquered in 1967, its defenders prefer to emphasize the memory of the Holocaust. If you criticize Israel too forcefully, they warn, you will awaken the demons of anti-Semitism; indeed, they suggest, robust criticism of Israel doesn't just arouse anti-Semitism. It is anti-Semitism. And with anti-Semitism the route forward —or back—is open: to 1938, to Kristallnacht, and from there to Treblinka and Auschwitz. If you want to know where it leads, they say, you have only to visit Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the Holocaust Museum in Washington, or any number of memorials and museums across Europe."

and concluded thus:

"My fear is that two things have happened. By emphasizing the historical uniqueness of the Holocaust while at the same time invoking it constantly with reference to contemporary affairs, we have confused young people. And by shouting "anti-Semitism" every time someone attacks Israel or defends the Palestinians, we are breeding cynics. For the truth is that Israel today is not in existential danger. And Jews today here in the West face no threats or prejudices remotely comparable to those of the past—or comparable to contemporary prejudices against other minorities."

The entire article is here:

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/21031

[Aeshini]

The first thing that comes to mind is that this so called 'democracy' in the United States is so convenient. That there can be disparaging remarks about the Muslim community just because they happen to top the 'must hate chart'. But a dischordant remark about another relgious community can result in such anger.
Second, I do think the comments were accurate. If Afrian Americans are expected to shrug off 200 years of slavery, and a multitude of colonized ( tortured) nations are expcted to recover from abuse.. why is there a lifelong grace period for the Jewish community to recover from the holocaust?
Third, the comment about creating a snake pit was accurate only in part because that should really not be targetted towards the Jewish community since that is strictly political. That would be like blaming all Americans for the recent wars.
And finally, it is completely expected that these comments would create an uproar in the United States. For how can it move forward without protecting one of its most powerful financial investors? It's unfortunate that Mr. Gandhi did not present his opinions more diplomatically ( if that is at all possible) and it's even more unfortunate that some can get away with executing two mindless wars and apparent fundamentalism while some cannot even write a newspiece without facing such flak for it!

[dan]

Gopal Ratnam posted this. . . .

Jewish’s Leadership around the world is an exclusive Organized Club with hardly any feelings for their own community. The proof is 34% Israeli children live in poverty and 20% of its population live below poverty line; an individual making less than $400/month and a family of 4 making less than $1,000.00/month.

And, Gopal, what percentage of INDIAN children live in poverty, eh?

[FreeThinker]

He did not seem to make a pointedly anti-semitic remark in his comments. One does not have to agree with his point of view to ask what happened to freedom of speech? Liberals in the US don't believe it it at all unless the speech reflects their philosophy or mode of thought at the time. This is just another example of hypocrisy on the part of the left.

[Dan]

Hey, whoever posted as "dan" at 11:02 a.m., would you please stop using my name? I would never call anybody an idiot because of his or her opinion. Plus it wasn't Gopal Ratnam who said that - people's names are immediately underneath their posts, not on top of them!

Dan

[dan]

No one is attacking freedom of speech. You are all off base here. There are, however, consequences for saying hateful things, as there should be. Nobody is saying Arun Gandhi isn't free to have and express his opinions; the question is whether or not his expression of those opinions interferes with his ability to hold a symbolically important post--which, clearly, they do.

[FreeThinker]

the dude posting as "Dan" has a bad attitude. you are attacking free speech and you can use this argument of removing opinionated people from "important posts" in any situation. You are no different than the liberal interest groups who create an uproar when Americans say "Merry Christmas" in public. You want the whole world to think like you and will intimidate and sue anyone who disagrees with your opinion.

[Devendra Makkar]

Dear Aeshini, I am aware of the fact that India is No. 2 in Income Disparity but you forgot to mention India has the largest Child Army of 85 million in the world. 1.2 billion people with 50 million filthy rich, 300 million middle class and 800 million poor out of this 300 million makes less than $2 a day.

Like Israel the Indian leadership has also failed its citizens in solving their socio-economic and political problems. like Israel in India also Politicians, bureaucrats and big businesses can not be prosecuted for criminal wrong doings, corruption and influence paddling. India is still catching up because it is only in Israel a criminal can become Prime Minister.

It is only possible in India for a middle man to make Rs 400 crores in a Rs 1100 crores arms sold to indian Army because it is only Israeli's companies who can give such a kickback; not the American or european companies.

Inda & Israel both are Monument of Moral & Ethical Corruption and home to failed Leaderships; who happens to be criminals.

Dave Makkar

[SAJAforum Editors]

NOTE: If you make disparaging remarks about other commenters, or All Jews, Hindus, Muslims, etc, expect your comment to be deleted in whole or in part. If you do this repeatedly we'll ban you, or perhaps shame you in creative ways.

Also, please do NOT put entire paragraphs in ALL CAPS, or write 800 word screeds.

Now and then, if you see a comment that makes no sense it's because we've deleted an earlier comment which is being referred to. Apologies for the occasional chaos.

[A Concerned HinJew]

While I can see how Mr Gandhi's article can be interpreted as insensitive and even intemperate I also see value in something he said: how can the Jewish community in Israel work to create an environment that's safer and less volatile and do that by engaging with its current antagonists (i.e., the Palestinians)?

I'd like to ask our Jewish friends:
a) how would you suggest sensitive questions and topics (such as the one Mr Gandhi was touching on) be raised by others, including (and especially) others that may not be Jewish, without running the risk of being branded an anti-semite?
b) are there examples from the past where topics similar to what Mr Gandhi raises (e.g., isn't it time to move past the Holocaust? if not now, when? ...) were discussed in an environment absent of threats, diatribes, and the AS word?

[Salil Tripathi]

Arun Gandhi's main problem is that he used the word "Jew" when the "Israeli state" would have been more apt, as it would have been seen as a legitimate political criticism. Many people fail to see that. That a descendant of Gandhi failed to do that, is particularly sad. Of course Arun Gandhi has the right to speak, and hold his views, too. Whether that makes him an appropriate person to head an institute named after Gandhi, to promote non-violence, and reflect certain moral views, is a legitimate question. Mistaking "nation" with "faith" is what fundamentalists are supposed to do; not promoters of unity and inclusiveness.

[Srinivasa Raghavan]

I think Arun Gandhi's use of Jew instead of Israeli state was deliberate though. Perhaps he sees it as an extension of the Gandhian philosophy of a duty to not cooperate with evil. If Israel, a state that represents itself as the Jewish state, is carrying out actions in the name of the Jews, then all Jews, including the diaspora who fail to keep the actions of their state in check are in some manner responsible for these actions. I think practically speaking there is a large pro-Israel lobby among the Jewish diaspora although there are a number of prominent Jews and probably a segment of the Jewish population worldwide that opposes Israeli militarism and would be offended by Mr. Gandhi's comments. Nevertheless, Jews likely have an impact on Israeli policy, and their collective failure to rein in the state that acts in their name, makes people like Mr. Gandhi, feel the Jews as a whole, and not merely the state of Israel to be responsible.

[HinJew]

There is much contention whether the Israeli state is anything but Jewish (although I admire its efforts, however limited as they might be, to include the Druze and Israeli Arabs that are part of its populace.) Many in the Jewish community view Israel as Jewish (and vice versa, minimal opposition notwithstanding). So, I'm not sure if Arun's article would have been acceptable if he instead used "Israeli state" instead of the word "Jew."

That aside, I agree with Salil's question about what makes Arun Gandhi a credible person to lead the MK Gandhi Institute. Funny how civil rights movements, democratic politics, and such lend themselves well to dynastic succession...

[Salil Tripathi]

Srinivasa Raghavan,

When you say that Gandhian philosophy requires one not to cooperate with evil, are you seriously suggesting that being a Jew is evil? That's the implication of your statement, that using Jew instead of Israeli state is OK.

Gandhi (the real one) did not criticize those who did not speak out against evil. He praised those who did. His own remarks about what Jews should do, in dealing with the Holocaust, were quite controversial, too.

To hold an entire community accountable for the acts of a few is called Class Guilt. Someone did practise it in the past. He was a vegetarian and a teetotaler, and very popular in his country. He loved children, too.

His name was Adolf Hitler, though; not Mohandas Gandhi.

Gandhi, in fact, took the trouble of informing British mill workers that his boycott of British goods was not directed at them personally, but at the British state. He knew how to distinguish between a state and its people. Arun Gandhi did not manage to get that right.

If you seriously believe that anyone practising the Jewish faith has to be responsible for Israel does, then I suppose we have to agree to disagree. That's the whole point of the Not-in-my-name movement.

[Srinivasa Raghavan]

Salil Tripathi,

I never said that being a Jew is evil. Of course not. I'm saying that if a state claiming to represent the Jews is doing evil things, then Jews collectively have a more of a responsibility to do something about it, because they are in a better position to be able to influence Israeli policy, and as a practical matter do have a lot of influence.

While actions of a state shouldn't be attributed to the ethnic or religious group that is predominantly identified with that state for purposes of detention or punishment(i.e. japanese internment during WW2), here, Mr. Gandhi was merely making a comment in a magazine trying to exhort Israel and friends of Israel to stop using the past experiences of the Holocaust to justify Israeli militarism. He did ensnare Jews who don't support Israel. Perhaps he wanted their righteous indignation at this comparison to encourage them to work toward a peaceable and just settlement of the Palestinian issue. I don't think his article was intended as offense to a community either. Perhaps he thought his provocative comments would encourage dialogue which would result in active promotion of peace and justice. Despite his resignation he will be part of a panel discussion on the issues he raised. That suggests that his comments had some effect.

[Salil Tripathi]

Srinivasa,

I cannot guess what Mr Gandhi's motives were. I also think his comments were moderate, temperate, and not in particular unique or remarkable. As I said earlier, he has the right to hold and express those views. There is an incongruity between those views and the position he holds, in the eyes of some people, and the controversy becomes a distraction, in the center's work on spreading the message of non-violence.

However, I am not able to agree when you say that "if a state claiming to represent the Jews is doing evil things, then Jews collectively have a more of a responsibility ot do something about it, because they are in a better position to influence Israeli policy."

I don't think a collective mass can be held accountable for the acts of some who act on their behalf. If you replace "Jews" with "Muslims" in the sentence above, and the Israeli state with Al Qaeda or militant Islam, you will notice how Islamophobic the sentence sounds.

When I worked as a reporter in India, in the 1980s, I was appalled when the Shiv Sena wanted Sikhs in Bombay to be held responsible for what Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his extremists did in the Punjab. I would not want to see the vast majority of Muslims to have to be accountable for what Al Qaeda and Taliban do. I don't think Gujaratis around the world, by the same token, can be blamed for Narendra Modi's deeds. Nor, Christians for the acts of the fundamentalist few who bomb clinics where women can have access to safe abortions. Likewise, with Jews and certain practices of the Israeli state.

Salil

[Dave Makkar]

During the inhuman British colonization approximately 25 major famines struck India between 1876-1943. Altogether between 30-40 million Indians were the victims of famines in the latter half of the 19th century under the atrocious & barbaric British Rule with hardly any respect for the life of Indians.

It is an irony no Indian especially the Bengalis have ever talked about for 4 million Bengali victims including new born children who were starved to death in 1943 Bengal famine under inhuman, atrocious and cruel British Rule. No Indian has ever talked about 30-40 million Indians who died in different famines during 1876-1943 under the British Rule.

Organized Jewish Leadership wants the whole world to talk 24/7 and feel guilty about the holocaust in which 5 million innocent Jews were killed by Hitler rather than their illegal colonization of Palestine Land. This Leadership does not wish to address failed socio, economics & political policies of Israel and illegal colonization of Palestine Land with 3.5 million Arab Muslim Slaves for the last 40 years.