Resignation of Former Jewish Biden Official Sparks Controversy
In a significant move, Lily Greenberg Cole, a former special assistant to the chief of staff at the US Department of the Interior, has resigned in protest against the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Greenberg's resignation marks her as the first Jewish political appointee from the Biden administration to publicly oppose the US stance on the war, joining a series of similar resignations from within the administration.
In an interview on the “Dissidents” program, Greenberg expressed her discontent, stating, “I can no longer in good conscience continue to represent this administration in light of Biden’s continued disastrous support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza.” Her resignation, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba, symbolizes her deep-seated beliefs and the moral conflict she faces.
Raised in a traditional Jewish environment in Southern California, Greenberg's identity has been shaped by her upbringing and her community's pro-Israel sentiments. However, a transformative trip to Israel during her university years led her to confront the realities faced by Palestinians. “When I was in the West Bank and saw the wall, passed through the checkpoints and got to know the apartheid system up close, my experience helped me to see the other side of the narrative that I was taught,” she reflected, highlighting a shift in her perspective that ultimately influenced her decision to resign.
Greenberg's Call for a New Vision of Jewish Security
Greenberg's resignation comes at a time of escalating violence in Gaza, particularly following military operations in Rafah. She noted that the resignations of her colleagues, Josh Paul and Tarek Habash, also played a role in her decision-making process. Throughout her career, she has been a staunch advocate for social justice, believing that true security for the Jewish people cannot be achieved through military might but through solidarity and equitable rights for all.
In her view, the current Israeli military approach does not ensure Jewish safety. “I don’t think Israel keeps the Jewish people safe,” she stated. “Security will only be achieved through true solidarity and through a multi-ethnic democracy in which everyone has equal rights.” Despite facing backlash from her community, Greenberg maintains that her stance aligns with her Jewish values, emphasizing that Judaism is rooted in justice and the struggle for the rights of all peoples.
Her resignation has ignited discussions about the complexities of identity, loyalty, and morality within the Jewish community, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Greenberg's bold stance serves as a reminder of the diverse perspectives that exist within the Jewish community regarding Israel and its policies, as well as the broader implications of US foreign policy in the region.
