A herd of independent voices

Much has been heard this week of a new organisation called Independent Jewish Voices, which is "resolved to promote the expression of alternative Jewish voices, particularly in respect of the grave situation in the Middle East". I know and respect many of the statement's signatories. Many of its signatories whom I don't know I also respect. And that's about it.

I rarely link to an article without comment, but this one from Howard Jacobson in The Independent today says everything that can usefully be said on this subject. I agree with every word. Here's his conclusion:

The broad spectrum to which IJV appeals turns out to be a narrow political sectarianism uninterested in conversation or the subtleties to which conversation might expose them. Hence the narcissism of its statements, as of a group talking only to itself.

None of which is much help to Palestinians or Israelis. But then this is gesture politics, not politics proper. If you wonder why statements such as IJV's are always signed by a disproportionate number of theatre people and academics, that's because they are members of the play professions, with time on their hands and the licence to pretend. I am paid to play myself and value the activity highly. In play we can go where politicians and soldiers cannot. In play we hypothesise the world. But we shouldn't go confusing it with the real thing.