False!?

 https://www.lemonde.fr/guerre-au-proche-orient/article/2025/05/30/jean-hatzfeld-ecrivain-en-detruisant-gaza-israel-detruit-le-judaisme_6609377_6325529.html What is the main argument of this piece?

Main Argument of the Piece

Jean Hatzfeld, in his interview with Le Monde, argues that Israel’s ongoing destruction of Gaza represents not only a humanitarian disaster for the Palestinian people but also a profound moral and existential crisis for Israel itself. He contends that by engaging in the destruction of Gaza, Israel is abandoning the core values of Judaism. Hatzfeld asserts that Judaism, as he understands it, is rooted in a humanist philosophy—an aspiration for collective human dignity. Therefore, the violence against Gaza is seen as a betrayal of these foundational values, leading him to the provocative conclusion: “En détruisant Gaza, Israël détruit le judaïsme” (“By destroying Gaza, Israel destroys Judaism”).

He further suggests that this moment marks a turning point in the destinies of both Israelis and Palestinians, with the risk that Israel, by forsaking its values, could ultimately contribute to its own self-destruction.

How is this piece 'provocative'. What is this kind of approach in French intellectual discourse?

Jean Hatzfeld’s argument is provocative because it links the Israeli military actions in Gaza not just to political or humanitarian consequences, but to the very identity and moral foundation of Judaism itself. By stating that "in destroying Gaza, Israel destroys Judaism," Hatzfeld challenges the legitimacy of Israeli actions on a profound ethical and existential level. This goes beyond standard criticism of government policy—it suggests that the actions are fundamentally incompatible with the core values of the Jewish faith and tradition. Such a claim:

Directly confronts national and religious narratives: It questions whether a state can claim to represent a people or faith while acting in ways the author sees as antithetical to its core values.

Invites controversy: The statement is likely to provoke strong reactions from supporters of Israel, religious communities, and those who see criticism of Israeli policy as potentially antisemitic.

Forces moral reckoning: By framing the issue as a destruction of Judaism itself, Hatzfeld forces readers to consider the broader implications of political actions on cultural and religious identity.

This Approach in French Intellectual Discourse

This kind of approach is characteristic of a long tradition in French intellectual life, where public thinkers (intellectuels) often:

Engage in moral and philosophical critique: French intellectuals frequently analyze political events through the lens of universal values, ethics, and the "grandeur" or decline of civilizations.

Use "universalism" and "parrhesia": There is a tradition of speaking truth to power (parrhesia), often with bold, sweeping statements that are meant to shock or awaken public conscience.

Draw on historical and philosophical references: French discourse often connects contemporary events to broader historical, cultural, or philosophical themes, as seen in Hatzfeld’s linking of current events to the essence of Judaism.

Value the role of the intellectual as conscience: Figures like Sartre, Camus, and more recently Alain Finkielkraut or Bernard-Henri Lévy have set a precedent for intellectuals acting as the "conscience" of the nation or even humanity, not shying away from controversy.

Examples

Albert Camus: Critiqued both colonial violence and terrorism in Algeria, often angering both sides.

Jean-Paul Sartre: Challenged French society on issues of colonialism, anti-Semitism, and existential responsibility.

Contemporary debates: French intellectuals frequently intervene in debates about laïcité (secularism), immigration, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with similarly provocative arguments.

Conclusion

Hatzfeld’s approach is provocative because it questions the very moral legitimacy of Israeli actions through the lens of Jewish identity. This style—combining moral philosophy, universal values, and bold critique—is a hallmark of French intellectual tradition, designed to stimulate debate, self-reflection, and sometimes, controversy.

                                                                      *     *     *

A very thoughtful argument. I think it is false. 

As clearly as I can put it,  current Jewish theology teaches that Judaism needs to keep

existing as long as humanity needs it in its midst. A very different thing!!