What Are Human Rights?

Growing up, I was taught that being Jewish meant unwavering support for Israel. I love and support my family in Israel. Period. But I simply cannot support Israel's government, which is the most right-wing and extreme in its entire history. I've been horrified and heartbroken as I've witnessed the humanitarian deterioration in Gaza and escalating genocide against the Palestinian people, with backing from the US government.

Modern human rights were established as a direct response to World War II and the failure of world leaders to stop the Holocaust. Now, leaders cannot commit atrocities and heinous human rights violations and tell the rest of the world to mind its business.

Every human being, no matter who they are or where they live, has the same inalienable rights.

This is the basic principle of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (hashtag#udhr), which was adopted by the United Nations exactly 75 years ago. It was groundbreaking because it was the first time countries around the world agreed that all people deserve to live in freedom, safety, dignity, and equality.

"Universal" #HumanRights means everyone, everywhere. At the current conjuncture, failing to recognize this is the cruelest form of hypocrisy.

[Image description: Human Rights Day banner (Dec 10). Text reads “International Human Rights Day” with the words “Rule of law, Freedom, Dignity, Equality, Peace, Hope, Justice.” The image features the 3 hands reaching upwards. Image credit: Shutterstock.]