In a move that has left many scratching their heads, over 350 rabbis, along with a cadre of Jewish creatives and activists, have taken out a full-page ad in The New York Times to denounce President Donald Trump’s latest brainchild: the ‘Gaza Relocation Plan.’ The ad boldly proclaims, ‘Trump has called for the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza. Jewish people say NO to ethnic cleansing!’

Now, let’s pause for a moment. The President, a former real estate mogul, envisions transforming Gaza into the ‘Riviera of the Middle East.’ His plan? Relocate the current Palestinian residents to neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt, and then, presumably, roll out the beach towels and piña coladas. It’s a vision only someone with a penchant for gilded skyscrapers could conjure.

But here’s where it gets interesting. The rabbis, including notable figures like Sharon Brous and Roly Matalon, aren’t buying it. They argue that forcibly removing Palestinians evokes the painful legacy of the 1948 Nakba, during which hundreds of thousands were displaced. Rabbi Toba Spitzer didn’t mince words, stating, ‘Hitler’s dream of making Germany ‘Judenrein,’ ‘cleansed of Jews,’ led to the slaughter of our people.’

It’s a stark comparison, but one that underscores the gravity with which these leaders view the proposal. Peter Beinart, editor-at-large of Jewish Curr … chimed in, expressing horror at the idea and emphasizing the moral implications of such an action.

On the flip side, some see Trump’s plan as a bold move to finally address the ‘Gaza problem.’ After all, if you can’t fix it, why not flip it? Turn that war-torn strip into prime beachfront property. Who wouldn’t want a timeshare in sunny Gaza?

But let’s be real. The logistics of relocating two million people are, to put it mildly, complicated. And the ethical considerations? Even more so. The international community has largely condemned the proposal, with many labeling it as ethnic cleansing.

In the end, while the idea of a Middle Eastern Riviera might sound appealing to some, the reality is far more complex. As Rabbi Yosef Berman aptly put it, ‘Jewish teaching is clear: … .’ Perhaps it’s time to leave the big ideas to the divine and focus on solutions that respect the rights and dignity of all involved.