One of the great ironies of history: The mass ethnic cleanings and genocides of Jews over the past few centuries are what made Israel what it is today.
Jew haters are too stupid to understand that they continue to make the case for a strong Jewish state better than any Zionist ever could.
I'm thinking of reading this at Passover as a suppliment to the hagadah. Very powerful esssy that makes me proud to be a Jew. My family should hear this. Thank you.
As I've said before, I believe that anti-Semitism is an expression of the hatred people have for God - the God of the Bible. He is the One Who has sustained the Jews through all the times of persecution, because He is faithful. And please remember - not everybody hates the Jews, although I'm really shocked and disappointed to find out after October 7 how many actually do! Jesus said, speaking to His first followers, who were Jewish, "In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer - I have overcome the world." Christians have also faced persecution down through the ages, and still do. But God is faithful. We need to put our trust in Him. I find the Jewish people incredibly inspiring. You have shown us how we need to respond to persecution - not with hatred, and not with a victim mentality, but with courage and innovation. May the Lord bless you all.
I was raised a Reform Jew and was very very active in temple and youth groups in NY State. I've always embraced my Judaism, but do not live a particularly Jewish lifestyle. That said, when 10/7 happened my Jewish ire rose up and swallowed me whole. In defiance of a world gone crazy, yet again, I proudly put on my Magen David which I hadn't worn in recent years. My mother said, "What are you? Super Jew all of a sudden?" You betcha Mom.
Thank you so much Joshua for your brilliant essay, it move me to tears......It should be a must read for everyone, everywhere......utterly honest and wonderful.........Am Israel Chai.....
In addition to my previous comment about this being one of the best things I've read, I've just paraphrased a few of your comments on FB in response to a FB comment of a local anti-semite in my area.
Great post. Completely captures what I've learned about the Jew over a lifetime. The world's indifference during the Holocaust and NOW. Instead of support we got the alliance with our murderers. "Screw your pity" eighty year old Simon Schama says after his time seeing the remains of Auschwitz. Jewish money is still in demand in Europe....synagogues that are only museums, a tiny attic for a desperate assimilated family, grave yards, museums to an extinct civilization, and finally extermination camps. All money makers for Europe. If only Hollywood had told "our stories" They told the story that they believe White Gentile America had of itself....Andy Hardy movies. The Donna Reed Show. Usually scrubbed of Jews....except for a few comic character actors. OY VEY! 1970 Life magazine cover "Palestinian Arabs find new pride" I hope after Oct. 7th of '23, some magazine that exists have "Jews find new pride" All "pride" Black, Latino, Muslim, Gay and or "queer/trans" is celebrated. Not Jewish pride. As Howard Jacboson the British Jewish writer wrote...whole organizations exist for "Jewish shame"
So I hope Israel will continue to express PRIDE...minus the readers of Hebrew language pro Palestine HaAretz. In the USA....I am very cynical about American Jews.
Beautiful. Strong, but it needs to be. And I'll add a couple of anecdotes: just this morning I saw in Facebook a nostalgic picture of a large group of World War I German Jewish soldiers gathered around a menorah: to the article's point, it never matters. I was in a "Jewish" fraternity in college in the late 60s, early 70s, one formed in the early 1900s because Jews weren't allowed in traditional fraternities (and yes we accepted everyone). I grew up in Miami Beach where we were not allowed in, for instance, the Surf Club, and there were equivalents all along the coast and in Palm Beach certainly. I was hired by Jewish insurance defense attorney in 1975 who started the firm in 1958 and was the first Jewish insurance/defense attorney in South Florida. And finally an observation: one of the most miraculous things about our "control" and resulting contributions to the arts (I'll spare you the beyond-extraordinary list) is that they rarely reflected Jewish themes! Another example: you're welcome, for our numerous catchy Christmas carols. What other faiths can claim so many projects either neutral or flattering to their neighbor-religionists (especially after the programs, inquisitions, and outright genocides) In short: give us a chance and will cure your babies, educate the young, improve human communications – – and never convert a single one of you! As it was written: enjoy! But don't touch.
One of the great ironies of history: The mass ethnic cleanings and genocides of Jews over the past few centuries are what made Israel what it is today.
Jew haters are too stupid to understand that they continue to make the case for a strong Jewish state better than any Zionist ever could.
I'm thinking of reading this at Passover as a suppliment to the hagadah. Very powerful esssy that makes me proud to be a Jew. My family should hear this. Thank you.
Great idea! Me too!
As I've said before, I believe that anti-Semitism is an expression of the hatred people have for God - the God of the Bible. He is the One Who has sustained the Jews through all the times of persecution, because He is faithful. And please remember - not everybody hates the Jews, although I'm really shocked and disappointed to find out after October 7 how many actually do! Jesus said, speaking to His first followers, who were Jewish, "In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer - I have overcome the world." Christians have also faced persecution down through the ages, and still do. But God is faithful. We need to put our trust in Him. I find the Jewish people incredibly inspiring. You have shown us how we need to respond to persecution - not with hatred, and not with a victim mentality, but with courage and innovation. May the Lord bless you all.
That was incredibly powerful! Thank you Joshua and wishing you a Happy Pesach and the best always.
papa j
The Jewish People have survived and thrived and every political and cultural entity that has oppressed us is what historians study
I was raised a Reform Jew and was very very active in temple and youth groups in NY State. I've always embraced my Judaism, but do not live a particularly Jewish lifestyle. That said, when 10/7 happened my Jewish ire rose up and swallowed me whole. In defiance of a world gone crazy, yet again, I proudly put on my Magen David which I hadn't worn in recent years. My mother said, "What are you? Super Jew all of a sudden?" You betcha Mom.
Brilliant.
Wow, fantastic article.
Thank you so much Joshua for your brilliant essay, it move me to tears......It should be a must read for everyone, everywhere......utterly honest and wonderful.........Am Israel Chai.....
Every word!
Great job owning our oppression and seeing how it has contributed towards our strength as a nation and as a people.
In addition to my previous comment about this being one of the best things I've read, I've just paraphrased a few of your comments on FB in response to a FB comment of a local anti-semite in my area.
Great post. Completely captures what I've learned about the Jew over a lifetime. The world's indifference during the Holocaust and NOW. Instead of support we got the alliance with our murderers. "Screw your pity" eighty year old Simon Schama says after his time seeing the remains of Auschwitz. Jewish money is still in demand in Europe....synagogues that are only museums, a tiny attic for a desperate assimilated family, grave yards, museums to an extinct civilization, and finally extermination camps. All money makers for Europe. If only Hollywood had told "our stories" They told the story that they believe White Gentile America had of itself....Andy Hardy movies. The Donna Reed Show. Usually scrubbed of Jews....except for a few comic character actors. OY VEY! 1970 Life magazine cover "Palestinian Arabs find new pride" I hope after Oct. 7th of '23, some magazine that exists have "Jews find new pride" All "pride" Black, Latino, Muslim, Gay and or "queer/trans" is celebrated. Not Jewish pride. As Howard Jacboson the British Jewish writer wrote...whole organizations exist for "Jewish shame"
So I hope Israel will continue to express PRIDE...minus the readers of Hebrew language pro Palestine HaAretz. In the USA....I am very cynical about American Jews.
It’s past time that Israel listens or cares what other countries think. Just do what’s best for Israel and tell the world to fuck off.
Love to be hated for all the right reasons. Feels like . . . victory!
Beautiful. Strong, but it needs to be. And I'll add a couple of anecdotes: just this morning I saw in Facebook a nostalgic picture of a large group of World War I German Jewish soldiers gathered around a menorah: to the article's point, it never matters. I was in a "Jewish" fraternity in college in the late 60s, early 70s, one formed in the early 1900s because Jews weren't allowed in traditional fraternities (and yes we accepted everyone). I grew up in Miami Beach where we were not allowed in, for instance, the Surf Club, and there were equivalents all along the coast and in Palm Beach certainly. I was hired by Jewish insurance defense attorney in 1975 who started the firm in 1958 and was the first Jewish insurance/defense attorney in South Florida. And finally an observation: one of the most miraculous things about our "control" and resulting contributions to the arts (I'll spare you the beyond-extraordinary list) is that they rarely reflected Jewish themes! Another example: you're welcome, for our numerous catchy Christmas carols. What other faiths can claim so many projects either neutral or flattering to their neighbor-religionists (especially after the programs, inquisitions, and outright genocides) In short: give us a chance and will cure your babies, educate the young, improve human communications – – and never convert a single one of you! As it was written: enjoy! But don't touch.