In reading some of the comments below which I do respect, but don't agree with in their entirety, I do agree with Schecter that Jews must unite and be forceful. We've been too apologetic, have hesitated too much at the double messages coming out of the White House, too respectful of humanity, while the enemy has no respect for Israelis, nor does the West through their actions. We also have fellow Jews today who have turned against Israel and the Zionists, with "Jewish" organizations calling Israel genocidal. One glaring example is Chuck Schumer, a Jewish snake, whose talking points have been memorized throughout his 50 year political career, and he could say them in his sleep. Now he is getting some pushback from Pro Israeli groups and deservedly so. Israel will not wipe out Hamas as long as they keep listening to the Biden admin. It's time to go in full force and finish the job. They've done enough for their enemy, feeding them and making sure that civilians would be protected as much as possible. I hear Schecter's anger and frustration and I'm sure there are a lot of Jews who share his sentiment. Israel will not win this war with kind words but with force.
I appreciate the thoughtfulness of your response. I, too, believe we must go "full force" and finish the job in Israel, which means not only destroying Hamas and Hezbolla; but also taking our rightful ownership of Judea/Samaria and Gaza. Jews are indigenous to these territories; their ownership is still disputed politically, and Israel requires them strategically for defense and to accommodate the new "exodus" of Jews moving to Israel. Since I am not privy to information/tools to facilitate this - but our politicians, military experts, diplomats and intelligence professionals are - I'm counting on them and others to control any opposition to this within Israel and move these goals towards fruition. I also believe that we must protect ourselves in the Diaspora, since the Islamo/Leftist forces have already marched through our institutions - especially the universities - and Western democracy is no longer protecting us despite our countless contributions to academia, Western society and our rights as citizens. We need allies. Notably, Christians who understand that this evil affects them, too, and who are not trying to convert Jews. Jewish/Christian alliances must be forged - carefully. And, we must form JDL-type groups in every Western city to quietly eliminate those who hurt Jews and get away with it. I've heard such groups are forming and I hope their members are trained and clever. We don't need bullies to protect us. Above all, I urge every Jew to get self defense training. I carry dog/coyote spray in my purse since it's illegal where I live to carry a gun. Many everyday items can be used for self defense. Also, when harassment is verbal only, there are ways to put the fear of G-d into some aggressors without resorting to shouting, threats or violence. I was successful doing this when a Muslim taxi driver who works for the disability transport service that I use started in with anti-Israel rhetoric. (He raised the topic; I didn't). It's important to change our image: Yes, we're smart. Yes, we want to live amicably with others. But no, we are no longer the Jews "with trembling knees" scared to leave our homes or content only to wrap ourselves in Israeli flags, shouting "Bring Them Home".
I agree with your response in its entirety. However, I would not have stayed silent with the taxi driver. I would have responded calmly but bring my point of view. Meir Kahane knew years ago how to handle these violent thugs, but I remember as a teen reading about what a "lunatic" he was and how dangerous he was. We need someone with his fervor now.
When that cabbie started in I did not let him get past his first sentence. I then looked him straight in the eyes and said in a low, firm voice: "Do you want to repeat what you just said?"
He shut right up and was courteous/did his job properly for the rest of the trip. Why did I take this approach? The transport service is run by the municipal government in Montreal. They have a strict "no harassment" policy applicable to their drivers and passengers. He was a middle-aged man, likely with a family and financial obligations, who could not afford to lose his contract with them for harassment. I could have reported him but I chose not to because he had my address. He would likely have come after me for revenge. And, reporting him might not have been helpful anyway since there were no witnesses to his behavior or mine. The first step in "self defense" is to exude confidence and strength. People feel it (they do with me, anyway) even though I'm 70 and use a wheelchair. Next, assess the situation and choose the best response. I haven't taken formal self-defense classes but I've read about it over the years and it helped me develop a kind of sixth sense when I'm out and about. A good class teaches students many strategies for various situations. A big thing is "confidence". If you're in an area with student protestors walk tall, proud, carry a cane (preferably with a fancy head) or umbrella and don't confront any individuals. Chances are they'll let you alone and target someone who looks weak and weaponless. Like most predatory animals, they go after the weakest in the pack. If, G-d forbid, someone pushes or shoves you, hit them hard with the cane or umbrella. Really hard and fast. Then run.
Good for you. He got the message. I agree, show weakness and you embolden those who try to bully. I have never shown weakness and never will. After successfully teaching for 32 years, and another 12 for graduate students, I definitely know a few things about strategies. Students will size up a teacher within minutes and once they do, you'll either get respect or drown. We must stay strong and I know you already do. Bravo to you!
This surreal messianic rant is an exercise in irrational dreaming. Disregarding wholesale the entire world will lead to the ultimate destruction of Israel, not in the long term, centuries, but in the near term - countable years. We do not have the numbers, arsenal, or capability of defending against the furious Muslim world, let alone the moralistic West who WILL act upon its inherited and core antisemitism to wipe Israel off the map.
That is not to say Israel should not destroy Hamas the organization and sideline and emasculate the PLO, but civilians must not be targeted, not through law or police/military action unless individuals can be proved to have initiated or committed acts of terror. If we demand the respect of our humanity we MUST respect everyone's humanity
All people have humanity. Salafists and Jihadis are not due the respect peaceful people deserve (even if they hate us) because they work to eliminate us. Crimes must be punished, and only crimes.
Joel 3? Ever heard of Armegeddon? Do you understand it is specifically God's Vengeance on Jew Haters? It says so explicitly . Enduring another 76 years of this is no solution to anything, and personally I find it quite obvious that the anniversary of Israel's rebirth Tuesday commemorates the countdown to those foolish enough to claim God cannot have a People being destroyed off the face of the Earth, at Har Megiddo, the Valley of Decision
John, I am Jewish and do not appreciate a Christian interpretation of the Tanakh used as a guide to regulate Jewish responses to anti-semitism and anti-ZIonism.
First off, I am not American, and perhaps your problem is with the failure of America to socialize the Muslims now as the Jews were a hundred years ago. But America has very real problems in this day separating Church and State. My concern is Israel and the American-Israeli relationship.
The writer neglects to mention that the zealotry of the Maccabees was turned against fellow Jews who did not share their zealotry, and the Chanukah story created as a lovely myth (oil lasting 8 days), as people would be unlikely to observe a holiday celebrating where Jews killed not only Greeks, but fellow Jews. In his glee at dehumanizing others, Schecter becomes exactly what he decries. His letter is dangerous, is likely to be quoted (in context is bad enough, let alone out of context) as validation of every negative stereotype of Jews. Israel must defend itself and do what it needs to to achieve safety and security for its citizens, but selectively quoting the Bible, and engaging in incendiary, murderous rhetoric does not reflect Jewish values.
The Hasmonean dynasty fell apart for reasons other than having raised a revolt against Greek oppressors. The Bible is an excellent source of advice for foreign policy and daily living, but it is not a fundamentalist text. Instead, it is the template of western literature, but you have to read it to see that. If you have another prescription about what Israel must do to defend itself, have at it. You are a bit like President Biden, willing to back Israel but withhold the means for it to do so.
No one is preventing you from posting alternative scripture except the reality that you cannot disprove a word he said with scripture and your unbelief is your problem and no one else's.
A few years ago I would have thought this piece was pure harmful extremist thought..but now I am not so sure. The explosion of antisemitism (all masked as anti-Zionism or anti-Israel) has shaken me to the core. The world hates us and prefers dead Jews - no matter what we do. So now I'm thinking Israel must do whatever it needs to do to survive AND thrive- like any other country would do. And realistically, because it would take generations to deradicalize the Palestinian population, Israel does not have the time for that. Taking control of Gaza and Judea and Samaria seems like the obvious solution- since these people have shown time and time again that they refuse to live peacefully next to a Jewish state. But does Israel have the numbers militarily to do that? Can we afford to lose so many young soldiers? And can Israel do all of this alone without any allies? I would love to believe that the God of the Torah would be there to protect Israel but where was He during the Holocaust? Or is the Jews' role in the world to raise consciousness about the existence of Evil AND to fight that evil, alone?
I have never been religious but lately, I find myself reading the Old Testament for some answers.
Stephen Schecter- you mentioned you did a class or course on the Torah. Can I get info about that? Thanks.
I am always ready to talk about the Torah and the Hebrew Bible to groups that invite me to do so. I may be writing more about this topic on my substack at schecter.substack.com.
Well, here we have extremism at the far right end of the Jewish spectrum. I agree on some points with Mr. Schecter, but he takes it a step too far. By posting this without editorial comment, you show us what I supposed must be the ideology of the more extremist wing of Jewish settlers, and it is good to understand where from where their ideology springs. But, you also risked increasing the divides within and outside the Jewish community. I am reminded of the phrase that started my journey of understanding what we are up against, of coming to terms with the writer who said Israel must "restore fear" among its neighbors if it wants to survive. At first I was shocked, because I still dreamed of lasting peace and co-existence. Then I became more educated about the realities of Israel’s situation and the scope of its enemies' intentions. I gave up the dream, but will never give up my beliefs in the importance of and the miracle that is the State of Israel.
How funny it is that people label extremism a policy that puts into place what you yourself understand to be the necessary means of countering the perennial threat to Israel from Palestinians. Words are cheap when not followed up by action, as Shakespeare had Hamlet say more eloquently.
I guess no lesson was learned during the Inquisition (and before that as well); nor during the holocaust, not even now. Israel should learn to live on its own -- no more "by your leave". Let the world bear its pain, define its purpose, and hold fast to the theory that the Jew is alone, has always been alone and will always be alone. This was forgotten during the "easy" times but the wave of hated, murderous hatred, is overwhelming. The world has been subjected to, victimized by, suffocated by a third world movement, a less then morally fused religious philosophy and the incompotent political leaders. For which we will all pay and dearly....ALL of us. Imagine traveling back in time: regarding science, medicine, education .... it will be a bitter supper!
I always read Future of Jewish when I wake up in the morning. Today’s feature is a major fantasy I was not prepared for…too much to wrap my brain around this early in the day. Please tell me it is not real.
"Gather about you all who observe the law." Yes, but, sadly, Israel does not observe the law as given by God in the Torah! Abortion, homosexuality and transgenderism are all forbidden by the law of God. Not only does Israel practise these, but they actually glory in them as though they were somehow a sign of virtue! I pray every day for Israel to defeat her enemies, but as I read the Bible, I realise that they need the LORD's help for this (vain is the help of man), and is He going to help those who so flagrantly disobey Him?
God will do this regardless. He is doing it for His Holy Name, and when He has done it, He will make atonement for His Land and His People a.nd He will cleanse them both and the world will know He is God.
I think the key issue is how does Israel make itself safe from attack from neighboring areas and countries which attack with impunity. Clearly the status quo is a disaster. The Palestinian Arabs have proven to be relentlessly murderous. I don’t think Israel can take on the whole world at once. It’s not realistic. But buffer zones must be enlarged and hardened. Hezbollah and the PA need to be thrashed. Transgressions have to be dealt with harshly.
The Arabs are going to have to do what everybody has always done when defeated. Cede territory. I don’t see how relocating all the Palestinian Arabs is possible. The immediate thing is defeating Hamas completely. The USA under Biden is not reliable.
I would not lose an ounce of sleep if all of Gaza was turned into a parking lot regardless of collateral damage or so called civilian casualties.That is how wars are won
Whilst strongly supporting Israel's rights as an independent state, also its entitlement to defend its sovereignty as a state, your call is monstrous where reprisals are directed against non-Jews who share your views concerning the Hamas terrorists.
In reading some of the comments below which I do respect, but don't agree with in their entirety, I do agree with Schecter that Jews must unite and be forceful. We've been too apologetic, have hesitated too much at the double messages coming out of the White House, too respectful of humanity, while the enemy has no respect for Israelis, nor does the West through their actions. We also have fellow Jews today who have turned against Israel and the Zionists, with "Jewish" organizations calling Israel genocidal. One glaring example is Chuck Schumer, a Jewish snake, whose talking points have been memorized throughout his 50 year political career, and he could say them in his sleep. Now he is getting some pushback from Pro Israeli groups and deservedly so. Israel will not wipe out Hamas as long as they keep listening to the Biden admin. It's time to go in full force and finish the job. They've done enough for their enemy, feeding them and making sure that civilians would be protected as much as possible. I hear Schecter's anger and frustration and I'm sure there are a lot of Jews who share his sentiment. Israel will not win this war with kind words but with force.
I appreciate the thoughtfulness of your response. I, too, believe we must go "full force" and finish the job in Israel, which means not only destroying Hamas and Hezbolla; but also taking our rightful ownership of Judea/Samaria and Gaza. Jews are indigenous to these territories; their ownership is still disputed politically, and Israel requires them strategically for defense and to accommodate the new "exodus" of Jews moving to Israel. Since I am not privy to information/tools to facilitate this - but our politicians, military experts, diplomats and intelligence professionals are - I'm counting on them and others to control any opposition to this within Israel and move these goals towards fruition. I also believe that we must protect ourselves in the Diaspora, since the Islamo/Leftist forces have already marched through our institutions - especially the universities - and Western democracy is no longer protecting us despite our countless contributions to academia, Western society and our rights as citizens. We need allies. Notably, Christians who understand that this evil affects them, too, and who are not trying to convert Jews. Jewish/Christian alliances must be forged - carefully. And, we must form JDL-type groups in every Western city to quietly eliminate those who hurt Jews and get away with it. I've heard such groups are forming and I hope their members are trained and clever. We don't need bullies to protect us. Above all, I urge every Jew to get self defense training. I carry dog/coyote spray in my purse since it's illegal where I live to carry a gun. Many everyday items can be used for self defense. Also, when harassment is verbal only, there are ways to put the fear of G-d into some aggressors without resorting to shouting, threats or violence. I was successful doing this when a Muslim taxi driver who works for the disability transport service that I use started in with anti-Israel rhetoric. (He raised the topic; I didn't). It's important to change our image: Yes, we're smart. Yes, we want to live amicably with others. But no, we are no longer the Jews "with trembling knees" scared to leave our homes or content only to wrap ourselves in Israeli flags, shouting "Bring Them Home".
I agree with your response in its entirety. However, I would not have stayed silent with the taxi driver. I would have responded calmly but bring my point of view. Meir Kahane knew years ago how to handle these violent thugs, but I remember as a teen reading about what a "lunatic" he was and how dangerous he was. We need someone with his fervor now.
When that cabbie started in I did not let him get past his first sentence. I then looked him straight in the eyes and said in a low, firm voice: "Do you want to repeat what you just said?"
He shut right up and was courteous/did his job properly for the rest of the trip. Why did I take this approach? The transport service is run by the municipal government in Montreal. They have a strict "no harassment" policy applicable to their drivers and passengers. He was a middle-aged man, likely with a family and financial obligations, who could not afford to lose his contract with them for harassment. I could have reported him but I chose not to because he had my address. He would likely have come after me for revenge. And, reporting him might not have been helpful anyway since there were no witnesses to his behavior or mine. The first step in "self defense" is to exude confidence and strength. People feel it (they do with me, anyway) even though I'm 70 and use a wheelchair. Next, assess the situation and choose the best response. I haven't taken formal self-defense classes but I've read about it over the years and it helped me develop a kind of sixth sense when I'm out and about. A good class teaches students many strategies for various situations. A big thing is "confidence". If you're in an area with student protestors walk tall, proud, carry a cane (preferably with a fancy head) or umbrella and don't confront any individuals. Chances are they'll let you alone and target someone who looks weak and weaponless. Like most predatory animals, they go after the weakest in the pack. If, G-d forbid, someone pushes or shoves you, hit them hard with the cane or umbrella. Really hard and fast. Then run.
Good for you. He got the message. I agree, show weakness and you embolden those who try to bully. I have never shown weakness and never will. After successfully teaching for 32 years, and another 12 for graduate students, I definitely know a few things about strategies. Students will size up a teacher within minutes and once they do, you'll either get respect or drown. We must stay strong and I know you already do. Bravo to you!
This surreal messianic rant is an exercise in irrational dreaming. Disregarding wholesale the entire world will lead to the ultimate destruction of Israel, not in the long term, centuries, but in the near term - countable years. We do not have the numbers, arsenal, or capability of defending against the furious Muslim world, let alone the moralistic West who WILL act upon its inherited and core antisemitism to wipe Israel off the map.
That is not to say Israel should not destroy Hamas the organization and sideline and emasculate the PLO, but civilians must not be targeted, not through law or police/military action unless individuals can be proved to have initiated or committed acts of terror. If we demand the respect of our humanity we MUST respect everyone's humanity
muslims have no humanity.
All people have humanity. Salafists and Jihadis are not due the respect peaceful people deserve (even if they hate us) because they work to eliminate us. Crimes must be punished, and only crimes.
You sure you are Jewish?!!
Ever read Deuteronomy 32?
Joel 3? Ever heard of Armegeddon? Do you understand it is specifically God's Vengeance on Jew Haters? It says so explicitly . Enduring another 76 years of this is no solution to anything, and personally I find it quite obvious that the anniversary of Israel's rebirth Tuesday commemorates the countdown to those foolish enough to claim God cannot have a People being destroyed off the face of the Earth, at Har Megiddo, the Valley of Decision
It is always darkest before the Dawn.
John, I am Jewish and do not appreciate a Christian interpretation of the Tanakh used as a guide to regulate Jewish responses to anti-semitism and anti-ZIonism.
First off, I am not American, and perhaps your problem is with the failure of America to socialize the Muslims now as the Jews were a hundred years ago. But America has very real problems in this day separating Church and State. My concern is Israel and the American-Israeli relationship.
The writer neglects to mention that the zealotry of the Maccabees was turned against fellow Jews who did not share their zealotry, and the Chanukah story created as a lovely myth (oil lasting 8 days), as people would be unlikely to observe a holiday celebrating where Jews killed not only Greeks, but fellow Jews. In his glee at dehumanizing others, Schecter becomes exactly what he decries. His letter is dangerous, is likely to be quoted (in context is bad enough, let alone out of context) as validation of every negative stereotype of Jews. Israel must defend itself and do what it needs to to achieve safety and security for its citizens, but selectively quoting the Bible, and engaging in incendiary, murderous rhetoric does not reflect Jewish values.
The Hasmonean dynasty fell apart for reasons other than having raised a revolt against Greek oppressors. The Bible is an excellent source of advice for foreign policy and daily living, but it is not a fundamentalist text. Instead, it is the template of western literature, but you have to read it to see that. If you have another prescription about what Israel must do to defend itself, have at it. You are a bit like President Biden, willing to back Israel but withhold the means for it to do so.
Spare me your liberal claptrap.
No one is preventing you from posting alternative scripture except the reality that you cannot disprove a word he said with scripture and your unbelief is your problem and no one else's.
A few years ago I would have thought this piece was pure harmful extremist thought..but now I am not so sure. The explosion of antisemitism (all masked as anti-Zionism or anti-Israel) has shaken me to the core. The world hates us and prefers dead Jews - no matter what we do. So now I'm thinking Israel must do whatever it needs to do to survive AND thrive- like any other country would do. And realistically, because it would take generations to deradicalize the Palestinian population, Israel does not have the time for that. Taking control of Gaza and Judea and Samaria seems like the obvious solution- since these people have shown time and time again that they refuse to live peacefully next to a Jewish state. But does Israel have the numbers militarily to do that? Can we afford to lose so many young soldiers? And can Israel do all of this alone without any allies? I would love to believe that the God of the Torah would be there to protect Israel but where was He during the Holocaust? Or is the Jews' role in the world to raise consciousness about the existence of Evil AND to fight that evil, alone?
I have never been religious but lately, I find myself reading the Old Testament for some answers.
Stephen Schecter- you mentioned you did a class or course on the Torah. Can I get info about that? Thanks.
I am always ready to talk about the Torah and the Hebrew Bible to groups that invite me to do so. I may be writing more about this topic on my substack at schecter.substack.com.
Well, here we have extremism at the far right end of the Jewish spectrum. I agree on some points with Mr. Schecter, but he takes it a step too far. By posting this without editorial comment, you show us what I supposed must be the ideology of the more extremist wing of Jewish settlers, and it is good to understand where from where their ideology springs. But, you also risked increasing the divides within and outside the Jewish community. I am reminded of the phrase that started my journey of understanding what we are up against, of coming to terms with the writer who said Israel must "restore fear" among its neighbors if it wants to survive. At first I was shocked, because I still dreamed of lasting peace and co-existence. Then I became more educated about the realities of Israel’s situation and the scope of its enemies' intentions. I gave up the dream, but will never give up my beliefs in the importance of and the miracle that is the State of Israel.
How funny it is that people label extremism a policy that puts into place what you yourself understand to be the necessary means of countering the perennial threat to Israel from Palestinians. Words are cheap when not followed up by action, as Shakespeare had Hamlet say more eloquently.
I guess no lesson was learned during the Inquisition (and before that as well); nor during the holocaust, not even now. Israel should learn to live on its own -- no more "by your leave". Let the world bear its pain, define its purpose, and hold fast to the theory that the Jew is alone, has always been alone and will always be alone. This was forgotten during the "easy" times but the wave of hated, murderous hatred, is overwhelming. The world has been subjected to, victimized by, suffocated by a third world movement, a less then morally fused religious philosophy and the incompotent political leaders. For which we will all pay and dearly....ALL of us. Imagine traveling back in time: regarding science, medicine, education .... it will be a bitter supper!
I always read Future of Jewish when I wake up in the morning. Today’s feature is a major fantasy I was not prepared for…too much to wrap my brain around this early in the day. Please tell me it is not real.
"Gather about you all who observe the law." Yes, but, sadly, Israel does not observe the law as given by God in the Torah! Abortion, homosexuality and transgenderism are all forbidden by the law of God. Not only does Israel practise these, but they actually glory in them as though they were somehow a sign of virtue! I pray every day for Israel to defeat her enemies, but as I read the Bible, I realise that they need the LORD's help for this (vain is the help of man), and is He going to help those who so flagrantly disobey Him?
No, He will help those who keep the covenant and destroy those who do not.
Actually, I was in a rush and distracted and made an error.
God won't destroy rebellious Jews. He will do as He always has done, and use the nations to do it, and then punish then for it.
This is just because they have free will, and could reject the idea of doing evil to God's people.
They were forewarned and are without excuse.
You need to read Ezekiel 37.
God will do this regardless. He is doing it for His Holy Name, and when He has done it, He will make atonement for His Land and His People a.nd He will cleanse them both and the world will know He is God.
I think the key issue is how does Israel make itself safe from attack from neighboring areas and countries which attack with impunity. Clearly the status quo is a disaster. The Palestinian Arabs have proven to be relentlessly murderous. I don’t think Israel can take on the whole world at once. It’s not realistic. But buffer zones must be enlarged and hardened. Hezbollah and the PA need to be thrashed. Transgressions have to be dealt with harshly.
The Arabs are going to have to do what everybody has always done when defeated. Cede territory. I don’t see how relocating all the Palestinian Arabs is possible. The immediate thing is defeating Hamas completely. The USA under Biden is not reliable.
And Amen! (But which Arab countries will take them? That’s the only problem I see ).
I would not lose an ounce of sleep if all of Gaza was turned into a parking lot regardless of collateral damage or so called civilian casualties.That is how wars are won
Only Israel forever from the river to the sea.
Amen.
Amen - no other words are needed.
Excellent.
Whilst strongly supporting Israel's rights as an independent state, also its entitlement to defend its sovereignty as a state, your call is monstrous where reprisals are directed against non-Jews who share your views concerning the Hamas terrorists.