I too am a Christian from the UK. Forgive me if I am missing something but where is the support for Israel from UK churches ( both liberal and evangelical)? Am I not reading enough? Or is it that we have long since sold out to Replacement Theory that what was promised to Abram in Gen 13 has been superseded? But whatever your views are this ‘fight’ is not just about a strip of land. The ramifications both for the Middle East and worldwide are enormous.
For those who read this let me quite clear I am not saying Israel has behaved impeccably. Of course they have made mistakes. We live in a fallen world so I am not excusing their mistakes. But I will pray for Israel that they would be victorious in defeating this evil which is now flexing its muscles - as we witnessed in Parliament Square last night for example.
Hear, hear David! From another UK Christian. We have so much to be ashamed of in our own Christian treatment of our Jewish brothers and sisters. Please forgive us as now we stand together with our Jewish friends here and abroad. Do not despair, you are not alone. Some of us really do mean what we say when we say, 'Never again - not on *our* watch!'.
We Jews, being the so-called "People of the Book" have a particular talent for eloquence. Although I found your essay interesting and satisfying to read, those who call for a ceasefire are unlikely to be convinced by logic and wry wit. Instead I propose that we send them the following message which is quite popular now on Jewish Facebook sites. "(To Whom It May Concern:) We are not asking you to understand us. We are not asking you to love us. We are now simply warning you: DO NOT MESS WITH US. (Signed) The Jewish People"
Not to detract at all from your great essay, Josh - but it's wasted on the Western politicians calling for ceasefire. They know the facts. They know the truth. They are siding with Hamas and its puppet-masters anyway. What they aren't sure about is how Israel will react. In the past we have always conceded to demands that weren't in our favor. They still see us as "weak Jews" and figure it's better to throw us under the bus than risk the displeasure of Islamo/Leftist influences that might hurt their careers and their bank accounts. They need to know we mean business and just maybe come after them . As we speak Israel is honing her already impressive cyber skills to conduct guerilla warfare. Iran is already crying about the gas explosions in recent months; blaming them on Israel but without the proof. I understand an oil refinery exploded in Lebanon this past week. (Don't know if it was cyber or what). Between our intelligence agents and our cyber stars ANYONE who sides with Hamas et al is living precariously. Wonder what AI developments are now in Israel's capable hands....In any case, our new slogan should be "Don't Mess With Us".
Great comment. This is why I admire the Israeli people, in spite the hate, the persecution and the risk of annihilation you people have always been able to overcome slave morality.
It took us 40 years wandering in the desert with Moses leading us to rid ourselves of the "slave mentality" we acquired during our 200 or so years of bondage in Egypt. Even during the centuries of persecution in Europe, when we were barred from many professions and occupations and forced to live in ghettos, we remained proud and resourceful; relying on our faith in G-d and the Jewish scriptures we carried with us from place to place. There is a lesson here for non-Jews who are currently having their cultures erased by the "woke dogma" of the left. Don't let them do it! Don't bow down to those who say that Europeans were nothing but conquerers. European countries contributed much to the advancement of civilization while many other cultures were frankly primitive. Cultures that learn from their mistakes and have a proud history of achievements should never allow themselves to be mentally "enslaved", which is sadly, what is happening now in countries with too much leftist influence and which are overrun with Muslim immigrants.
As a Rhodesian who was forced to leave a country that was built from bush to be self sufficient and the bread basket of Africa, along with thousands of other Rhodesians by terrorist backed by Russia and China. I just wish we had some support from the west. But no not any thing. Zimbabwe is on its knees led by communist dictators. I support Israel and pray that it can overcome the terroists that are attacking it. God Bless. Don Nash
I heard about Zimbabwe years ago, here’s a great example of dictatorship in action. They went from a sufficient exporter of food to a country with starving people, they can’t feed themselves anymore. Where was the righteous UN during the destruction of this country? Take by force from the productive and give to the ignorant despoilers.
It is difficult to say anything (at least anything positive, constructive and optimistic, and compassionate - the sort of things I like to be able to say), Joshua, except, well, 'another absolute masterpiece!'. And written with a biting yet telling wit. An complete pleasure to read. But I bemoan the tragic situation that has led to such masterpieces. 😭
Joshua, this belongs in your top ten of articles. Your examples of everything you've addressed is beyond reproach. All I can say is, Bravo and Am Yisrael Chai!
Joshua - Thank you for an outstanding piece! I admire people who can put into words what can only think and fume about.
Your use of "transitive property" is exactly how I wanted to get the message across - In my humble opinion, anyone against Israel in their effort to eliminate Hamas, supports Hamas. It follows as a logical conclusion that if you are not against Hamas or ANYONE calling for the destruction of Israel, then you support the brutal rape, mutilation and torture of women, savage murder of small children, the elderly, women, and men and the horrific kidnapping of innocents. They do not have the "testicular fortitude" to fight against soldiers.
Anyone who does not condemn these heinous crimes against humanity is no better than the Nazis and those who looked the other way or 'followed orders" I am dumbfounded that so-called civilized people do not speak out against or ignore these viscous acts and by doing so are complicit and guilty by association. Why can they not see the danger?
If you do not condemn Hamas’ murderous rampage to KILL JEWS, then you support it. And please do not tell me that all Palestinians are not Hamas. We have a saying in South Africa (translated) “Do not scratch the lion’s backside with a short stick”.
The West Bank settlements are stolen land. Denial of even the possibility of a Palestinian state is stolen land. In the modern era, we should not accept retention of land through conquest as valid, even if that conquest occurs by default, through defensive action. Israel should remove the West Bank settlements immediately so that the only Israeli territory is that specified in the UN partition. As for a Palestinian state, that can’t happen until the Palestinians recognize Israel’s right to exist and foreswear attacking Israel, but Israel should offer that carrot now if the Palestinians will do that, if achieving that seems remote at this point. The Israelis have some justifiable beefs with the Palestinians, but the Palestinians also have some justifiable beefs with the Israelis. Nothing justifies Hamas, however.
Israel removed the settlements in Gaza and look what we got — a terrorist fortress called Gaza. Easy for you to say this from thousands of kilometers away. Most Israelis are not in favor of trading more land for no peace. I concur.
It is not Israel's land to trade. It is land Israel acquired through war, that did not previously belong to it. Furthermore, occupying Palestinian territory with settlements does not increase Israel's security, and maybe even detracts from it.
No problem, so Egypt can take back Gaza and Jordan can take back the West Bank, as was the case before these countries waged war against Israel. (That’s what happens when you wage and lose a war — you lose land.) Oh wait, neither of those countries want these lands.
Gaza and the West Bank were to belong to an arab state, per the UN partition. And we don't do wars of conquest in the modern, even when that land is gained through defensive measures. It might be that captured territory is held militarily, pending a peace settlement, but that does not justify placing settlements on land that is not your own, but which is under your military control.
Yes, and the Arabs declined that UN plan and waged war. There are consequences for doing that. You don’t get to wage war, lose, and then “take it back” because you lost.
Yes, you do. The alternative is endless conflict and Israel acting as an occupying force forever. The US and its allies didn't hold on to the countries they defeated in WWII. Clearly, until the Palestinians will cease hostilities and recognize Israel, Israel will have to exert some military control over the Palestinian territory, but the ultimate goal should be peace and two states within the territories specified in the UN partition. Might still take some time to get there, but it is the only way. Netanyahu's game was never tenable.
When the subject of Ramadan comes up, remind one and all that the Yom Kippur War of 1973 is called the Ramadan War by the Arabs (who also think they won it on the battlefield).
In Islamic theology, Ramadan (which falls on the ninth month in the Islamic calendar) is not a designated month of peace. Quite the opposite, under some interpretations, dying for the sake of Allah during that time grants special favors. Only four months (first, seventh, eleventh and twelfth months) are designated as periods when war is prohibited but history shows that even such conventions are, as Shakespeare might say, “honored in the breach.”
I’m also pretty certain that many non-Muslims out marching in support of Hamas don’t even know that the Islamic calendar has no leap year. So they might be surprised to learn that Muslim holidays migrate around the calendar. While this year, Ramadan starts in March, in 1973 it began in late September and ended in late October.
Brilliant poece as usual. I am a Christian from UK and I support Israel and the Jewish people. God Bless you all. 🙏
I too am a Christian from the UK. Forgive me if I am missing something but where is the support for Israel from UK churches ( both liberal and evangelical)? Am I not reading enough? Or is it that we have long since sold out to Replacement Theory that what was promised to Abram in Gen 13 has been superseded? But whatever your views are this ‘fight’ is not just about a strip of land. The ramifications both for the Middle East and worldwide are enormous.
For those who read this let me quite clear I am not saying Israel has behaved impeccably. Of course they have made mistakes. We live in a fallen world so I am not excusing their mistakes. But I will pray for Israel that they would be victorious in defeating this evil which is now flexing its muscles - as we witnessed in Parliament Square last night for example.
Hear, hear David! From another UK Christian. We have so much to be ashamed of in our own Christian treatment of our Jewish brothers and sisters. Please forgive us as now we stand together with our Jewish friends here and abroad. Do not despair, you are not alone. Some of us really do mean what we say when we say, 'Never again - not on *our* watch!'.
We Jews, being the so-called "People of the Book" have a particular talent for eloquence. Although I found your essay interesting and satisfying to read, those who call for a ceasefire are unlikely to be convinced by logic and wry wit. Instead I propose that we send them the following message which is quite popular now on Jewish Facebook sites. "(To Whom It May Concern:) We are not asking you to understand us. We are not asking you to love us. We are now simply warning you: DO NOT MESS WITH US. (Signed) The Jewish People"
Very well said!!
Not to detract at all from your great essay, Josh - but it's wasted on the Western politicians calling for ceasefire. They know the facts. They know the truth. They are siding with Hamas and its puppet-masters anyway. What they aren't sure about is how Israel will react. In the past we have always conceded to demands that weren't in our favor. They still see us as "weak Jews" and figure it's better to throw us under the bus than risk the displeasure of Islamo/Leftist influences that might hurt their careers and their bank accounts. They need to know we mean business and just maybe come after them . As we speak Israel is honing her already impressive cyber skills to conduct guerilla warfare. Iran is already crying about the gas explosions in recent months; blaming them on Israel but without the proof. I understand an oil refinery exploded in Lebanon this past week. (Don't know if it was cyber or what). Between our intelligence agents and our cyber stars ANYONE who sides with Hamas et al is living precariously. Wonder what AI developments are now in Israel's capable hands....In any case, our new slogan should be "Don't Mess With Us".
Great comment. This is why I admire the Israeli people, in spite the hate, the persecution and the risk of annihilation you people have always been able to overcome slave morality.
Blessed you are!
It took us 40 years wandering in the desert with Moses leading us to rid ourselves of the "slave mentality" we acquired during our 200 or so years of bondage in Egypt. Even during the centuries of persecution in Europe, when we were barred from many professions and occupations and forced to live in ghettos, we remained proud and resourceful; relying on our faith in G-d and the Jewish scriptures we carried with us from place to place. There is a lesson here for non-Jews who are currently having their cultures erased by the "woke dogma" of the left. Don't let them do it! Don't bow down to those who say that Europeans were nothing but conquerers. European countries contributed much to the advancement of civilization while many other cultures were frankly primitive. Cultures that learn from their mistakes and have a proud history of achievements should never allow themselves to be mentally "enslaved", which is sadly, what is happening now in countries with too much leftist influence and which are overrun with Muslim immigrants.
Brava, Susan. All those who like to back a winner, take note!
I learned a long time ago that people have little patience with victims and a lot of respect for those who fight back.
As a Rhodesian who was forced to leave a country that was built from bush to be self sufficient and the bread basket of Africa, along with thousands of other Rhodesians by terrorist backed by Russia and China. I just wish we had some support from the west. But no not any thing. Zimbabwe is on its knees led by communist dictators. I support Israel and pray that it can overcome the terroists that are attacking it. God Bless. Don Nash
Thank you for sharing Don 🙏
I heard about Zimbabwe years ago, here’s a great example of dictatorship in action. They went from a sufficient exporter of food to a country with starving people, they can’t feed themselves anymore. Where was the righteous UN during the destruction of this country? Take by force from the productive and give to the ignorant despoilers.
Nailed it! Free the Hostages. Destroy Hamas. We cannot rest until we secure and ensure Israel's existence. Am Yisrael Chai.
It is difficult to say anything (at least anything positive, constructive and optimistic, and compassionate - the sort of things I like to be able to say), Joshua, except, well, 'another absolute masterpiece!'. And written with a biting yet telling wit. An complete pleasure to read. But I bemoan the tragic situation that has led to such masterpieces. 😭
*A* complete pleasure to read! Stoooooopid spell check or something. 🫢
Wow how did you get in my head and steal this essay. Bravo.
Your pen name! I can't stop laughing. Laughing is good. Thank you.
Joshua, this belongs in your top ten of articles. Your examples of everything you've addressed is beyond reproach. All I can say is, Bravo and Am Yisrael Chai!
❤️❤️❤️🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
F what anyone else thinks, you must END this completely once and for all. May God Bless you all, May God watch over your soldiers and protect them.
Ceasefire? when the hostages are home and Hamas has totally backed off.. Then mayibe
Hamas must be destroyed, not just pushed back to be able to re-arm and continue their attacks.
Bravo, Joshua. In my ongoing efforts to ‘practice gratitude’, you are up there on the list.
😘
The clearest essay or message I’ve read. Thank you
Brilliant.
🙏
Brilliant.
Joshua - Thank you for an outstanding piece! I admire people who can put into words what can only think and fume about.
Your use of "transitive property" is exactly how I wanted to get the message across - In my humble opinion, anyone against Israel in their effort to eliminate Hamas, supports Hamas. It follows as a logical conclusion that if you are not against Hamas or ANYONE calling for the destruction of Israel, then you support the brutal rape, mutilation and torture of women, savage murder of small children, the elderly, women, and men and the horrific kidnapping of innocents. They do not have the "testicular fortitude" to fight against soldiers.
Anyone who does not condemn these heinous crimes against humanity is no better than the Nazis and those who looked the other way or 'followed orders" I am dumbfounded that so-called civilized people do not speak out against or ignore these viscous acts and by doing so are complicit and guilty by association. Why can they not see the danger?
If you do not condemn Hamas’ murderous rampage to KILL JEWS, then you support it. And please do not tell me that all Palestinians are not Hamas. We have a saying in South Africa (translated) “Do not scratch the lion’s backside with a short stick”.
Am Yisrael Chai!
The West Bank settlements are stolen land. Denial of even the possibility of a Palestinian state is stolen land. In the modern era, we should not accept retention of land through conquest as valid, even if that conquest occurs by default, through defensive action. Israel should remove the West Bank settlements immediately so that the only Israeli territory is that specified in the UN partition. As for a Palestinian state, that can’t happen until the Palestinians recognize Israel’s right to exist and foreswear attacking Israel, but Israel should offer that carrot now if the Palestinians will do that, if achieving that seems remote at this point. The Israelis have some justifiable beefs with the Palestinians, but the Palestinians also have some justifiable beefs with the Israelis. Nothing justifies Hamas, however.
Israel removed the settlements in Gaza and look what we got — a terrorist fortress called Gaza. Easy for you to say this from thousands of kilometers away. Most Israelis are not in favor of trading more land for no peace. I concur.
It is not Israel's land to trade. It is land Israel acquired through war, that did not previously belong to it. Furthermore, occupying Palestinian territory with settlements does not increase Israel's security, and maybe even detracts from it.
No problem, so Egypt can take back Gaza and Jordan can take back the West Bank, as was the case before these countries waged war against Israel. (That’s what happens when you wage and lose a war — you lose land.) Oh wait, neither of those countries want these lands.
Gaza and the West Bank were to belong to an arab state, per the UN partition. And we don't do wars of conquest in the modern, even when that land is gained through defensive measures. It might be that captured territory is held militarily, pending a peace settlement, but that does not justify placing settlements on land that is not your own, but which is under your military control.
Yes, and the Arabs declined that UN plan and waged war. There are consequences for doing that. You don’t get to wage war, lose, and then “take it back” because you lost.
Yes, you do. The alternative is endless conflict and Israel acting as an occupying force forever. The US and its allies didn't hold on to the countries they defeated in WWII. Clearly, until the Palestinians will cease hostilities and recognize Israel, Israel will have to exert some military control over the Palestinian territory, but the ultimate goal should be peace and two states within the territories specified in the UN partition. Might still take some time to get there, but it is the only way. Netanyahu's game was never tenable.
When the subject of Ramadan comes up, remind one and all that the Yom Kippur War of 1973 is called the Ramadan War by the Arabs (who also think they won it on the battlefield).
In Islamic theology, Ramadan (which falls on the ninth month in the Islamic calendar) is not a designated month of peace. Quite the opposite, under some interpretations, dying for the sake of Allah during that time grants special favors. Only four months (first, seventh, eleventh and twelfth months) are designated as periods when war is prohibited but history shows that even such conventions are, as Shakespeare might say, “honored in the breach.”
I’m also pretty certain that many non-Muslims out marching in support of Hamas don’t even know that the Islamic calendar has no leap year. So they might be surprised to learn that Muslim holidays migrate around the calendar. While this year, Ramadan starts in March, in 1973 it began in late September and ended in late October.