We Jews who still care about this explosion of antisemitism (I deliberately exclude the ex-Jews of the left who have traded their Judaism and solidarity as a people for the Marxist siren song) should universally agree to refer to Spain by its old name in recognition of its emerging cultural/religious future-Al Andalus. Maybe if it appears in print (or pixels) enough, the non-crazy residents of the Iberian Peninsula will begin to wake up.
"Historical illiteracy" is rampant withing the hate Israel crowd. The protesters are engaging in a concocted hate for the Jewish state which seems to me to be highlighted by their professionally made signs. These clowns forget what Israel has had to suffer since 1948. "Moral authority is not declared; it is earned" and Sanchez and many others constantly trumpet that they're good but Israel is bad and ignore what Israel suffers daily. The murders of the Uyghurs in Red China hold no interest for these screamers because that country ignores the criticism. Israel is a small country and that's easy for these mental simpletons forgetting that Israel has to constantly fight for its survival.
I agree with every word except, "Spain deserves better than a leader who treats it so casually, and so does the truth."
I admire that you are looking at the people in the best possible light, but I think it's undeserved. Spain appears to be an even more deeply Jewhating country than Ireland. Did you see that video from the recent festival with Spaniard after Spaniard cackling about how funny killing Jews is; or the other one where the townsfolk burned Netanyahu festooned with the Start of David vin effigy? When (if) the Spanish people start to speak up against this toxic hatred and scapegoating, then I'll agree they deserve better.
Nachum, excellent article. What stands out to me is how often Israel becomes the perfect distraction for weak leaders with domestic problems. Attack Israel, posture as morally superior, and suddenly the media stops focusing on your failures at home.
But this goes beyond Spain. We see it across Europe and increasingly in parts of North America as well. Israel has become the safest target in global politics — low risk, high applause from certain audiences.
And once again, we come back to the same issue: our enemies are far better at shaping narratives than we are. Until we build a far more serious strategy to fight the propaganda war, this pattern will continue.
It seems that Europe is once again in the jew hate zone. It shouldn't distract from the war and although disappointing, full steam ahead. It's our land. Done explaining.
Political discourse often involves the strategic redirection of public attention.
Usually political leaders may identify external factors and scapegoating such as the Jews or Israel to attribute challenges or setbacks.
This approach aims to shift focus away from their own corruption, incompetence, internal shortcomings or policy deficiencies.
Such tactics can influence public perception and opinion. Ultimately, these strategies are employed within the broader landscape of political communication, especially in Leftist Democratic states.
It seems to me that the same dynamic that Mr. Kaplan described in Spain is also playing out in South Africa. That is, in order to deflect from their own corruption and horrific historical social practices, these countries project their worst traits onto Israel since it is vulnerable on the world stage due to being the only Jewish state. For instance, South Africa was known as an apartheid state in the past. In order to turn attention away from that historical atrocity, they project their erstwhile practice onto Israel. In this way, when unthinking people hear the word "apartheid," they will think of Israel rather than South Africa.
I would love to see a Substack on the complexity of my current American president. What’s so utterly fascinating and confusing to me is that in America we have Trump, who, on the one hand, takes a sledgehammer to things like immigration and trade, and on the other hand, has been supportive of Israel’s ability to defend itself in ways I don’t remember any Democratic president being. Republican Presidents have a much better track record overall in supporting Israel’s right and ability to defend itself, from what I can tell, at least in my lifetime. I was never a full on “leftie”, but I was much more on that side of the political spectrum until a year or so ago. I’m much more willing to take a deep breath and look at what’s really going on with American politicians. Bernie Sanders scares the sh*t out of me. Vis a vis Israel, I’m much happier that Trump is in office, even though I can’t stand the fact that he seems so unhinged much of the time.
Vis a vis Spain, or any other country where antisemitism runs rampant, how sad that the Spanish people cannot see (yet???) that they use antisemitism as a shield against looking at their country’s own immortality.
Very well said. In the end result, Trump will be lauded as a great president for taking action against Iran and with by means of a double play, China. Two for one!! Understand the strategy.
I’m really looking forward to watching the replay of Nachum’s talk about China, its role in the Middle East, etc. I was working (forgive me!) and couldn’t tune in to listen and watch in real time.
Decolonization represents the dismantling of the Ottoman Empire following World War I. A right to self-determination was afforded to all nations. While the sovereignty of nations like Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Lebanon—all established after WWI—is never questioned, only Israel’s legitimacy was and is scrutinized. It has always been and still is Arab violence against Jews. This is the double standard politicians, media and universities justify.
We Jews who still care about this explosion of antisemitism (I deliberately exclude the ex-Jews of the left who have traded their Judaism and solidarity as a people for the Marxist siren song) should universally agree to refer to Spain by its old name in recognition of its emerging cultural/religious future-Al Andalus. Maybe if it appears in print (or pixels) enough, the non-crazy residents of the Iberian Peninsula will begin to wake up.
"Historical illiteracy" is rampant withing the hate Israel crowd. The protesters are engaging in a concocted hate for the Jewish state which seems to me to be highlighted by their professionally made signs. These clowns forget what Israel has had to suffer since 1948. "Moral authority is not declared; it is earned" and Sanchez and many others constantly trumpet that they're good but Israel is bad and ignore what Israel suffers daily. The murders of the Uyghurs in Red China hold no interest for these screamers because that country ignores the criticism. Israel is a small country and that's easy for these mental simpletons forgetting that Israel has to constantly fight for its survival.
I agree with every word except, "Spain deserves better than a leader who treats it so casually, and so does the truth."
I admire that you are looking at the people in the best possible light, but I think it's undeserved. Spain appears to be an even more deeply Jewhating country than Ireland. Did you see that video from the recent festival with Spaniard after Spaniard cackling about how funny killing Jews is; or the other one where the townsfolk burned Netanyahu festooned with the Start of David vin effigy? When (if) the Spanish people start to speak up against this toxic hatred and scapegoating, then I'll agree they deserve better.
Until then, fuck Spain.
Totally agree
Nachum, excellent article. What stands out to me is how often Israel becomes the perfect distraction for weak leaders with domestic problems. Attack Israel, posture as morally superior, and suddenly the media stops focusing on your failures at home.
But this goes beyond Spain. We see it across Europe and increasingly in parts of North America as well. Israel has become the safest target in global politics — low risk, high applause from certain audiences.
And once again, we come back to the same issue: our enemies are far better at shaping narratives than we are. Until we build a far more serious strategy to fight the propaganda war, this pattern will continue.
It seems that Europe is once again in the jew hate zone. It shouldn't distract from the war and although disappointing, full steam ahead. It's our land. Done explaining.
Political discourse often involves the strategic redirection of public attention.
Usually political leaders may identify external factors and scapegoating such as the Jews or Israel to attribute challenges or setbacks.
This approach aims to shift focus away from their own corruption, incompetence, internal shortcomings or policy deficiencies.
Such tactics can influence public perception and opinion. Ultimately, these strategies are employed within the broader landscape of political communication, especially in Leftist Democratic states.
It seems to me that the same dynamic that Mr. Kaplan described in Spain is also playing out in South Africa. That is, in order to deflect from their own corruption and horrific historical social practices, these countries project their worst traits onto Israel since it is vulnerable on the world stage due to being the only Jewish state. For instance, South Africa was known as an apartheid state in the past. In order to turn attention away from that historical atrocity, they project their erstwhile practice onto Israel. In this way, when unthinking people hear the word "apartheid," they will think of Israel rather than South Africa.
SA is more corrupt now than years ago. It will collapse as a regime. Unthinking people will not change. That's most of the world.
I would love to see a Substack on the complexity of my current American president. What’s so utterly fascinating and confusing to me is that in America we have Trump, who, on the one hand, takes a sledgehammer to things like immigration and trade, and on the other hand, has been supportive of Israel’s ability to defend itself in ways I don’t remember any Democratic president being. Republican Presidents have a much better track record overall in supporting Israel’s right and ability to defend itself, from what I can tell, at least in my lifetime. I was never a full on “leftie”, but I was much more on that side of the political spectrum until a year or so ago. I’m much more willing to take a deep breath and look at what’s really going on with American politicians. Bernie Sanders scares the sh*t out of me. Vis a vis Israel, I’m much happier that Trump is in office, even though I can’t stand the fact that he seems so unhinged much of the time.
Vis a vis Spain, or any other country where antisemitism runs rampant, how sad that the Spanish people cannot see (yet???) that they use antisemitism as a shield against looking at their country’s own immortality.
Very well said. In the end result, Trump will be lauded as a great president for taking action against Iran and with by means of a double play, China. Two for one!! Understand the strategy.
I think I get your name … mishugeneh! Are you a Michigander, too?
I’m really looking forward to watching the replay of Nachum’s talk about China, its role in the Middle East, etc. I was working (forgive me!) and couldn’t tune in to listen and watch in real time.
Decolonization represents the dismantling of the Ottoman Empire following World War I. A right to self-determination was afforded to all nations. While the sovereignty of nations like Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Lebanon—all established after WWI—is never questioned, only Israel’s legitimacy was and is scrutinized. It has always been and still is Arab violence against Jews. This is the double standard politicians, media and universities justify.
Couldn't agree more . Spain, Ireland, Norway among others are all under some kind of Jew Hating psychosis.