It would be a major mistake to assume that political leaders with Jewish family members will automatically be pro-Israel and good for Jews in their country. Their policies and decency must be tested.
It's an old adage, because you are married to a Jew doesn't mean you're not an antisemite, and just because you are a Jew doesn't mean you're not an antisemite too.
Maybe instead of worrying who someone is married to or whether they have Jewish grandchildren we should judge them the old fashioned way, by their actions and deeds.
Agreed, and Trump's actions and deeds have clearly been pro-Israel and pro-Jewish. This goes back long before Ivanka married Jared Kushner and long before he was president.
“… and just because you are a Jew doesn't mean you're not an antisemite too.”
That is a mysterious, perplexing, lamentable, but true point. It seems only another Jewish person can make it, however, without risk of being tagged and vilified as ‘antisemitic’. There are many valid and understandable reasons for this reaction towards those from ‘outside the camp’ who might try to warn of internal enemies, lamenting their existence and the dangers they pose to their people. Amongst other things, however, this serves to protect and preserve such traitors and facilitate their ongoing work.
Regardless of people group, the greatest potential enemies may come from within, and betrayal from amongst one’s own is the most hurtful of all.
The Chosen People have enemies, as well as allies or friends, on every side; from amongst all nations and people groups. It is my belief, however, that the greatest enemies of the Jews are, and will be, found amongst other Jews.
I wish to G-d it wasn’t so, but I know it is. And from the Word of G-d, whether one limits oneself to the Tanakh, or extends their belief and understanding to embrace the Brit Hadasha as well, it is clear (to me, at least) that the ultimate betrayal of the Jewish people is yet to come.
But, G-d…
At the end of the day, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be found faithful and true. He will fulfill all of His promises to His people Israel, and the Son of David will rule and reign over all the world from Jerusalem. All that is hidden will be revealed, and righteousness will prevail upon the Earth.
And, as a Bible-believing Christian, I also know that the truth will be revealed about Yeshua Hamashiach; the only begotten Son of G-d, who came into our world as a modest Jew, and through whose sacrifice the redemption and healing of the whole world was made possible - for the glory of G-d.
Isaiah 53
1 “Who can believe what we have heard?
Upon whom hasthe arm of the LORD- been revealed?
2 For he has grown, by His favor, like a tree crown, like a tree trunk out of arid ground.
He had no form or beauty, that we should look at him: no charm, that we should find him pleasing.
3 He was despised, shunned by men, a man of suffering, familiar with disease.
As one who hid his face from us, He was despised, we held him of no account.
4 Yet it was our sickness that he was bearing, our suffering that he endured.
We accounted him plagued, smitten and afflicted by God; 5 but he was wounded because of our sins, crushed because of our iniquities. He bore the chastisement that made us whole, and by his bruises we were healed.
6 We all went astray like sheep, each going his own way; and the LORD visited upon him the guilt of all of us.”
7 He was maltreated, yet he was submissive, He did not open his mouth; like a sheep being led to slaughter, like a ewe, dumb before those who shear her, He did not open his mouth.
8 By oppressive judgment he was taken away, who could describe his abode?
For he was cut off from the land of the living through the sin of my people, who deserved the punishment.
9 And his grave was set among the wicked, and with the rich, in his death—though he had done no injustice and had spoken no falsehood.
10 But the LORD chose to crush him by disease, that, if he made himself an offering for guilt, He might see offspring and have long life, and thst through him the LORD's purpose might prosper.
11 Out of his anguish he shall see it;
He shall enjoy it to the full through his devotion. “My righteous servant makes the many righteous, it is their punishment that he bears; 12 assuredly, I will give him the many as his portion, He shall receive the multitude as his spoil.
For he exposed himself to death and was numbered among the sinners, whereas he bore the guilt of the many and made intercession for sinners.”
May Adonai continue to bless, protect, and save all Israel, give purity of purpose, wisdom, and courage to her leaders and her people, might and victory over her enemies to her valiant ones, and may He continue to open the eyes and change the hearts of those outside the camp, who love Him and seek to honor and please Him, especially through loving and supporting His Chosen People. Amen
It’s an interesting perspective actually about the dangers coming from within. I would say that has to do with every society. It is why the only death penalty spelled out in the US Constitution is for treason.
And as far as the Jewish antisemite. This is not a new phenomena for the Jewish People. It goes back thousands of years. You could start with Josephus Flavius.
Many psychologists try to come up for reasons for this, trying to reason why this happens. Frankly, I don’t care. it just is and it is something no society should ever accept or cater to. That is the problem with Jewish American society. Until October 7, many were happy to bring the traitors into the big tent. They found out devastatingly how that has worked out to our detriment.
Thank you for the prayers for Israel. I think what we need now is prayers for the entire west though. Because this is not just hamas versus Israel. This isn’t even Iran versus Israel. This is islamist fascism versus western democratic freedom. The problem is that the west is so inculcated with antisemitism it is happy to cut off its nose to spite its face.
EKB, I agree with all you have said, & laud Joshua Hoffman's excellently articulated article. He has, I think, tried and succeeded in not being partisan in this presentation. What I'm left with though is the same festering fear & trepidation, knowing almost surely that I cannot be certain of ; Which U.S. presidential candidate (Which U.S. presidential Anti-Semite) will be the least destructive choice for those of us Jews who champion & place the safety of our vulnerable & precious Israel, as well as the well-being of Western Jewry paramount to all other issues at this critical time? I am a Democrat with an identity-crises. I THOUGHT I was a liberal until October 7th & its fallout turned me on my head. To the chagrin of my husband, adult children, & closest community who think I've "lost it" over promoting the wildly problematic D.T., I am roiled and defensive, but not backing down. I feel as if they aren't as well informed on the accurate facts, & they are riding on superficial, vacuous Kamala sound-bites & the woke idea that this perspective Black woman president is the lesser evil (maybe even Sympatico) because she is a liberal, a Democrat, & a child of the Civil Rights movement......... I am TIRED of being torn down by the many around me for promoting what I truly believe is a less risky leader, but I stand undeterred. I need to hear from those who are also suffering this unrelenting provocation & quandary. I desperately would appreciate hearing from like-minded Jews; WHO do you believe will be the least destructive presidential Anti-Semite, & why?
I can honestly say this is how we view it according to the hubby:
Harris- better for the US overall but not every policy, not so good for Jews in general
Trump-bad for the US in general, better on Jewish issues but very volatile
Honestly I think you need to vote what’s in your heart. I have been politically homeless for 20 years now but unfortunately this is the worse I have felt.
I think I might actually vote for my dog as a protest vote
EKB, I hope you don't waste the vote on the dog, because that is allowing in gaining measure the less desirable candidate to win, & Israel can't afford to have a covertly nefarious ally.
Well I live in a deep deep blue state. So unless there is a tsunami or earthquake it’s going for Harris and there is nothing my vote will change about that
Your criticism of Trump is ridiculous. I am a US citizen but I consider Netanyahu to be "my" Prime Minister because he and I are both Jewish. I also consider Israel to belong to me, too, because I am Jewish. I think "we (Jews) are all in this together."
Here’s my take on Mr. Kaplan’s comments about Trump:
Kaplan: “…in a 2020 conversation after Rosh Hashanah, Trump told American Jewish leaders, “We really appreciate you; we also love your country.” The implication again is that Israel is their country, not the U.S. Dual loyalty is an old trope used to portray Jews as untrustworthy.”
Me: To many American Jews, Israel IS “our country”, along with the US. There is absolutely no anti-Semitism in that remark.
Kaplan: “He also leans into Nazi-like language; for example, his comments that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of the country” is classic Nazi propaganda from the 1930s.”
Me: “Nazi like”? Which Nazi speech, poster, etc. stated this? Also, although the statement is harsh, Mr. Kaplan should provide the speech or paragraph where it appeared to give us some context.
Kaplan: “Trump also entertains Holocaust deniers such as neo-Nazi podcaster Nick Fuentes, an utterly despicable human being whom Trump hosted at his Florida residence.”
Me: This is troubling, as is a recent Trump fundraiser where rabid Jew-hater Candace Owens was on the guest list until a backlash of protest apparently “uninvited” her.
Still, Trump’s actions as president did more for Israel than almost any other president’s. I’ll take actions over words any day. John F. Kennedy, who always spoke of Israel in glowing terms, tried to keep us from getting a nuclear reactor. We actually got it from France! Further, JFK tried to bog Israel’s nuclear efforts down with attempts at all kinds of “inspections” (which never took place thanks to Israeli ingenuity).
Further, Trump’s obsession with keeping US boots off the ground in the Middle East and every other foreign war is good for Israel, providing he backs it up with policies that 1) empower Israel to finish off Hamas and other Iranian proxies, and 2) help Israel deport Palestinians to their true homelands in Arab countries. One of the best things Trump did in his first term of office was to STAY OUT of any negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians; letting each party go about its business without trying to impose some insane attempt at Palestinians statehood.
In the meantime, let’s focus on getting our fellow Jews to vote for him because the Dems – with their self-hating Jewish cohorts - are killing us!
It is surprising how delusional some people are. The Democrat party is openly hostile to Israel and will turn on Israel as soon as it does not need Jewish votes. In addition, Kamala is openly anti-Semitic
Starmer's Jewish wife wasn't enough to prevent his FILTH Foreign Secretary rushing off to renew funding for Hamas via UNWRA. Antisemitic FILTH in the UK Labour government are true to their former leader Jeremy Corbyn's openly expressed sentiment "our friends in Hamas". The cleansing was just training in how to hide Jes hatred better.
It truly is very very simple, one should only judge and vote based on policy and action, nothing else matters. Unfortunately, Jews are guilty of being human like everyone else. So Blacks vote Obama cuz he is Black, Woman vote Harris cuz she is a woman. The Irish vote Ronald Reagan cuz he is Irish and the list goes on and on. That even applies by extension, it can be the spouse of the candidate that is black or Jewish or Irish .... Its always taken in consideration because in truth, one would think that spouses have a great deal of influence on each other. My take is that it is one of the characteristics that is ALWAYS taken in consideration cuz we cannot avoid being human. Lets just hope its is a very very small part of why you voted for a candidate. The overwhelming reason should be policy and action. papa j
I have never been a "sky is falling" person. I try to look at the good side of things but Jeanette, I could not agree with you more about the importance of the upcoming election. In my lifetime, I cant think of any other election that was so important for Jews, Israel and the country. papa j
The part about Trump is BS. Yes, Trump is an arrogant New Yorker but antisemitic he is not. Same goes for Nixon. He did not like some Jews but there is zero proof that he was antisemitic.
Here is a comment from a true antisemite that I saw today.
Trump is a Jew puppet.
He moved the embassy to Jerusalem. His daughter converted to Judaism and married Kushner. Trump is obsessed with being Israel’s chosen one. Don’t kid yourself dude.
“Orthodox Jew” Doug Emhoff was married twice both to Gentiles. In his first marriage his 2 kids were raised Christian. (What does that tell you about his strength of character)?
His daughter ,who champions Palestinian rights, was on display at the DNC. standing with her dad in an outlandish outfit highlighting her tattoos.
He obviously can’t control his first wife and his daughter. Looks like he will have very little sway over Kamala (if he is even pro Israel which is problematical).
Having a Jewish spouse or family member is no defense against being a Jew-hater. Wilhelm Marr, a German antisemite, who was married to three Jewish women, coined the German word "Antisemitismus" as a more refined replacement for "Judenhass."
I have no doubt that Kamala is the lesser of two evils. However she is a zero in the realm of foreign affairs/ and having a “lukewarm Jewish” husband does not assuage any of my fears of her underlying Pro- Palestinian:/ Israel ‘s “right to self defense , as long as they don’t kill anyone” stance.
Biden who had decades of international experience still can not understand Middle East mentality ( or doesn’t want to) and both of them push the tired - beat a dead horse - idea of a two state solution which nobody - most of all the Palistinians -DO NOT WANT.
In fact - I perceive it as a liability that her husband is Jewish because it only plays into the obnoxious self- hating “progressive” Jews who arrogantly puff their chests out in support of Palestinians and Hamas while not having to check the news every minute ( the way I do) to see if a rocket is going to land in my backyard.
Jews like you truly baffle me ..... You are obviously well read, you know whats happening and yet you believe that Harris is the lesser of 2 evils. This entire article was basically saying that actions and policy mean everything and talk is cheap and so is appeasement so why in common senses name would you choose the Dems over the Republicans. If you look at actions, Trump was in power for 4 years and he was without a doubt one of. the best, if not the best president IN ACTION, when it came to Jews and Israel. The Dems are hurting us daily, the parrty is getting more and more antisemitic and yet you think its the lsser of two evils!! Frankly without being rude, it sickens me when Jews like you support the Dems. Pathetic Gilda, just pathetic! papa j
I never said that I supported the Dems. I said that Harris was the lesser of two evils. I have disgust for both candidates for different reasons, and I ABHOR the progressive, liberal Jews who know nothing about what is really going on because they are inundated with propaganda and self-delusion. As I stated above, ( in a reply), Trump is a very sick person with delusions of grandeur and he certainly was not the best president for Jews or Israel. But unfortunately, if he wins, you will find that out for yourselves. And yes, do try not to be rude. This is a discussion. If we can't be civil here, then there is no hope for the rest of the world.
I agree that Kamala is dangerous to America and Israel. Trump is dangerous to humanity and civilization let alone the US. As a narcissistic, pathological individual with no interest except what is good for him, he is incapable of stopping rockets or rapists since he cannot even stop his own mouth from spewing the most indefensible ugly, moronic and dangerous utterances. This in addition to his lack of intelligence. A vote for him is a vote for the end of Democracy and the issuance of Project 2025.
Amazing! Trump is dangerous to humanity and civilization? He was President for 4 years ....... did he leave the border open to criminals, drugs, and terrorists to enter the country on a daily basis? Did he embolden Iran and let Iran get tons of money so they can use it to feed their proxies and try to destroy Israel and the Western world? Did Russia invade Ukraine when he was in power? I could go on and but it doesnt really matter Gilda ... facts will do nothing to change your mind. Keep following mainstream media and their fear mongering. His "utterances" bother you but the Democrat actions are the lesser of two evils?? His lack of Intelligence??? PLEASE! Biden couldnt say a sentence without losing it and that doesnt bother you as much as Trump. You know. what? .... i dont want to waste my time with you. Have a good life and heaven forbid if the Dems get in power for another 4 years, please make emergency plans to leave the country. papa j
It is really a pity that you can not be polite when having a discussion. It's perfectly fine to disagree but your tone is so offensive. You should learn how to respect others when making a point. And for your information, as a dual citizen I live in Israel and therefore know much more than you- what is truly going on in this present situation.
Again no facts but the claim of knowledge. You dont like my tone but how about the content of my message? I adore you sweet tone but you lack even a shred of fact. Pathetic .... i prefer a meaner tone from you and some facts because unlike you I want to learn and am open to changing my opinion. Like I said initially people like you irritate me greatly. This is such an important election and to vote based on your shallow reasons is truly sad and pathetic. Be well and be open to change and listen to both sides and not just one. Like everything else, your Project 2025 is another mainstream media scare. It is just 700 pages of suggestions, It is not policy. Trump and his campaign have disavowed themselves from it but people like you who dont bother to investigate for themselves buy into the fear mongering. Empress, you wear no clothes. papa j
For me, the most salient factor in this essay is class. I think Kaplan hit the nail on the head when he described how affluent or high status Jews may very well have no idea what it is like on the ground. That has been my experience. It's not that prominent Jews married to gentiles are in denial about the hate crime statistics since October 7 or that they are associating necessarily with the wrong people. It's that they don't understand what it is like not to have leverage. The average American Jew has no leverage. Even an Illinois Congressman who was targeted at his home recently was surprised at police inaction, and this is a state with a Jewish governor. They also don't understand what it is like not to be able to afford counsel. And they have probably never experienced the dismissals from fellow Jews when they are the target of an antisemitic attack. I have seen over and over again how average Jews who have been targeted are simply not believed, even by family members. The willingness to dismiss these incidents or even blame the victim indicates to me that levels of hopelessness and anxiety are very high. It is all well and good for someone like Deborah Lipstadt to encourage Jews to keep their Mezuzot on their doorposts. In principle, I agree, but when ours was stolen, we had no one to turn to who could offer more than kind words. Not the ADL, not the Stand with Us legal department, not the Secure Community Network.
I've been saying that for decades! Trump does this very well, a lesson he learned from Shitler, who used a secular Jew, Arthur Steinberger, who taught him all he knew, how to speak and stir up crowds!
Trump does the same thing, especially with Miller!
Jered Kushner may be Jewish, but that doesn't make Ivanka Jewish if she's Trump's daughter.
Where does the name Jew come from? Of the tribe of Judah. Where does the name Judah come from? From the Torah. From there come the twelve names that are descendants of Jacob, that is a Biological fact. The tribe of Judah was given the kingship, Levi the priesthood and Aaron's family the high priesthood. The settings and promises according to the writings. You don't convert to be a Jew, you are born, and you are born into a tribe. Either you know the background of your tribe or you don't, but you come into the tribe by birth.
Rom. 11 Which is often referred to when joining. it straightens out the corners, and is wrongly used to call those born a Gentile a Jew.
The branch is still a foreign branch, but it enjoys the water of life it has received from the roots. It does not turn a foreign branch into an olive tree, even though 97% of them say so through their speeches. Romans 11 is an allegorical description from the congregation, not about Judaism or tribalism. Romans 11 is written in a form that can be interpreted in any way, intentionally or unintentionally, in an anti-Semitic way of naming without even a shred of biological truth. But Romans 11 is also written against biological physical fact when and if we call a Gentile a Jew.
The Torah only tells about a sign that separates Abraham's seed from all other nations, no other sign can be found among people, it is circumcision on boys.
Other tribes also have circumcisions, the only difference is that they are not a tribe without Jacob's family. When the almighty father sees hearts, he is hardly blind to distinguish between one who is of the circumcised tribe and one who is not. So you can fool me, but you can't fool God, who set circumcision.
Circumcision does not prevent brothers or sisters from quarreling, hatred or war. (Jerobeam) Are flesh and blood like the rest of us. But whether the deeds are done by oneself or a spouse, a relative, to do deeds with the seed of a lie, it does not sanctify the Jew or the Gentile, but brings a greater judgment when one commits a crime under its guise.
Gentiles who are totally confused about the purpose of the Torah scriptures say they inherited the promises from the Torah through the Christian religion, not understanding that promises are useless without obligations, believing does not remove these obligations. The Egyptians ascend to the heavens in the play of Osiris, the righteous inherit the earth.
I told the letter to the Romans precisely because the Gentiles interpret it exactly on the basis you claim. The kingship is with the house of David, it does not mean leadership, nor the naming of tribes. the same deed also says that he who wants to be the greatest among you is the servant of all. In the world, this has turned upside down. Look at any country,
It is a matter of interpretation, what the two sticks mean in the context of time in history. and as for Ruth, I too am like Ruth. but that doesn't make me a Jew, even though God has given me a Hebrew identity. Biologically, I am still what I was when I was born, I got an identity like Abraham, who was a stranger like me.
When you mix two things into one, you inevitably get led astray by philosophers.
I don't decide anything, that idea belongs to the philosophers' interpretation. yes, it is the יהוה of Israel, who connects if he connects. Deuteronomy 30, a bit of a mystery to the Gentiles.
Religion as religion, Biology as biology, Torah as Torah. life being life. it is not that difficult.
When Ivankka is Trump's child, she is not Jewish, where has your biplogy disappeared to? you cannot change ethnicity. you can religion, But Judaism is not a religion.
You don't really believe what you're talking about. But it's an interesting theory, the downside is that there's no way to fit it into Tanaki's writings.
When there was a Temple in Jerusalem, everything that happened inside the Temple between the gates and the Holy of Holies was reflected all over the world. That's what some scholars have said, but no one has any historical fact to prove the theory.
However, Obadiah reveals one unseen thing, it is called God's vengeance. It could also be called karma, but the difference is human remorse, Karma does not know remorse.
It's an old adage, because you are married to a Jew doesn't mean you're not an antisemite, and just because you are a Jew doesn't mean you're not an antisemite too.
Maybe instead of worrying who someone is married to or whether they have Jewish grandchildren we should judge them the old fashioned way, by their actions and deeds.
Agreed, and Trump's actions and deeds have clearly been pro-Israel and pro-Jewish. This goes back long before Ivanka married Jared Kushner and long before he was president.
“… and just because you are a Jew doesn't mean you're not an antisemite too.”
That is a mysterious, perplexing, lamentable, but true point. It seems only another Jewish person can make it, however, without risk of being tagged and vilified as ‘antisemitic’. There are many valid and understandable reasons for this reaction towards those from ‘outside the camp’ who might try to warn of internal enemies, lamenting their existence and the dangers they pose to their people. Amongst other things, however, this serves to protect and preserve such traitors and facilitate their ongoing work.
Regardless of people group, the greatest potential enemies may come from within, and betrayal from amongst one’s own is the most hurtful of all.
The Chosen People have enemies, as well as allies or friends, on every side; from amongst all nations and people groups. It is my belief, however, that the greatest enemies of the Jews are, and will be, found amongst other Jews.
I wish to G-d it wasn’t so, but I know it is. And from the Word of G-d, whether one limits oneself to the Tanakh, or extends their belief and understanding to embrace the Brit Hadasha as well, it is clear (to me, at least) that the ultimate betrayal of the Jewish people is yet to come.
But, G-d…
At the end of the day, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be found faithful and true. He will fulfill all of His promises to His people Israel, and the Son of David will rule and reign over all the world from Jerusalem. All that is hidden will be revealed, and righteousness will prevail upon the Earth.
And, as a Bible-believing Christian, I also know that the truth will be revealed about Yeshua Hamashiach; the only begotten Son of G-d, who came into our world as a modest Jew, and through whose sacrifice the redemption and healing of the whole world was made possible - for the glory of G-d.
Isaiah 53
1 “Who can believe what we have heard?
Upon whom hasthe arm of the LORD- been revealed?
2 For he has grown, by His favor, like a tree crown, like a tree trunk out of arid ground.
He had no form or beauty, that we should look at him: no charm, that we should find him pleasing.
3 He was despised, shunned by men, a man of suffering, familiar with disease.
As one who hid his face from us, He was despised, we held him of no account.
4 Yet it was our sickness that he was bearing, our suffering that he endured.
We accounted him plagued, smitten and afflicted by God; 5 but he was wounded because of our sins, crushed because of our iniquities. He bore the chastisement that made us whole, and by his bruises we were healed.
6 We all went astray like sheep, each going his own way; and the LORD visited upon him the guilt of all of us.”
7 He was maltreated, yet he was submissive, He did not open his mouth; like a sheep being led to slaughter, like a ewe, dumb before those who shear her, He did not open his mouth.
8 By oppressive judgment he was taken away, who could describe his abode?
For he was cut off from the land of the living through the sin of my people, who deserved the punishment.
9 And his grave was set among the wicked, and with the rich, in his death—though he had done no injustice and had spoken no falsehood.
10 But the LORD chose to crush him by disease, that, if he made himself an offering for guilt, He might see offspring and have long life, and thst through him the LORD's purpose might prosper.
11 Out of his anguish he shall see it;
He shall enjoy it to the full through his devotion. “My righteous servant makes the many righteous, it is their punishment that he bears; 12 assuredly, I will give him the many as his portion, He shall receive the multitude as his spoil.
For he exposed himself to death and was numbered among the sinners, whereas he bore the guilt of the many and made intercession for sinners.”
May Adonai continue to bless, protect, and save all Israel, give purity of purpose, wisdom, and courage to her leaders and her people, might and victory over her enemies to her valiant ones, and may He continue to open the eyes and change the hearts of those outside the camp, who love Him and seek to honor and please Him, especially through loving and supporting His Chosen People. Amen
It’s an interesting perspective actually about the dangers coming from within. I would say that has to do with every society. It is why the only death penalty spelled out in the US Constitution is for treason.
And as far as the Jewish antisemite. This is not a new phenomena for the Jewish People. It goes back thousands of years. You could start with Josephus Flavius.
Many psychologists try to come up for reasons for this, trying to reason why this happens. Frankly, I don’t care. it just is and it is something no society should ever accept or cater to. That is the problem with Jewish American society. Until October 7, many were happy to bring the traitors into the big tent. They found out devastatingly how that has worked out to our detriment.
Thank you for the prayers for Israel. I think what we need now is prayers for the entire west though. Because this is not just hamas versus Israel. This isn’t even Iran versus Israel. This is islamist fascism versus western democratic freedom. The problem is that the west is so inculcated with antisemitism it is happy to cut off its nose to spite its face.
EKB, I agree with all you have said, & laud Joshua Hoffman's excellently articulated article. He has, I think, tried and succeeded in not being partisan in this presentation. What I'm left with though is the same festering fear & trepidation, knowing almost surely that I cannot be certain of ; Which U.S. presidential candidate (Which U.S. presidential Anti-Semite) will be the least destructive choice for those of us Jews who champion & place the safety of our vulnerable & precious Israel, as well as the well-being of Western Jewry paramount to all other issues at this critical time? I am a Democrat with an identity-crises. I THOUGHT I was a liberal until October 7th & its fallout turned me on my head. To the chagrin of my husband, adult children, & closest community who think I've "lost it" over promoting the wildly problematic D.T., I am roiled and defensive, but not backing down. I feel as if they aren't as well informed on the accurate facts, & they are riding on superficial, vacuous Kamala sound-bites & the woke idea that this perspective Black woman president is the lesser evil (maybe even Sympatico) because she is a liberal, a Democrat, & a child of the Civil Rights movement......... I am TIRED of being torn down by the many around me for promoting what I truly believe is a less risky leader, but I stand undeterred. I need to hear from those who are also suffering this unrelenting provocation & quandary. I desperately would appreciate hearing from like-minded Jews; WHO do you believe will be the least destructive presidential Anti-Semite, & why?
I can honestly say this is how we view it according to the hubby:
Harris- better for the US overall but not every policy, not so good for Jews in general
Trump-bad for the US in general, better on Jewish issues but very volatile
Honestly I think you need to vote what’s in your heart. I have been politically homeless for 20 years now but unfortunately this is the worse I have felt.
I think I might actually vote for my dog as a protest vote
EKB, I hope you don't waste the vote on the dog, because that is allowing in gaining measure the less desirable candidate to win, & Israel can't afford to have a covertly nefarious ally.
Well I live in a deep deep blue state. So unless there is a tsunami or earthquake it’s going for Harris and there is nothing my vote will change about that
Your criticism of Trump is ridiculous. I am a US citizen but I consider Netanyahu to be "my" Prime Minister because he and I are both Jewish. I also consider Israel to belong to me, too, because I am Jewish. I think "we (Jews) are all in this together."
Harris will follow the appeasement minded policies of Obama and Biden and sell Israel out Trump will support Israel unconditionally
Here’s my take on Mr. Kaplan’s comments about Trump:
Kaplan: “…in a 2020 conversation after Rosh Hashanah, Trump told American Jewish leaders, “We really appreciate you; we also love your country.” The implication again is that Israel is their country, not the U.S. Dual loyalty is an old trope used to portray Jews as untrustworthy.”
Me: To many American Jews, Israel IS “our country”, along with the US. There is absolutely no anti-Semitism in that remark.
Kaplan: “He also leans into Nazi-like language; for example, his comments that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of the country” is classic Nazi propaganda from the 1930s.”
Me: “Nazi like”? Which Nazi speech, poster, etc. stated this? Also, although the statement is harsh, Mr. Kaplan should provide the speech or paragraph where it appeared to give us some context.
Kaplan: “Trump also entertains Holocaust deniers such as neo-Nazi podcaster Nick Fuentes, an utterly despicable human being whom Trump hosted at his Florida residence.”
Me: This is troubling, as is a recent Trump fundraiser where rabid Jew-hater Candace Owens was on the guest list until a backlash of protest apparently “uninvited” her.
Still, Trump’s actions as president did more for Israel than almost any other president’s. I’ll take actions over words any day. John F. Kennedy, who always spoke of Israel in glowing terms, tried to keep us from getting a nuclear reactor. We actually got it from France! Further, JFK tried to bog Israel’s nuclear efforts down with attempts at all kinds of “inspections” (which never took place thanks to Israeli ingenuity).
Further, Trump’s obsession with keeping US boots off the ground in the Middle East and every other foreign war is good for Israel, providing he backs it up with policies that 1) empower Israel to finish off Hamas and other Iranian proxies, and 2) help Israel deport Palestinians to their true homelands in Arab countries. One of the best things Trump did in his first term of office was to STAY OUT of any negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians; letting each party go about its business without trying to impose some insane attempt at Palestinians statehood.
In the meantime, let’s focus on getting our fellow Jews to vote for him because the Dems – with their self-hating Jewish cohorts - are killing us!
It is surprising how delusional some people are. The Democrat party is openly hostile to Israel and will turn on Israel as soon as it does not need Jewish votes. In addition, Kamala is openly anti-Semitic
Starmer's Jewish wife wasn't enough to prevent his FILTH Foreign Secretary rushing off to renew funding for Hamas via UNWRA. Antisemitic FILTH in the UK Labour government are true to their former leader Jeremy Corbyn's openly expressed sentiment "our friends in Hamas". The cleansing was just training in how to hide Jes hatred better.
It truly is very very simple, one should only judge and vote based on policy and action, nothing else matters. Unfortunately, Jews are guilty of being human like everyone else. So Blacks vote Obama cuz he is Black, Woman vote Harris cuz she is a woman. The Irish vote Ronald Reagan cuz he is Irish and the list goes on and on. That even applies by extension, it can be the spouse of the candidate that is black or Jewish or Irish .... Its always taken in consideration because in truth, one would think that spouses have a great deal of influence on each other. My take is that it is one of the characteristics that is ALWAYS taken in consideration cuz we cannot avoid being human. Lets just hope its is a very very small part of why you voted for a candidate. The overwhelming reason should be policy and action. papa j
"Should be," but we know what superficial reasons people DO largely vote for a particular candidate. Unfortunately, there's too much at stake here.
I have never been a "sky is falling" person. I try to look at the good side of things but Jeanette, I could not agree with you more about the importance of the upcoming election. In my lifetime, I cant think of any other election that was so important for Jews, Israel and the country. papa j
If coffee was an alcohol, you would be getting this response from a drunk!
Have a great day as well. ahimsa papa j
The part about Trump is BS. Yes, Trump is an arrogant New Yorker but antisemitic he is not. Same goes for Nixon. He did not like some Jews but there is zero proof that he was antisemitic.
Here is a comment from a true antisemite that I saw today.
Trump is a Jew puppet.
He moved the embassy to Jerusalem. His daughter converted to Judaism and married Kushner. Trump is obsessed with being Israel’s chosen one. Don’t kid yourself dude.
“Orthodox Jew” Doug Emhoff was married twice both to Gentiles. In his first marriage his 2 kids were raised Christian. (What does that tell you about his strength of character)?
His daughter ,who champions Palestinian rights, was on display at the DNC. standing with her dad in an outlandish outfit highlighting her tattoos.
He obviously can’t control his first wife and his daughter. Looks like he will have very little sway over Kamala (if he is even pro Israel which is problematical).
Having a Jewish spouse or family member is no defense against being a Jew-hater. Wilhelm Marr, a German antisemite, who was married to three Jewish women, coined the German word "Antisemitismus" as a more refined replacement for "Judenhass."
I have no doubt that Kamala is the lesser of two evils. However she is a zero in the realm of foreign affairs/ and having a “lukewarm Jewish” husband does not assuage any of my fears of her underlying Pro- Palestinian:/ Israel ‘s “right to self defense , as long as they don’t kill anyone” stance.
Biden who had decades of international experience still can not understand Middle East mentality ( or doesn’t want to) and both of them push the tired - beat a dead horse - idea of a two state solution which nobody - most of all the Palistinians -DO NOT WANT.
In fact - I perceive it as a liability that her husband is Jewish because it only plays into the obnoxious self- hating “progressive” Jews who arrogantly puff their chests out in support of Palestinians and Hamas while not having to check the news every minute ( the way I do) to see if a rocket is going to land in my backyard.
Jews like you truly baffle me ..... You are obviously well read, you know whats happening and yet you believe that Harris is the lesser of 2 evils. This entire article was basically saying that actions and policy mean everything and talk is cheap and so is appeasement so why in common senses name would you choose the Dems over the Republicans. If you look at actions, Trump was in power for 4 years and he was without a doubt one of. the best, if not the best president IN ACTION, when it came to Jews and Israel. The Dems are hurting us daily, the parrty is getting more and more antisemitic and yet you think its the lsser of two evils!! Frankly without being rude, it sickens me when Jews like you support the Dems. Pathetic Gilda, just pathetic! papa j
I never said that I supported the Dems. I said that Harris was the lesser of two evils. I have disgust for both candidates for different reasons, and I ABHOR the progressive, liberal Jews who know nothing about what is really going on because they are inundated with propaganda and self-delusion. As I stated above, ( in a reply), Trump is a very sick person with delusions of grandeur and he certainly was not the best president for Jews or Israel. But unfortunately, if he wins, you will find that out for yourselves. And yes, do try not to be rude. This is a discussion. If we can't be civil here, then there is no hope for the rest of the world.
If you vote for Kackles you get what you deserve. Unfortunately, the rest of us are along for the drive.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
I agree that Kamala is dangerous to America and Israel. Trump is dangerous to humanity and civilization let alone the US. As a narcissistic, pathological individual with no interest except what is good for him, he is incapable of stopping rockets or rapists since he cannot even stop his own mouth from spewing the most indefensible ugly, moronic and dangerous utterances. This in addition to his lack of intelligence. A vote for him is a vote for the end of Democracy and the issuance of Project 2025.
Amazing! Trump is dangerous to humanity and civilization? He was President for 4 years ....... did he leave the border open to criminals, drugs, and terrorists to enter the country on a daily basis? Did he embolden Iran and let Iran get tons of money so they can use it to feed their proxies and try to destroy Israel and the Western world? Did Russia invade Ukraine when he was in power? I could go on and but it doesnt really matter Gilda ... facts will do nothing to change your mind. Keep following mainstream media and their fear mongering. His "utterances" bother you but the Democrat actions are the lesser of two evils?? His lack of Intelligence??? PLEASE! Biden couldnt say a sentence without losing it and that doesnt bother you as much as Trump. You know. what? .... i dont want to waste my time with you. Have a good life and heaven forbid if the Dems get in power for another 4 years, please make emergency plans to leave the country. papa j
It is really a pity that you can not be polite when having a discussion. It's perfectly fine to disagree but your tone is so offensive. You should learn how to respect others when making a point. And for your information, as a dual citizen I live in Israel and therefore know much more than you- what is truly going on in this present situation.
Apparently, you don't know more, Gilda. Continue with your nap.
Again no facts but the claim of knowledge. You dont like my tone but how about the content of my message? I adore you sweet tone but you lack even a shred of fact. Pathetic .... i prefer a meaner tone from you and some facts because unlike you I want to learn and am open to changing my opinion. Like I said initially people like you irritate me greatly. This is such an important election and to vote based on your shallow reasons is truly sad and pathetic. Be well and be open to change and listen to both sides and not just one. Like everything else, your Project 2025 is another mainstream media scare. It is just 700 pages of suggestions, It is not policy. Trump and his campaign have disavowed themselves from it but people like you who dont bother to investigate for themselves buy into the fear mongering. Empress, you wear no clothes. papa j
For me, the most salient factor in this essay is class. I think Kaplan hit the nail on the head when he described how affluent or high status Jews may very well have no idea what it is like on the ground. That has been my experience. It's not that prominent Jews married to gentiles are in denial about the hate crime statistics since October 7 or that they are associating necessarily with the wrong people. It's that they don't understand what it is like not to have leverage. The average American Jew has no leverage. Even an Illinois Congressman who was targeted at his home recently was surprised at police inaction, and this is a state with a Jewish governor. They also don't understand what it is like not to be able to afford counsel. And they have probably never experienced the dismissals from fellow Jews when they are the target of an antisemitic attack. I have seen over and over again how average Jews who have been targeted are simply not believed, even by family members. The willingness to dismiss these incidents or even blame the victim indicates to me that levels of hopelessness and anxiety are very high. It is all well and good for someone like Deborah Lipstadt to encourage Jews to keep their Mezuzot on their doorposts. In principle, I agree, but when ours was stolen, we had no one to turn to who could offer more than kind words. Not the ADL, not the Stand with Us legal department, not the Secure Community Network.
Maybe trump is right and I should just move to Israel
god will choose the best candidate for us
I've been saying that for decades! Trump does this very well, a lesson he learned from Shitler, who used a secular Jew, Arthur Steinberger, who taught him all he knew, how to speak and stir up crowds!
Trump does the same thing, especially with Miller!
Jered Kushner may be Jewish, but that doesn't make Ivanka Jewish if she's Trump's daughter.
Where does the name Jew come from? Of the tribe of Judah. Where does the name Judah come from? From the Torah. From there come the twelve names that are descendants of Jacob, that is a Biological fact. The tribe of Judah was given the kingship, Levi the priesthood and Aaron's family the high priesthood. The settings and promises according to the writings. You don't convert to be a Jew, you are born, and you are born into a tribe. Either you know the background of your tribe or you don't, but you come into the tribe by birth.
Rom. 11 Which is often referred to when joining. it straightens out the corners, and is wrongly used to call those born a Gentile a Jew.
The branch is still a foreign branch, but it enjoys the water of life it has received from the roots. It does not turn a foreign branch into an olive tree, even though 97% of them say so through their speeches. Romans 11 is an allegorical description from the congregation, not about Judaism or tribalism. Romans 11 is written in a form that can be interpreted in any way, intentionally or unintentionally, in an anti-Semitic way of naming without even a shred of biological truth. But Romans 11 is also written against biological physical fact when and if we call a Gentile a Jew.
The Torah only tells about a sign that separates Abraham's seed from all other nations, no other sign can be found among people, it is circumcision on boys.
Other tribes also have circumcisions, the only difference is that they are not a tribe without Jacob's family. When the almighty father sees hearts, he is hardly blind to distinguish between one who is of the circumcised tribe and one who is not. So you can fool me, but you can't fool God, who set circumcision.
Circumcision does not prevent brothers or sisters from quarreling, hatred or war. (Jerobeam) Are flesh and blood like the rest of us. But whether the deeds are done by oneself or a spouse, a relative, to do deeds with the seed of a lie, it does not sanctify the Jew or the Gentile, but brings a greater judgment when one commits a crime under its guise.
Gentiles who are totally confused about the purpose of the Torah scriptures say they inherited the promises from the Torah through the Christian religion, not understanding that promises are useless without obligations, believing does not remove these obligations. The Egyptians ascend to the heavens in the play of Osiris, the righteous inherit the earth.
Blessings to Israel and Jerusalem.
I told the letter to the Romans precisely because the Gentiles interpret it exactly on the basis you claim. The kingship is with the house of David, it does not mean leadership, nor the naming of tribes. the same deed also says that he who wants to be the greatest among you is the servant of all. In the world, this has turned upside down. Look at any country,
It is a matter of interpretation, what the two sticks mean in the context of time in history. and as for Ruth, I too am like Ruth. but that doesn't make me a Jew, even though God has given me a Hebrew identity. Biologically, I am still what I was when I was born, I got an identity like Abraham, who was a stranger like me.
When you mix two things into one, you inevitably get led astray by philosophers.
I don't decide anything, that idea belongs to the philosophers' interpretation. yes, it is the יהוה of Israel, who connects if he connects. Deuteronomy 30, a bit of a mystery to the Gentiles.
Religion as religion, Biology as biology, Torah as Torah. life being life. it is not that difficult.
When Ivankka is Trump's child, she is not Jewish, where has your biplogy disappeared to? you cannot change ethnicity. you can religion, But Judaism is not a religion.
You don't really believe what you're talking about. But it's an interesting theory, the downside is that there's no way to fit it into Tanaki's writings.
When there was a Temple in Jerusalem, everything that happened inside the Temple between the gates and the Holy of Holies was reflected all over the world. That's what some scholars have said, but no one has any historical fact to prove the theory.
However, Obadiah reveals one unseen thing, it is called God's vengeance. It could also be called karma, but the difference is human remorse, Karma does not know remorse.