I have a dilemma. I am not Jewish. My wife is Jewish, as are my children, as are my grandchildren. My daughter and one grandson live in Israel and my son-in-law is a soldier in the IDF on the northern border (G-d please keep him safe). 75% of my Jewish friends are Reform while 25% are Chabad Lubavich. I write occasional op-eds in the local newspaper and I was agonizing over my next one. Here in the U.S. we have an election in 5 weeks. My Reform Jewish friends insist on voting for the party that makes common cause with terrorists. They know my political opinions; however, in the effort to maintain friendships, especially for my wife, until now I have kept my mouth shut. After reading this post by Gavrielle, friendships will have to take a back seat to "my truth" as some folks like to say. Early voting starts this week. The op-ed will be written soon. Thanks for reinforcing my judgment and for the clarity.
Thank you so much for this message! Please share the OpEd with us when it’s written. We have a vibrant community of support in chat where I think you’ll find community. One of the lines I have used often since October 7 I think applies here:
There are times when you must speak,
Not because you are going to change the other person,
80 years old. Been once in Israel. The land was given by covenant to Abraham and his seed. To paraphrase the speaking of the God of Israel through the prophet Jeremiah — IF you can nullify my covenant concerning the sun by day and the moon by night and the heavenly bodies….. THEN I will break my covenant with the seed of David and Levi and Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.
Here in the US we have some blind fools who call themselves Christian nationalists and suppose that covenant to have been nullified.
I’d like to have enough strength left to return to Israel and be of some small assistance just before the Messiah returns to destroy the resistance to His allotment of the land and establish His rule over the earth.
One of the most heartfelt, powerful and - yes - beautiful - essays I’ve read. I wake up each day with dread about what news awaits about Israel, about twisted hatred. Today I felt uplifted by your words. Thank you.
Engaging in "civilized" discussions a la Pierce Morgan, as if there were two sides with equally valid argument is foolish and dangerous. It unintentionally legitimizes the barbarians. They can all rot in helll. They have their "logical" arguments and the UN and the ICJ, a bunch of Jew haters one and all, and we have the IDF. My slogan is not "never again". My slogan is "shut the fuck up", here come the F16's :)
Please check out Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s “The Iron Wall” 8 pages of well written Zionist literature. BTW Bibi’s dad was his secretary. Can be found online easily delivered almost exactly 100 years before 10/7
Will check it out for sure. In the early 70s I dated a beautiful young woman whose father was Ben Gurion's secretary. No love lost between Jabo and Ben Gurion 😆
I see it as a JDL call for self defense as this is where we exist — we are mighty because we have to be. We are the opposite of our enemies who wish us dead because we exist. We will not hesitate to take out those who come to slice our throats. We will defend ourselves against those who strive to destroy us. No explaining. No excuses.
I believe there's a verse somewhere in the Bible (biblical scholars help me out here), something like "He will smite them with mighty anger..." or some poetic words to that effect. If we are the Chosen People, we are now choosing to show our enemies the stuff we're made of.
Its a wonderful article for all of us to read. I think Gavriella touches on all the emotions many of us have gone thru since Oct 7th. I always look for something that an article may overlook and leave out that I feel is important. In this case, its a message to use all the emotions that you feel and to take action. To get involved, to fight, to send emails, to make phone calls, to demonstrate, to make your voices heard.
Yes, history has shown that it treats Jews terribly but it is different now. Very different. We now have a country that is ours, that is incredibly strong and powerful, a place of refuge if things get unbearable where you might live in the Diaspora. So let us always deal from a position of strength and not weakness.
I dont think my comment applies to many of you. The fact that your read FOJ and the fact that you make comments, I can safely assume that the overwhelming majority of you are involved. My message is directed to many of your Jewish friends and family members who don't get involved. Who whine and cry about the state of affairs but do nothing. My brother is afraid of losing his job so he doesnt get involved, my Jewish friends say "don't have the time" or some other lame excuse. Go after them, don't let them off easy. Treat them the same or even harder than you would treat your non-Jewish friends who say and do nothing. Tell your religious ones that prayer is not enuf and doesn't count as action.
The silence of non-Jews is hurtful, the silence of Jews is infuriating and inexcusable.
I always read your comments on Future of Jewish and agree with you. All my Jewish friends are drinking the Democratic Party and LA Times Kool Aid. In reality, I have no friends. Last night, I had to explain to my closest friend what Substack is!!! No interest. I am extremely fortunate to have a brilliant, loving and caring husband. He is a Scientist who gave up his Christian religion in the first year of college while taking a Philosophy class. He supports my involvement in Judaism, has led Seders and knows the songs and prayers. He and I love Israel, especially after our trip there in 2019. He is the best and only person I can discuss what’s going on now with…he gives me articles, has introduced the Good Fellows to me from Stanford, Victor Davis Hanson and many others. A huge different education for me! BTW recommended to all of you. And Gaviella is right, most people I know have looked away including all the Progressives at our synagogue. Wishing you all a sweet New Year. Wish we could meet up in person. Am Yisrael Chai ❤️🇮🇱💪
Your story is endearing, enduring. This is exactly where many of us are: alone or feeling it, in our ability to believe what our eyes see and know it is time to rise up and fight. We will all meet and dance in the street. ❤️🕎
Thank you so much for your support of Israel and the Jewish people. Please consider this support when you go out and vote this year. It’s never meant more. xo
Robbin, I am very much removed from the Jewish scene. I am agnostic and havent been inside a shul in decades. The vast majority of people I deal with are non-Jews and my wife is Scottish. The few Jewish friends I have are secular and I guess do the once or twice a year shul service and thats it for them. On the other hand, my family is orthodox so I guess I would be the black sheep of the family. Even weirder, My mother is Italian anc converted to Judaism. Long story. For me the love of Jews and Israel stems probably from the antisemitism I encountered as a kid. Another long story. Getting to your point, I was pretty much shocked how so many of the Jewish people that I know are doing exactly what you said. They drink from the Times, WaPo, CNN kool aid and just dont want to acknowledge what is going or in many cases just dont want to get involved.
Have I lost friends, both Jewish and Non-Jewish .... for sure but frankly, I consider that a badge of honor. Too old to worry and certainly to old to care for people like that. I look at at as a real Spring cleaning,
I am ranting and now forget the point i am trying to make. I hope you take pride in what you are doing. I certainly have much respect for you and all of us that are taking action and fighting the good fight.
Its nice to go to bed and feel good about yourself, it really is.
all the best Robbin and oh, thank you for joining the Facebook group. I hope you are enjoying it.
Gabrielle- this is such a beautiful and meaningful piece or writing. You said it all: what is really troubling me right now is the apathy of other Jews. Many Jews found their Jewish identity after 10/7 and embraced it. Many I see going on as usual - not because they agree with the haters, but because they don’t think it’s relevant to them. That also means they are not experiencing any pain at the death and torture of other Jews. They are not “activists”. Maybe they care and are just not sharing with me? You touched on this and it’s heavy on my mind.
Thank you. A historic fact I share when people are grappling with progressive Western Jews who are literally supporting candidates who call for and encourage the annihilation of our own people is this: when the Jewish people were offered freedom from 500 years of brutal slavery in Egypt, 80% stayed as slaves, by choice. The Jewish people of today and all the rich heritage given during Sinai and upon coming to Israel thousands of years ago is the 20% who embraced freedom. The campus supporters are the 80% who stayed as slaves.
This is not true. Many European Jews emigrated to Israel and became BOTH Peaceniks and War-strong Right-wing. It may suit a certain Narrative to say the Diaspora 'Stayed Slaves' to Assimilated society. But Many in the diaspora are Right-wing Zionists now, because they are seeing how parts of Europe have succumbed to Nazism once again.
I didn’t say the diaspora stayed slaves. I said Jews who support leaders and policies that call for their annihilation are not acting in the interests of self preservation like the Jews who chose slavery.
Please be clearer then. Israel needs Jews who are Zionists in The Diaspora too. I was a Liberal until I became an Anti-Fascist and was then witness to the Re-Formation of The Nazi Party here in Europe when I was on the job. Now I have been successful in this, because I presently live in the Diaspora, and because we have now informed people that European Nazi Elements in The State have re-formed The Nazi Party, I will be making Aliyah for my safety.
I think there is a lot of need for both the Jewish and non Jewish people both in Israel and in the diaspora. I say often that this is a marathon relay, none of us can carry it all, we have to share the load and know this is a long one. I am now in Israel doing work here, after a lifetime in the diaspora.
Maybe I’m being too harsh. I am working with an Israeli client who lives in Tel-Aviv. All we talk about is business. He seems fine. But I guess he get street credit just for living in Israel. I guess life goes on- but it shouldn’t.
Thanks, Gavriella. I hope readers will carve the following words from your essay into their psyches: “I hope that we have at least set aside the incessant craving for the non-Jewish world to like, care about, or want to understand us. The world hates us far more than you will accept. And it does not at all matter. Politically, economically, socially the world will support and protect those whom it needs. The world needs a strong Israel. The world needs smart Jews. This is not a popularity contest. Let it go.”
We cherish people like you Rebekah. Let's hope and pray that goodness finally starts winning. It will when enough people rise up and say enough is enough. Right now, the darkness threatens everyone of good will and, as Jews, we cannot be cowed by the politicians, academics and mainstream media who promote the false narratives. Our existence depends on it.
Not to fear. He who watches over Israel never slumbers nor sleeps. Even when we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, He is still there and still helping.
I am out of breath, Gavriella. That "the world hates us far more than we will accept" is devastating, yet true. I keep asking myself (and others) why???? Why? I guess you've answered the eternal question. Thank you. I am out of breath.
Excellent article link 👆🏻just read! You missed a recent historical goody: the 1972 White House Oval Office tapes of Nixon and Billy Graham making fun of Jews, stereotyping just short of the blood libels … same insidious hatred. Which is now quite blossomed in America.
Betrayal: the Jews feel it. Always giving (because they are imbued with intellect, compassion, a sense of justice. Does the world remember (or acknowledge) the countless medical discoveries, the academic talent, the joy of artistic gifts ... none of these? This is exhausting - the never ending vitriolic hatred, the needless forays into torture, pain, insult .. no more. Israel should keep its "gifts" for its own people and shun those cries for help (and they will return). I have no empathy or sympathy left. If Islam can only keep itself afloat by use of such inhumane tactics, then Israel should become isolated (isn't Switzerland? Lichtenstein, or those few small countries that care nothing, do nothing ... and the thought of a world without Jews should strike terror into the hearts of all people: Jews are not only the canary in the mines, they provide the conscience, the link to humanity. There may never be a lesson learned; time for the dinosaurs to return.
Years ago Ayn Rand wrote a long novel called “Atlas Shrugged.” The idea was that if Atlas, who was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, just shrugged off the burden, the world would be left to fend for itself, aka take responsibility for its own messes. Perhaps it is time for the Jewish people to just shrug.
The power and emotion of your writing brought tears to my eyes. Thank you and keep it up. You are painting a very meaningful picture of the Israel you are experiencing.
I believe you covered it all. As a non-denominational Christian I have not turned away. I was never exposed to antisemitism growing up in the southern U.S. and during WWII my uncle wrote home about what he witnessed with General Patton liberating the camps so I did grow up with an inkling of ‘something about Jews’. As an adult and a grass roots worker for Bobby Kennedy’s California campaign big change was in the air. After his murder in June 1968 by Arab Sirhan Sirhan, I spent a month in Israel where my views were drastically altered. A visit to Yad Vashem can do that to even those educated about the Holocaust. I went to Israel a peacenik and left a supporter of Zionism, in love with Israel and her people ever since. I have watched the documentaries of October 7 shown on the IZZY channel…several in real time as lone IDF soldiers learned of the slaughter and raced to the scene, encountering some remaining Hamas still in the kibbutzim. From the first responders, ambulance drivers, survivors, to the Coronors and the volunteers who prepared bodies for burial, it’s all there for those who will look. There’s a separate film of Israeli women discussing rape as well. I watch not only because of feeling deep connection with Israelis but with the knowledge that it’s already here. I will vote for our only hope next month. A straight red ticket for the U.S. and Israel.
As a Jew,if I lived in London, (where my mother’s side is from), I would move out of the UK now. I don’t want to have to explain to my grandchildren why I didn’t leave earlier. I 100% agree with your letter and have since mid-October, 2023.
So much to admire about this article. And many deep truths.
Then I got to this sentence: ‘By the time they burn Jewish babies and the world looks away, it has already started’.
What jarred was that just last night, news footage showed - not just reported, SHOWED - Israeli troops setting fire to Gazan homes. It SHOWED the arms of young Palestinians waving, alive and burning, above the scorched villages.
War is ugly, always and of course. But to continue claiming the world’s no1 victim slot - when your nation’s army is committing its own atrocities - is wrong, and alienating, as reflected by the comments of another letter-writer: My slogan is not "never again". My slogan is "shut the fuck up", here come the F16's :)
My take is different. My reaction to 10/7 was visceral anger. I wasn’t the least bit surprised by the exposed antisemitism either. I knew it was there, festering on the political left and insidiously creeping into the mainstream. I preached it to anyone who would listen. Some did. Many scoffed.
My response for the last few years to this burgeoning hate is to try to emulate Israel. I lead the local chapter of Legion where we teach Jews to defend themselves. Not vigilantes, but instructing individuals to protect themselves and families within the law. To be our own first responders. I got a gun permit and when I’m adequately trained, will arm myself. I serve on my synagogue security committee. I don’t apologize for Jews anywhere, willing to fight against haters.
And as we have as a family, during the first Lebanon war, the second intifada and this past year, I travel to Israel, volunteer, spend oodles of money when stores are otherwise empty, visit my friends and now my daughter, her husband and three grandsons. When we blink, the bad guys win.
When non Jewish friends called after 10/7 I implored them to speak up. Some did to me but most were otherwise silent. No surprise there.
Jews everywhere must show the world we will not run and hide, we will not be afraid and we will not apologize for not lining up to be slaughtered.Only by training, especially our youth, to be up to the intellectual and physical threat will the world’s antisemitic bullies realize it’s better to leave us alone. As Hillel taught, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If not now, when?”
I have a dilemma. I am not Jewish. My wife is Jewish, as are my children, as are my grandchildren. My daughter and one grandson live in Israel and my son-in-law is a soldier in the IDF on the northern border (G-d please keep him safe). 75% of my Jewish friends are Reform while 25% are Chabad Lubavich. I write occasional op-eds in the local newspaper and I was agonizing over my next one. Here in the U.S. we have an election in 5 weeks. My Reform Jewish friends insist on voting for the party that makes common cause with terrorists. They know my political opinions; however, in the effort to maintain friendships, especially for my wife, until now I have kept my mouth shut. After reading this post by Gavrielle, friendships will have to take a back seat to "my truth" as some folks like to say. Early voting starts this week. The op-ed will be written soon. Thanks for reinforcing my judgment and for the clarity.
Thank you so much for this message! Please share the OpEd with us when it’s written. We have a vibrant community of support in chat where I think you’ll find community. One of the lines I have used often since October 7 I think applies here:
There are times when you must speak,
Not because you are going to change the other person,
But because if you do not speak,
They have changed you.
Your words are pleasant to my ears.
80 years old. Been once in Israel. The land was given by covenant to Abraham and his seed. To paraphrase the speaking of the God of Israel through the prophet Jeremiah — IF you can nullify my covenant concerning the sun by day and the moon by night and the heavenly bodies….. THEN I will break my covenant with the seed of David and Levi and Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.
Here in the US we have some blind fools who call themselves Christian nationalists and suppose that covenant to have been nullified.
I’d like to have enough strength left to return to Israel and be of some small assistance just before the Messiah returns to destroy the resistance to His allotment of the land and establish His rule over the earth.
Am Israel chai!
One of the most heartfelt, powerful and - yes - beautiful - essays I’ve read. I wake up each day with dread about what news awaits about Israel, about twisted hatred. Today I felt uplifted by your words. Thank you.
Thank you so much. This is why I write. You are not alone. We are one.
Engaging in "civilized" discussions a la Pierce Morgan, as if there were two sides with equally valid argument is foolish and dangerous. It unintentionally legitimizes the barbarians. They can all rot in helll. They have their "logical" arguments and the UN and the ICJ, a bunch of Jew haters one and all, and we have the IDF. My slogan is not "never again". My slogan is "shut the fuck up", here come the F16's :)
עם ישראל חי 🇮🇱
Kahane chai. Just because we’re right doesn’t make us wrong !
Thirty years ago I would have said you're a loon. Now I'm in complete agreement. History has vindicated Kahane and his understanding of true Zionisn
Please check out Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s “The Iron Wall” 8 pages of well written Zionist literature. BTW Bibi’s dad was his secretary. Can be found online easily delivered almost exactly 100 years before 10/7
You might like this rapid retelling of The history of Israel that I wrote here:
https://healthbz.substack.com/p/a-rapid-retelling-of-some-of-the?r=1b3cb2
Tanks
Thank you
Will check it out for sure. In the early 70s I dated a beautiful young woman whose father was Ben Gurion's secretary. No love lost between Jabo and Ben Gurion 😆
lol…Kahane Chai…new war cry. I love it.
I see it as a JDL call for self defense as this is where we exist — we are mighty because we have to be. We are the opposite of our enemies who wish us dead because we exist. We will not hesitate to take out those who come to slice our throats. We will defend ourselves against those who strive to destroy us. No explaining. No excuses.
I believe there's a verse somewhere in the Bible (biblical scholars help me out here), something like "He will smite them with mighty anger..." or some poetic words to that effect. If we are the Chosen People, we are now choosing to show our enemies the stuff we're made of.
עם ישראל חי 🇮🇱
Am Israel chai!!
Its a wonderful article for all of us to read. I think Gavriella touches on all the emotions many of us have gone thru since Oct 7th. I always look for something that an article may overlook and leave out that I feel is important. In this case, its a message to use all the emotions that you feel and to take action. To get involved, to fight, to send emails, to make phone calls, to demonstrate, to make your voices heard.
Yes, history has shown that it treats Jews terribly but it is different now. Very different. We now have a country that is ours, that is incredibly strong and powerful, a place of refuge if things get unbearable where you might live in the Diaspora. So let us always deal from a position of strength and not weakness.
I dont think my comment applies to many of you. The fact that your read FOJ and the fact that you make comments, I can safely assume that the overwhelming majority of you are involved. My message is directed to many of your Jewish friends and family members who don't get involved. Who whine and cry about the state of affairs but do nothing. My brother is afraid of losing his job so he doesnt get involved, my Jewish friends say "don't have the time" or some other lame excuse. Go after them, don't let them off easy. Treat them the same or even harder than you would treat your non-Jewish friends who say and do nothing. Tell your religious ones that prayer is not enuf and doesn't count as action.
The silence of non-Jews is hurtful, the silence of Jews is infuriating and inexcusable.
papa j
I always read your comments on Future of Jewish and agree with you. All my Jewish friends are drinking the Democratic Party and LA Times Kool Aid. In reality, I have no friends. Last night, I had to explain to my closest friend what Substack is!!! No interest. I am extremely fortunate to have a brilliant, loving and caring husband. He is a Scientist who gave up his Christian religion in the first year of college while taking a Philosophy class. He supports my involvement in Judaism, has led Seders and knows the songs and prayers. He and I love Israel, especially after our trip there in 2019. He is the best and only person I can discuss what’s going on now with…he gives me articles, has introduced the Good Fellows to me from Stanford, Victor Davis Hanson and many others. A huge different education for me! BTW recommended to all of you. And Gaviella is right, most people I know have looked away including all the Progressives at our synagogue. Wishing you all a sweet New Year. Wish we could meet up in person. Am Yisrael Chai ❤️🇮🇱💪
Your story is endearing, enduring. This is exactly where many of us are: alone or feeling it, in our ability to believe what our eyes see and know it is time to rise up and fight. We will all meet and dance in the street. ❤️🕎
I’m not Jewish. I became a *former* Progressive on 10/7/23. I love the Jewish People. I’m celebrating the demise of Hezbollah too.
The Knesset doesn’t need the advice of President Biden or any of our former generals.
Thank you so much for your support of Israel and the Jewish people. Please consider this support when you go out and vote this year. It’s never meant more. xo
Julia, thank you so much for your support. papa j
I love to 💃🏽 dance in joy and will meet you there! ❤️
Robbin, I am very much removed from the Jewish scene. I am agnostic and havent been inside a shul in decades. The vast majority of people I deal with are non-Jews and my wife is Scottish. The few Jewish friends I have are secular and I guess do the once or twice a year shul service and thats it for them. On the other hand, my family is orthodox so I guess I would be the black sheep of the family. Even weirder, My mother is Italian anc converted to Judaism. Long story. For me the love of Jews and Israel stems probably from the antisemitism I encountered as a kid. Another long story. Getting to your point, I was pretty much shocked how so many of the Jewish people that I know are doing exactly what you said. They drink from the Times, WaPo, CNN kool aid and just dont want to acknowledge what is going or in many cases just dont want to get involved.
Have I lost friends, both Jewish and Non-Jewish .... for sure but frankly, I consider that a badge of honor. Too old to worry and certainly to old to care for people like that. I look at at as a real Spring cleaning,
I am ranting and now forget the point i am trying to make. I hope you take pride in what you are doing. I certainly have much respect for you and all of us that are taking action and fighting the good fight.
Its nice to go to bed and feel good about yourself, it really is.
all the best Robbin and oh, thank you for joining the Facebook group. I hope you are enjoying it.
ahimsa, papa j
Jerry: Did you see the commenter who has a new war cry? Kahane Chai! Love it.
Gavriella sooo sorry usually not this dense.
All of the names are good! And feel free to add your own ;-)
Still switching from Gail to Gavbriella sorry.
Gabrielle- this is such a beautiful and meaningful piece or writing. You said it all: what is really troubling me right now is the apathy of other Jews. Many Jews found their Jewish identity after 10/7 and embraced it. Many I see going on as usual - not because they agree with the haters, but because they don’t think it’s relevant to them. That also means they are not experiencing any pain at the death and torture of other Jews. They are not “activists”. Maybe they care and are just not sharing with me? You touched on this and it’s heavy on my mind.
Thank you. A historic fact I share when people are grappling with progressive Western Jews who are literally supporting candidates who call for and encourage the annihilation of our own people is this: when the Jewish people were offered freedom from 500 years of brutal slavery in Egypt, 80% stayed as slaves, by choice. The Jewish people of today and all the rich heritage given during Sinai and upon coming to Israel thousands of years ago is the 20% who embraced freedom. The campus supporters are the 80% who stayed as slaves.
This is not true. Many European Jews emigrated to Israel and became BOTH Peaceniks and War-strong Right-wing. It may suit a certain Narrative to say the Diaspora 'Stayed Slaves' to Assimilated society. But Many in the diaspora are Right-wing Zionists now, because they are seeing how parts of Europe have succumbed to Nazism once again.
I didn’t say the diaspora stayed slaves. I said Jews who support leaders and policies that call for their annihilation are not acting in the interests of self preservation like the Jews who chose slavery.
Please be clearer then. Israel needs Jews who are Zionists in The Diaspora too. I was a Liberal until I became an Anti-Fascist and was then witness to the Re-Formation of The Nazi Party here in Europe when I was on the job. Now I have been successful in this, because I presently live in the Diaspora, and because we have now informed people that European Nazi Elements in The State have re-formed The Nazi Party, I will be making Aliyah for my safety.
I think there is a lot of need for both the Jewish and non Jewish people both in Israel and in the diaspora. I say often that this is a marathon relay, none of us can carry it all, we have to share the load and know this is a long one. I am now in Israel doing work here, after a lifetime in the diaspora.
Exactly right.
Maybe I’m being too harsh. I am working with an Israeli client who lives in Tel-Aviv. All we talk about is business. He seems fine. But I guess he get street credit just for living in Israel. I guess life goes on- but it shouldn’t.
Esau, you didn’t want it anyway—stay on your side of the wadi. I traded my staff for an Uzi…Yours truly, Jacob.
And by the way, here's some left over stew.
Thanks, Gavriella. I hope readers will carve the following words from your essay into their psyches: “I hope that we have at least set aside the incessant craving for the non-Jewish world to like, care about, or want to understand us. The world hates us far more than you will accept. And it does not at all matter. Politically, economically, socially the world will support and protect those whom it needs. The world needs a strong Israel. The world needs smart Jews. This is not a popularity contest. Let it go.”
Just to be clear I am a non-Jew, a gentile. I always stand by Israel. I'm probably not alone.
I know that there are many of my subscribers who are not Jewish.
We cherish people like you Rebekah. Let's hope and pray that goodness finally starts winning. It will when enough people rise up and say enough is enough. Right now, the darkness threatens everyone of good will and, as Jews, we cannot be cowed by the politicians, academics and mainstream media who promote the false narratives. Our existence depends on it.
Not to fear. He who watches over Israel never slumbers nor sleeps. Even when we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, He is still there and still helping.
Thank you so much! You may like this piece I wrote some months ago: https://healthbz.substack.com/p/what-happened-to-the-truth?r=1b3cb2
It was perfect.
I am out of breath, Gavriella. That "the world hates us far more than we will accept" is devastating, yet true. I keep asking myself (and others) why???? Why? I guess you've answered the eternal question. Thank you. I am out of breath.
I wrote this piece a few months ago about the history of the lies and hatred for all these years. When you catch your breath you may find it helpful https://healthbz.substack.com/p/what-happened-to-the-truth
Excellent article link 👆🏻just read! You missed a recent historical goody: the 1972 White House Oval Office tapes of Nixon and Billy Graham making fun of Jews, stereotyping just short of the blood libels … same insidious hatred. Which is now quite blossomed in America.
That I did not know. Among a whole lot of other things, I 'spouse.
Betrayal: the Jews feel it. Always giving (because they are imbued with intellect, compassion, a sense of justice. Does the world remember (or acknowledge) the countless medical discoveries, the academic talent, the joy of artistic gifts ... none of these? This is exhausting - the never ending vitriolic hatred, the needless forays into torture, pain, insult .. no more. Israel should keep its "gifts" for its own people and shun those cries for help (and they will return). I have no empathy or sympathy left. If Islam can only keep itself afloat by use of such inhumane tactics, then Israel should become isolated (isn't Switzerland? Lichtenstein, or those few small countries that care nothing, do nothing ... and the thought of a world without Jews should strike terror into the hearts of all people: Jews are not only the canary in the mines, they provide the conscience, the link to humanity. There may never be a lesson learned; time for the dinosaurs to return.
Years ago Ayn Rand wrote a long novel called “Atlas Shrugged.” The idea was that if Atlas, who was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, just shrugged off the burden, the world would be left to fend for itself, aka take responsibility for its own messes. Perhaps it is time for the Jewish people to just shrug.
It is weighty. We always have done it. Blessed everywhere we’ve been. Yet they hate.
The power and emotion of your writing brought tears to my eyes. Thank you and keep it up. You are painting a very meaningful picture of the Israel you are experiencing.
Wow! What an article. Thank you for writing it. I was moved by it.
Thank you!
By the time they burn Jewish babies and the world looks away, it has already started. I will never look away.
Thank you.
I believe you covered it all. As a non-denominational Christian I have not turned away. I was never exposed to antisemitism growing up in the southern U.S. and during WWII my uncle wrote home about what he witnessed with General Patton liberating the camps so I did grow up with an inkling of ‘something about Jews’. As an adult and a grass roots worker for Bobby Kennedy’s California campaign big change was in the air. After his murder in June 1968 by Arab Sirhan Sirhan, I spent a month in Israel where my views were drastically altered. A visit to Yad Vashem can do that to even those educated about the Holocaust. I went to Israel a peacenik and left a supporter of Zionism, in love with Israel and her people ever since. I have watched the documentaries of October 7 shown on the IZZY channel…several in real time as lone IDF soldiers learned of the slaughter and raced to the scene, encountering some remaining Hamas still in the kibbutzim. From the first responders, ambulance drivers, survivors, to the Coronors and the volunteers who prepared bodies for burial, it’s all there for those who will look. There’s a separate film of Israeli women discussing rape as well. I watch not only because of feeling deep connection with Israelis but with the knowledge that it’s already here. I will vote for our only hope next month. A straight red ticket for the U.S. and Israel.
As a Jew,if I lived in London, (where my mother’s side is from), I would move out of the UK now. I don’t want to have to explain to my grandchildren why I didn’t leave earlier. I 100% agree with your letter and have since mid-October, 2023.
Thank you for this. I am honored to be accepted as a Christian ally.
So much to admire about this article. And many deep truths.
Then I got to this sentence: ‘By the time they burn Jewish babies and the world looks away, it has already started’.
What jarred was that just last night, news footage showed - not just reported, SHOWED - Israeli troops setting fire to Gazan homes. It SHOWED the arms of young Palestinians waving, alive and burning, above the scorched villages.
War is ugly, always and of course. But to continue claiming the world’s no1 victim slot - when your nation’s army is committing its own atrocities - is wrong, and alienating, as reflected by the comments of another letter-writer: My slogan is not "never again". My slogan is "shut the fuck up", here come the F16's :)
It’s the smiley emoji which is esp nauseating.
WTF are you seeing on TV???🤣
My take is different. My reaction to 10/7 was visceral anger. I wasn’t the least bit surprised by the exposed antisemitism either. I knew it was there, festering on the political left and insidiously creeping into the mainstream. I preached it to anyone who would listen. Some did. Many scoffed.
My response for the last few years to this burgeoning hate is to try to emulate Israel. I lead the local chapter of Legion where we teach Jews to defend themselves. Not vigilantes, but instructing individuals to protect themselves and families within the law. To be our own first responders. I got a gun permit and when I’m adequately trained, will arm myself. I serve on my synagogue security committee. I don’t apologize for Jews anywhere, willing to fight against haters.
And as we have as a family, during the first Lebanon war, the second intifada and this past year, I travel to Israel, volunteer, spend oodles of money when stores are otherwise empty, visit my friends and now my daughter, her husband and three grandsons. When we blink, the bad guys win.
When non Jewish friends called after 10/7 I implored them to speak up. Some did to me but most were otherwise silent. No surprise there.
Jews everywhere must show the world we will not run and hide, we will not be afraid and we will not apologize for not lining up to be slaughtered.Only by training, especially our youth, to be up to the intellectual and physical threat will the world’s antisemitic bullies realize it’s better to leave us alone. As Hillel taught, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If not now, when?”