18 Comments
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Dena Tauber's avatar

This is brilliant. If you remind Hamas lovers about why Israel has to be in Gaza get ready to be told that Israel is holding “thousands” of hostages including children and has been killing innocent Palestinians with impunity for decades. Someone posted a Time magazine article supporting this (Arab reporter). I read a Substack yesterday by a Palestinian insisting that Israel beheaded babies in May 26 and implying that Hamas did not on Oct 7. They are shameless.

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Chuck May's avatar

Blood libel is a strong drug, isn’t it? The oldies are considered the best.

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Pamela Schieber's avatar

It really is astounding. Muslims murder, rape, behead Christians in Africa and we hear crickets.AM ISRAEL CHAI

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Alison's avatar

Well said! Go for it, Israel! We are praying for you and God is faithful.

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Steven Brizel's avatar

One of the biggest misnomers in this war is rthat the redemption of captives takes precedence over winning the war against Hamas. There is no such source in Jewish tradition for such an opinion in the context of a sovereign Jewish state waging war nor in the context of or history of any other war waged by any other state

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Nachum Kaplan's avatar

Very good piece.. I find the "my tax dollars are being spent" argument especially irritating.

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Donna's avatar

It’s your war. We are not in your position. I think we should keep quiet and support you in your war - whatever it takes.

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Christopher Messina's avatar

AMEN.

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Jewish Grandmother's avatar

Another brilliant analysis, Joshua. Insightful, creative and even fun to read. Bravo!

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Robbin Close's avatar

You wrote the words I was planning in my head! I start my day with Joshua’s thoughts. Yes, brilliant is the best word here. Exactly what I have noticed all these months. It is irritating. Living in Southern California, it is hard to find anyone to discuss issues with…enough. Have a beautiful day! We say that here a lot.

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Richard Hacker's avatar

At the risk of sharing an opinion, here is my opinion. "Death to the Amalekites! Life to the Jews!". At this point, everything else is irrelevant.

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Steven Brizel's avatar

There is nothing worse than Jews who live outside of Israel and who have zero connection to the State of Israel and the Jewish People lecturing Israelis in how to respond to the existential threats they face on a daily basis

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Viktor Khandourine's avatar

There are worse ones.

Jews living in the state of Israel and calling for ignoring the safety of the country's citizens in favor of their ambitions, perverted understanding of justice and desire for compromise with murderers.

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Steven Brizel's avatar

You hit the nail on the head You don’t win a war by pausing an offensive and engaging in negotiations about a prisoner exchange and tge notion that redemption of hostages or saving lives takes precedence over winning a war is hardly supported by a review of the relevant Jewish sources

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FionaYael's avatar

Provocative & right-on except for your two claims about Indigenous Australians. They have a history and a rich culture going back 50,000 years. We are finally beginning to appreciate it. And Indigenous Australians are not “so-called natives”: they are the real thing.

In making your excellent points about Israel and people’s ignorance regarding snap opinions about the war, please don’t make some similar mistakes regarding other peoples!

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Joshua Hoffman's avatar

Point taken!

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Susan Sullivan's avatar

This is spectacular! These idiots have no knowledge of history and don’t care about it! Knowledge has been decreased to zero! All knowledge is decided by selective social media. God help us!

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Sylvan Changuion's avatar

Joshua - I have no words to describe how relevant your article is. I love it! Please G-d that it be read by the people that need to hear it and hang their heads in shame. Am Yisrael Chai!

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