But if Trump wins the election, America will either retreat from the World or at lest from the Atlantic. How do you expect Israel to survive after Europe has been taken under Russia’s sphere of influence? Do you trust the Russians to care for Israel? Under Trump America will simply retreat from the Mediterranean.
A few thoughts: 1) The whole thing is twisted; I absolutely agree that Israel should ignore Biden and do what it has to do (who knows what's happening behind the scenes); 2) Israel should have no problem providing “credible and reliable written assurances” of their adherence to international law. 3) Trump has said that he won't allow ANY Muslims into the country -- that should help Biden take Michigan IF Trump espouses that sentiment. Seems stupid for him to do so, but then again . . .
This goes beyond the US. Everywhere in the Western world, mobs have been protesting and attacking Jews since October 8th. What is the worst is the Progressive Antizionist Jews in the US that give the movement cover. JVP, Peter Beinert, Norman Finkelstein... all loud voices telling the world that Progressive Antizionism and calling for Israel's destruction is not Anti-Semitic.
Biden is "leading" with his eyes wide shut, and I fear it is also his admin writing the talking points for him. Courage is a word missing from our politicians in the US and elsewhere. Frankly, I believe the Israelis are the only ones with courage. Corruption reigns today not only in politics but in every sector of American society. From the changes I have seen, the onset of Critical Race Theory and then the onslaught of DEI in our health, education, business organizations has taken over rational thinking. It is all about the groups who have been oppressed which excludes Jews and Asians (those who are very accomplished). Meritocracy in the DEI world is a very bad thing. So now during the Hamas/Israeli war, the oppressed vs. oppressor ideology fits in perfectly for those who want to oppose Israel and Jews everywhere. In the DEI world, "they" are the problem and the noise made must protect the oppressed. Israel will continue to be vilified no matter what it does. We know that as David Baddiel said, "Jews Don't Count" and what is happening now is evidence of it. It's quite a bizarro world but it is our reality now. I agree with you, Joshua, wholeheartedly, that Israel must continue on and do what it has to do for its survival of the country and its people.
Actually, when I studied critical theory in university back in the late 1990s early Palestinian scholars/activists (many self-admitted Marxists, whether they were Arab or not) were already casting themselves as "victims" and using such tools as "universalization" and Western sentimentality to get their propaganda across.
I absolutely can believe this. CRT derives its ideology from Marxism, so not surprising early Palestinians identified themselves as such. When you were exposed to this, what were your thoughts at the time?
My thoughts culminated in a critique I wrote in 2000 about Edward Said's famous book, "Representations of the Intellectual". My prof - a former Jesuit priest and just about the only non-Marxist in the communications studies department at the time - hailed it as "brilliant" and urged me to have it published. I regret that I did not. I had a freelance writing business and did not want to venture professionally into political writing. I regret that decision because my critique exposed Said's propagandist tactics which were aimed at turning the Western press in favor of the so-called Palestinian cause. During the 70s, 80s and even the 90s, there was still support for Israel in mainstream media. That changed dramatically when the Western liberal press became drunk on Marxist kool-aid. Said, himself, was a self-admitted Marxist who attended Oxford University. All of his writing was grounded in cultural Marxist ideology from the Frankfurt School and later. His book attempted to seduce Western liberal journalists with its sympathy for their feelings of "otherness" and encouraged them to tell "truth to power". Of course he meant "his" truth and his book certainly played fast and loose with objective facts. I won't get into more; suffice to repeat that I really wish I'd had it published then in journals geared to the media. Maybe, just maybe, some journalists might not have become useful idiots for the Palestinian Propaganda Machine.
Yes, it does derive its ideology from Marxism. But there is a lot between Marx and nowadays. It is not my academic field, but it is worth looking at the input of the vogue for Postmodernism, particularly the impact of French folk like Foucault, and also still Sartre (who was, after all a Marxist of a sort in his later years) and the impact of French anticolonialism over Algeria etc. But, to repeat, it really isn't my field! And, folks - this is nothing to do with a Brit's historical uneasiness about things French! 🫢
It may or may not be the same in the UK, but here in the US, you just have to look at our indoctrination camps called universities. The doctrines of CRT and DEI have been festering for years on campuses and our Jewish students are the target of its intimidation and censoring of Jewish voices.
Yes, I can say that the issue it is very, very much less acute in British universities. We tend to be much less obviously 'ideologically driven' perhaps than universities in the US. Interestingly enough, it is a bit like the debates over religion v. science or religion v. Darwinism. For reasons which are historically more complex than they might appear, these terribly serious debates in the US are in general felt much less acutely over here (notwithstanding Dawkins!). But of course, 'when the US sneezes, the rest of us get a cold ', as they say!
All of this is fodder for Trump's rallies, interviews and videos. If Biden keeps this up he will lose the election because Trump will spin this into an attack against America (wisely not making Israel the focus). Trump has started doing this already in some of his videos. And of course, Israel must brush it off and carry on doing what she has to do, including publicizing truths that Biden and others are burying - if necessary by taking out ads in conservative-leaning papers and splashing truth all over the internet. I am praying that stuff turns up revealing the left's and the Muslims' true intentions towards the West.
So, you have an irrational fear of Jews living under Jewish sovereignty in peace and security in the indigenous land of the Jewish People? I urge you to get help for such an awful affliction. A big dose of education and attitude adjustment therapy might help.
Good for you, Deborah! Well, provided you are a proudly open and reflective, tolerant and compassionate, Jewish zionophobic (not an expression I have come across before!) lesbian. If so, may you flourish and spread. If not, may you reflect and deepen (of course, from my point of view!).
PS on reflection (!), the bit about being zionophobic makes me hesitate. But I get the impression Zionism is just such a hot topic among Jews and others, and I would imagine its meaning for you needs to be very much contextualised within your culture and experience. I am not Jewish. I am a British Roman Catholic. So forgive me - I have not right to comment on Zionism, Zionphilia or Zionophobic.
PS Thank you so much, Bernie, for your original comment on the 'invasions' taking place. My word, you have helped to generate some really good and useful debate. Well done - it is really appreciated. And who knows - clarifying our thoughts and reactions on such matters can lead to increased understanding, sympathy, firm action where necessary, and maybe even save lives!
Dear friends - I am not sure using words like 'invaded' here is going to help. You know as well as I do that there has been no 'Islamic invasion' of the USA. And in England I can assure you we too have not been invaded by Muslims and we are far from feeling we have lost a war. What you mean, I assume, is that Muslims have come to America. Yes, true. I take it immigration - not to mention holidaying - are not subject to restrictions dependent on religion. Would you favour restrictions like that? And presumably more Muslims have come than you would like. Okay, that's your opinion. And you do not like Muslims. Again, your opinion. Do you know many? Have you reached out to try and get to know individual Muslims and their families? You might be surprised, not least in their common humanity with you. Please, surely we want to live together in justice and peace, don't we? To adopt such a rhetorical dismissal of members of a whole religion is unjust. It is uncharitable. And it could have terrible repercussions. Sorry to disagree, but I hope and pray for future change in the frightful destructive violence we have been seeing. Maybe a change can begin now, in modifying our language and then our negativity towards those we disagree with. When you can no longer have an open, helpful and constructive conversation with those other human beings who you dislike and disagree with you - well, history shows that one way or another the result is violence. Let's not go that way any more.
Paul, point taken. Bottom line, Progressive Critical Race Theory and Antizionism was introduced on campuses decades ago and gained enough steam to escape academia. There are many peaceful mosques, but also those that preach hate. They intersect with the Black Liberation Theology churches that hate Israel (Rev Wright, Chicago and similar) and Nation of Islam (which isn't really Islam, but Islamic haters will join forces). Last there's Students for Justice in Palestine, is it Islamic or just Progressive or what? Where does CAIR fit in to this, it's not really a religious organization but it is.
There have been many attempts to dialog with members of these groups. They don't want to. Period. The peaceful mosques are not strong enough to counteract the huge coordinated effort the hateful groups are showing us.
Yes, in the US there are many examples of Muslims who accept us and the diversity of the US. But, the protestors follow the lead of Rashid Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and other radicals.
PS Thank you so much, Bernie, for your original comment on the 'invasions' taking place. My word, you have helped to generate some really good and useful debate. Well done - it is really appreciated. And who knows - clarifying our thoughts and reactions on such matters can lead to increased understanding, sympathy, firm action where necessary, and maybe even save lives!
I live in a small town in Europe. Most people keep to themselves. There are not many Jews here nor Muslims but there is graffiti everywhere inciting violence and hatred against Israel. It's truly despicable. We all know who is trashing our beautiful town with disregard to the locals who are not Muslim. These people ARE invading our shared space. They do not care about "living peacefully" because they're immigrants and have no sentimental connection to this European town. They care about disturbing the peace. Before October 7th they watched their p's and q's but now they just care about getting attention.
I am sorry to hear that, Keren. You do not mention your country. Here in the UK in my experience a great deal of such graffiti has been written by young and usually (sort-of) left wingers who are decidedly white British and not at all immigrants or Muslim. They are simply keen to jump on the bandwagon of something that seems radical, revolutionary, and offensive. That said, of course we also have many second and third generation Muslims who are themselves not at all immigrants. In general they are also very loyal and devoted to this country and often very active in their participation. But it looks like the experience in your country is different. I do hope it changes for the better. I am sure our responses now can help, if we want to.
I wrote to the authorities when the first graffiti appeared on a wall that belongs to a church! They didn't take it seriously and did nothing about it. The graffiti has now spread all over town. At first I was told by law enforcement that they were local left wingers and delinquents but then they added graffiti in arabic. That was shocking to see. I live in Italy.
Aha - many thanks for mentioning your country. Oh dear, my favourite European country, to be honest. Lucky you! But now - unhappy you. Well, the Arabic certainly seems to suggest they were Arabs, assuming the Arabic was genuine and not just kids pretending. Incidentally, Arabic (speakers) does not equal Muslims! That said, even if they were their parents might have different views. In fact, in my experience, if parents hold one view kids hold the opposite! So do not despair. And maybe (I hesitate to suggest this, so please forgive me) give the local Muslims the benefit of the doubt at least until you know otherwise. But I still *love* Italy. And I do understand your dismay at what is happening to your wonderfully civilised and very European country!
Whoever they are, they are sending a message of hate and considering the atmosphere around the pro-palestinian protesters, there is not much to doubt about. Italy took in thousands of immigrants over the last few years. It's hard enough as it is for them so this is not going to help them. They're sabotaging themselves.
With all respect, Israel has tried many times to have open, helpful, and constructive conversations and had come close to a solution. Whenever an agreement was made, or close to an agreement, with it came more rocket fire into Israeli civilian areas. How do you have these "conversations" with people who really don't want you to exist?
Good point, Diane. As I said in my current blog in the Times of Israel, my vigorous and vocal support of Israel at the present time does not entail me giving advice from the comfort of the UK on how to proceed. I do not know, and it would be quite presumptuous of me to venture an opinion. I am far from qualified to do so. But, that said, please everyone - cool it! All I did was make an appeal for truth and the respect of language. But now I discover that I was quite wrong. The USA really has been invaded! I fear the invaders have been successful in keeping it quiet because we have heard nothing of it over here. But I do feel it my duty now, as I have done to similarly attacked folk in the past including Syrians and Ukrainians, to offer support and indeed my own home to your refugees if necessary.
Renown British journalist Douglas Murray recently said in a Youtube video that he's ashamed of his country; to the effect that Muslims have run amok and that politicians are afraid of them. I fear, sir, that you are living in a dream world.
I love Douglas Murray! I just discovered him after October 7th. I find him to be brilliant, insightful, articulate and courageous. He is not afraid to tell the truth of what is happening within the Muslim communities where many youth are vulnerable to extremism. Here is an author I also like- Sam Harris- who is talking about how the West does not understand the dangers of Islamic extremism. It is long but well worth the read:
Douglas Murray always has the courage to speak out to anyone who opposes Israel, but in this climate, I pray for his safety. I'm sure there are many who would like to silence him.
Well, many of us greatly admire Douglas Murray. Others do not. On some matters he is extremely controversial. If he said the things you mention, as you repeat them, then I have to say he has every right to his opinion but he is quite simply wrong. That said, I confess to a certain astonishment that denying America has been invaded by Muslims should be thought to be living in a dream world. Really? Are you folk over there really suffering an invasion? Still, you know your own country. I am so sorry.
As a Canadian, born in Montreal, Quebec in1953, I have witnessed the Muslimization of Canada and Quebec. Several years ago, Muslims groups petitioned both the Ontario and Quebec governments to give Sharia law legal stature in their communities (over-riding our secular laws of the land). Thankfully, their petitions were denied. Since then, however, they have found friends among many Canadian politicians, including Prime Minster Justin Trudeau, who has promoted so-called "anti Islamophobia" laws to the extent that Muslims and others are allowed to preach hate against Jews, Israel, Christians, whoever they like, while anyone who publicly criticizes Islam is censored (and censured). Since Oct 7 Muslim and other Hamas-supporting protestors on Canadian campuses have been preaching hate against Jews and Israel, NON-STOP. In Montreal there have been several attacks against Jewish synagogues and schools, with gunshots fired and molotov cocktails thrown. No arrests have taken place or details published - like whether the perpetrators were captured by security cameras. As a disabled person, I use a special transport service who's drivers are primarily from Muslim countries. Most are polite and professional because the municipal-run service forbids abuse and discrimination of any kind but this didn't stop one driver from starting an argument with me about Israel (out of the blue - I wasn't even talking to him) which I shut down very quickly by giving him a challenging "look" and daring him in a firm voice - to repeat his statements. Lucky for me he valued his job more than his political views or I could have ended up in a snowbank - wheelchair and all. As a native Montrealer I no longer feel safe here. And if you decide to question native, non-Muslim Londoners and people from other large British cities I suspect you'll find many don't feel safe either. If they do feel safe, then I predict in less than 20 years, Britain will not be Britain anymore.
G-d bless you, Susan, and keep you safe. It is no fun to be in a wheelchair and frightened. I am sorry. Yes, I am in my 70s and I too am unlikely to still be around when the results of all this come to maturation. I too have mobility problems, although it looks as if your experience is somewhat worse! I do worry sometimes about the future I am leaving to my lovely grandchildren and now great grandchildren. But I hope too, and my hope gives me a type of cautious optimism. On our concerns we can agree, I think, even if we might disagree at this stage on the best response. Many blessings, and many prayers, folks!
My use of a wheelchair has not prevented me from speaking up; getting out and about - and reporting, for example, security weaknesses in public areas in my largely Jewish neighborhood. Not feeling safe does not mean being frightened. It means being smart, whatever your age or physical condition, if you are a Jew anywhere in the world. In response to your later post, I too, have dealings with some very nice Muslims. My hairdresser, for example who is Syrian. We talk about everything "except" Jewish/Muslim relations and the war. We agree on many things; share recipes and chitchat. But I have no illusions about her politics. I checked out her homepage on FB and she supports the Palestinians, of course. (She can't check me out because I use a pseudonym on FB.) You used the phrase "cautious optimism". For your own sake I suggest you emphasize the "cautious". Be well.
Oh, and I forgot to mention - I also have several dear, wise and indeed holy Muslim friends. I and our, lives, are completely benefited by their presence.
I love the “Green Prince” whose name escapes me, but he’s a loud one. There are others, especially ex-Muslims, but they do seem few and far between, and decidedly quiet. Of course, for them, it can be quite dangerous, and their families and friends disown them etc. But it does frustrate me as well that so many of them seem to reflexively be “pro-Palestine” based on loose affiliation, regardless of whether or not they are literal rapist terrorists…
I hear - or maybe see! - what you are saying, Penny. And I am only too aware that I am in no position to condemn, living comfortably in the UK. But I do not. It is all just so difficult. Nevertheless, the fact still remains: America has simply *not* been invaded by Muslims. We surely must begin with respect for language. And, crucially, for truth. How best to deal with threats to our country will vary from case to case and country to country. But it cannot begin from doublespeak and an offence against reality. What is built on falsehood and stereotypical generalisations is unlikely to lead to truth, justice and constructive compassionate engagement with others. Things have to change; we have to change. It is worth giving it a try.
The United Progressives of American Idiots!!!
But if Trump wins the election, America will either retreat from the World or at lest from the Atlantic. How do you expect Israel to survive after Europe has been taken under Russia’s sphere of influence? Do you trust the Russians to care for Israel? Under Trump America will simply retreat from the Mediterranean.
Just because I am critical of Biden doesn’t mean I support or endorse Donald Trump. One has nothing to do with the other.
Unfortunately it is the ultimate zero sum game.
A few thoughts: 1) The whole thing is twisted; I absolutely agree that Israel should ignore Biden and do what it has to do (who knows what's happening behind the scenes); 2) Israel should have no problem providing “credible and reliable written assurances” of their adherence to international law. 3) Trump has said that he won't allow ANY Muslims into the country -- that should help Biden take Michigan IF Trump espouses that sentiment. Seems stupid for him to do so, but then again . . .
This goes beyond the US. Everywhere in the Western world, mobs have been protesting and attacking Jews since October 8th. What is the worst is the Progressive Antizionist Jews in the US that give the movement cover. JVP, Peter Beinert, Norman Finkelstein... all loud voices telling the world that Progressive Antizionism and calling for Israel's destruction is not Anti-Semitic.
Biden is "leading" with his eyes wide shut, and I fear it is also his admin writing the talking points for him. Courage is a word missing from our politicians in the US and elsewhere. Frankly, I believe the Israelis are the only ones with courage. Corruption reigns today not only in politics but in every sector of American society. From the changes I have seen, the onset of Critical Race Theory and then the onslaught of DEI in our health, education, business organizations has taken over rational thinking. It is all about the groups who have been oppressed which excludes Jews and Asians (those who are very accomplished). Meritocracy in the DEI world is a very bad thing. So now during the Hamas/Israeli war, the oppressed vs. oppressor ideology fits in perfectly for those who want to oppose Israel and Jews everywhere. In the DEI world, "they" are the problem and the noise made must protect the oppressed. Israel will continue to be vilified no matter what it does. We know that as David Baddiel said, "Jews Don't Count" and what is happening now is evidence of it. It's quite a bizarro world but it is our reality now. I agree with you, Joshua, wholeheartedly, that Israel must continue on and do what it has to do for its survival of the country and its people.
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Actually, when I studied critical theory in university back in the late 1990s early Palestinian scholars/activists (many self-admitted Marxists, whether they were Arab or not) were already casting themselves as "victims" and using such tools as "universalization" and Western sentimentality to get their propaganda across.
I absolutely can believe this. CRT derives its ideology from Marxism, so not surprising early Palestinians identified themselves as such. When you were exposed to this, what were your thoughts at the time?
My thoughts culminated in a critique I wrote in 2000 about Edward Said's famous book, "Representations of the Intellectual". My prof - a former Jesuit priest and just about the only non-Marxist in the communications studies department at the time - hailed it as "brilliant" and urged me to have it published. I regret that I did not. I had a freelance writing business and did not want to venture professionally into political writing. I regret that decision because my critique exposed Said's propagandist tactics which were aimed at turning the Western press in favor of the so-called Palestinian cause. During the 70s, 80s and even the 90s, there was still support for Israel in mainstream media. That changed dramatically when the Western liberal press became drunk on Marxist kool-aid. Said, himself, was a self-admitted Marxist who attended Oxford University. All of his writing was grounded in cultural Marxist ideology from the Frankfurt School and later. His book attempted to seduce Western liberal journalists with its sympathy for their feelings of "otherness" and encouraged them to tell "truth to power". Of course he meant "his" truth and his book certainly played fast and loose with objective facts. I won't get into more; suffice to repeat that I really wish I'd had it published then in journals geared to the media. Maybe, just maybe, some journalists might not have become useful idiots for the Palestinian Propaganda Machine.
Yes, it does derive its ideology from Marxism. But there is a lot between Marx and nowadays. It is not my academic field, but it is worth looking at the input of the vogue for Postmodernism, particularly the impact of French folk like Foucault, and also still Sartre (who was, after all a Marxist of a sort in his later years) and the impact of French anticolonialism over Algeria etc. But, to repeat, it really isn't my field! And, folks - this is nothing to do with a Brit's historical uneasiness about things French! 🫢
It may or may not be the same in the UK, but here in the US, you just have to look at our indoctrination camps called universities. The doctrines of CRT and DEI have been festering for years on campuses and our Jewish students are the target of its intimidation and censoring of Jewish voices.
Yes, I can say that the issue it is very, very much less acute in British universities. We tend to be much less obviously 'ideologically driven' perhaps than universities in the US. Interestingly enough, it is a bit like the debates over religion v. science or religion v. Darwinism. For reasons which are historically more complex than they might appear, these terribly serious debates in the US are in general felt much less acutely over here (notwithstanding Dawkins!). But of course, 'when the US sneezes, the rest of us get a cold ', as they say!
I'm somewhat glad to hear it hasn't spread, but as you said, "when the US sneezes, the rest of us get a cold." Let's hope the UK doesn't get the flu!
All of this is fodder for Trump's rallies, interviews and videos. If Biden keeps this up he will lose the election because Trump will spin this into an attack against America (wisely not making Israel the focus). Trump has started doing this already in some of his videos. And of course, Israel must brush it off and carry on doing what she has to do, including publicizing truths that Biden and others are burying - if necessary by taking out ads in conservative-leaning papers and splashing truth all over the internet. I am praying that stuff turns up revealing the left's and the Muslims' true intentions towards the West.
So, you have an irrational fear of Jews living under Jewish sovereignty in peace and security in the indigenous land of the Jewish People? I urge you to get help for such an awful affliction. A big dose of education and attitude adjustment therapy might help.
Good for you, Deborah! Well, provided you are a proudly open and reflective, tolerant and compassionate, Jewish zionophobic (not an expression I have come across before!) lesbian. If so, may you flourish and spread. If not, may you reflect and deepen (of course, from my point of view!).
PS on reflection (!), the bit about being zionophobic makes me hesitate. But I get the impression Zionism is just such a hot topic among Jews and others, and I would imagine its meaning for you needs to be very much contextualised within your culture and experience. I am not Jewish. I am a British Roman Catholic. So forgive me - I have not right to comment on Zionism, Zionphilia or Zionophobic.
Please be specific if you want to be critical.
PS Thank you so much, Bernie, for your original comment on the 'invasions' taking place. My word, you have helped to generate some really good and useful debate. Well done - it is really appreciated. And who knows - clarifying our thoughts and reactions on such matters can lead to increased understanding, sympathy, firm action where necessary, and maybe even save lives!
Dear friends - I am not sure using words like 'invaded' here is going to help. You know as well as I do that there has been no 'Islamic invasion' of the USA. And in England I can assure you we too have not been invaded by Muslims and we are far from feeling we have lost a war. What you mean, I assume, is that Muslims have come to America. Yes, true. I take it immigration - not to mention holidaying - are not subject to restrictions dependent on religion. Would you favour restrictions like that? And presumably more Muslims have come than you would like. Okay, that's your opinion. And you do not like Muslims. Again, your opinion. Do you know many? Have you reached out to try and get to know individual Muslims and their families? You might be surprised, not least in their common humanity with you. Please, surely we want to live together in justice and peace, don't we? To adopt such a rhetorical dismissal of members of a whole religion is unjust. It is uncharitable. And it could have terrible repercussions. Sorry to disagree, but I hope and pray for future change in the frightful destructive violence we have been seeing. Maybe a change can begin now, in modifying our language and then our negativity towards those we disagree with. When you can no longer have an open, helpful and constructive conversation with those other human beings who you dislike and disagree with you - well, history shows that one way or another the result is violence. Let's not go that way any more.
Paul, point taken. Bottom line, Progressive Critical Race Theory and Antizionism was introduced on campuses decades ago and gained enough steam to escape academia. There are many peaceful mosques, but also those that preach hate. They intersect with the Black Liberation Theology churches that hate Israel (Rev Wright, Chicago and similar) and Nation of Islam (which isn't really Islam, but Islamic haters will join forces). Last there's Students for Justice in Palestine, is it Islamic or just Progressive or what? Where does CAIR fit in to this, it's not really a religious organization but it is.
There have been many attempts to dialog with members of these groups. They don't want to. Period. The peaceful mosques are not strong enough to counteract the huge coordinated effort the hateful groups are showing us.
Yes, in the US there are many examples of Muslims who accept us and the diversity of the US. But, the protestors follow the lead of Rashid Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and other radicals.
Yes I think I share your points here,and your frustration with it all. Well, that's a relief. We agree!
PS Thank you so much, Bernie, for your original comment on the 'invasions' taking place. My word, you have helped to generate some really good and useful debate. Well done - it is really appreciated. And who knows - clarifying our thoughts and reactions on such matters can lead to increased understanding, sympathy, firm action where necessary, and maybe even save lives!
I live in a small town in Europe. Most people keep to themselves. There are not many Jews here nor Muslims but there is graffiti everywhere inciting violence and hatred against Israel. It's truly despicable. We all know who is trashing our beautiful town with disregard to the locals who are not Muslim. These people ARE invading our shared space. They do not care about "living peacefully" because they're immigrants and have no sentimental connection to this European town. They care about disturbing the peace. Before October 7th they watched their p's and q's but now they just care about getting attention.
I am sorry to hear that, Keren. You do not mention your country. Here in the UK in my experience a great deal of such graffiti has been written by young and usually (sort-of) left wingers who are decidedly white British and not at all immigrants or Muslim. They are simply keen to jump on the bandwagon of something that seems radical, revolutionary, and offensive. That said, of course we also have many second and third generation Muslims who are themselves not at all immigrants. In general they are also very loyal and devoted to this country and often very active in their participation. But it looks like the experience in your country is different. I do hope it changes for the better. I am sure our responses now can help, if we want to.
I wrote to the authorities when the first graffiti appeared on a wall that belongs to a church! They didn't take it seriously and did nothing about it. The graffiti has now spread all over town. At first I was told by law enforcement that they were local left wingers and delinquents but then they added graffiti in arabic. That was shocking to see. I live in Italy.
Aha - many thanks for mentioning your country. Oh dear, my favourite European country, to be honest. Lucky you! But now - unhappy you. Well, the Arabic certainly seems to suggest they were Arabs, assuming the Arabic was genuine and not just kids pretending. Incidentally, Arabic (speakers) does not equal Muslims! That said, even if they were their parents might have different views. In fact, in my experience, if parents hold one view kids hold the opposite! So do not despair. And maybe (I hesitate to suggest this, so please forgive me) give the local Muslims the benefit of the doubt at least until you know otherwise. But I still *love* Italy. And I do understand your dismay at what is happening to your wonderfully civilised and very European country!
Whoever they are, they are sending a message of hate and considering the atmosphere around the pro-palestinian protesters, there is not much to doubt about. Italy took in thousands of immigrants over the last few years. It's hard enough as it is for them so this is not going to help them. They're sabotaging themselves.
With all respect, Israel has tried many times to have open, helpful, and constructive conversations and had come close to a solution. Whenever an agreement was made, or close to an agreement, with it came more rocket fire into Israeli civilian areas. How do you have these "conversations" with people who really don't want you to exist?
Good point, Diane. As I said in my current blog in the Times of Israel, my vigorous and vocal support of Israel at the present time does not entail me giving advice from the comfort of the UK on how to proceed. I do not know, and it would be quite presumptuous of me to venture an opinion. I am far from qualified to do so. But, that said, please everyone - cool it! All I did was make an appeal for truth and the respect of language. But now I discover that I was quite wrong. The USA really has been invaded! I fear the invaders have been successful in keeping it quiet because we have heard nothing of it over here. But I do feel it my duty now, as I have done to similarly attacked folk in the past including Syrians and Ukrainians, to offer support and indeed my own home to your refugees if necessary.
Renown British journalist Douglas Murray recently said in a Youtube video that he's ashamed of his country; to the effect that Muslims have run amok and that politicians are afraid of them. I fear, sir, that you are living in a dream world.
I love Douglas Murray! I just discovered him after October 7th. I find him to be brilliant, insightful, articulate and courageous. He is not afraid to tell the truth of what is happening within the Muslim communities where many youth are vulnerable to extremism. Here is an author I also like- Sam Harris- who is talking about how the West does not understand the dangers of Islamic extremism. It is long but well worth the read:
https://www.samharris.org/blog/the-bright-line-between-good-and-evil
Thanks! I've heard of Sam Harris. Will read his blog.
Douglas Murray always has the courage to speak out to anyone who opposes Israel, but in this climate, I pray for his safety. I'm sure there are many who would like to silence him.
Well, many of us greatly admire Douglas Murray. Others do not. On some matters he is extremely controversial. If he said the things you mention, as you repeat them, then I have to say he has every right to his opinion but he is quite simply wrong. That said, I confess to a certain astonishment that denying America has been invaded by Muslims should be thought to be living in a dream world. Really? Are you folk over there really suffering an invasion? Still, you know your own country. I am so sorry.
As a Canadian, born in Montreal, Quebec in1953, I have witnessed the Muslimization of Canada and Quebec. Several years ago, Muslims groups petitioned both the Ontario and Quebec governments to give Sharia law legal stature in their communities (over-riding our secular laws of the land). Thankfully, their petitions were denied. Since then, however, they have found friends among many Canadian politicians, including Prime Minster Justin Trudeau, who has promoted so-called "anti Islamophobia" laws to the extent that Muslims and others are allowed to preach hate against Jews, Israel, Christians, whoever they like, while anyone who publicly criticizes Islam is censored (and censured). Since Oct 7 Muslim and other Hamas-supporting protestors on Canadian campuses have been preaching hate against Jews and Israel, NON-STOP. In Montreal there have been several attacks against Jewish synagogues and schools, with gunshots fired and molotov cocktails thrown. No arrests have taken place or details published - like whether the perpetrators were captured by security cameras. As a disabled person, I use a special transport service who's drivers are primarily from Muslim countries. Most are polite and professional because the municipal-run service forbids abuse and discrimination of any kind but this didn't stop one driver from starting an argument with me about Israel (out of the blue - I wasn't even talking to him) which I shut down very quickly by giving him a challenging "look" and daring him in a firm voice - to repeat his statements. Lucky for me he valued his job more than his political views or I could have ended up in a snowbank - wheelchair and all. As a native Montrealer I no longer feel safe here. And if you decide to question native, non-Muslim Londoners and people from other large British cities I suspect you'll find many don't feel safe either. If they do feel safe, then I predict in less than 20 years, Britain will not be Britain anymore.
G-d bless you, Susan, and keep you safe. It is no fun to be in a wheelchair and frightened. I am sorry. Yes, I am in my 70s and I too am unlikely to still be around when the results of all this come to maturation. I too have mobility problems, although it looks as if your experience is somewhat worse! I do worry sometimes about the future I am leaving to my lovely grandchildren and now great grandchildren. But I hope too, and my hope gives me a type of cautious optimism. On our concerns we can agree, I think, even if we might disagree at this stage on the best response. Many blessings, and many prayers, folks!
My use of a wheelchair has not prevented me from speaking up; getting out and about - and reporting, for example, security weaknesses in public areas in my largely Jewish neighborhood. Not feeling safe does not mean being frightened. It means being smart, whatever your age or physical condition, if you are a Jew anywhere in the world. In response to your later post, I too, have dealings with some very nice Muslims. My hairdresser, for example who is Syrian. We talk about everything "except" Jewish/Muslim relations and the war. We agree on many things; share recipes and chitchat. But I have no illusions about her politics. I checked out her homepage on FB and she supports the Palestinians, of course. (She can't check me out because I use a pseudonym on FB.) You used the phrase "cautious optimism". For your own sake I suggest you emphasize the "cautious". Be well.
Oh, and I forgot to mention - I also have several dear, wise and indeed holy Muslim friends. I and our, lives, are completely benefited by their presence.
I love the “Green Prince” whose name escapes me, but he’s a loud one. There are others, especially ex-Muslims, but they do seem few and far between, and decidedly quiet. Of course, for them, it can be quite dangerous, and their families and friends disown them etc. But it does frustrate me as well that so many of them seem to reflexively be “pro-Palestine” based on loose affiliation, regardless of whether or not they are literal rapist terrorists…
I hear - or maybe see! - what you are saying, Penny. And I am only too aware that I am in no position to condemn, living comfortably in the UK. But I do not. It is all just so difficult. Nevertheless, the fact still remains: America has simply *not* been invaded by Muslims. We surely must begin with respect for language. And, crucially, for truth. How best to deal with threats to our country will vary from case to case and country to country. But it cannot begin from doublespeak and an offence against reality. What is built on falsehood and stereotypical generalisations is unlikely to lead to truth, justice and constructive compassionate engagement with others. Things have to change; we have to change. It is worth giving it a try.