They will stop "infantilizing" us when they see we can take care of ourselves independently. Which means having a superior arsenal and weapons system we can sustain by ourselves and the will to kick out - or terminate - the enemies within Israel, regardless of what anyone says. I am 70 years old. I learned this lesson in my early 30s when some people who were dear to me tried to "step on my toes" financially; thinking I would be a good little girl and do nothing. They learned quickly that even a good little girl can get a lawyer to read them the riot act - and they backed down. I didn't hate them. We still got along, but in a different - more mutually respectful way. Israel's "arsenal" must include everything from weapons to intel that gives us leverage with our enemies - and allies. If we cower and cringe like little girls over our hostages, over the "unfairness" of the world's treatment of us - they will treat us like the infants they perceive us as. Modern Israel is 77 years old but we still must grow up.
Israel made a lot of mistakes during its existence by succumbing to pressure of the “west” just simply trying to survive! It was a fantasy that world is on our side, it never was! With very rear and floating exceptions! It’s insane to do the same and hoping for different results! The world leaders did what they needed at the time, depending on who was in top. Israel on the other hand, was always jerked around and Jews were always thinking “but they all know our horrific history, we’re just trying to survive with little that we’ve got, our brains. No oil, surrounded by powerful enemies, with tiny territory etc.”
Jews always tried to prove they want to be fair by giving up land they took in battles they didn’t start, for only PROMISE OF PEACE, hoping others will appreciate and do the same. Sinai to Egypt! Golan heights to Syria! Gaza Strip to Palestinians! Huge mistakes!
This was all part of our journey but we made the mistake of thinking that if we were fair and loyal to our allies, they would be too. The Biden/Harris administration (not to mention other administrations which forced us to give up the spoils of our victories) proved that we are pawns in their political games. There is no way to convince them of our needs. They will give us ONLY what is in THEIR interest to give us and nothing more. I keep repeating in my comments here and in other Jewish forums that Israel must have the capacity to develop and replenish our own weaponry without begging the US or any other country for help. We must have advanced technology for war and peace that other countries cannot copy. And intel that can shift power from one politician, party or country to another. You get the idea. We must have all of this so the next time we negotiate with another country, the negotiations go our way.
Stockholm Syndrome, and Projection: People who spend too long fighting the Enemy end up sharing Character Traits they would rather not, as hostages. This is Cultural Marxism. So, Sharing Character Traits like Fatalism, and Blind (Bible) Worship, would have lead us to an Arab and Middle Eastern future, rather than the Logic and the Empirical science of the Rational approach which has been so very effective for us in Jewish and Israeli matters and affairs.
Except the so-called "rational" approach has not been rational or effective. For years this approach assumed incorrectly that Palestinians wanted statehood and would be amenable to negotiating for this. Torah (The Bible), however, offers an approach that is far more rational. Rise up and kill those who would kill you - and don't allow enemies to live in Israel.
I do not accept your further analysis here. Consider this Fact: The Arab and Druze Israelis are not Jewish and are also not our Enemies. They do well out of Rational and Secular Israel, and are happy to live peacefully with us. Hamas and the Gaza Arabs did not, and have paid the price of their intransigence and Genocidal Ideology. I suspect you make the mistake of marking up the Inhabitants of Israel as either Jew or Non-Jew. The reality is more complex. Most Non-Jews are actually friendly to The Jews of Israel. Quite Right: the reason is because we Jews have built a successful and rich economy and a State along with this. Long may tolerant Multi-Racial Israel remain so! In fact we only have one problem: this is with the Palestinian Arabs. And they are not getting a State to arm themselves for a Genocide against us, in a Genocidal War of Martyrdom which Islamist Hamas had promised them. Therefore they can't have a State, which would imply the right to an Army to attack The Jewish People and Europe with. But they are being offered 'Self-determination' in Area A, but WITHOUT A STATE THEREFORE. So chill out. The IDF is Strong, and The West and Europe and The USA are with us (about Palestinian 'Self Determination' but not 'Statehood'), so there is no need to 'Rise up and Kill those who would kill you' as you claim. So chill out. There is no need to descend to the level of The Arab Palestinians. Thus Israel Remains Rational and Western.
You are terribly off base in your assumptions of what I'm saying. One: Torah allows non-Jews to live in Israel if they are friendly. Therefore, Druze (which are friendly - and other law abiding Arabs) are most welcome in Israel. You are raising the issue of race. What? Torah makes no issue of race. "Race" is a secular construct, not a Jewish one. As for the statement "rise up and kill them before they kill you", please take your blinders off and stop equating Torah to the Jihadist Muslim religion. We (as Jews) do not start wars. But there is RATIONALITY in preparing for an enemy before he attacks. Had Israeli intelligence and others supposed to protect Israel done their jobs properly Oct 7 would not have happened. (I read there were warnings that Hamas was up to something). Also: it was supremely stupid and arrogant for the Israelis in the kibbutzim attacked to presume that their ideology of peace could "overcome" the Jew-hatred in Gaza. They could have - SHOULD HAVE - not been so gullible as to believe they could befriend a people steeped for generations in Jew-hatred; who elected Terrorists to lead them. As for ensuring that Jews remain the majority in Israel, I am 100% for this. Israel is, after all, a Jewish state. It was recreated in 1948 in recognition of the Jews' indigenous right to the land and that Judaism, as a religion - is integral to our survival as a people and a nation.
You Write: 'As for ensuring that Jews remain the majority in Israel, I am 100% for this. Israel is, after all, a Jewish state. It was recreated in 1948 in recognition of the Jews' indigenous right to the land..' I agree with you. To ensure Israel remains Majority Jewish and therefore secure Jews worldwide against Nazism and Anti-Semitism, The Palestinians in Gaza and Area A West Bank get a Palestinian Authority to govern themselves, but NOT as Israelis.
No. First, as long as Jihadi ideology permeates the Palestinian community in Israel there is no "Palestinian Authority" Israel can trust to govern these people in a way that doesn't threaten Israel. A change in the Iranian regime could help but Jew-hatred doesn't go away just like that. It would take another generation, at least, to educate Palestinians without it. Who is going to do this? It cannot be Israelis, since they hate us. At present there is no non-Jewish group likely to step up as "rehabilitators and educators". Judea/Samaria and Gaza were part of biblical Israel and I believe, should remain part of Israel - not as a country, community, whatever you want to call it - to the Palestinians. Sure, I'm not against some non-Jewish residents - but only if they behave like the Druze or other friendly Israeli Arabs. Some years ago I interviewed a former Prime Minister of Canada - Kim Campbell - for a magazine article. (I'm a professional writer; semi-retired now). She said something very wise regarding the importation of Muslims to Western countries. She was against the way Britain, France and others were doing it: relegating the immigrants to ghettos - essentially places where they could not assimilate well. She approved of Canada's method, which was to spread them all over, to promote assimilation and reduce the risk of Jihadi ideology taking hold. She was right. Here in Canada, we don't have the mobs of rioting Muslims like Britain and France. Sure, some are pro terrorist and anti Jewish but my former hairdresser is Syrian, my current one is Persian (she ran away from the Ayatollah). Very few cause trouble here because they have assimilated. The anti-Israel protests are coming from Iranian activists in league with Marxists: not the average Muslim. The same must happen in Israel with the Palestinians. First, we should encourage deportation of many to their ancestral homelands in the Middle East. Second, the rest (those which display peaceful behavior and have no obvious links with terrorists) could be encouraged to live all over Israel instead of having one or two places to fester and create trouble. Policing them in Gaza will be a necessity but it won't change anything, sadly. As long as they live as a community they will hate us.
The US treats Israel as a vassal to be used to further American objectives, including those adverse to Israel’s interests. What’s worse is that too many liberal American Jews believe their support for Israel obligates Israel to act against its own interest in the name of liberal values. From the comfort of their homes in NY, DC, Chicago, and LA, they find it easy to lecture Israelis who are under constant attack.
Joshua, Are you saying that you will continue to "exclusively vote" for the Democratic Party despite it's swing to the radical left? This swing has made it glaringly obvious to me and many others how the party feels about Israel and Jews in general and has allowed us to accept that the Republican Party is actually the much more moderate party. You are one of the most intelligent voices out there. Maybe you should rethink this point as may of us lifelong Democrats have.
Yes, you are correct. He did say, "for which I used to vote." I read it a few times without seeing it. I defintiely do not mean to get defensive with Joshua who I see as a voice of reason and sanity in a world that has gone completely nuts.
It’s life or death—at the end of the line. You see it too. I’d have been worse if I read our writer was still voting Dem. The Dem criminal leaders are straight faced lying to Netanyahu but I believe he knows. Israel is in danger and so is America.
This is a very difficult time for Jews politically. I have always been a Democrat and now I admit I am torn. I dislike the evolution of the Democratic Party but I trust Trump even less. I have always "read" history and sense him to be a very dangerous man. And recall that the German industrialists of the thirties thought that they could control Hitler; they could not. Now I understand that line of Shakespeare: " a pox on both their houses" . (It was the disappointment of eliminating Shapiro as VP. Second time: When Kennedy ran for President, initially he wanted Abe Ribicoff (Ct. gov) but "old" Joe nixed that ... a Catholic running for President with a Jewish VP -- no, no. But considering the times, I understood, even at the tender age of 20 ... but now I think more of the demographic change that has taken place .. so we have to live (as Jews) with this change and the vitriolic hatred ... despite all of our productivity, discovery and service. I certainly would neither desire nor expect Israel to "listen" to me but think of that American labor leader, Jimmy Hoffa: " you gotta do whatcha gotta do" ..!
The idea Trump is a Hitler, or can be compared to the Germany that led to the Holocaust is a demonstration of the marketing success of those who oppose him. I for one cannot understand why any Israel or Jewish loving people would ever vote for any of the current Democratic Party Candidates. They have made it quite clear through their direct and indirect support of those who hate Israel and the Jewish people where they ultimately stand. Even at the DNC they paraded a grieving family with hostages in Gaza while their Candidate for President openly supports a 2-state idea that fixes nothing except to appease and strengthen the anti-Zionist people who seek to destroy Israel, “from the river to the sea.”
In the end all we can and must do is to evaluate all the messages based on the senders, their merits, and in the USA vote our conscience in every election.
Watch some of Trump speeches at rallies and recent interviews. Watch the RNC if it is available to watch. You might find that you have nothing to fear from him. Hearing that he actually has a platform and can explain how he will implement it kind of makes him grow on you.
You’re right—the nations denigrate Israel. Yet it is one of the oldest established nation states in history. A nation before we had a land… At a cellular level we recognize this existence.
Wonderful as usual. I have often thought that all of the blogposts since Oct 7th should be turned into a book. A wealth of information, common sense and truth that 99% of people will never know except by reading these essays.
Most people, when they get out-played and out-smarted, resort to jealousy! And rather then improving themselves, resort to demonizing those that are better than themselves! This is precisely what happens with Israel, as none of it's neighbours can handle Democracy and make positive contributions to humanity, as Israel does!
Another excellent article and insightful perspective on the attitude of others on Israel. There seems to be (perhaps subconsciously, but doubt it) a deep envy of the Israelis because the world sees what a young country, in comparison to others, has achieved. As you stated, Israel was without natural resources, and yet they created out of sand, a thriving country of agricultural wonder, a technological giant, a country that welcomed a mosaic of people to live in freedom. The greatest achievement has been its survival in fighting off its enemies that surround it year after year. Contrary to what the West may believe, all that was achieved was done with hard work, determination, and perseverance. The West sits back in awe, and I believe, knows Israel could have won this war much earlier had the US not taken on their parent role and expecting "the good child" to do the right thing. The Israelis not only face being surrounded by enemies, but also face a combination of Jew hatred and envy by the West. By infantilizing Israel, it makes those countries feel artficially stronger. They may ask themselves in their moment of quiet, how did this tiny dot of a country achieve all that they have, and it must eat away at their minds because their countries are being overrun by those who want to destroy them. The sad part is the West has given them permission to do it.
Well done, once again Joshua… I agree with all the points you raise, but (surprise) would extend a number of them a bit further.
As you know, I am a Christian Zionist, and I am exceedingly grateful that G-d has given me the insight into His character, His heart for, and His plans for the future of, His Chosen People.
I am ‘advanced in years’ now and, though I became a Christian in my teens, I was like countless others; overwhelmingly ignorant of the Bible as a whole, particularly the Tanakh. And yet, foolishly confident that I knew what I needed to know about it, the chief thing being that it ‘had the Word of God in it, but was largely corrupted by the words of men’…
Like so many in the West as a whole, I sought knowledge and wisdom in the works of the world. I was the Judge and Jury, but my ‘trusted Counselors’ were those whom the world acclaimed as ‘wise’, ‘expert’, and ‘highly esteemed’. And they typically had more than one abbreviated title behind their names, granted from one or more of the most prestigious institutes of ‘Higher Learning’.
As a Merchant Mariner for many years in the pre-Internet Age, I had a lot of time for study and reflection. And, over the course of time, I became relatively knowledgeable. But, I remained a relatively knowledgeable fool. And, like countless others who trust primarily in themselves to sift through truth claims and sort out what is, and isn’t, ‘True’, I fell prey to many forms of deception - both from within, and without.
In the context of the issues raised in your piece, however, the most relevant point of deception was in regard to Israel. And, specifically, to the majority of Israeli Jews. Even more specifically, to the nature of their institutional leadership; the mind-set of the leaders within the principal institutions of Israeli society.
Mind you, I was never ‘anti-Semitic’, ‘anti-Israel’, or ‘anti-Zionist’. I had, thank G-d, been raised by parents who were sound of mind, well-meaning of heart, and devoid of any discernible form of racism or bigotry. They were, however, ‘nominal Christians’ and therefore, typically ignorant of the Scriptures they professed to believe in and base their lives upon.
They, and therefore I, had a number of Jewish American friends - including some who had escaped Germany in the pre-war years. I eventually married a wonderful, highly-intelligent Jewish American woman, who was equally ignorant and largely dismissive of the Scriptures. We later divorced but, during a period of many years that included our relationship, I had come to believe the following pervasive lie:
‘In their dealings with ‘the Palestinians’, the Israelis have themselves morphed into ‘the Nazis’; they have fallen into the same traps that ‘captured’ the bulk of pre-war Germany, and are on the same ‘genocidal’ path that the Nazis walked.’
This, in the language of the Brit Hadasha, is a very clear example if ‘the doctrine of demons’. Note that it had ‘infected’ my mind starting in the early ‘80’s, but had undoubtedly originated prior to the dawn of my initial thoughts about it. In the ensuing years, it has metastasized into the wide-spread, virulent hatred and vilification of Israel that we see so clearly in the world today.
Thank G-d, at the age of 45, after many years of ‘doing it my way’, I was finally broken (as Jacob); the spell I had lived under the influence of was broken, and I now understood that I could not trust my own judgement, and began to earnestly seek wisdom and understanding from G-d. Specifically, I was restored to ‘right relationship’ with Yeshua - the Jewish Rabbi that Christians profess to venerate as the Son of God, and the sacrifice by which G-d the Father has effected the redemption and healing that is potentially available to the whole world, and will eventually fulfill all of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the promised Kingdom of David upon this Earth, with its capital in Jerusalem, and it’s population, the Chosen People. It will be a Jewish Messiah/King, sitting on a throne in the capital of a Jewish Kingdom, inhabited largely (but not exclusively) by Jewish descendants of the Patriarchs, from which He will rule and reign over the entire world.
It is the prophecies that foretell this future, that animate the unreasonable hatred and blind ignorance that is being brought to bear on Israel, and Israelis, today. Inspired and directed by Satan, the intent is, quite literally, the elimination of Israel.
But, G-d…
But, even the combined efforts of the entire world, both physical and spiritual, cannot and will not prevent the fulfillment of G-d’s Plan for the Ages, which is now rapidly moving to the fulfillment of prophecies incorporating the Chosen People’s regathering, coming battles, continuing preservation, and ultimate salvation and elevation to ‘the head of the nations, and not the tail’ (Deuteronomy 28:13a)
There is so much I wish I could say, but I’ve said so much already, and must move on. I will close with this:
Proverbs 9:10
“The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
G-d bless, protect, guide, and save His people; give wisdom and strength to Israel’s leaders, courage, might, and victory to her warriors, and knowledge of, as well as loving trust in, the Holy One of Israel.
Great article as evidenced by the discussion generated. That Israel will endure I have no doubts, for the promises of Hashem are forever and amen. I also agree that Netanyahu is the right person to lead Israel at the moment. Just like in a contemporary country who would've guessed a standup comedian would be a strong wartime leader.
I'm now in my fourth decade. The present national and world "mood" are almost unrecognizable from the days of my youth. Truths and justice seem to be slowly eroding by creeping ignorance and self-absorption. The USA may be mortally diveded as noted by President Lincoln, "a house divided against itself cannot stand". A country that generates a near insurrection, certainly has no moral or ethical standing to be dictating policy to anyone else until we get our own house in order. Thanks again for the thoughtful article.
A very interesting and thought-provoking article. However it is definitely not South African Jews who are infantilising or disrespecting Israel and Israelis.. The vast majority of South African Jews have always been very committed and active Zionists and unconditionally supportive of the Israeli people and successive Israeli governments since 1948. I also believe that post October 2023 most of us are in favour of the complete destruction of Hamas (as well as Hezbollah at some later stage). However we would never presume to dictate or lecture to Israel on how it should act, what it should believe or what is in its best interests. The problem here is our ANC government and its supporters who have historically been highly but covertly anti-Semitic in spite of having numerous Jews as staunch allies in the "freedom struggle." Some of this is due to old-fashioned Christian religious prejudice, the perception that all Jews are rich and only live well by exploiting the masses and the belief that Jews mostly are racist White people. The deep antagonism to Israel and Jews in general is exacerbated by the presence of a significant and vocal Muslim population in South Africa, the perception that Israel supported and assisted the National Party government during the 1970's and 80's and the more recent toxic influence of Iran and its proxies.
Wonderful article that addresses and confirms so much of my own feelings. Was it Mark Twain who raised the possibilities of success for Jews when they are settled into one geographic location .. rather than the Iranian world who spoke of annihiliation made "simpler" ... think again, Ayatollah .. not happening. As for the remainder of the world ... let a need arise (which only Israel may be able to address whether in medicine or innovation, than back to the Israeli troth (which would seem more palatable ... I neither expect, as a Jew, loyalty or deference ... I still keep in mind that Arab proverb: you kiss the hand you cannot bite ... looking at history or should I say Jewish history, it is consistent and constant. But Jews have been taught well ... the Muslim world will have to work very hard to reach the level of trust developed before Oct. 7th. And that is another "Never Again".)
If Israel is giving more than it gets from the U.S. in terms of aid, why do I and many others perceive a fear on the part of the Israeli government of crossing the Biden admin. Obviously there was a long time when Israel seemed indecisive, and took a very long time to go into Rafah. Israel also has been light on pursuing Hezbollah. I’m asking this because I really want to understand. I would love to see Israel pursue its own best interests without fear go losing US aid. If the U.S. is getting so much from the relationship and has just as much to lose as the
Israel if the relationship really soured, Israel should be a a lot more confident.
I believe that I have said this before on these pages; however, it bears repeating. Those Jews who live in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or wherever who feel free to give advice to Israel, should put their opinions towards proactive results. Make aliyah, become an Israeli citizen, and then work and vote to make the changes that you want to see happen in Israel. Otherwise, you are just part of the chattering of the nattering nincompoops of negativity.
They will stop "infantilizing" us when they see we can take care of ourselves independently. Which means having a superior arsenal and weapons system we can sustain by ourselves and the will to kick out - or terminate - the enemies within Israel, regardless of what anyone says. I am 70 years old. I learned this lesson in my early 30s when some people who were dear to me tried to "step on my toes" financially; thinking I would be a good little girl and do nothing. They learned quickly that even a good little girl can get a lawyer to read them the riot act - and they backed down. I didn't hate them. We still got along, but in a different - more mutually respectful way. Israel's "arsenal" must include everything from weapons to intel that gives us leverage with our enemies - and allies. If we cower and cringe like little girls over our hostages, over the "unfairness" of the world's treatment of us - they will treat us like the infants they perceive us as. Modern Israel is 77 years old but we still must grow up.
Israel made a lot of mistakes during its existence by succumbing to pressure of the “west” just simply trying to survive! It was a fantasy that world is on our side, it never was! With very rear and floating exceptions! It’s insane to do the same and hoping for different results! The world leaders did what they needed at the time, depending on who was in top. Israel on the other hand, was always jerked around and Jews were always thinking “but they all know our horrific history, we’re just trying to survive with little that we’ve got, our brains. No oil, surrounded by powerful enemies, with tiny territory etc.”
Jews always tried to prove they want to be fair by giving up land they took in battles they didn’t start, for only PROMISE OF PEACE, hoping others will appreciate and do the same. Sinai to Egypt! Golan heights to Syria! Gaza Strip to Palestinians! Huge mistakes!
This was all part of our journey but we made the mistake of thinking that if we were fair and loyal to our allies, they would be too. The Biden/Harris administration (not to mention other administrations which forced us to give up the spoils of our victories) proved that we are pawns in their political games. There is no way to convince them of our needs. They will give us ONLY what is in THEIR interest to give us and nothing more. I keep repeating in my comments here and in other Jewish forums that Israel must have the capacity to develop and replenish our own weaponry without begging the US or any other country for help. We must have advanced technology for war and peace that other countries cannot copy. And intel that can shift power from one politician, party or country to another. You get the idea. We must have all of this so the next time we negotiate with another country, the negotiations go our way.
Stockholm Syndrome, and Projection: People who spend too long fighting the Enemy end up sharing Character Traits they would rather not, as hostages. This is Cultural Marxism. So, Sharing Character Traits like Fatalism, and Blind (Bible) Worship, would have lead us to an Arab and Middle Eastern future, rather than the Logic and the Empirical science of the Rational approach which has been so very effective for us in Jewish and Israeli matters and affairs.
Except the so-called "rational" approach has not been rational or effective. For years this approach assumed incorrectly that Palestinians wanted statehood and would be amenable to negotiating for this. Torah (The Bible), however, offers an approach that is far more rational. Rise up and kill those who would kill you - and don't allow enemies to live in Israel.
I do not accept your further analysis here. Consider this Fact: The Arab and Druze Israelis are not Jewish and are also not our Enemies. They do well out of Rational and Secular Israel, and are happy to live peacefully with us. Hamas and the Gaza Arabs did not, and have paid the price of their intransigence and Genocidal Ideology. I suspect you make the mistake of marking up the Inhabitants of Israel as either Jew or Non-Jew. The reality is more complex. Most Non-Jews are actually friendly to The Jews of Israel. Quite Right: the reason is because we Jews have built a successful and rich economy and a State along with this. Long may tolerant Multi-Racial Israel remain so! In fact we only have one problem: this is with the Palestinian Arabs. And they are not getting a State to arm themselves for a Genocide against us, in a Genocidal War of Martyrdom which Islamist Hamas had promised them. Therefore they can't have a State, which would imply the right to an Army to attack The Jewish People and Europe with. But they are being offered 'Self-determination' in Area A, but WITHOUT A STATE THEREFORE. So chill out. The IDF is Strong, and The West and Europe and The USA are with us (about Palestinian 'Self Determination' but not 'Statehood'), so there is no need to 'Rise up and Kill those who would kill you' as you claim. So chill out. There is no need to descend to the level of The Arab Palestinians. Thus Israel Remains Rational and Western.
You are terribly off base in your assumptions of what I'm saying. One: Torah allows non-Jews to live in Israel if they are friendly. Therefore, Druze (which are friendly - and other law abiding Arabs) are most welcome in Israel. You are raising the issue of race. What? Torah makes no issue of race. "Race" is a secular construct, not a Jewish one. As for the statement "rise up and kill them before they kill you", please take your blinders off and stop equating Torah to the Jihadist Muslim religion. We (as Jews) do not start wars. But there is RATIONALITY in preparing for an enemy before he attacks. Had Israeli intelligence and others supposed to protect Israel done their jobs properly Oct 7 would not have happened. (I read there were warnings that Hamas was up to something). Also: it was supremely stupid and arrogant for the Israelis in the kibbutzim attacked to presume that their ideology of peace could "overcome" the Jew-hatred in Gaza. They could have - SHOULD HAVE - not been so gullible as to believe they could befriend a people steeped for generations in Jew-hatred; who elected Terrorists to lead them. As for ensuring that Jews remain the majority in Israel, I am 100% for this. Israel is, after all, a Jewish state. It was recreated in 1948 in recognition of the Jews' indigenous right to the land and that Judaism, as a religion - is integral to our survival as a people and a nation.
You Write: 'As for ensuring that Jews remain the majority in Israel, I am 100% for this. Israel is, after all, a Jewish state. It was recreated in 1948 in recognition of the Jews' indigenous right to the land..' I agree with you. To ensure Israel remains Majority Jewish and therefore secure Jews worldwide against Nazism and Anti-Semitism, The Palestinians in Gaza and Area A West Bank get a Palestinian Authority to govern themselves, but NOT as Israelis.
No. First, as long as Jihadi ideology permeates the Palestinian community in Israel there is no "Palestinian Authority" Israel can trust to govern these people in a way that doesn't threaten Israel. A change in the Iranian regime could help but Jew-hatred doesn't go away just like that. It would take another generation, at least, to educate Palestinians without it. Who is going to do this? It cannot be Israelis, since they hate us. At present there is no non-Jewish group likely to step up as "rehabilitators and educators". Judea/Samaria and Gaza were part of biblical Israel and I believe, should remain part of Israel - not as a country, community, whatever you want to call it - to the Palestinians. Sure, I'm not against some non-Jewish residents - but only if they behave like the Druze or other friendly Israeli Arabs. Some years ago I interviewed a former Prime Minister of Canada - Kim Campbell - for a magazine article. (I'm a professional writer; semi-retired now). She said something very wise regarding the importation of Muslims to Western countries. She was against the way Britain, France and others were doing it: relegating the immigrants to ghettos - essentially places where they could not assimilate well. She approved of Canada's method, which was to spread them all over, to promote assimilation and reduce the risk of Jihadi ideology taking hold. She was right. Here in Canada, we don't have the mobs of rioting Muslims like Britain and France. Sure, some are pro terrorist and anti Jewish but my former hairdresser is Syrian, my current one is Persian (she ran away from the Ayatollah). Very few cause trouble here because they have assimilated. The anti-Israel protests are coming from Iranian activists in league with Marxists: not the average Muslim. The same must happen in Israel with the Palestinians. First, we should encourage deportation of many to their ancestral homelands in the Middle East. Second, the rest (those which display peaceful behavior and have no obvious links with terrorists) could be encouraged to live all over Israel instead of having one or two places to fester and create trouble. Policing them in Gaza will be a necessity but it won't change anything, sadly. As long as they live as a community they will hate us.
The US treats Israel as a vassal to be used to further American objectives, including those adverse to Israel’s interests. What’s worse is that too many liberal American Jews believe their support for Israel obligates Israel to act against its own interest in the name of liberal values. From the comfort of their homes in NY, DC, Chicago, and LA, they find it easy to lecture Israelis who are under constant attack.
Awesome article! I can’t stand all the ignorant opinions of people around the world who have no clue about the reality of life in Israel
Joshua, Are you saying that you will continue to "exclusively vote" for the Democratic Party despite it's swing to the radical left? This swing has made it glaringly obvious to me and many others how the party feels about Israel and Jews in general and has allowed us to accept that the Republican Party is actually the much more moderate party. You are one of the most intelligent voices out there. Maybe you should rethink this point as may of us lifelong Democrats have.
No I won’t vote for the democrats in the upcoming election.
I believe he wrote ‘for which I used to vote’ but I get your angst. RFK Jr. made it clear last night: party’s over…
Yes, you are correct. He did say, "for which I used to vote." I read it a few times without seeing it. I defintiely do not mean to get defensive with Joshua who I see as a voice of reason and sanity in a world that has gone completely nuts.
It’s life or death—at the end of the line. You see it too. I’d have been worse if I read our writer was still voting Dem. The Dem criminal leaders are straight faced lying to Netanyahu but I believe he knows. Israel is in danger and so is America.
This is a very difficult time for Jews politically. I have always been a Democrat and now I admit I am torn. I dislike the evolution of the Democratic Party but I trust Trump even less. I have always "read" history and sense him to be a very dangerous man. And recall that the German industrialists of the thirties thought that they could control Hitler; they could not. Now I understand that line of Shakespeare: " a pox on both their houses" . (It was the disappointment of eliminating Shapiro as VP. Second time: When Kennedy ran for President, initially he wanted Abe Ribicoff (Ct. gov) but "old" Joe nixed that ... a Catholic running for President with a Jewish VP -- no, no. But considering the times, I understood, even at the tender age of 20 ... but now I think more of the demographic change that has taken place .. so we have to live (as Jews) with this change and the vitriolic hatred ... despite all of our productivity, discovery and service. I certainly would neither desire nor expect Israel to "listen" to me but think of that American labor leader, Jimmy Hoffa: " you gotta do whatcha gotta do" ..!
The idea Trump is a Hitler, or can be compared to the Germany that led to the Holocaust is a demonstration of the marketing success of those who oppose him. I for one cannot understand why any Israel or Jewish loving people would ever vote for any of the current Democratic Party Candidates. They have made it quite clear through their direct and indirect support of those who hate Israel and the Jewish people where they ultimately stand. Even at the DNC they paraded a grieving family with hostages in Gaza while their Candidate for President openly supports a 2-state idea that fixes nothing except to appease and strengthen the anti-Zionist people who seek to destroy Israel, “from the river to the sea.”
In the end all we can and must do is to evaluate all the messages based on the senders, their merits, and in the USA vote our conscience in every election.
Watch some of Trump speeches at rallies and recent interviews. Watch the RNC if it is available to watch. You might find that you have nothing to fear from him. Hearing that he actually has a platform and can explain how he will implement it kind of makes him grow on you.
You’re right—the nations denigrate Israel. Yet it is one of the oldest established nation states in history. A nation before we had a land… At a cellular level we recognize this existence.
Wonderful as usual. I have often thought that all of the blogposts since Oct 7th should be turned into a book. A wealth of information, common sense and truth that 99% of people will never know except by reading these essays.
Most people, when they get out-played and out-smarted, resort to jealousy! And rather then improving themselves, resort to demonizing those that are better than themselves! This is precisely what happens with Israel, as none of it's neighbours can handle Democracy and make positive contributions to humanity, as Israel does!
Another excellent article and insightful perspective on the attitude of others on Israel. There seems to be (perhaps subconsciously, but doubt it) a deep envy of the Israelis because the world sees what a young country, in comparison to others, has achieved. As you stated, Israel was without natural resources, and yet they created out of sand, a thriving country of agricultural wonder, a technological giant, a country that welcomed a mosaic of people to live in freedom. The greatest achievement has been its survival in fighting off its enemies that surround it year after year. Contrary to what the West may believe, all that was achieved was done with hard work, determination, and perseverance. The West sits back in awe, and I believe, knows Israel could have won this war much earlier had the US not taken on their parent role and expecting "the good child" to do the right thing. The Israelis not only face being surrounded by enemies, but also face a combination of Jew hatred and envy by the West. By infantilizing Israel, it makes those countries feel artficially stronger. They may ask themselves in their moment of quiet, how did this tiny dot of a country achieve all that they have, and it must eat away at their minds because their countries are being overrun by those who want to destroy them. The sad part is the West has given them permission to do it.
Well done, once again Joshua… I agree with all the points you raise, but (surprise) would extend a number of them a bit further.
As you know, I am a Christian Zionist, and I am exceedingly grateful that G-d has given me the insight into His character, His heart for, and His plans for the future of, His Chosen People.
I am ‘advanced in years’ now and, though I became a Christian in my teens, I was like countless others; overwhelmingly ignorant of the Bible as a whole, particularly the Tanakh. And yet, foolishly confident that I knew what I needed to know about it, the chief thing being that it ‘had the Word of God in it, but was largely corrupted by the words of men’…
Like so many in the West as a whole, I sought knowledge and wisdom in the works of the world. I was the Judge and Jury, but my ‘trusted Counselors’ were those whom the world acclaimed as ‘wise’, ‘expert’, and ‘highly esteemed’. And they typically had more than one abbreviated title behind their names, granted from one or more of the most prestigious institutes of ‘Higher Learning’.
As a Merchant Mariner for many years in the pre-Internet Age, I had a lot of time for study and reflection. And, over the course of time, I became relatively knowledgeable. But, I remained a relatively knowledgeable fool. And, like countless others who trust primarily in themselves to sift through truth claims and sort out what is, and isn’t, ‘True’, I fell prey to many forms of deception - both from within, and without.
In the context of the issues raised in your piece, however, the most relevant point of deception was in regard to Israel. And, specifically, to the majority of Israeli Jews. Even more specifically, to the nature of their institutional leadership; the mind-set of the leaders within the principal institutions of Israeli society.
Mind you, I was never ‘anti-Semitic’, ‘anti-Israel’, or ‘anti-Zionist’. I had, thank G-d, been raised by parents who were sound of mind, well-meaning of heart, and devoid of any discernible form of racism or bigotry. They were, however, ‘nominal Christians’ and therefore, typically ignorant of the Scriptures they professed to believe in and base their lives upon.
They, and therefore I, had a number of Jewish American friends - including some who had escaped Germany in the pre-war years. I eventually married a wonderful, highly-intelligent Jewish American woman, who was equally ignorant and largely dismissive of the Scriptures. We later divorced but, during a period of many years that included our relationship, I had come to believe the following pervasive lie:
‘In their dealings with ‘the Palestinians’, the Israelis have themselves morphed into ‘the Nazis’; they have fallen into the same traps that ‘captured’ the bulk of pre-war Germany, and are on the same ‘genocidal’ path that the Nazis walked.’
This, in the language of the Brit Hadasha, is a very clear example if ‘the doctrine of demons’. Note that it had ‘infected’ my mind starting in the early ‘80’s, but had undoubtedly originated prior to the dawn of my initial thoughts about it. In the ensuing years, it has metastasized into the wide-spread, virulent hatred and vilification of Israel that we see so clearly in the world today.
Thank G-d, at the age of 45, after many years of ‘doing it my way’, I was finally broken (as Jacob); the spell I had lived under the influence of was broken, and I now understood that I could not trust my own judgement, and began to earnestly seek wisdom and understanding from G-d. Specifically, I was restored to ‘right relationship’ with Yeshua - the Jewish Rabbi that Christians profess to venerate as the Son of God, and the sacrifice by which G-d the Father has effected the redemption and healing that is potentially available to the whole world, and will eventually fulfill all of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the promised Kingdom of David upon this Earth, with its capital in Jerusalem, and it’s population, the Chosen People. It will be a Jewish Messiah/King, sitting on a throne in the capital of a Jewish Kingdom, inhabited largely (but not exclusively) by Jewish descendants of the Patriarchs, from which He will rule and reign over the entire world.
It is the prophecies that foretell this future, that animate the unreasonable hatred and blind ignorance that is being brought to bear on Israel, and Israelis, today. Inspired and directed by Satan, the intent is, quite literally, the elimination of Israel.
But, G-d…
But, even the combined efforts of the entire world, both physical and spiritual, cannot and will not prevent the fulfillment of G-d’s Plan for the Ages, which is now rapidly moving to the fulfillment of prophecies incorporating the Chosen People’s regathering, coming battles, continuing preservation, and ultimate salvation and elevation to ‘the head of the nations, and not the tail’ (Deuteronomy 28:13a)
There is so much I wish I could say, but I’ve said so much already, and must move on. I will close with this:
Proverbs 9:10
“The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
G-d bless, protect, guide, and save His people; give wisdom and strength to Israel’s leaders, courage, might, and victory to her warriors, and knowledge of, as well as loving trust in, the Holy One of Israel.
Great article as evidenced by the discussion generated. That Israel will endure I have no doubts, for the promises of Hashem are forever and amen. I also agree that Netanyahu is the right person to lead Israel at the moment. Just like in a contemporary country who would've guessed a standup comedian would be a strong wartime leader.
I'm now in my fourth decade. The present national and world "mood" are almost unrecognizable from the days of my youth. Truths and justice seem to be slowly eroding by creeping ignorance and self-absorption. The USA may be mortally diveded as noted by President Lincoln, "a house divided against itself cannot stand". A country that generates a near insurrection, certainly has no moral or ethical standing to be dictating policy to anyone else until we get our own house in order. Thanks again for the thoughtful article.
Am Yisrael Chai.
A very interesting and thought-provoking article. However it is definitely not South African Jews who are infantilising or disrespecting Israel and Israelis.. The vast majority of South African Jews have always been very committed and active Zionists and unconditionally supportive of the Israeli people and successive Israeli governments since 1948. I also believe that post October 2023 most of us are in favour of the complete destruction of Hamas (as well as Hezbollah at some later stage). However we would never presume to dictate or lecture to Israel on how it should act, what it should believe or what is in its best interests. The problem here is our ANC government and its supporters who have historically been highly but covertly anti-Semitic in spite of having numerous Jews as staunch allies in the "freedom struggle." Some of this is due to old-fashioned Christian religious prejudice, the perception that all Jews are rich and only live well by exploiting the masses and the belief that Jews mostly are racist White people. The deep antagonism to Israel and Jews in general is exacerbated by the presence of a significant and vocal Muslim population in South Africa, the perception that Israel supported and assisted the National Party government during the 1970's and 80's and the more recent toxic influence of Iran and its proxies.
Wonderful article that addresses and confirms so much of my own feelings. Was it Mark Twain who raised the possibilities of success for Jews when they are settled into one geographic location .. rather than the Iranian world who spoke of annihiliation made "simpler" ... think again, Ayatollah .. not happening. As for the remainder of the world ... let a need arise (which only Israel may be able to address whether in medicine or innovation, than back to the Israeli troth (which would seem more palatable ... I neither expect, as a Jew, loyalty or deference ... I still keep in mind that Arab proverb: you kiss the hand you cannot bite ... looking at history or should I say Jewish history, it is consistent and constant. But Jews have been taught well ... the Muslim world will have to work very hard to reach the level of trust developed before Oct. 7th. And that is another "Never Again".)
People who lack the mental capacity to control their emotions or think things through rationally, love to attack their allies.
Good thing stupid people aren't in charge.
You are starting to sound like a hate filled person trolling for comments.
Possibly not, but the Palestinians are infantilized far more.
Yes but in a totally different way.
If Israel is giving more than it gets from the U.S. in terms of aid, why do I and many others perceive a fear on the part of the Israeli government of crossing the Biden admin. Obviously there was a long time when Israel seemed indecisive, and took a very long time to go into Rafah. Israel also has been light on pursuing Hezbollah. I’m asking this because I really want to understand. I would love to see Israel pursue its own best interests without fear go losing US aid. If the U.S. is getting so much from the relationship and has just as much to lose as the
Israel if the relationship really soured, Israel should be a a lot more confident.
I believe that I have said this before on these pages; however, it bears repeating. Those Jews who live in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or wherever who feel free to give advice to Israel, should put their opinions towards proactive results. Make aliyah, become an Israeli citizen, and then work and vote to make the changes that you want to see happen in Israel. Otherwise, you are just part of the chattering of the nattering nincompoops of negativity.