Never did I think that you would choose a group of people whom you have zero connection with over our friendship, but as they say: When it comes to the Palestinians, you can do no wrong.
Well written letter and unfortunately very true. Todah Rabah.
The world it seems still hasn't learned what is right and what is wrong...
My late parents were a Shoah survivor/and a Nazi refugee - due to my aliyah to Israel 53 years ago they also purchased an apartment in Israel they were happy to have sabarim grandchidren - I have seen and lived the gamut of terrorism against Israelis (and Jews) and wars, my first war was the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, I was pregnant with my oldest son in Bat Yam, when the siren went off at 2 PM. The night before October 7, 2023, I lit a yizkor candle for the soldiers and family members who died in October 1973.
All we Israelis want is peace, we gave up the entire sinai for peace with Egypt, we left Gaza in 2005 and pulled out Israelis by force to comply - we hired Gazans in Israel for work (permits granted) in agriculture and construction, 43,000 Gazans crossed into Israel daily per month. Their salaries in Israel were much higher then Gaza, it enabled them to properly house and feed their families. In addition so many Israelis who lived in the Gaza Envelope worked and volunteered with Gazans assisting them and shutteling them to Israeli hospitals - since 2001 the rockets aimed at Israel from Gaza have not ceased...
Egypt? Here we are 42 years later uncovering underground tunnels from Raffa into Egypt... imagine that!
We will prevail, despite the backlash from the so called western progressive countries - who sit in their lazy boys in their countries with large landmass and criticize Israel, using Jews as pawns for their diaspora politics - their cries of apartheid and genocide is all Judenhaas (Jew hatred) propaganda .
Is any of this new? No.
As I often point out there are numerous countries that have a state Church (Christian) and numerous countries with Islam as their state religion - we have one small state which is a Jewish State, our minorities which include Christians, Muslims, Bahais and others... are Israeli citizens with full rights. This weekend one IDF Capt. Wassem Mahmoud ( rest in peace) was killed in a blast in Gaza, with his fellow IDF brothers in arms, Jewish Israeli soldiers. z"l
We will prevail and we will win this war at a great cost yet again. Am Yisrael Chai.
It is sad that people can't see that Israelis only want peace. It is blocked by the intense brainwashing and the use of twisting words and phrases against Israel.
What does it prove? That Ha’Aretz publishes opinion pieces by Arab writers that are unflattering of Israel? That Israel has a free press, while Al Jazeera actively censors anti-Hamas statements?
The author of the opinion piece in Ha'aretz is non other then Hanin Majadli a Palestinian, she often has lots to say and its always anti Israel ... have alook at her line up.
How many graduates of American universities are out protesting against Jews/Israel & Pro Palestinian/Hamas? Screaming “Death to the Jews/ Israel, Death to America, Go back to Poland?” Maybe the USA should figure out how to use American ‘hasbara’ better?
We all know who she is. She has full rights, she like any other American ( like yourself ) can write op eds all she wants. The first amendment in the USA allows the pro- hamas protestors wearing their kafiyas and masks just like hamas... (should tell you something) in a number of American cities.. they carry signs that read" Go Back To The Ovens" Really?
Such a beautiful letter with some of the tragic history of Israel told so well. My heart has been torn apart by so much evil in America who have been so manipulated by our universities and the propaganda of the left. I, for one, pray for the day when Israel can live in peace. "Israel is God's chosen people." (Deuteronomy 7:6)
It's a great letter. It saddened me immensely to read it. It reminded me of stories I read about Germans who worked for Jewish businesses in the late 1930s and how they, too, turned against all their Jewish colleagues and neighbours. This time, though, we have Israel, and Israel will prevail against this madness. Am Israel chai.
It is really sadv how many people can be quickly triggered/ switched with marketing brainwashing techniques. I saw it in one of my best friends, and a cousin's adult kids. I am very proud that my own children and nieces and nephews are still pro Israel. It helps that hubby and I both lived in Israel for 6 years , traveled around Israel, and interacted weekly with people living and working in Judah and Samaria . Plus, my adult family was raised to not take anything at face value, to follow the money and agenda trails. They have become my teachers over the past few years to look deeper than what I taught them to do - it doesn't change what is happening in the world. but at least we can have great family discussions without hysteria and I know we have each other's backs should we need it!
Hi Josh. I’m glad you got this out of your system. I’m also glad it is more than cathartic for you. The prose is quite superb. I especially liked: "The Palestinians have become a Frankenstein monster, assembled from dysfunction, demagoguery, myopia, and myth — and nurtured in a fever swamp where lies and hysteria kill off reason..."
Another suitable metaphor is likening them to “orcs” from Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Orcs were once elves (a good-looking, likable race) who were transformed by the dark lord into ugly, mindless creatures programmed to hate, maim and murder at their master’s bidding. I’ve used the “orc” description on Facebook to help ensure that my comments about so-called Palestinians weren’t removed by Mark Zuckerberg’s own “orcs”!
Moving on to another comment you made; about their “infantilizing the Palestinians for decades and encouraging governments to dump billions of dollars into the pockets of Palestinian kleptocrats, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority notwithstanding,” this speaks to the inclination of Western leftists to “infantilize” people in general. It is the left who worships government; expecting government to babysit people from birth to death, discouraging innovation, productivity, critical thinking and personal responsibility along the way. And, as much as leftists accuse religionists of being too reliant on G-d, the Jewish G-d does not expect us to exchange our intellect for His love and protection. I’ll bet those friends you finally dumped were atheist or pretty darn close to being atheist by joining some leftist Yiddish movement like the Reform or Reconstructionist.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to lose friends. Memories of fun times with them, sans political disagreements, are not easy to walk away from. Thankfully, you appear to have your feet planted firmly on a better road. A road that will bring new friends and great meaning to your life without sacrificing the Jewish people.
I didn't know that the Orcs were transformed and deformed Elves. I missed that somewhere along the way. I'll look for that on my third read through the Trilogy which is scheduled for 5 years from now!
Yes, I can't remember where in the trilogy (or the movies) it was mentioned, but it was, briefly. Maybe it was something the noble elves (and heroes in the tale) didn't want people to dwell on! In any case, here's a reference to it that I found online: "In The Silmarillion, Tolkien writes that Orcs were created in mockery of Elves, and indeed that they were originally Elves for only Ilúvatar had the power to create life:"
So it's your interpretation. Ok. I interpret "Dune" as having a pro-Palestinian/pro-Arab message. Desert world = Middle East. Spice = oil. Empire = Israel, the US. Fremen/Paul Maud Dib = Muslim terrorists pitched as "freedom fighters". Fremen holy war = Muslim "holy war"
Excellent article and beautifully articulated, Joshua. It’s painful losing friends, especially when they are so misinformed and refuse to engage in a meaningful conversation. Nothing can take away that pain. Rest assured, you have a whole new set of friends through your writings who will one day shake your hand and share a meal with you, in a victorious Israel.
Oh yes, this describes "today" in chilling accuracy and a heavy price will be extracted. Whatever happens, Jews will survive ... a genetic quality encouraged by thousands of years of practice. Rolling with the waves of circumstance, but the Palestinians ... they will disappear like the Phoenicians, the Babylonians, the Persians, etc etc. There was a moment in which the Middle East could have erupted into a global phenomenon of economics, science, stability: but that moment has passed (I fear never to return). Golda Meir said it perfectly: they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. But in the midst of this tragedy and suffering, Israel has learned a bitter lesson (not soon to be forgotten). Even with her fervant patriotism and love of America, my grandmother seemed to watch and wait and so I learned her Litvak lesson: be careful with your trust (that applied to everything .. even family. She was not literate but wise.) And so on October 7th, I was not surprised at the hate and cruelty displayed by the Palestinians (Hamas and Palestinian being the same thing). What shocked and almost immobolized me was the behavior of our friends, countries who were allies, politicians who took Jews under their umbrella ... and so I recognized the instability of our world, the former refuge and I know that Jews will have to be smarter, do better, find something that only we can offer so that the world will temper their malice ... I hope this time, Israel and Jews do not give their trust so easily. Hutka, you were right!
Except that one time when the immigrants and refugees were Jews returning to their homelands.
That's a sticking point...I notice great umbrage that Jews claim a homeland. Not allowed! Even when that homeland includes non-Jews in the millions? As full citizens of a vibrant democracy? (Fingers in ears..."La la la.")
Meanwhile, here comes Islamism, and no, they haven't read the Quran, but they hear it's poetic in Arabic...
I’m trying to maintain some sort of optimism but to be honest between the college campus BS & the recent DC demonstration it’s extremely difficult. The hate just continues to mushroom worldwide. These assholes tear down my flag; go pull that shit in Gaza, scream against Jews all the while hiding their faces. The cops standby doing nothing. If they truly cared they’d jump on a plane & go help out there. You protect terrorists then go there. Any terrorists here…? 🖕🖕🖕 Go Israel!🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
Joshua, your astute ability describes precisely this frustrating political phenomena, and the sadness and disbelief in losing friendships we could have kept simply through conversation. Look on the positive side at those friends who are with you and can share different ideas without the drama of those who are egocentric and close minded.
Unfortunately so true. My Parents left Germany just in time. My Father’s Brother & Parents did not. I’m so glad they aren’t here now to witness the state of the world but I do have relatives in Tel Aviv who I worry over constantly. Am Israel Chai 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
I sympathize with your situation. I’ve been through this crucible myself with friends and family, albeit more around American politics than the latest pogrom against Jews. I feel your pain. But I’m sorry to tell you: These were not your friends. True friends don’t abandon you over political disagreements. They know you. They know what kind of a person you are and they respect you. They don’t cavalierly reject you over a difference of opinion. True friends are also hard to come by and keep in life. What you got was a gift- clarity. Who has your back, who doesn’t. A true friend is there when things are hard, when it’s not all peaches and cream. What you will likely also get are true friends with backbones because of this terrible experience. The right thing is usually the hard thing. Most people won’t do it. You are doing it. Keep at it.
Well said, Joshua. I have been attacked by others for standing up for Israel and called some choice names. I find it very sad that some people who profess to know Christ and claim to understand the Bible could treat Israel with such disdain. They twist the truth and ignore the fact that from Genesis forward God established a covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants. These same people don’t take an honest look at the Bible or history as it relates to the Jewish people or Israel. I do pray for the people of Gaza who are under the control of terrorists and for those suffering as a result of this war. But there’s so much that goes unacknowledged by those who call this genocide or ongoing oppression. I finally blocked one woman who showed great disrespect to God, to Israel and I believe she is into witchcraft. Sadly the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. He is the deceiver.
Well written letter and unfortunately very true. Todah Rabah.
The world it seems still hasn't learned what is right and what is wrong...
My late parents were a Shoah survivor/and a Nazi refugee - due to my aliyah to Israel 53 years ago they also purchased an apartment in Israel they were happy to have sabarim grandchidren - I have seen and lived the gamut of terrorism against Israelis (and Jews) and wars, my first war was the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, I was pregnant with my oldest son in Bat Yam, when the siren went off at 2 PM. The night before October 7, 2023, I lit a yizkor candle for the soldiers and family members who died in October 1973.
All we Israelis want is peace, we gave up the entire sinai for peace with Egypt, we left Gaza in 2005 and pulled out Israelis by force to comply - we hired Gazans in Israel for work (permits granted) in agriculture and construction, 43,000 Gazans crossed into Israel daily per month. Their salaries in Israel were much higher then Gaza, it enabled them to properly house and feed their families. In addition so many Israelis who lived in the Gaza Envelope worked and volunteered with Gazans assisting them and shutteling them to Israeli hospitals - since 2001 the rockets aimed at Israel from Gaza have not ceased...
Egypt? Here we are 42 years later uncovering underground tunnels from Raffa into Egypt... imagine that!
We will prevail, despite the backlash from the so called western progressive countries - who sit in their lazy boys in their countries with large landmass and criticize Israel, using Jews as pawns for their diaspora politics - their cries of apartheid and genocide is all Judenhaas (Jew hatred) propaganda .
Is any of this new? No.
As I often point out there are numerous countries that have a state Church (Christian) and numerous countries with Islam as their state religion - we have one small state which is a Jewish State, our minorities which include Christians, Muslims, Bahais and others... are Israeli citizens with full rights. This weekend one IDF Capt. Wassem Mahmoud ( rest in peace) was killed in a blast in Gaza, with his fellow IDF brothers in arms, Jewish Israeli soldiers. z"l
We will prevail and we will win this war at a great cost yet again. Am Yisrael Chai.
It is sad that people can't see that Israelis only want peace. It is blocked by the intense brainwashing and the use of twisting words and phrases against Israel.
Such a lame effort, Dan.
What does it prove? That Ha’Aretz publishes opinion pieces by Arab writers that are unflattering of Israel? That Israel has a free press, while Al Jazeera actively censors anti-Hamas statements?
Haaretz is a rag.
The author of the opinion piece in Ha'aretz is non other then Hanin Majadli a Palestinian, she often has lots to say and its always anti Israel ... have alook at her line up.
https://www.haaretz.com/ty-WRITER/0000017f-da25-d718-a5ff-faa5439d0000
This guy Dan Nelson annoyingly trolling Jewish pain.
Haaretz is in the media biz. Controversy sells where one has a free press—unlike in Gaza.
You’re too easy, Dan.
How many graduates of American universities are out protesting against Jews/Israel & Pro Palestinian/Hamas? Screaming “Death to the Jews/ Israel, Death to America, Go back to Poland?” Maybe the USA should figure out how to use American ‘hasbara’ better?
We all know who she is. She has full rights, she like any other American ( like yourself ) can write op eds all she wants. The first amendment in the USA allows the pro- hamas protestors wearing their kafiyas and masks just like hamas... (should tell you something) in a number of American cities.. they carry signs that read" Go Back To The Ovens" Really?
Haaretz is a rag, like The NY Times. Has been for years.
Not my comment
Such a beautiful letter with some of the tragic history of Israel told so well. My heart has been torn apart by so much evil in America who have been so manipulated by our universities and the propaganda of the left. I, for one, pray for the day when Israel can live in peace. "Israel is God's chosen people." (Deuteronomy 7:6)
It's a great letter. It saddened me immensely to read it. It reminded me of stories I read about Germans who worked for Jewish businesses in the late 1930s and how they, too, turned against all their Jewish colleagues and neighbours. This time, though, we have Israel, and Israel will prevail against this madness. Am Israel chai.
Thank you. What a brilliant article. I’m not Jewish. But I have too lost friends to the cause. And every single word you wrote is true.
Feel exactly as you do Kelli. So troubling!
I am not Jewish and have lost friends, too. Very sad.
You took the very words I needed.
I am in sheer disbelief of attitudes and shameful behaviour of protesters up and down the UK
It is really sadv how many people can be quickly triggered/ switched with marketing brainwashing techniques. I saw it in one of my best friends, and a cousin's adult kids. I am very proud that my own children and nieces and nephews are still pro Israel. It helps that hubby and I both lived in Israel for 6 years , traveled around Israel, and interacted weekly with people living and working in Judah and Samaria . Plus, my adult family was raised to not take anything at face value, to follow the money and agenda trails. They have become my teachers over the past few years to look deeper than what I taught them to do - it doesn't change what is happening in the world. but at least we can have great family discussions without hysteria and I know we have each other's backs should we need it!
Hi Josh. I’m glad you got this out of your system. I’m also glad it is more than cathartic for you. The prose is quite superb. I especially liked: "The Palestinians have become a Frankenstein monster, assembled from dysfunction, demagoguery, myopia, and myth — and nurtured in a fever swamp where lies and hysteria kill off reason..."
Another suitable metaphor is likening them to “orcs” from Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Orcs were once elves (a good-looking, likable race) who were transformed by the dark lord into ugly, mindless creatures programmed to hate, maim and murder at their master’s bidding. I’ve used the “orc” description on Facebook to help ensure that my comments about so-called Palestinians weren’t removed by Mark Zuckerberg’s own “orcs”!
Moving on to another comment you made; about their “infantilizing the Palestinians for decades and encouraging governments to dump billions of dollars into the pockets of Palestinian kleptocrats, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority notwithstanding,” this speaks to the inclination of Western leftists to “infantilize” people in general. It is the left who worships government; expecting government to babysit people from birth to death, discouraging innovation, productivity, critical thinking and personal responsibility along the way. And, as much as leftists accuse religionists of being too reliant on G-d, the Jewish G-d does not expect us to exchange our intellect for His love and protection. I’ll bet those friends you finally dumped were atheist or pretty darn close to being atheist by joining some leftist Yiddish movement like the Reform or Reconstructionist.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to lose friends. Memories of fun times with them, sans political disagreements, are not easy to walk away from. Thankfully, you appear to have your feet planted firmly on a better road. A road that will bring new friends and great meaning to your life without sacrificing the Jewish people.
I didn't know that the Orcs were transformed and deformed Elves. I missed that somewhere along the way. I'll look for that on my third read through the Trilogy which is scheduled for 5 years from now!
Yes, I can't remember where in the trilogy (or the movies) it was mentioned, but it was, briefly. Maybe it was something the noble elves (and heroes in the tale) didn't want people to dwell on! In any case, here's a reference to it that I found online: "In The Silmarillion, Tolkien writes that Orcs were created in mockery of Elves, and indeed that they were originally Elves for only Ilúvatar had the power to create life:"
www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Orc
Tolkien’s Orcs were transparently Muslim Turks.
Sauron was the Sultan.
Minas Tirith was Vienna
And Aragorn was Jan Sobieski III.
Seriously? Where is your source for this?
I read the books.
So it's your interpretation. Ok. I interpret "Dune" as having a pro-Palestinian/pro-Arab message. Desert world = Middle East. Spice = oil. Empire = Israel, the US. Fremen/Paul Maud Dib = Muslim terrorists pitched as "freedom fighters". Fremen holy war = Muslim "holy war"
In the book Dune,Paul is explicitly a colonizer.
Leto is the Viceroy of Arrakis basically.
Dune is Lawrence of Arabia which Frank Herbert grew up loving.
Didn't know Herbert loved L of A. To me it just seemed like a love affair with the Arabs put into sci-fi.
Excellent article and beautifully articulated, Joshua. It’s painful losing friends, especially when they are so misinformed and refuse to engage in a meaningful conversation. Nothing can take away that pain. Rest assured, you have a whole new set of friends through your writings who will one day shake your hand and share a meal with you, in a victorious Israel.
Oh yes, this describes "today" in chilling accuracy and a heavy price will be extracted. Whatever happens, Jews will survive ... a genetic quality encouraged by thousands of years of practice. Rolling with the waves of circumstance, but the Palestinians ... they will disappear like the Phoenicians, the Babylonians, the Persians, etc etc. There was a moment in which the Middle East could have erupted into a global phenomenon of economics, science, stability: but that moment has passed (I fear never to return). Golda Meir said it perfectly: they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. But in the midst of this tragedy and suffering, Israel has learned a bitter lesson (not soon to be forgotten). Even with her fervant patriotism and love of America, my grandmother seemed to watch and wait and so I learned her Litvak lesson: be careful with your trust (that applied to everything .. even family. She was not literate but wise.) And so on October 7th, I was not surprised at the hate and cruelty displayed by the Palestinians (Hamas and Palestinian being the same thing). What shocked and almost immobolized me was the behavior of our friends, countries who were allies, politicians who took Jews under their umbrella ... and so I recognized the instability of our world, the former refuge and I know that Jews will have to be smarter, do better, find something that only we can offer so that the world will temper their malice ... I hope this time, Israel and Jews do not give their trust so easily. Hutka, you were right!
They love immigration! Refugees!
Open borders! Diversity!
Except that one time when the immigrants and refugees were Jews returning to their homelands.
That's a sticking point...I notice great umbrage that Jews claim a homeland. Not allowed! Even when that homeland includes non-Jews in the millions? As full citizens of a vibrant democracy? (Fingers in ears..."La la la.")
Meanwhile, here comes Islamism, and no, they haven't read the Quran, but they hear it's poetic in Arabic...
I’m trying to maintain some sort of optimism but to be honest between the college campus BS & the recent DC demonstration it’s extremely difficult. The hate just continues to mushroom worldwide. These assholes tear down my flag; go pull that shit in Gaza, scream against Jews all the while hiding their faces. The cops standby doing nothing. If they truly cared they’d jump on a plane & go help out there. You protect terrorists then go there. Any terrorists here…? 🖕🖕🖕 Go Israel!🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
Perfect, with no candy covering!! 👍
Insolent uncivilized fools!
Joshua, your astute ability describes precisely this frustrating political phenomena, and the sadness and disbelief in losing friendships we could have kept simply through conversation. Look on the positive side at those friends who are with you and can share different ideas without the drama of those who are egocentric and close minded.
Unfortunately so true. My Parents left Germany just in time. My Father’s Brother & Parents did not. I’m so glad they aren’t here now to witness the state of the world but I do have relatives in Tel Aviv who I worry over constantly. Am Israel Chai 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
Right to the point....emotional, and well said.
I sympathize with your situation. I’ve been through this crucible myself with friends and family, albeit more around American politics than the latest pogrom against Jews. I feel your pain. But I’m sorry to tell you: These were not your friends. True friends don’t abandon you over political disagreements. They know you. They know what kind of a person you are and they respect you. They don’t cavalierly reject you over a difference of opinion. True friends are also hard to come by and keep in life. What you got was a gift- clarity. Who has your back, who doesn’t. A true friend is there when things are hard, when it’s not all peaches and cream. What you will likely also get are true friends with backbones because of this terrible experience. The right thing is usually the hard thing. Most people won’t do it. You are doing it. Keep at it.
Well said, Joshua. I have been attacked by others for standing up for Israel and called some choice names. I find it very sad that some people who profess to know Christ and claim to understand the Bible could treat Israel with such disdain. They twist the truth and ignore the fact that from Genesis forward God established a covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants. These same people don’t take an honest look at the Bible or history as it relates to the Jewish people or Israel. I do pray for the people of Gaza who are under the control of terrorists and for those suffering as a result of this war. But there’s so much that goes unacknowledged by those who call this genocide or ongoing oppression. I finally blocked one woman who showed great disrespect to God, to Israel and I believe she is into witchcraft. Sadly the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. He is the deceiver.
Well said
Bang! Bullseye!