No country is perfect because countries are made up of people and people are not perfect. But Israel is the one country in Middle East in which there is respect for freedom and individual rights and therefore as a non Jew, I support Israel. Frankly, I would think anybody who is Jewish would do so also. But Jews who hold left wing beliefs have a problem since the left has now allied with followers of Islam and turned virulently anti Semitic. I'd say that left wing Jews will have to make a choice between supporting Israel and clinging to their leftist ideology. The left is highly intolerant of any dissent and will not allow Jews to remain with them while supporting Israel.
One of the greatest Americans of all time and you have never heard of him. He’s on par with Henry Ford or JP Morgan or Rockefeller. He was Jewish and extremely anti zionist. He thought Jews should only embrace the country they are living in. Jacob Schiff
Leftists also are generally illiterate when it comes to “anything Jewish.” As JH stated in the article, perhaps the greatest mistake of Diaspora Jews was placing their sole Jewish identity on Israel.
A very interesting analysis. But it is largely addressing the expectations, attitudes and weltanschaung of the roughly 75% of American Jews who are Leftists. The majority of them loudly proclaim their Jewish "identity" but overwhelmingly behave in lock-step with the Left and its ideological demands, techniques, and tactics. Leftism is their holy scripture, from which they learn their overwhelming disdain, lack of fellow-feeling, and disrespect for their fellow Jews who are politically and/or religiously conservative. This is demonstrated regularly and shamelessly in their willingness to gatekeep out such Jews both socially and professionally. It is why Jews in the contemporary Academy (notably including Jewish Studies departments and programs nationwide) are comprised almost exclusively of Leftists, mirroring and prioritizing the ideologies, policies and tactics of the Left. It is why Jews employed in the vast Jewish non-profit ecosystem and institutions are almost exclusively Leftists. It also explains their contempt and absolute hysteria over contemporary Israeli politics that one might christen "BDS" (Bibi Derangement Syndrome). Only when soliciting charitable donations or when benefiting personally or professionally from patronage does their disingenuous "inclusion" extend to politically and/or religiously conservative fellow Jews.
Jews being denied access to certain professions or certain jobs or 'polite company'. Jews being marginalized or discriminated against. Jews being dismissed as socially vulgar, inferior and not suitable for admission to "the club" (unless they have enormous wealth to be useful). Where have we seen such attitudes, behaviors and actions before? Oh, that's right: throughout Jewish history. Jewish Leftists often embody these same attitudes, and pursue these tactics toward politically and religiously conservative Jews, with the same vigor as any brownshirt or medieval guild -- and they see no irony in this. Only when their own ox is gored -- such as the troubles their children encountered on post-October 7th college campuses -- do they have a sudden enthusiasm to make utilitarian common cause with their fellow Jews who are politically and religiously conservative. This looks suspiciously more like conventionally diehard run-of-the-mill Leftists who just happen to be wearing Jew-face. No wonder they conflate their own loud (and politically conditional) support for Israel with Judaism.
Any Jew that makes common cause with enemies of our people are enemies of our people. In fact they are worse because they use the fact that they have a Jewish mother as a weapon against the Jewish people.
Great comment. Anyone politically right who has had to deal with the "board" consisting of boomer liberal Jews at their conservative or reform shul has experienced this.
I support Israel because I am Jewish and it is the homeland and nation state of the Jewish people. Period. That Israel is among the greatest countries in the world by standards of liberty morality and achievement (even though it is not perfect) is a bonus that makes me proud and happy but my love of Israel is not based on that.
Jews whose support for Israel depends on if they approve of what it does are not Zionists. They are conditional Zionists. And that makes them not Zionists at all. Thomas Friedman is the classic example of the Conditional Zionist.
The depth of insight is illuminating. So many things linked into the place. I've not read all there is to read on understanding the relationship between Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel, but so far, this is the best I've read, by far. I would especially recommend this to essay to former Muslims.
Thank you, Nathan. No one who is still a Muslim would understand this essay. Many former Muslims would not yet be able to understand it either, given that they will still be suffering the effects of Islam. Ignorance of such suffering is one of the effects.
Thank you. This article is so rich with meaning and understanding. How do we manage within our own country now of Canada with anti-semitism rising everywhere.? I think what some Jews have done in Canada is to pretend they're not under threat even if they see it everywhere. They pretend they're not Jewish. They pretend their past doesn't exist and isn't important.
By pretending they're not Jewish they somehow feel more secure in their non-jewish identity? I suspect that's it.
Bravo. There are few "perfections" under the sun. I only expect a haven. I only expect an effort to defend Jews as best she can. But modern Israel is compromised of all races, political views, and religious views. And you can't please them all. We see this play out all over the free world.
When Jews can find a way to reconcile " normalcy", the goal of Zionism, which includes all sorts of people, with " a model people" , " a nation of priests", the goal of Judaism, we will stop apologising and " explaining". We are good enough and Israel is our country. Was, and is.
The problem stems from an actual blessing. Bad came from good. Israel dreamed up a moral civilisation. It struggled itself with its burdens. The Prophets gave us hell, as well as encouragement and dreams of restoring the covenant.
Israel is a " Laboratory of God". Everything has happened to Israel. Millenia went by. How can a 78 year old infant nation- as nations go- be judged as Israel is?
America too is a great experiment. The hatred fomented against the US by too many Americans- let alone natural foreign enemies- is criminal as well.
The billions born of Israel's "daughter" civilisations ache to regress . The Beast lives within. Israel stands in the way of such regression to barbaric times.
Perhaps Israel arrived in History millennia too early for its own good.
It's not that this is wrong, it's right as far as it goes. But the American (and international) Diaspora is being hurt, perhaps even threatened by the policies of the Israeli government. Whether we choose, as American Jews, to support that government no matter what it does, or to criticize Israel for actions we deem antithetical to our beliefs, is an individual matter. What matters is that the actions of that government are in fact a significant cause of rising antisemitism here in the United States and elsewhere. We can ignore that reality, or we can fight antisemitism (as we must), but if Israel's government pursues actions which threaten us here (and our friends and families), then it's in our interest to do what we must to insure that Israel alters its course.
Wrong. It is not the actions of the Israeli government that are a significant cause of rising antisemitism in the US. It is the complete misunderstanding of how modern society operates that underpins antisemitism as it does the lunatic desire to dismember the United States and replace it with crazy socialism in the name of moral virtue. In fact, if Israel is to be criticized for one thing, it is for tolerating murderous Palestinians in their midst, for inviting the PLO into the country on the mistaken belief that peace is in the air, for withdrawing from Gaza where Jews thrived along Palestinians and ensured no rockets were fired into Israel. If Americans criticize Israel and demonize it for seeking to defend itself, the problem lies with America, not with Israel and the Jews. And it is time Jews woke up, pushed back against their enemies, and made them pay for wanting to destroy them. See my latest substack piece:
Thank you! (we may be related since my biological father's name was Schecter as well. He was killed defending Israel --in Kfar Etzion/Gush Etzion, in 1948).
And thank you. Who knows? Perhaps we are related with all the twists and turns of Jewish migration and geography, although I have no knowledge of your father who died defending Israel. What an honour he was and is, sad as his death was and is. When I go to Israel I look for relatives but as yet have not found any. Your comment below is spot on.
No. The victim is never responsible for the actions of the bully. Conflating the current government of Israel with “Israel” in its entirety is the work of the international bullies. Watch what happens when (hopefully) the government changes after the election in October. The haters will still declare Israel to be a “genocidal-apartheid-European-settler” project. Don’t fall for their tricks.
Oh wow! Admittedly when I read your comment it made my blood boil. Stephen Schecter said it well!
You've fallen for the exact propaganda Iran/The Muslim Brotherhood/their proxies /CAIR/Qatar wanted to be the outcome of Oct 7th. You could not "make their day" better.
Israel HELPS the free world--not hinders it!
When I see comments as yours I think "why not just crawl behind your mother's skirt. Perhaps SHE can defend you.
On his show last week, Ben Shapiro said Jon Stewart is "as Jewish as a ham sandwich" and Bernie Sanders was born a Jew but isn’t actually one.
Sanders lost family in the Holocaust and is the reason menorahs are included next to Christmas trees in public displays. What both men have actually done is criticize the Israeli government.
Stripping Jews of their Jewishness over their politics borrows antisemitism’s central logic: someone else gets to decide who the real Jews are.
Yes Roberto K. Both are Jews but are traitors to their people. Both temples were destroyed by Jews like them. In this country we now have Schiff Shumer Shapiro never mind Soros and all the Jewish billionaires who support the Democrats. There have been Jews like that for thousands of years who have brought about the demise of Israel including some in the concentration camps and those who supported the rise of Hitler. Many have supported anti Israel causes thinking they would escape. There is only one leader in the word today who supports Israel and that is Trump, crazy as he may be! If and when Israel looses the support of the US what chance will Israel have against all the extreme antisemitism that has taken over the world today. Europe is overrun by Muslims. The Arab states that signed the Abraham Accords did so for financial benefit with the west and their constant battles with other Muslim states. Seventy percent of those countries still have populations with fervent Islamic beliefs. That’s why their leaders will not let in any Palestinians because they know these people will only ignite the Jew hatred dormant in their own populations. When Israel is destroyed again without western support who will take in the Jews. None would take them before during or after World War 11. That’s why Israel was created again!! And let me tell you, no one will take them in again between Christian and Muslim Jew hatred. These people who criticize Israel who don’t live there have no right to complain about who the Israelis vote for. It’s bad enough that there are so many left wing idiots in Israel who vote against their own safety. Seeing the divide that’s why Gaza attacked!
Robert K - you clearly are not Jewish. “Jews” who cling , hang-out, associate with those who spread antisemitism and Jew hate for any reason are misguided Jews!
Roberto K, I believe your perspective is wrong. Denis Prager said many years ago, that Jews in the diaspora need to fully support Israel which ever government, Israel elects. Yes, we can have our differences of opinions, but the public arena is pre-dispossessed to Jew hate, which is often dressed up as Israel hate. We mustn’t let these haters have fuel on their fire from Jews.
The likes of Qatar, evil Iran and their propaganda, so well smuggled into western universities and the bias of the UN, EU and so many NGOs in victimising the palestinian notion has created this tsunami of modern day hate against Jews.
You are so full of nonsense. I’d like to be more direct but what I want to say to you probably wouldn’t be published. People like you will be the demise of Israel and unfortunately there are too many like you.
Sandra, you can edit your comment above and put Roberto's name in. Substack could improve their platform by having 'unlikes' in addition to 'likes'. I usually add the person's name when I am replying .. as it is not always easy to see whose message is for whom.
"What matters is that the actions of that government are in fact a significant cause of rising antisemitism here in the United States "
Total, thoughtless bunk: see the reactions in the US and elsewhere on Oct 8, before Israel responded, with all the antisemitic protestors defacing and tearing down posters of hostages, including children. Israel's response was not the reason prominent Democrats like Pramila Jayapal downplayed the rapes of Israeli women on Oct 7 (remember MeToo and "Believe Women").
Defenseless Jews are the root cause of antisemitism and the IDF is working to fix that. Godspeed to the IDF!
The American Disapora is being hurt by the actions of anti-semites and the mainstream politicians and media that tell spurious lies. And if you repeat those lies as you seem to here you are one with them. What is happening here has nothing to do with the Israeli government.
Maybe after the miracle of Jews moving back to Israel building a sovereign state, it is time applying the Instrucions for living and staying in Israel. There are many sojourners in Israel doing and living as they see fit. Not to mention the many "Jews" applying their own instruction.
I can't read or speak Hebrew but I do know the Torah is not a history book. It does contain the "Intruction to live by".
I take it you know the Instructions beter than me and I also realize that each and every individual have a choice to apply the Instructions. Do or don't, stay or leave.
Israel can't move to being more Torah observant while still relying on the "world". We all live in this world but we do not have to live by the world.
wow... one of your best essays on the Jewish question... yishar koah
and thank you for all of your work educating Jews on the richness of our heritage...
one comment on the revitalization of the Hebrew language that you might have added is the incredible wealth of literature and music that have provided the soundtrack of our rebirth and growth...
One of the greatest Americans of all time and you have never heard of him. He’s on par with Henry Ford or JP Morgan or Rockefeller. He was Jewish and extremely anti zionist. He thought Jews should only embrace the country they are living in. Jacob Schiff
I think it's important to understand the role of the Arab hate machine; the extreme amount of money that Qatar and other Arab League nations pump into anti-semetic propaganda. Can you think of any other modern case where an ethnic or religious group was blamed for the actions of a state with a majority ethnic population? I can't think of any other modern example. The closest I can think of is maybe the Arabs being blamed for 9/11 in the US. But in that case it wasn't even a state actor, and the widespread anger and mistrust from the general American public faded pretty quickly, aside from a few pockets of conspiracy theorists and anti-Islam activists.
No country is perfect because countries are made up of people and people are not perfect. But Israel is the one country in Middle East in which there is respect for freedom and individual rights and therefore as a non Jew, I support Israel. Frankly, I would think anybody who is Jewish would do so also. But Jews who hold left wing beliefs have a problem since the left has now allied with followers of Islam and turned virulently anti Semitic. I'd say that left wing Jews will have to make a choice between supporting Israel and clinging to their leftist ideology. The left is highly intolerant of any dissent and will not allow Jews to remain with them while supporting Israel.
Well said. And it's Left Wing Jews that cause problems in the USA and Israel.
Sherrie .. and the left wing is the cause of many of the UK’s problems .. and left wing Jews, and or those publicly critical of Israel are a disgrace.
Doug, .. 100% .. thank you for your support and succinct words.
One of the greatest Americans of all time and you have never heard of him. He’s on par with Henry Ford or JP Morgan or Rockefeller. He was Jewish and extremely anti zionist. He thought Jews should only embrace the country they are living in. Jacob Schiff
https://wavesandpositions.substack.com/p/jacob-schiff-one-of-the-greatest
Leftists also are generally illiterate when it comes to “anything Jewish.” As JH stated in the article, perhaps the greatest mistake of Diaspora Jews was placing their sole Jewish identity on Israel.
Too many American Jews support those who hate Israel which makes absolutely no sense.
Kate says the very same thing!
A very interesting analysis. But it is largely addressing the expectations, attitudes and weltanschaung of the roughly 75% of American Jews who are Leftists. The majority of them loudly proclaim their Jewish "identity" but overwhelmingly behave in lock-step with the Left and its ideological demands, techniques, and tactics. Leftism is their holy scripture, from which they learn their overwhelming disdain, lack of fellow-feeling, and disrespect for their fellow Jews who are politically and/or religiously conservative. This is demonstrated regularly and shamelessly in their willingness to gatekeep out such Jews both socially and professionally. It is why Jews in the contemporary Academy (notably including Jewish Studies departments and programs nationwide) are comprised almost exclusively of Leftists, mirroring and prioritizing the ideologies, policies and tactics of the Left. It is why Jews employed in the vast Jewish non-profit ecosystem and institutions are almost exclusively Leftists. It also explains their contempt and absolute hysteria over contemporary Israeli politics that one might christen "BDS" (Bibi Derangement Syndrome). Only when soliciting charitable donations or when benefiting personally or professionally from patronage does their disingenuous "inclusion" extend to politically and/or religiously conservative fellow Jews.
Jews being denied access to certain professions or certain jobs or 'polite company'. Jews being marginalized or discriminated against. Jews being dismissed as socially vulgar, inferior and not suitable for admission to "the club" (unless they have enormous wealth to be useful). Where have we seen such attitudes, behaviors and actions before? Oh, that's right: throughout Jewish history. Jewish Leftists often embody these same attitudes, and pursue these tactics toward politically and religiously conservative Jews, with the same vigor as any brownshirt or medieval guild -- and they see no irony in this. Only when their own ox is gored -- such as the troubles their children encountered on post-October 7th college campuses -- do they have a sudden enthusiasm to make utilitarian common cause with their fellow Jews who are politically and religiously conservative. This looks suspiciously more like conventionally diehard run-of-the-mill Leftists who just happen to be wearing Jew-face. No wonder they conflate their own loud (and politically conditional) support for Israel with Judaism.
Any Jew that makes common cause with enemies of our people are enemies of our people. In fact they are worse because they use the fact that they have a Jewish mother as a weapon against the Jewish people.
Great comment. Anyone politically right who has had to deal with the "board" consisting of boomer liberal Jews at their conservative or reform shul has experienced this.
I support Israel because I am Jewish and it is the homeland and nation state of the Jewish people. Period. That Israel is among the greatest countries in the world by standards of liberty morality and achievement (even though it is not perfect) is a bonus that makes me proud and happy but my love of Israel is not based on that.
Jews whose support for Israel depends on if they approve of what it does are not Zionists. They are conditional Zionists. And that makes them not Zionists at all. Thomas Friedman is the classic example of the Conditional Zionist.
The depth of insight is illuminating. So many things linked into the place. I've not read all there is to read on understanding the relationship between Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel, but so far, this is the best I've read, by far. I would especially recommend this to essay to former Muslims.
Anjuli, your reply is great. Rather than recommend this essay to 'former Muslims', perhaps you should write 'all Muslims'.
Thank you, Nathan. No one who is still a Muslim would understand this essay. Many former Muslims would not yet be able to understand it either, given that they will still be suffering the effects of Islam. Ignorance of such suffering is one of the effects.
Thank you. This article is so rich with meaning and understanding. How do we manage within our own country now of Canada with anti-semitism rising everywhere.? I think what some Jews have done in Canada is to pretend they're not under threat even if they see it everywhere. They pretend they're not Jewish. They pretend their past doesn't exist and isn't important.
By pretending they're not Jewish they somehow feel more secure in their non-jewish identity? I suspect that's it.
And that Israel and Jews in general expected to encounter a sane and moral world.
Bravo. There are few "perfections" under the sun. I only expect a haven. I only expect an effort to defend Jews as best she can. But modern Israel is compromised of all races, political views, and religious views. And you can't please them all. We see this play out all over the free world.
not compromised... comprised of...
Great article.
When Jews can find a way to reconcile " normalcy", the goal of Zionism, which includes all sorts of people, with " a model people" , " a nation of priests", the goal of Judaism, we will stop apologising and " explaining". We are good enough and Israel is our country. Was, and is.
The problem stems from an actual blessing. Bad came from good. Israel dreamed up a moral civilisation. It struggled itself with its burdens. The Prophets gave us hell, as well as encouragement and dreams of restoring the covenant.
Israel is a " Laboratory of God". Everything has happened to Israel. Millenia went by. How can a 78 year old infant nation- as nations go- be judged as Israel is?
America too is a great experiment. The hatred fomented against the US by too many Americans- let alone natural foreign enemies- is criminal as well.
The billions born of Israel's "daughter" civilisations ache to regress . The Beast lives within. Israel stands in the way of such regression to barbaric times.
Perhaps Israel arrived in History millennia too early for its own good.
It's not that this is wrong, it's right as far as it goes. But the American (and international) Diaspora is being hurt, perhaps even threatened by the policies of the Israeli government. Whether we choose, as American Jews, to support that government no matter what it does, or to criticize Israel for actions we deem antithetical to our beliefs, is an individual matter. What matters is that the actions of that government are in fact a significant cause of rising antisemitism here in the United States and elsewhere. We can ignore that reality, or we can fight antisemitism (as we must), but if Israel's government pursues actions which threaten us here (and our friends and families), then it's in our interest to do what we must to insure that Israel alters its course.
Wrong. It is not the actions of the Israeli government that are a significant cause of rising antisemitism in the US. It is the complete misunderstanding of how modern society operates that underpins antisemitism as it does the lunatic desire to dismember the United States and replace it with crazy socialism in the name of moral virtue. In fact, if Israel is to be criticized for one thing, it is for tolerating murderous Palestinians in their midst, for inviting the PLO into the country on the mistaken belief that peace is in the air, for withdrawing from Gaza where Jews thrived along Palestinians and ensured no rockets were fired into Israel. If Americans criticize Israel and demonize it for seeking to defend itself, the problem lies with America, not with Israel and the Jews. And it is time Jews woke up, pushed back against their enemies, and made them pay for wanting to destroy them. See my latest substack piece:
https://schecter.substack.com/p/a-warning-to-the-jews
Thank you! (we may be related since my biological father's name was Schecter as well. He was killed defending Israel --in Kfar Etzion/Gush Etzion, in 1948).
And thank you. Who knows? Perhaps we are related with all the twists and turns of Jewish migration and geography, although I have no knowledge of your father who died defending Israel. What an honour he was and is, sad as his death was and is. When I go to Israel I look for relatives but as yet have not found any. Your comment below is spot on.
Outstanding, Stephen!
No. The victim is never responsible for the actions of the bully. Conflating the current government of Israel with “Israel” in its entirety is the work of the international bullies. Watch what happens when (hopefully) the government changes after the election in October. The haters will still declare Israel to be a “genocidal-apartheid-European-settler” project. Don’t fall for their tricks.
Oh wow! Admittedly when I read your comment it made my blood boil. Stephen Schecter said it well!
You've fallen for the exact propaganda Iran/The Muslim Brotherhood/their proxies /CAIR/Qatar wanted to be the outcome of Oct 7th. You could not "make their day" better.
Israel HELPS the free world--not hinders it!
When I see comments as yours I think "why not just crawl behind your mother's skirt. Perhaps SHE can defend you.
On his show last week, Ben Shapiro said Jon Stewart is "as Jewish as a ham sandwich" and Bernie Sanders was born a Jew but isn’t actually one.
Sanders lost family in the Holocaust and is the reason menorahs are included next to Christmas trees in public displays. What both men have actually done is criticize the Israeli government.
Stripping Jews of their Jewishness over their politics borrows antisemitism’s central logic: someone else gets to decide who the real Jews are.
Yes Roberto K. Both are Jews but are traitors to their people. Both temples were destroyed by Jews like them. In this country we now have Schiff Shumer Shapiro never mind Soros and all the Jewish billionaires who support the Democrats. There have been Jews like that for thousands of years who have brought about the demise of Israel including some in the concentration camps and those who supported the rise of Hitler. Many have supported anti Israel causes thinking they would escape. There is only one leader in the word today who supports Israel and that is Trump, crazy as he may be! If and when Israel looses the support of the US what chance will Israel have against all the extreme antisemitism that has taken over the world today. Europe is overrun by Muslims. The Arab states that signed the Abraham Accords did so for financial benefit with the west and their constant battles with other Muslim states. Seventy percent of those countries still have populations with fervent Islamic beliefs. That’s why their leaders will not let in any Palestinians because they know these people will only ignite the Jew hatred dormant in their own populations. When Israel is destroyed again without western support who will take in the Jews. None would take them before during or after World War 11. That’s why Israel was created again!! And let me tell you, no one will take them in again between Christian and Muslim Jew hatred. These people who criticize Israel who don’t live there have no right to complain about who the Israelis vote for. It’s bad enough that there are so many left wing idiots in Israel who vote against their own safety. Seeing the divide that’s why Gaza attacked!
" someone else gets to decide who the real Jews are"
Sort of like someone else getting to decide if Benedict Arnold was a real American?
Robert K - you clearly are not Jewish. “Jews” who cling , hang-out, associate with those who spread antisemitism and Jew hate for any reason are misguided Jews!
Well said Sherrie ..
Roberto K, I believe your perspective is wrong. Denis Prager said many years ago, that Jews in the diaspora need to fully support Israel which ever government, Israel elects. Yes, we can have our differences of opinions, but the public arena is pre-dispossessed to Jew hate, which is often dressed up as Israel hate. We mustn’t let these haters have fuel on their fire from Jews.
The likes of Qatar, evil Iran and their propaganda, so well smuggled into western universities and the bias of the UN, EU and so many NGOs in victimising the palestinian notion has created this tsunami of modern day hate against Jews.
You are so full of nonsense. I’d like to be more direct but what I want to say to you probably wouldn’t be published. People like you will be the demise of Israel and unfortunately there are too many like you.
I’m replying to Roberto K! My response was sent out of order.
Sandra, you can edit your comment above and put Roberto's name in. Substack could improve their platform by having 'unlikes' in addition to 'likes'. I usually add the person's name when I am replying .. as it is not always easy to see whose message is for whom.
"What matters is that the actions of that government are in fact a significant cause of rising antisemitism here in the United States "
Total, thoughtless bunk: see the reactions in the US and elsewhere on Oct 8, before Israel responded, with all the antisemitic protestors defacing and tearing down posters of hostages, including children. Israel's response was not the reason prominent Democrats like Pramila Jayapal downplayed the rapes of Israeli women on Oct 7 (remember MeToo and "Believe Women").
Defenseless Jews are the root cause of antisemitism and the IDF is working to fix that. Godspeed to the IDF!
Enough of this silliness from two weeks before October 7, 2023: https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-israeli-first-gazan-girl-receives-new-kind-of-pacemaker-in-innovative-procedure/
The American Disapora is being hurt by the actions of anti-semites and the mainstream politicians and media that tell spurious lies. And if you repeat those lies as you seem to here you are one with them. What is happening here has nothing to do with the Israeli government.
“But the American (and international) diaspora is being hurt, perhaps even threatened by the policies of the Israeli govt” - your words! Such as ….
Maybe after the miracle of Jews moving back to Israel building a sovereign state, it is time applying the Instrucions for living and staying in Israel. There are many sojourners in Israel doing and living as they see fit. Not to mention the many "Jews" applying their own instruction.
I can't read or speak Hebrew but I do know the Torah is not a history book. It does contain the "Intruction to live by".
I take it you know the Instructions beter than me and I also realize that each and every individual have a choice to apply the Instructions. Do or don't, stay or leave.
Israel can't move to being more Torah observant while still relying on the "world". We all live in this world but we do not have to live by the world.
wow... one of your best essays on the Jewish question... yishar koah
and thank you for all of your work educating Jews on the richness of our heritage...
one comment on the revitalization of the Hebrew language that you might have added is the incredible wealth of literature and music that have provided the soundtrack of our rebirth and growth...
Thank you for this. That's it, Jews are expected to be held to a different standard, but we as Jews feed into that as well.
Hosea 12 - what’s new!
https://tylermgordon.substack.com/p/hosea-12?r=5h8ez5&utm_medium=ios
One of the greatest Americans of all time and you have never heard of him. He’s on par with Henry Ford or JP Morgan or Rockefeller. He was Jewish and extremely anti zionist. He thought Jews should only embrace the country they are living in. Jacob Schiff
https://wavesandpositions.substack.com/p/jacob-schiff-one-of-the-greatest
I think it's important to understand the role of the Arab hate machine; the extreme amount of money that Qatar and other Arab League nations pump into anti-semetic propaganda. Can you think of any other modern case where an ethnic or religious group was blamed for the actions of a state with a majority ethnic population? I can't think of any other modern example. The closest I can think of is maybe the Arabs being blamed for 9/11 in the US. But in that case it wasn't even a state actor, and the widespread anger and mistrust from the general American public faded pretty quickly, aside from a few pockets of conspiracy theorists and anti-Islam activists.