The left unfortunately is engaging in the same tactics and rhetoric now as it is pre 10/7 without having learned the lesson that the Sinwars of this world exploit such rhetoric
The Israeli left is no different from progressives everywhere: a group of unserious people who believe that slogans about progress, coexistence and tolerance will pave the way to a rosy future. In some cases this is watered down Marxism, in others an out and out socialist agenda. The problem is that Israel unlike, say, France, pays in blood for unseriousness playing right into the hands of mortal enemies
I think this correctly interpreted. Don’t forget that the U.S. Government is opposed to and actively agitating for the removal of tNetanyahu. They are no doubt funding some of this protest activity, directly interfering in the domestic affairs of Israel. Commies are gonna Commie. Obama and the U.S. State Dept. is helping them do it. We have the same phenomenon of professional protestors in the USA funded by the Democrats and their affiliated multiple NGOs, and dark money organizations.
I think these protesters are a disgrace. Israelis should be united at this time and all the hatred should be focused on the nation's common and numerous enemies around the world, especially hamas and hezbollah. The fact that some were hostages or had or have family members as hostages doesn't give them a free pass for their divisive behavior. Bibi isn't their enemy, hamas and hezbollah are. All of Israel's enemies around the world delight in these protests. If they actually care about Israel they should consider how this looks. It telegraphs a divided nation at a time when Israelis need to be united as they stand alone against the world.
Though overall the article is interesting and informative the ending is bemusing. After quoting Herzog's plea to cool it because violent rhetoric can lead to violent acts you say give >some< "the benefit of the doubt". Doubt about what? Whether some feel aggrieved and so may be outspoken and say things they do not intend, the effect, as Herzog says, may still be that some others are inflamed by that rhetoric and become violent. It only took one fanatic to assassinate Rabin. That the President of Israel feels it necessary to say something is serious enough itself. One either agrees with him or one does not. You cannot have it both ways.
I wouldn't be surprised if George Soros has his financial tentacles in Israel and is paying those far left agitators. Most people in the US, and I would assume in Israel as well, are moderates.
The enemy rejoices at our internal conflict. They believe this helps them win the fight for our annihilation. This is crazy too much emotion. We must find a way to stop them. We must not contribute to their triumph. We must learn to tolerate the opinions of our fellows. Too much is at stake here. These are a lot of musts. Just my 2 cents.
Thank you, Joshua, for your sensitive and insightful remarks about the fractious behaviors that have resulted from the events on and since October 7th. As always, tolerance and forgiveness are needed in large doses, but words that may incite violence should never be part of protest. Good for President Herzog for reminding us of the dangers. What a mensch. Those of us in the Diaspora have to reckon with the misguided left-leaners, too. Having been one myself before October 7th, I await with curiosity the longterm effects of my ‘updated beliefs’ re: Israel. Meanwhile, I am gradually moving out of my Jewish bubble to bring my pro-Israel attitudes to a different ‘audience’. Hanging out only with folks who believe what I believe feels like a form of disengagement. Thanks for all the strength and info you add to my will to engage.
Forgive me for being a simple man. I am just a schmuck from a province deep in the middle of the U.S. However, is not Hamas 100% responsible for what happened on 10/7?
It is interesting and a coincidence, which I never believe in when it comes to politics, that during the mass protests against the judicial reforms by Netanyahu's governing coalition prior to October 7th, it seems everyone took their eye off the ball. My opinion is their enemies saw these protests as the perfect time to execute their plan. Protesting is usually fraught with emotion and not thoughtfulness of an issue. The longer the protests continue, and the more chinks the enemy sees in the armor is a way for them to cause more chaos. Surely those on the left, right, center want all hostages home and the IDF did an unbelievable job rescuing the four Israelis, but it was no small feat. I g. ive none of them passes unless they can provide a solution. Do they have any?
Actually I’m of the belief that those pre-October 7th protests were mostly justifiable, although I didn’t agree with everything that went on there. It’s the state’s job to keep the citizens safe, not the citizens job to keep themselves safe, from outside forces.
I agree with your last thought, but when enemies are watching, everyone needs to be mindful. The pro-Hamas protests in New York, London, and the universities and especially the hands off policies given to law enforcement have emboldened the leaders in the Middle East. I believe in protests and the freedom to do so, but in these times we have to know the message is not only for the Israeli or US governments, it has an effect on those who would like their demise.
The enemies are always watching in the background. That is what enemies do. The state must ensure that the citizens are protected, including their democratic right to protest regardless of what the enemies are or are not doing.
Sorry, your article is based on the wrong assumption. There is almost no left in Israel. The protesters are not all leftists. The protests are against a corrupt government, lead by an accused prime minister. A government that has been trying very hard to turn Israel into dictatorship, so Bibi can have unlimited power and will not be convicted. The protests are also against a huge part of the society that does not contribute to the economy and security. In Israel 20% of the population pays 90% of the taxes. If this situation continues, these contributing people will leave and Israel will be soon bankrupt.
The left unfortunately is engaging in the same tactics and rhetoric now as it is pre 10/7 without having learned the lesson that the Sinwars of this world exploit such rhetoric
The Israeli left is no different from progressives everywhere: a group of unserious people who believe that slogans about progress, coexistence and tolerance will pave the way to a rosy future. In some cases this is watered down Marxism, in others an out and out socialist agenda. The problem is that Israel unlike, say, France, pays in blood for unseriousness playing right into the hands of mortal enemies
I think this correctly interpreted. Don’t forget that the U.S. Government is opposed to and actively agitating for the removal of tNetanyahu. They are no doubt funding some of this protest activity, directly interfering in the domestic affairs of Israel. Commies are gonna Commie. Obama and the U.S. State Dept. is helping them do it. We have the same phenomenon of professional protestors in the USA funded by the Democrats and their affiliated multiple NGOs, and dark money organizations.
I think these protesters are a disgrace. Israelis should be united at this time and all the hatred should be focused on the nation's common and numerous enemies around the world, especially hamas and hezbollah. The fact that some were hostages or had or have family members as hostages doesn't give them a free pass for their divisive behavior. Bibi isn't their enemy, hamas and hezbollah are. All of Israel's enemies around the world delight in these protests. If they actually care about Israel they should consider how this looks. It telegraphs a divided nation at a time when Israelis need to be united as they stand alone against the world.
Though overall the article is interesting and informative the ending is bemusing. After quoting Herzog's plea to cool it because violent rhetoric can lead to violent acts you say give >some< "the benefit of the doubt". Doubt about what? Whether some feel aggrieved and so may be outspoken and say things they do not intend, the effect, as Herzog says, may still be that some others are inflamed by that rhetoric and become violent. It only took one fanatic to assassinate Rabin. That the President of Israel feels it necessary to say something is serious enough itself. One either agrees with him or one does not. You cannot have it both ways.
Two things can be true at the same time.
I wouldn't be surprised if George Soros has his financial tentacles in Israel and is paying those far left agitators. Most people in the US, and I would assume in Israel as well, are moderates.
The enemy rejoices at our internal conflict. They believe this helps them win the fight for our annihilation. This is crazy too much emotion. We must find a way to stop them. We must not contribute to their triumph. We must learn to tolerate the opinions of our fellows. Too much is at stake here. These are a lot of musts. Just my 2 cents.
Thank you, Joshua, for your sensitive and insightful remarks about the fractious behaviors that have resulted from the events on and since October 7th. As always, tolerance and forgiveness are needed in large doses, but words that may incite violence should never be part of protest. Good for President Herzog for reminding us of the dangers. What a mensch. Those of us in the Diaspora have to reckon with the misguided left-leaners, too. Having been one myself before October 7th, I await with curiosity the longterm effects of my ‘updated beliefs’ re: Israel. Meanwhile, I am gradually moving out of my Jewish bubble to bring my pro-Israel attitudes to a different ‘audience’. Hanging out only with folks who believe what I believe feels like a form of disengagement. Thanks for all the strength and info you add to my will to engage.
Buckel up, it's gonna get worse. (This comment might seem to be thoughtless retoric but it's true and definitely not amusing)
Forgive me for being a simple man. I am just a schmuck from a province deep in the middle of the U.S. However, is not Hamas 100% responsible for what happened on 10/7?
Yes they are. And you are not a schmuck. :)
It is interesting and a coincidence, which I never believe in when it comes to politics, that during the mass protests against the judicial reforms by Netanyahu's governing coalition prior to October 7th, it seems everyone took their eye off the ball. My opinion is their enemies saw these protests as the perfect time to execute their plan. Protesting is usually fraught with emotion and not thoughtfulness of an issue. The longer the protests continue, and the more chinks the enemy sees in the armor is a way for them to cause more chaos. Surely those on the left, right, center want all hostages home and the IDF did an unbelievable job rescuing the four Israelis, but it was no small feat. I g. ive none of them passes unless they can provide a solution. Do they have any?
Actually I’m of the belief that those pre-October 7th protests were mostly justifiable, although I didn’t agree with everything that went on there. It’s the state’s job to keep the citizens safe, not the citizens job to keep themselves safe, from outside forces.
I agree with your last thought, but when enemies are watching, everyone needs to be mindful. The pro-Hamas protests in New York, London, and the universities and especially the hands off policies given to law enforcement have emboldened the leaders in the Middle East. I believe in protests and the freedom to do so, but in these times we have to know the message is not only for the Israeli or US governments, it has an effect on those who would like their demise.
The enemies are always watching in the background. That is what enemies do. The state must ensure that the citizens are protected, including their democratic right to protest regardless of what the enemies are or are not doing.
We can respectfully disagree, and I do appreciate your opinion on this issue. Thanks, Joshua.
Sorry, your article is based on the wrong assumption. There is almost no left in Israel. The protesters are not all leftists. The protests are against a corrupt government, lead by an accused prime minister. A government that has been trying very hard to turn Israel into dictatorship, so Bibi can have unlimited power and will not be convicted. The protests are also against a huge part of the society that does not contribute to the economy and security. In Israel 20% of the population pays 90% of the taxes. If this situation continues, these contributing people will leave and Israel will be soon bankrupt.
You are conflating two different issues.