Israeli Jews ask for forgiveness. Diaspora Jews ask for permission. In our post-October 7th world increasingly hostile to Jewish identity, both are necessary.
It's easier to get the Jew out of the exile than the exile out of the Jew. The Israeli governments first and foremost question at all times is by and large "What will the world think?, what will America think? They behave like a vassal state. Still fighting Hamas after a year and half and not finishing it. Releasing thousands of Arab terrorists, etc., etc. etc. etc.
Thank you for your thought-provoking essay. When I was growing up my father told me not to “advertise” the fact that I am Jewish. I followed this advice for many years, but the times have changed. Now I am proud to be Jewish and vocal. Your essay has only strengthened my resolve; forgiveness vs permission is the key. It’s time for the state of Israel to disregard the orders from Washington and follow their own path.
With the recent pronouncements by the UK, Canada, and France, your essay is extraordinarily timely. Speaking of "arguing", I would love to have a discussion about the beginnings of the Six-Day War. Israel did not strike first. The " casus belli" had already been established by the enemies. Israel justifiably defended itself. They just happened to be faster than the other guy. A lesson hopefully, and painfully, learned again.
This diaspora Jew wrote a personal email to President Trump before reading this wonderful, insightful post by Joshua today comparing Israeli Jews and those living in other countries. I have an affinity for my Israeli sisters and a lot of chutzpah too. I saw it on our trip to Israel. I asked him to stay true to his word and to help make peace now. I even put my phone number on the email. Do you think he may call?
Thank you for this. The unapologetic survival instinct within the Diaspora Jews is strong among those who survived and the 2G of Holocaust survivors and those who afterwards were lucky to escape communism where Antisemitism never went away the way it was supposed to. Those who learned the hard lessons of the failed ideology of Bundism. The mistaken belief in coexistence, that Jews were safe in Europe.
Very different experience American vs. Israeli. Here it's about assimilation. A moment of solidarity with Israel when it looked very likely that Nasser's threats were real and would prevail. I can attest because I was here. As with the moment of solidarity Oct. 8th. Then it was ....the" occupation" and now Israel's "immoral" war. Just the other day "hamas ministry" "hundreds of dead children." And the progressive left in Israel is as hostile and "Diaspora aligned" as any other group of leftists. "occupation and immoral war" B'Tselem. Edan Alexander very remarkable to me....grew up in Tenafly but felt Israeli to join the IDF.....where I wonder will he make his home.
The British didn't "hand over" "Palestine" to European settlers as I read on webpages with the "Palestine" narrative. The Jews didn't ask permission as they did in Europe....and some fall over themselves asking permission in USA. check out the Oscar......please love us ...we're progressive too! We despise Israel too! No other land takes the award. Forgiveness? ....Israel isn't asking for forgiveness today and the so called rift may widen....between Diaspora and Israel....and Diaspora today means USA....other Jews in other lands... France? What weight do French Jews carry vs 6 or 7 million Muslim Arabs from N. Africa. Macron will recognize "state of Palestine." British Jews.....tiny minority. Labour will do the same. Diaspora is USA.
A very useful paradigm. It also helps within the family where my chutznik mentality is sometimes roughened up by the family that I raised here and constantly readjust my expectations. There is always room to learn from them.
And accordingly, breathe deeply when dealing with the wider American friends and family, tedious as it is at times.
A beautifully written, cogent, brilliant, and enlightening essay that makes so much sense. Please keep up your terrific work.
It's easier to get the Jew out of the exile than the exile out of the Jew. The Israeli governments first and foremost question at all times is by and large "What will the world think?, what will America think? They behave like a vassal state. Still fighting Hamas after a year and half and not finishing it. Releasing thousands of Arab terrorists, etc., etc. etc. etc.
This has altered my consciousness on a lot of meaningful stuff, thanks and well done.
Thank you for your thought-provoking essay. When I was growing up my father told me not to “advertise” the fact that I am Jewish. I followed this advice for many years, but the times have changed. Now I am proud to be Jewish and vocal. Your essay has only strengthened my resolve; forgiveness vs permission is the key. It’s time for the state of Israel to disregard the orders from Washington and follow their own path.
I feel oddly, slightly, curiously empowered after reading this article
im going to keep it in mind as I get ready to face today, armed with this new perspective
Some of us really needed to hear this message. I've received it loud and clear
Thank you Mr Hoffman!
The world is going to condemn Israel whatever it does. So it is better to ignore the world and do what it needs to do in Gaza.
We've crossed the line in Gaza now. I fear we will pay dearly for it.
This is my observation as a not Jewish Zionist. A lot of my progressive American Jewish friends are not happy with me right now.
With the recent pronouncements by the UK, Canada, and France, your essay is extraordinarily timely. Speaking of "arguing", I would love to have a discussion about the beginnings of the Six-Day War. Israel did not strike first. The " casus belli" had already been established by the enemies. Israel justifiably defended itself. They just happened to be faster than the other guy. A lesson hopefully, and painfully, learned again.
Love this.
This diaspora Jew wrote a personal email to President Trump before reading this wonderful, insightful post by Joshua today comparing Israeli Jews and those living in other countries. I have an affinity for my Israeli sisters and a lot of chutzpah too. I saw it on our trip to Israel. I asked him to stay true to his word and to help make peace now. I even put my phone number on the email. Do you think he may call?
The Israeli Jews are a real treat to me. They'll survive until Messiah comes back. What joy that will be.
Thank you. I loved this essay. Feels right.
Thank you for this. The unapologetic survival instinct within the Diaspora Jews is strong among those who survived and the 2G of Holocaust survivors and those who afterwards were lucky to escape communism where Antisemitism never went away the way it was supposed to. Those who learned the hard lessons of the failed ideology of Bundism. The mistaken belief in coexistence, that Jews were safe in Europe.
Very different experience American vs. Israeli. Here it's about assimilation. A moment of solidarity with Israel when it looked very likely that Nasser's threats were real and would prevail. I can attest because I was here. As with the moment of solidarity Oct. 8th. Then it was ....the" occupation" and now Israel's "immoral" war. Just the other day "hamas ministry" "hundreds of dead children." And the progressive left in Israel is as hostile and "Diaspora aligned" as any other group of leftists. "occupation and immoral war" B'Tselem. Edan Alexander very remarkable to me....grew up in Tenafly but felt Israeli to join the IDF.....where I wonder will he make his home.
The British didn't "hand over" "Palestine" to European settlers as I read on webpages with the "Palestine" narrative. The Jews didn't ask permission as they did in Europe....and some fall over themselves asking permission in USA. check out the Oscar......please love us ...we're progressive too! We despise Israel too! No other land takes the award. Forgiveness? ....Israel isn't asking for forgiveness today and the so called rift may widen....between Diaspora and Israel....and Diaspora today means USA....other Jews in other lands... France? What weight do French Jews carry vs 6 or 7 million Muslim Arabs from N. Africa. Macron will recognize "state of Palestine." British Jews.....tiny minority. Labour will do the same. Diaspora is USA.
Deep
A very useful paradigm. It also helps within the family where my chutznik mentality is sometimes roughened up by the family that I raised here and constantly readjust my expectations. There is always room to learn from them.
And accordingly, breathe deeply when dealing with the wider American friends and family, tedious as it is at times.