Love this !!! Yes!!! I’m a great English and social studies teacher escaping a notorious public school district. It would be my dream to teach at a Jewish school. I’m happy to dress as Orthodox (I practically do anyway) and my Zionist cred is real. I’ve been writing in support of Israel and the Jewish people since just after October 7. I’m exploring conversion but no matter what I’m an ally.
I too teach english/SS in a district where the union actually takes sides in a conflict miles away. It's such BS and I'm counting the years until retirement.
Please don't cower away from these bastards. Call them out for what they are: useful ignorant idiots. Confront them as either ignoramuses and/antisemites. Call them terrorist supporters. Tell them loud and clear that they are on the wrong side of history.
Yes I agree though I've been called into admin's office already for something adjacent. Don't recommend unless you're tenured. but- I'm not giving to their PACT $$$ any more.
Let's humiliate the Kapo Jews. The Anti-Zionist Jews. The Bernie Sanderses. The Jews who say "Go ahead and kill the Israeli but not meeeeee, I'm one of the good ones who hates Israel, hates Zionism, and I wipe my ass with the parts of the Torah that are inconvenient."
Yes! My Mum used to say that 13 wasn’t an unlucky number(I’m Jewish born but grew up in a Church of Scotland housing estate in the east end of Glasgow… way back in the 60s. My social life, friends, community, education was all based from that, and the Glasgow “Protestant/Catholic” thing. I knew I was Jewish, but not a lot about it. Complicated…)…
Anyway, I did a bit of finding out when I was a teenager and found that this whole “13” thing is at least partly a Christian thing, to with people at the last supper. So, my Mum - who had a difficult life, with a lot of mental and emotional problems - knew a lot more basic things than I did… she used to visit her grandparents, Russian Jewish immigrants who had come to the U.K. mid 19th century to escape the pogroms and settled in Manchester. She knew so much more… but for various reasons too long to go into - this is already too long: sorry - I didn’t get to know a great deal.
Things like that, entrenched in society, seemingly small but with an important background; just talking about them. Putting them in their rightful place.
The 13th Commandment, indeed. Thank you for reminding me of that, Gary.
IMO it leaves out at least one crucially important point:
- Expose radical leftist oppressor-oppressed ideology for the morally bankrupt false framework that it is.
Point 6 touches on this, but obliquely and - unlike the rest of the piece - far too weakly.
IMO oppressor-oppressed ideology is by far the leading cause of antisemitism’s growth in the Western world in the last 15-20 years.
It is the reason so many Jews are not merely “progressives” but are actively now openly anti-Zionists. And voice common cause with the leftists who would eradicate Jews worldwide, and literally support Hamas who openly vows just that.
We ignore it at our peril - and to the detriment of Jews and all humanity.
Please don’t think I’m being mean or snarky - just the opposite: I’m old, had a stroke, got a bit of cognitive impairment, but am reasonably intelligent(hey, I can knit socks… that takes a bit of know how - feeble attempt at emphasising I’m asking a genuine concern, based on personal experience) and do have a lot of problems when I read the sentences like the one below - my brain finds it difficult to “translate”: could you reword this as though you were speaking to a child interested in these matters, in wee words? Just as an example. Some of the phrases I’ve read are beyond my comprehension - I have a rough idea of the meaning, but so complicated for me.
“- Expose radical leftist oppressor-oppressed ideology for the morally bankrupt false framework that it is.”
I have a notebook in which I collect “big phrases”… something which only seemed to start/become difficult for me since my stroke…. Though I think when I was growing up((1960/70s Scotland) and on as a teenager at college - was a teacher, believe it or not: very different back then)in the 70s and really, roughly, till this century(what an odd thing to see myself write!)there was a different type of language used. I know, progress and all that, but I’d be really grateful if you could do that as an example for my “personal phrasebook”. And again, I’m not in the slightest bit having a go at you or anything else like that: I’m just asking for a wee bit of help.
Damn right. Use our strength to the advantage that it is. Scream “Am Yisrael Chai” with your soul. I have not donated to a non Jewish charity since 10/7, and it will take a lot to get me to again… but I have donated a lot (money and time) to Jewish charities, and will continue to.
It doesn't help when we have Jews against the Jews. And we have organizations that gate keep new Jewish voices from coming out. It's hard to get out there, and get people to take you seriously (not you but like le royal you) when you're a complete unknown.
It's not hard to express yourself. Forward articles that you find relevant. Join groups and organizations that promote Israel and Judaism. Join and become active in synagogues. Call and write your elected government officials, etc. etc. etc
Not all Democrats. You're talking about so-called "Progressives". I'm a Democrat and a staunch Zionist. There are plenty of us. Zionism is actually a Liberal cause; it's on the side of civil society.
40% of Democrats in Congress do not support Israel. Democrats in New York City just nominated a Jew-hating Communist to be their candidate for mayor. The Democrat party is quickly becoming a party that no Jew should support.
This is an excellent manifesto. I especially like the donor advised fund idea. Let’s focus our financial power on sensitive spots. That can do a lot. Excellent work.
I'm a Catholic and to show my support for Israel I have a small mezusah on my door along with a Confirmation cross given me at this Sacramental occasion. You Jewish folks need to stop being apologetic or fearful at all about who you are, period. Not saying you have to be as wild as Rabbi Meir Kahane was but stand up in your own defense.
Brilliant! If only we could get every Jew to think and feel the same way. Alas, there are far too many who will vote for anti semites like Mamdani in New York than for their own people.
One commandment was forgotten and should go under #5, "Self defense." Fund weapons safety classes for any individual who wishes to learn. After successful completion, give vouchers to anyone who wishes to go to his/her local sporting goods store and pick out a nice shotgun for themselves. Then, practice, practice, practice. Sporting clays and trap are fun activities and the knowledge may one day save your life..
When you are strong, skilled and smart, you are globally admired. The cell phones and pages caper blew everyone's minds. It was awesome. I agree with you; you need to go with awesomeness. You are the best at this.
Excellent essay. The only thing missing is every Jewish household have a firearm for every adult, learn how to handle it safely, practice at the range, become proficient. Goes hand in hand with self defence.
You must not live in the United States, where we have the 2nd Amendment right to possess firearms and several Supreme Court cases upholding our right to possess arms in the home. Of course not everyone wants one, that is their decision. Not everyone wants to learn self defence either. A mistake.
Love this !!! Yes!!! I’m a great English and social studies teacher escaping a notorious public school district. It would be my dream to teach at a Jewish school. I’m happy to dress as Orthodox (I practically do anyway) and my Zionist cred is real. I’ve been writing in support of Israel and the Jewish people since just after October 7. I’m exploring conversion but no matter what I’m an ally.
I too teach english/SS in a district where the union actually takes sides in a conflict miles away. It's such BS and I'm counting the years until retirement.
Please don't cower away from these bastards. Call them out for what they are: useful ignorant idiots. Confront them as either ignoramuses and/antisemites. Call them terrorist supporters. Tell them loud and clear that they are on the wrong side of history.
Yes I agree though I've been called into admin's office already for something adjacent. Don't recommend unless you're tenured. but- I'm not giving to their PACT $$$ any more.
You can dress normally. We are not fanatics.
I don't see any reference to one's clothing. Please advise why you bring it up. Thanks
Asked, and now answered.
Read again.
Please Jewish friends do this. I’ll support you however I can.
Thank you, April!
I got another idea.
Let's humiliate the Kapo Jews. The Anti-Zionist Jews. The Bernie Sanderses. The Jews who say "Go ahead and kill the Israeli but not meeeeee, I'm one of the good ones who hates Israel, hates Zionism, and I wipe my ass with the parts of the Torah that are inconvenient."
Not in lieu of. I’d make your idea the 13th commandment.
Yes! My Mum used to say that 13 wasn’t an unlucky number(I’m Jewish born but grew up in a Church of Scotland housing estate in the east end of Glasgow… way back in the 60s. My social life, friends, community, education was all based from that, and the Glasgow “Protestant/Catholic” thing. I knew I was Jewish, but not a lot about it. Complicated…)…
Anyway, I did a bit of finding out when I was a teenager and found that this whole “13” thing is at least partly a Christian thing, to with people at the last supper. So, my Mum - who had a difficult life, with a lot of mental and emotional problems - knew a lot more basic things than I did… she used to visit her grandparents, Russian Jewish immigrants who had come to the U.K. mid 19th century to escape the pogroms and settled in Manchester. She knew so much more… but for various reasons too long to go into - this is already too long: sorry - I didn’t get to know a great deal.
Things like that, entrenched in society, seemingly small but with an important background; just talking about them. Putting them in their rightful place.
The 13th Commandment, indeed. Thank you for reminding me of that, Gary.
What’s the 11th and 12th?
No raisin bagels is number 11 and no broccoli pizza is number 12!
Nice piece.
IMO it leaves out at least one crucially important point:
- Expose radical leftist oppressor-oppressed ideology for the morally bankrupt false framework that it is.
Point 6 touches on this, but obliquely and - unlike the rest of the piece - far too weakly.
IMO oppressor-oppressed ideology is by far the leading cause of antisemitism’s growth in the Western world in the last 15-20 years.
It is the reason so many Jews are not merely “progressives” but are actively now openly anti-Zionists. And voice common cause with the leftists who would eradicate Jews worldwide, and literally support Hamas who openly vows just that.
We ignore it at our peril - and to the detriment of Jews and all humanity.
Please don’t think I’m being mean or snarky - just the opposite: I’m old, had a stroke, got a bit of cognitive impairment, but am reasonably intelligent(hey, I can knit socks… that takes a bit of know how - feeble attempt at emphasising I’m asking a genuine concern, based on personal experience) and do have a lot of problems when I read the sentences like the one below - my brain finds it difficult to “translate”: could you reword this as though you were speaking to a child interested in these matters, in wee words? Just as an example. Some of the phrases I’ve read are beyond my comprehension - I have a rough idea of the meaning, but so complicated for me.
“- Expose radical leftist oppressor-oppressed ideology for the morally bankrupt false framework that it is.”
I have a notebook in which I collect “big phrases”… something which only seemed to start/become difficult for me since my stroke…. Though I think when I was growing up((1960/70s Scotland) and on as a teenager at college - was a teacher, believe it or not: very different back then)in the 70s and really, roughly, till this century(what an odd thing to see myself write!)there was a different type of language used. I know, progress and all that, but I’d be really grateful if you could do that as an example for my “personal phrasebook”. And again, I’m not in the slightest bit having a go at you or anything else like that: I’m just asking for a wee bit of help.
A’ ra best frae Scotland(all the best 🥰🏴)
Damn right. Use our strength to the advantage that it is. Scream “Am Yisrael Chai” with your soul. I have not donated to a non Jewish charity since 10/7, and it will take a lot to get me to again… but I have donated a lot (money and time) to Jewish charities, and will continue to.
It doesn't help when we have Jews against the Jews. And we have organizations that gate keep new Jewish voices from coming out. It's hard to get out there, and get people to take you seriously (not you but like le royal you) when you're a complete unknown.
It's not hard to express yourself. Forward articles that you find relevant. Join groups and organizations that promote Israel and Judaism. Join and become active in synagogues. Call and write your elected government officials, etc. etc. etc
I go, I write, I sing, I do it all. Just like I'm not sure anyone is listening?
They are called Democrats in the United States.
Not all Democrats. You're talking about so-called "Progressives". I'm a Democrat and a staunch Zionist. There are plenty of us. Zionism is actually a Liberal cause; it's on the side of civil society.
40% of Democrats in Congress do not support Israel. Democrats in New York City just nominated a Jew-hating Communist to be their candidate for mayor. The Democrat party is quickly becoming a party that no Jew should support.
This is an excellent manifesto. I especially like the donor advised fund idea. Let’s focus our financial power on sensitive spots. That can do a lot. Excellent work.
www.mycharityfund.ca
I'm a Catholic and to show my support for Israel I have a small mezusah on my door along with a Confirmation cross given me at this Sacramental occasion. You Jewish folks need to stop being apologetic or fearful at all about who you are, period. Not saying you have to be as wild as Rabbi Meir Kahane was but stand up in your own defense.
"In the end, we will forget the words of our enemies but we will always remember the silence of our friends"
--Rev Martin Luther King Jr
Thank you!
Brilliant! If only we could get every Jew to think and feel the same way. Alas, there are far too many who will vote for anti semites like Mamdani in New York than for their own people.
Rachel Timoner, rabbi at Sen Chuck Schumer's congregation, is one of those. Schumer has already endorsed him.
https://freebeacon.com/elections/meet-the-many-jewish-voters-the-nyt-says-back-zohran-mamdani/
"This is not theory. This is war. And the best weapon we have is not rage, but excellence." Beautiful and true! ⭐
As the “kids” say, YASSSSSS!!!!!!
One commandment was forgotten and should go under #5, "Self defense." Fund weapons safety classes for any individual who wishes to learn. After successful completion, give vouchers to anyone who wishes to go to his/her local sporting goods store and pick out a nice shotgun for themselves. Then, practice, practice, practice. Sporting clays and trap are fun activities and the knowledge may one day save your life..
When you are strong, skilled and smart, you are globally admired. The cell phones and pages caper blew everyone's minds. It was awesome. I agree with you; you need to go with awesomeness. You are the best at this.
This is great and right.
All in
Excellent essay. The only thing missing is every Jewish household have a firearm for every adult, learn how to handle it safely, practice at the range, become proficient. Goes hand in hand with self defence.
Not necessarily… for one thing, on the most basic level, it isn’t legal where I live. And not everyone wants one
Self defence is everyone’s business. Don’t wait. It could be too late where you live.
You must not live in the United States, where we have the 2nd Amendment right to possess firearms and several Supreme Court cases upholding our right to possess arms in the home. Of course not everyone wants one, that is their decision. Not everyone wants to learn self defence either. A mistake.
I live in Scotland.