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.
“I’m pleased to have a conversation with you about this. I’m going to record our conversation because I believe that violations of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act are taking place and wish to document this for the EEOC, Civil Rights Branch of the Justice Department, and my own attorney. There we go, recorder on. Now please go ahead.”
“Oh, you don’t wish to have your words recorded? I cannot imagine why not, if what you’re saying is legal and legitimate. While we are on the recorder, I’d like to note that I am formally informing you that I have been targeted by the school, union and several colleagues with a hostile work environment based on my Jewish ethnicity and religion. [Review detailed notes of harassment]. I have now formally reported this to you and so you are now bound by federal law, state law and school policy around both addressing this harassment and exercising non-retaliation. Please note that I also reserve the right to report this illegal conduct to local, state and federal enforcement agencies and take any other actions prescribed by law necessary to correct the situation. Thank you for your time.”
My pleasure. I’ve had to do this twice. Once for anti-gay harassment (though I had to rely on state law instead as federal law at the time didn’t cover gay people) and once again for antisemitic harassment.
Don’t be afraid of retaliation. If they’re making it an issue, they’re already planning to retaliate. If they do so, you just got yourself a big payday.
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.
I’m actually probably more of a Zionist then you are, because I want an Israeli culture that respects the rights and traditions of all Jews, not just Orthodox fundies.
You claim it doesn’t? Has the Israeli police kicked in the doors of reformed synagogues? Or are you saying you don’t feel quite as valued, being a Kapo that stands with those that want to murder the Jews, because it’s politically correct at this time to be on the side of Hamas ?
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.
“could you reword this as though you were speaking to a child interested in these matters, in wee words?”
Apologies for the delayed reply. I had to think about this for a while.
I actually don’t know that I could do it for a wee child, but I’ll at least give it a shot as if talking to a curious 13 year old child.
The activists who dominate the political left believe in an ideology - beliefs about how the world works, and what proper behavior in that world should be - very different than almost all of us who have grown up in Western democracies do.
Their ideology goes by multiple overlapping names: Critical Theory (also known as Critical Race Theory) / intersectionality / DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) / woke.
[To confuse things further, many people *some* of the time when they invoke “woke” or “DEI” are just referring to Political Correctness on steroids, what I like to describe as “soft woke”. I.e. we should treat people who are black, gay, trans, Muslim, etc. not just nicely, not just given them equal rights, but should actually give their wants, needs and “rights” preference over those of the rest of us.]
At the core of all of these overlapping ideas is oppressor-oppressed ideology.
The basic idea of this ideology is that civilization is a zero-sum power game between competing identity groups. And western civilization has been dominated by evil rich straight white male capitalist Christians (Jews fall in this definition when the subject is Israel).
That group is responsible for all evil - and little good - in our world.
The definition is entirely based on the Western world, which is why Muslims are considered a minority.
In this view of the world, the rights of individuals are secondary; it is the rights of identity groups that matter.
For these people, just as with socialism/Marxism (which they definitely prefer/support, they just don’t give the economics stuff much relative importance in their language; they just presume it and assert that capitalism is bad), what matters is not equality of opportunity, what matters is equality of outcome.
Any outcome where groups have unequal results is unjust and occurs only because of the unfair power that the rich white male etc. group holds.
This is the ONLY way to view the world.
Under this worldview, the oppressed have the right to overthrow their oppressors BY. ANY. MEANS. NECESSARY.
In this worldview, the Israelis are the evil rich WHITE make Christian (Jews in this case take the place of Christians as the dominant entity) capitalist patriarchy, while the Palestinians are People of Color, lack all agency, and have been oppressed forever by the evil Israelis.
The fact that it was Muslim Arabs who attacked Israel to create the situation on the ground is an irrelevant non-detail. As indeed are almost any other real-world facts.
Since the oppressed have a right to overthrow their oppressors, these ideologues therefore support Hamas and cheer them on as righteous as they butcher, rape, torture, take hostages, etc.
This is why 34 different student groups at Harvard University signed a letter on Oct 8th saying “we hold Israel entirely responsible for all unfolding violence in the region.” [9 groups later rescinded their support for the letter, still leaving 25 that stand by it to this day.]
In polls taken by Harvard-Harris in the U.S. in the 70 days after Oct 7th, enormous numbers of young Americans (and non-trivial numbers of others) agreed with oppressor-oppressed ideology and said they supported Hamas - not just “the Palestinians”, but Hamas. Happy to provide links if you’d like.
The fact that Hamas, and for that matter the Palestinian Authority, are openly worse on the rights of women, gays, trans, non-Muslims is utterly irrelevant, since it is superseded by the fact that the Palestinians are considered to have so many intersectionality points (as a powerless minority) compared to the Israelis that nothing else matters.
Still lots of big words above, my apologies. Without writing 3 pages or more, I just don’t know how to explain it with smaller words. But hopefully it is of some value.
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.
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.
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.
And Marjorie Taylor Greene voted to end all ties with Israel, Donald Trump restrained Israel from finishing retaliation on Iran, MAGA says that supporting Jewish civil rights isn’t “America First,” and a whole host of conservative influencers from Candace Owens to Tucker Carlson scream blood libel.
That used to be a defensible position, even an admirable one. But now that the Democrats are on the wrong side of nearly every issue, especially every issue that involves Israel or Jews, it's become an untenable position. Don't let nostalgia for MLK, the freedom riders and the civil rights movement blind you to the sheer villainy of today's Democrat party.
How does starving the poor, rounding up migrants into prison camps, banning books, banning the teaching of accurate American history, slashing health care and pensions for the elderly, legally discriminating against gay people, and promoting anti-Black racism comport with Jewish values?
You are saying that in order to save ourselves, we must destroy every value that makes us Jewish. What does that get us in the end but used?
I don’t support antisemitic politicians of either party, but the proposition that we must necessarily exclusively affiliate with a horribly bigoted hard-right-wing grievance party whose causes are deeply anti-Jewish is one I reject.
A Jewish value that I place at the top of my own hierarchy of values is the quest for truth. One of the ways in which Jews have been bamboozled by the Left is through the appeal to their "values." They are misled by slick propaganda that effectively convinces them that those people "on the Right" are their enemies, that they desecrate their cherished values. Ninety percent of the claims you make above are SIMPLY NOT TRUE. But you haven't taken the initiative to discover that for yourself. And, most likely, you will dismiss anyone who tries to tell you that you have been deliberately confused and misled by propaganda.
You can stop the gaslighting; it doesn’t work on me. Every single one of the things I’ve listed is happening right now. You can’t just wave away empiricism and demand that I discard Jewish values to join a party dominated by deeply unJewish beliefs (including Christian Protestantism).
The party of Candace Owens, Majorie Taylor Greene, Nick Fuentes, Paul Nehlen, Tucker Carlson, Matt Gaetz, Joe Rogan, ad nauseum is not a place for Jews.
If you want my vote, you need to actually earn it, not demand that I join your deeply antisemitic collective and submit to its dictates.
“horribly bigoted hard-right-wing grievance party whose causes are deeply anti-Jewish”
Wow, the ignorance dripping from this one short phrase is quite amazing.
Go educate yourself (I know you won’t; sigh).
The fact that it is true that there are indeed antisemitic bigots on the hard right does not mean that the GOP is the party you describe.
In fact, such bigots have no power in the GOP.
As opposed to the Dem party, where the antisemitic hard left has taken over much of the agenda, and where supposedly adult leadership refuses to “punch left” and criticize them at all, but instead repeatedly appeases them.
I agree with you. And I agree that much of the Left has been bamboozled into believing Post Modern Social Justice is remotely compatible with Jewish values. Most people see "Ooh, social justice, count me in", but it is actually a noxious, socially corrosive soup using methods based on ideology, not evidence. That does not mean, though, that everything the Republicans is doing is right. I'm a Liberal, I'm not Post Modern, and many of the cuts being made are quite unjust.
Then consider me an Independent. But the Republicans are no better. Democrats are being led around by the nose by the extreme Left Progressivesm, it’s true. But Republicans are likewise bowing and scraping before MAGA. If you’re looking for moral clarity, look to the center.
Chana, I wish that my own sense of moral clarity was fully embraced by one political party or the other. But in the real world of political choices, we're forced to choose alignment with those whom we believe will do more good and less evil.
Biden's decision to remove sanctions on Iran allowed them to refill their coffers and provide funding to all of their terrorist satellites, including Hamas. Trump, on the other hand, destroyed Iran's nuclear program and removed the knife from Israel's throat. For me that's enough of a difference to make the choice clear.
The only other choice is to abstain and say "A pox on both their houses." This preserves your moral clarity, while you wait for a moderate centrist party to come to power. Meanwhile, other people get to choose who runs the country while you sit on the sidelines.
You make some good points, but I suspect Trump is concentrating too much power in the Executive, in preparation for his unlimited reign as Emperor. Or something close to that. So while I agree he has done right by Israel, he may get away with destroying the world’s oldest Democracy, because much of his MAGA base literally thinks he’s the Second Coming of their Messiah. And he sorta believes it.
I got ZERO issue with you being an independent. Zero.
But claiming the GOP is “no better” is just whack.
Being against the eradication of Israel as a Jewish state, believing that there is no context in which calling for the genocide of Jews is acceptable, is ALONE reason that the highly imperfect Republicans are better than the Democrats.
Sorry, being unequivocally against actual genocide of Jews is NOT too much to ask.
I don't think I said “The Republicans are no better.” They're certainly Atchison point better on Israel and Jews. My point is that centrist Liberals also believe in the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish State, and absolutely opposed to all forms of antisemitism, including anti-Zionism. It is true that Liberals are not sufficiently influential within their party, and that many institutions are ideologically captured by the Progressive Left. That doesn't change the fact that I suspect Trump may have fascistic intentions regarding this country, in which case, all bets are off, and it doesn't matter much what we think, because we wouldn't get to vote, anyway. Unless you'd be OK with that as long as Trump was pro-Israel.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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.
“I’m pleased to have a conversation with you about this. I’m going to record our conversation because I believe that violations of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act are taking place and wish to document this for the EEOC, Civil Rights Branch of the Justice Department, and my own attorney. There we go, recorder on. Now please go ahead.”
“Oh, you don’t wish to have your words recorded? I cannot imagine why not, if what you’re saying is legal and legitimate. While we are on the recorder, I’d like to note that I am formally informing you that I have been targeted by the school, union and several colleagues with a hostile work environment based on my Jewish ethnicity and religion. [Review detailed notes of harassment]. I have now formally reported this to you and so you are now bound by federal law, state law and school policy around both addressing this harassment and exercising non-retaliation. Please note that I also reserve the right to report this illegal conduct to local, state and federal enforcement agencies and take any other actions prescribed by law necessary to correct the situation. Thank you for your time.”
Ah thank you! If it happens again (it was regarding a Facebook post) I will definitely use.
My pleasure. I’ve had to do this twice. Once for anti-gay harassment (though I had to rely on state law instead as federal law at the time didn’t cover gay people) and once again for antisemitic harassment.
Don’t be afraid of retaliation. If they’re making it an issue, they’re already planning to retaliate. If they do so, you just got yourself a big payday.
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!
Plenty of us aren’t Torah literalists/fundamentalists. That’s why “Israel” means “people in a struggle with God.”
So in passover, instead of saying "Next year in Jerusalem" you say "Next year in Auschwitz, because G-d forbid we defend ourselves?"
Yeah, that’s not hyperbolic at all.
I’m actually probably more of a Zionist then you are, because I want an Israeli culture that respects the rights and traditions of all Jews, not just Orthodox fundies.
You claim it doesn’t? Has the Israeli police kicked in the doors of reformed synagogues? Or are you saying you don’t feel quite as valued, being a Kapo that stands with those that want to murder the Jews, because it’s politically correct at this time to be on the side of Hamas ?
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 🥰🏴)
“could you reword this as though you were speaking to a child interested in these matters, in wee words?”
Apologies for the delayed reply. I had to think about this for a while.
I actually don’t know that I could do it for a wee child, but I’ll at least give it a shot as if talking to a curious 13 year old child.
The activists who dominate the political left believe in an ideology - beliefs about how the world works, and what proper behavior in that world should be - very different than almost all of us who have grown up in Western democracies do.
Their ideology goes by multiple overlapping names: Critical Theory (also known as Critical Race Theory) / intersectionality / DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) / woke.
[To confuse things further, many people *some* of the time when they invoke “woke” or “DEI” are just referring to Political Correctness on steroids, what I like to describe as “soft woke”. I.e. we should treat people who are black, gay, trans, Muslim, etc. not just nicely, not just given them equal rights, but should actually give their wants, needs and “rights” preference over those of the rest of us.]
At the core of all of these overlapping ideas is oppressor-oppressed ideology.
The basic idea of this ideology is that civilization is a zero-sum power game between competing identity groups. And western civilization has been dominated by evil rich straight white male capitalist Christians (Jews fall in this definition when the subject is Israel).
That group is responsible for all evil - and little good - in our world.
The definition is entirely based on the Western world, which is why Muslims are considered a minority.
In this view of the world, the rights of individuals are secondary; it is the rights of identity groups that matter.
For these people, just as with socialism/Marxism (which they definitely prefer/support, they just don’t give the economics stuff much relative importance in their language; they just presume it and assert that capitalism is bad), what matters is not equality of opportunity, what matters is equality of outcome.
Any outcome where groups have unequal results is unjust and occurs only because of the unfair power that the rich white male etc. group holds.
This is the ONLY way to view the world.
Under this worldview, the oppressed have the right to overthrow their oppressors BY. ANY. MEANS. NECESSARY.
In this worldview, the Israelis are the evil rich WHITE make Christian (Jews in this case take the place of Christians as the dominant entity) capitalist patriarchy, while the Palestinians are People of Color, lack all agency, and have been oppressed forever by the evil Israelis.
The fact that it was Muslim Arabs who attacked Israel to create the situation on the ground is an irrelevant non-detail. As indeed are almost any other real-world facts.
Since the oppressed have a right to overthrow their oppressors, these ideologues therefore support Hamas and cheer them on as righteous as they butcher, rape, torture, take hostages, etc.
This is why 34 different student groups at Harvard University signed a letter on Oct 8th saying “we hold Israel entirely responsible for all unfolding violence in the region.” [9 groups later rescinded their support for the letter, still leaving 25 that stand by it to this day.]
In polls taken by Harvard-Harris in the U.S. in the 70 days after Oct 7th, enormous numbers of young Americans (and non-trivial numbers of others) agreed with oppressor-oppressed ideology and said they supported Hamas - not just “the Palestinians”, but Hamas. Happy to provide links if you’d like.
The fact that Hamas, and for that matter the Palestinian Authority, are openly worse on the rights of women, gays, trans, non-Muslims is utterly irrelevant, since it is superseded by the fact that the Palestinians are considered to have so many intersectionality points (as a powerless minority) compared to the Israelis that nothing else matters.
Still lots of big words above, my apologies. Without writing 3 pages or more, I just don’t know how to explain it with smaller words. But hopefully it is of some value.
Many thanks… much appreciated. Will respond asap: a bit under the weather at the moment.
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.
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!
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.
And Marjorie Taylor Greene voted to end all ties with Israel, Donald Trump restrained Israel from finishing retaliation on Iran, MAGA says that supporting Jewish civil rights isn’t “America First,” and a whole host of conservative influencers from Candace Owens to Tucker Carlson scream blood libel.
That used to be a defensible position, even an admirable one. But now that the Democrats are on the wrong side of nearly every issue, especially every issue that involves Israel or Jews, it's become an untenable position. Don't let nostalgia for MLK, the freedom riders and the civil rights movement blind you to the sheer villainy of today's Democrat party.
How does starving the poor, rounding up migrants into prison camps, banning books, banning the teaching of accurate American history, slashing health care and pensions for the elderly, legally discriminating against gay people, and promoting anti-Black racism comport with Jewish values?
You are saying that in order to save ourselves, we must destroy every value that makes us Jewish. What does that get us in the end but used?
I don’t support antisemitic politicians of either party, but the proposition that we must necessarily exclusively affiliate with a horribly bigoted hard-right-wing grievance party whose causes are deeply anti-Jewish is one I reject.
A Jewish value that I place at the top of my own hierarchy of values is the quest for truth. One of the ways in which Jews have been bamboozled by the Left is through the appeal to their "values." They are misled by slick propaganda that effectively convinces them that those people "on the Right" are their enemies, that they desecrate their cherished values. Ninety percent of the claims you make above are SIMPLY NOT TRUE. But you haven't taken the initiative to discover that for yourself. And, most likely, you will dismiss anyone who tries to tell you that you have been deliberately confused and misled by propaganda.
You can stop the gaslighting; it doesn’t work on me. Every single one of the things I’ve listed is happening right now. You can’t just wave away empiricism and demand that I discard Jewish values to join a party dominated by deeply unJewish beliefs (including Christian Protestantism).
The party of Candace Owens, Majorie Taylor Greene, Nick Fuentes, Paul Nehlen, Tucker Carlson, Matt Gaetz, Joe Rogan, ad nauseum is not a place for Jews.
If you want my vote, you need to actually earn it, not demand that I join your deeply antisemitic collective and submit to its dictates.
“horribly bigoted hard-right-wing grievance party whose causes are deeply anti-Jewish”
Wow, the ignorance dripping from this one short phrase is quite amazing.
Go educate yourself (I know you won’t; sigh).
The fact that it is true that there are indeed antisemitic bigots on the hard right does not mean that the GOP is the party you describe.
In fact, such bigots have no power in the GOP.
As opposed to the Dem party, where the antisemitic hard left has taken over much of the agenda, and where supposedly adult leadership refuses to “punch left” and criticize them at all, but instead repeatedly appeases them.
I agree with you. And I agree that much of the Left has been bamboozled into believing Post Modern Social Justice is remotely compatible with Jewish values. Most people see "Ooh, social justice, count me in", but it is actually a noxious, socially corrosive soup using methods based on ideology, not evidence. That does not mean, though, that everything the Republicans is doing is right. I'm a Liberal, I'm not Post Modern, and many of the cuts being made are quite unjust.
Then consider me an Independent. But the Republicans are no better. Democrats are being led around by the nose by the extreme Left Progressivesm, it’s true. But Republicans are likewise bowing and scraping before MAGA. If you’re looking for moral clarity, look to the center.
Chana, I wish that my own sense of moral clarity was fully embraced by one political party or the other. But in the real world of political choices, we're forced to choose alignment with those whom we believe will do more good and less evil.
Biden's decision to remove sanctions on Iran allowed them to refill their coffers and provide funding to all of their terrorist satellites, including Hamas. Trump, on the other hand, destroyed Iran's nuclear program and removed the knife from Israel's throat. For me that's enough of a difference to make the choice clear.
The only other choice is to abstain and say "A pox on both their houses." This preserves your moral clarity, while you wait for a moderate centrist party to come to power. Meanwhile, other people get to choose who runs the country while you sit on the sidelines.
You make some good points, but I suspect Trump is concentrating too much power in the Executive, in preparation for his unlimited reign as Emperor. Or something close to that. So while I agree he has done right by Israel, he may get away with destroying the world’s oldest Democracy, because much of his MAGA base literally thinks he’s the Second Coming of their Messiah. And he sorta believes it.
“But the Republicans are no better.”
I got ZERO issue with you being an independent. Zero.
But claiming the GOP is “no better” is just whack.
Being against the eradication of Israel as a Jewish state, believing that there is no context in which calling for the genocide of Jews is acceptable, is ALONE reason that the highly imperfect Republicans are better than the Democrats.
Sorry, being unequivocally against actual genocide of Jews is NOT too much to ask.
I don't think I said “The Republicans are no better.” They're certainly Atchison point better on Israel and Jews. My point is that centrist Liberals also believe in the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish State, and absolutely opposed to all forms of antisemitism, including anti-Zionism. It is true that Liberals are not sufficiently influential within their party, and that many institutions are ideologically captured by the Progressive Left. That doesn't change the fact that I suspect Trump may have fascistic intentions regarding this country, in which case, all bets are off, and it doesn't matter much what we think, because we wouldn't get to vote, anyway. Unless you'd be OK with that as long as Trump was pro-Israel.
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
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/
Disgusting isn’t it? But unfortunately all too common throughout history!
"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!!!!!!
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.
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..
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.