There’s an even more disturbing trend: Some Jews are finding it difficult to recognize veiled antisemitism. Often this antisemitism comes from people they know fairly well. When confronted with the reality that friends and coworkers were never really friendly, it’s easier to dismiss the evidence than deal with the reality of the situation. In my experience, gentiles may recognize this form of antisemitism before Jews do.
I thank you for breaking your thesis down into the categories cited, and your detailed explanation of each. I would not call those who have intellectualized the issue of antisemitism as having a high intellect. Those who do, would seek out multiple sources of information, be well read, and knowledgeable, and above all, ask questions. Also, this same group seems to use emotion to cloud any cogent thinking. There are many Noam Chomsky's in the world, and no matter what you say in defense of Israel, will listen but not want to really know any of it. Self hating Jews have always tried to make themselves into what they thought the outside world wanted them to be. They should realize no matter what they do, they will still be looked upon as Jews (of course, a very good thing). Just as in Poland and Germany, when Jews thought their 'neighbors, shopkeepers" were good friends, they found out how fast they were given up to the Nazis.
This was very well-written and provided a lot to think about. I'm definitely going to seek out the Seth Rogen piece. I don't know what to think about all this. I've come to a time where I think all government is bad government. I'm an American- born who hates America. I hate the politics, the values, the arrogance of leadership, the stupidity and gullibility of so much of the people. I hate Biden and Trump. Does that make me a self-hating American? I'm far less familiar with the Israeli government, but I definitely don't like Netanyahu and I don't like what I hear is the arrogance of the Israeli people toward the Palestinians. It is true or not? All groups, all nations are equally capable of both good and evil people. I'm appalled by the seeming indifference or even celebration by the people of the crimes the U.S. government has and is committing against other nations. To the degree that the Israeli government is in collusion with the west, which I consider to be on a very bad path, then I can't support it. That doesn't mean I wish Israel to fall. I don't. I'm sorry to say I've never been to Israel and don't feel qualified to judge either way. What I do know,, however, is that the same people who are screaming here about justice for the Palestinians were completely silent when Libya, the richest country in Africa thanks to Gadaffi was destroyed by the U.S. and turned into a failed state with open air slave markets. There was no anger, no riots, no calls for justice for Libya, for the murdered Gadaffi. There are so many things to be angry at the U.S., at the west for, about Iran beheading a young girl for refusing to wear a hajib. Nothing. While I don't know if Israel is right or wrong in its response, I do know it seems like it's only Israel that can arouse this rage. I listened to an Arab commentator who made a statement about the surrounding Arab countries which seems to apply here in the U.S. as well. "It's not that they love the Palestinians that much. It's that they hate the Jews."
Reminded me of prejudices between ourselves as well- my Turkish paternal grandmother always insisted that she was a white person, that she be seen and acknowledged as white, especially in Israel and the fact that we were considered ‘inferior’ as Sephardim in contrast to ashkenazim. It wasn’t until years later that I understood that, I think, that’s some form of feeling superior within those very uncomfortable feelings of internalized inferiority (?). Not sure. Also, when she made it to Israel (she was called a Palestinian, btw), was during WWII, so now I wonder how much of that is configured into it. I dunno.
There’s an even more disturbing trend: Some Jews are finding it difficult to recognize veiled antisemitism. Often this antisemitism comes from people they know fairly well. When confronted with the reality that friends and coworkers were never really friendly, it’s easier to dismiss the evidence than deal with the reality of the situation. In my experience, gentiles may recognize this form of antisemitism before Jews do.
Couldn’t agree with you more Rachel! :(
I thank you for breaking your thesis down into the categories cited, and your detailed explanation of each. I would not call those who have intellectualized the issue of antisemitism as having a high intellect. Those who do, would seek out multiple sources of information, be well read, and knowledgeable, and above all, ask questions. Also, this same group seems to use emotion to cloud any cogent thinking. There are many Noam Chomsky's in the world, and no matter what you say in defense of Israel, will listen but not want to really know any of it. Self hating Jews have always tried to make themselves into what they thought the outside world wanted them to be. They should realize no matter what they do, they will still be looked upon as Jews (of course, a very good thing). Just as in Poland and Germany, when Jews thought their 'neighbors, shopkeepers" were good friends, they found out how fast they were given up to the Nazis.
Very well said Diane!
Once again, well written and explained. Add to the list the destructive self hating Jews with money who help fund the destruction of Israel. (Soros.)
You have drunk the neo-Nazi kool aid. Better to look at Stephen Miller as a really destructive self-hating Jew.
This was very well-written and provided a lot to think about. I'm definitely going to seek out the Seth Rogen piece. I don't know what to think about all this. I've come to a time where I think all government is bad government. I'm an American- born who hates America. I hate the politics, the values, the arrogance of leadership, the stupidity and gullibility of so much of the people. I hate Biden and Trump. Does that make me a self-hating American? I'm far less familiar with the Israeli government, but I definitely don't like Netanyahu and I don't like what I hear is the arrogance of the Israeli people toward the Palestinians. It is true or not? All groups, all nations are equally capable of both good and evil people. I'm appalled by the seeming indifference or even celebration by the people of the crimes the U.S. government has and is committing against other nations. To the degree that the Israeli government is in collusion with the west, which I consider to be on a very bad path, then I can't support it. That doesn't mean I wish Israel to fall. I don't. I'm sorry to say I've never been to Israel and don't feel qualified to judge either way. What I do know,, however, is that the same people who are screaming here about justice for the Palestinians were completely silent when Libya, the richest country in Africa thanks to Gadaffi was destroyed by the U.S. and turned into a failed state with open air slave markets. There was no anger, no riots, no calls for justice for Libya, for the murdered Gadaffi. There are so many things to be angry at the U.S., at the west for, about Iran beheading a young girl for refusing to wear a hajib. Nothing. While I don't know if Israel is right or wrong in its response, I do know it seems like it's only Israel that can arouse this rage. I listened to an Arab commentator who made a statement about the surrounding Arab countries which seems to apply here in the U.S. as well. "It's not that they love the Palestinians that much. It's that they hate the Jews."
Very well said!!
Excellent writing, Mr. Hoffman.
Reminded me of prejudices between ourselves as well- my Turkish paternal grandmother always insisted that she was a white person, that she be seen and acknowledged as white, especially in Israel and the fact that we were considered ‘inferior’ as Sephardim in contrast to ashkenazim. It wasn’t until years later that I understood that, I think, that’s some form of feeling superior within those very uncomfortable feelings of internalized inferiority (?). Not sure. Also, when she made it to Israel (she was called a Palestinian, btw), was during WWII, so now I wonder how much of that is configured into it. I dunno.
Psychologically very complicated indeed :(