14 Comments
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NAVA's avatar

I thought it was well stated, as is, and will be sharing with friends.

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Rachel Israel's avatar

I wish I could contribute. As soon as nursing school is over, I will. I agree with everything I've read you've posted so far (Ive only been here for a few days).

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Leiah Bat Ami's avatar

Excellent Joshua. This really is IT. It must be shared widely. I just yesterday left a lunch with a friend of 40 years, a Jew whom I have always thought felt shame from being a Jew rather than pride, who essentially attacked me for supporting Israel and who holds all of the anti-Israel misconceptions of the haters. I’ve already sent this to him. I hope this article opens eyes, hearts, and minds. It’s a masterpiece and thoughtfully laid out. I DO NOT agree with the person who said it should be shortened. It’s important to share this article with the smug and misguided who think they have the answer—News Flash to them: It IS antisemitic to single out and blame Jews for special, irrational hate. Keep up the good fight, Joshua.

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Michael Gease's avatar

One State of Israel, no Palestinian state. Too late for that now. Those Palestinians who want to share peace with Israelis can stay. The rest have to leave.

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Leiah Bat Ami's avatar

I agree 100%. It’s way past “too late.” Authentically embrace peaceful coexistence and functional nation building, or go live elsewhere.

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Sylvan Changuion's avatar

Thank you - an eloquent, informative piece that shows that the answer is so simple that a child could understand it..

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Ira Seidenstein, PhD (Edu)'s avatar

Is this the central point of this essay: "The problem is that we have subscribed to a flawed narrative that portrays Israel as the lynchpin to peace, which is almost precisely the opposite of reality. There is only one side that can make peace, because there is only one side making war: The Palestinians and their Arab allies."? If it is, be direct - make this the opening. You need a friendly competent Editor. They need the singular task to reduce the essay by approximately 1/3. Possibly even take away 50% or 75%.

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Joshua Hoffman's avatar

I edited this piece. We kept it long on purpose. To you much of this context might already have been known, but to most it is not.

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Susan Sullivan's avatar

This is a truly brilliant essay. It sums up the entire history and current situation perfectly!

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Laura's avatar

No, it's the definition of antisemitism.

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"Putting pressure on the Palestinians is the only way to bring peace and self-determination. The fact that leftists around the world refuse to acknowledge this and instead continue to pummel Israel is the definition of insanity".

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Laura's avatar

The basis for the rejection of a Jewish state lies in the koran. We also must recognize that islam is the problem.

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Amy Williams's avatar

Thank you. Excellent article. I'm sharing.

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Robin Alexander's avatar

Good historical info. Thanks!

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PeeGee's avatar

Joshua,

Great article. Thank you.

Something I find useful when discussing this is to ask: ‘Are you familiar with a state called Pakistan, and a state called India (both of which were formed in 1947)? ‘

Having established they do: Then to ask: ’Why do Pakistan and India exist?’

Then, when it’s acknowledged they were formed by two groups of people who sought self determination after the British departed and agreed to the Partition of their land, ask:

‘So, why isn’t there a separate Isreal and Palestinian state? Why didn’t the same thing happen when the British left the Mandate the following year?’

Bingo - you’re straight at the root cause of the conflict without having to wade back through the multitude of events 1948-2024. As time passes these events obscure the real reason why Palestinians live where they do without the benefit of statehood.

Here in the U.K. there is a greater awareness of how India and Pakistan were created due to familiarity with Mahatma Ghandi, the film Ghandi and many immigrants here have roits from both countries - so this helps focus the discussion on how statehood is possible if you really want it, and are prepared to compromise.

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