The question is not whether "progressive Zionism" feels compassionate. It is whether the assumptions of "progressive Zionists" can survive contact with reality — and most often, they do not.
Interesting perspective about Progressive Zionists, but I wonder what the reception would be if you had tried to have a conversation with them about their beliefs while presenting yours. I think their response would have provided another facet to explore for your essay. So their 'compassion' and belief about Zionism is to receive approval at a dinner party? If that may be true, then how do the same Progressive Zionists believe that Israel can achieve all their unrealistic beliefs? It sounds like they wear their 'Progressive Zionism' as a shield to protect them from the antisemitism that has been growing. It gives them a false sense of security and helps them to retain their moral character, sleep soundly at night, but what it doesn't do is give a strong voice to the hate and blood libels that encompass social media, the MSM, and those in power who have turned on Israel and Jews everywhere. Sorry, but they don't get a pass from me.
If so-called "progressives" would only attack all the nations that are total enemies of all so-called "progressive" contents, Israel would be among the very last states they had to be busy with. And they were the first to land and end in those nations in torture dungeons, see Iran 1979. But if you are a totally imbecile dumb coward having issues with becoming adult, you will never learn. Any argument with "progressives" is completely in vain, as it is with every mentally unhealably ill.
Pure gold, every word of this article. Spoken for me.
Let's also remember what a deceitful adjective " progressive " has become. The self-denominated " progressives" often vehemently or even indirectly support the most regressive ( no quote marks) ideologies ever espoused. Look at the " progressive" US Democratic party, that those " progressive " Zionists belong to. Time to be coherent and pro-civilization. " Progressive Zionist " doesn't cut it.
You make a lot of sense Joshua - people's trauma (historical trauma in the case of Jews) has meant the choices have been terribly ruthless in order to survive. It's understandable but in a world that treats everyone with an almost impossible form of compassion and respect (in the West) there are severe problems with that perceotion. That the difficulty here and the challenge. You make a lot of sense but I fear that the pragmatic view produces a coldness that contributes to a contrast that drives people to see Zionism as heartless compared to their own societies in the West. That's where the communication to the West fails at present because the world does not consider that hardness as appropriate to the "progressive" society that has been developed since the sixties civil rights revolutions. And I know how challenging it is to reverse that perception when you live next to neighbours that show none of the same compassion. You are right the abstract arguments in San Francisco and elsewhere bear no real relevance to the lived reality. Please consider though that the "progressive Zionists" are perhaps doing a service in their own geographical location even if their naivety may not be suitable at all for those living in Israel with the harsh realities of the region. 🙏
Wrong. The progressives are doing no one a favour. Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, 1040–1105), the famous commentary on the Torah, wrote on the very first verse in Genesis, that the nations will claim we stole The Land. Our response is The Creator gave it to us – the Jewish people, the Jewish nation. Antisemites will always find an excuse to deny ancient and modern history and everything in between.
Even during the 1930’s rise of the Hitler Nazis movement, there were Jews, who for whatever reason appeared somewhat supportive, by not actively opposing such. It seems so many years later, we as a group do not appear to have learned our lesson that cost us 6 million European Jewish,Ives; 1 1/2 million being Jewish Children, including babies who sadly did not have percents to defend them or other countrymen willing to stand up for them. When will we as a People learn better. If we are not for ourselves, who will be? If not now, then when? With much sadness at our foolishness, Bruce Portnoy, Opinion Journalist/ Independent analyst
Excellent piece and correct. What must now be understood is that the Progressive Worldview is seen as useful cover for Nazism by MI6 and The BND in Germany. Re-formed German Nazism, and Re-formed Nazi Party almost took The State here in Britain, and is now very powerful in Europe. In this context Progressive politics from The State is now an AntiSemitic stick to beat Israel with, and is not believed by anyone in power anymore. It has become a useful Lie and a Front for Nazism by powerful Elements of The State. What must be understood is that they are not at the very top of the State, and have been monitored here in London and prevented from actually executing their Genocidal Plans.
Thing is, "progressive Zionism" is usually code for "I'm a Zionist and I still believe in abortion rights and environmental protections." Or, "I'm a Zionist and I also believe that gay people do not need to be imprisoned." Right-wing Zionism, while very passionate about Israel, often comes with other baggage; there needs to be some sort of term for someone who is a Zionist, who believes that Israel needs to protect itself in whatever way it needs to, and who also doesn't want to deny women the right to an abortion or to imprison gay people for consensual sex.
Those were some ignorant comments you just made. Judaism says abortion is necessary when the fetus endangers the life of the mother. Judaism does not legislate imprisoning gays for consensual sex. It does legislate capital punishment if the men were given explicit warning by two witnesses, and acknowledged receiving the warning. All this is tested in court and very difficult to prove guilt. Perhaps you should research better what you think you know before stating as fact your opinion.
Are you nuts? I lived in Israel in the 1980’s and it was simple to get an abortion. Second, Israel has one of the largest gay parades in the world. Where are you living?
Interesting perspective about Progressive Zionists, but I wonder what the reception would be if you had tried to have a conversation with them about their beliefs while presenting yours. I think their response would have provided another facet to explore for your essay. So their 'compassion' and belief about Zionism is to receive approval at a dinner party? If that may be true, then how do the same Progressive Zionists believe that Israel can achieve all their unrealistic beliefs? It sounds like they wear their 'Progressive Zionism' as a shield to protect them from the antisemitism that has been growing. It gives them a false sense of security and helps them to retain their moral character, sleep soundly at night, but what it doesn't do is give a strong voice to the hate and blood libels that encompass social media, the MSM, and those in power who have turned on Israel and Jews everywhere. Sorry, but they don't get a pass from me.
Jews against occupation means they are pinning to go back and live as second class citizens to live under occupying power as Dhimmī.
If so-called "progressives" would only attack all the nations that are total enemies of all so-called "progressive" contents, Israel would be among the very last states they had to be busy with. And they were the first to land and end in those nations in torture dungeons, see Iran 1979. But if you are a totally imbecile dumb coward having issues with becoming adult, you will never learn. Any argument with "progressives" is completely in vain, as it is with every mentally unhealably ill.
Pure gold, every word of this article. Spoken for me.
Let's also remember what a deceitful adjective " progressive " has become. The self-denominated " progressives" often vehemently or even indirectly support the most regressive ( no quote marks) ideologies ever espoused. Look at the " progressive" US Democratic party, that those " progressive " Zionists belong to. Time to be coherent and pro-civilization. " Progressive Zionist " doesn't cut it.
You make a lot of sense Joshua - people's trauma (historical trauma in the case of Jews) has meant the choices have been terribly ruthless in order to survive. It's understandable but in a world that treats everyone with an almost impossible form of compassion and respect (in the West) there are severe problems with that perceotion. That the difficulty here and the challenge. You make a lot of sense but I fear that the pragmatic view produces a coldness that contributes to a contrast that drives people to see Zionism as heartless compared to their own societies in the West. That's where the communication to the West fails at present because the world does not consider that hardness as appropriate to the "progressive" society that has been developed since the sixties civil rights revolutions. And I know how challenging it is to reverse that perception when you live next to neighbours that show none of the same compassion. You are right the abstract arguments in San Francisco and elsewhere bear no real relevance to the lived reality. Please consider though that the "progressive Zionists" are perhaps doing a service in their own geographical location even if their naivety may not be suitable at all for those living in Israel with the harsh realities of the region. 🙏
Wrong. The progressives are doing no one a favour. Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, 1040–1105), the famous commentary on the Torah, wrote on the very first verse in Genesis, that the nations will claim we stole The Land. Our response is The Creator gave it to us – the Jewish people, the Jewish nation. Antisemites will always find an excuse to deny ancient and modern history and everything in between.
Even during the 1930’s rise of the Hitler Nazis movement, there were Jews, who for whatever reason appeared somewhat supportive, by not actively opposing such. It seems so many years later, we as a group do not appear to have learned our lesson that cost us 6 million European Jewish,Ives; 1 1/2 million being Jewish Children, including babies who sadly did not have percents to defend them or other countrymen willing to stand up for them. When will we as a People learn better. If we are not for ourselves, who will be? If not now, then when? With much sadness at our foolishness, Bruce Portnoy, Opinion Journalist/ Independent analyst
Zionism achieved its goal in 1948. Let us please retire the word. There is nothing more to debate, define or describe. Bask in it’s glory 🇮🇱❤️💪
Excellent piece and correct. What must now be understood is that the Progressive Worldview is seen as useful cover for Nazism by MI6 and The BND in Germany. Re-formed German Nazism, and Re-formed Nazi Party almost took The State here in Britain, and is now very powerful in Europe. In this context Progressive politics from The State is now an AntiSemitic stick to beat Israel with, and is not believed by anyone in power anymore. It has become a useful Lie and a Front for Nazism by powerful Elements of The State. What must be understood is that they are not at the very top of the State, and have been monitored here in London and prevented from actually executing their Genocidal Plans.
Thing is, "progressive Zionism" is usually code for "I'm a Zionist and I still believe in abortion rights and environmental protections." Or, "I'm a Zionist and I also believe that gay people do not need to be imprisoned." Right-wing Zionism, while very passionate about Israel, often comes with other baggage; there needs to be some sort of term for someone who is a Zionist, who believes that Israel needs to protect itself in whatever way it needs to, and who also doesn't want to deny women the right to an abortion or to imprison gay people for consensual sex.
Those were some ignorant comments you just made. Judaism says abortion is necessary when the fetus endangers the life of the mother. Judaism does not legislate imprisoning gays for consensual sex. It does legislate capital punishment if the men were given explicit warning by two witnesses, and acknowledged receiving the warning. All this is tested in court and very difficult to prove guilt. Perhaps you should research better what you think you know before stating as fact your opinion.
Are you nuts? I lived in Israel in the 1980’s and it was simple to get an abortion. Second, Israel has one of the largest gay parades in the world. Where are you living?
At the risk of sounding shallow, looking at the Comic Sans font in the picture was enough for me (-: