I now realize what it was like to be my ancestors, feeling public opinion building against the Jews, powerless to stop it. We thought we were free, but maybe we have always lived in the "shtetl."
I want you to know that there are a small but passionate and loyal minority of non-Jews -- mainly among Evangelical Christians -- who are taking a stand with you, and for Israel, regardless of the cost. Sometimes we may seem invisible to you because we don't usually live in big city centres, and too often there is a cultural divide between us... But we do identify and feel a close connection with Jews who still believe in God and who are not so isolated from mainstream society that they reject friendship with non-Jews. And we do support Israel and all that entails.
In the past few decades, we have also been maligned and "othered" by the Woke Left, who are now attacking you! So we (at least those of us who are unafraid of rejection) want to come alongside and stand with you however we can.
Attending and supporting the Jewish-sponsored pro-Israel rallies and events in Vancouver has helped us feel not quite so helpless... and the warmth, appreciation and acceptance we've felt there has been such an encouragement to us!
Thank you so much Betty for your support. Frankly, we are allies in a war that is designed to tear down Western culture and is an attack on all decent people. Betty, we make up less that half a percent of population and without the support of non-Jews like yourself thruout history, we would be extinct.
We may have already met - at one of the outdoor rallies for the hostages, or an event at a synagogue? It's a bit of a trekk into Vancouver from Abbotsford, and more challenging in bad weather, but we'll come when we can.
No, I haven't made it to the bridge events yet... the whole parking issue there is a bit intimidating. It's only been the Art Gallery and different synagogue events.
I appreciate any support for Jews and Israel. In regard to fundamentalist Christians, please enlighten me: my understanding is that you support Israel because Israel is required in order for the end times to occur, and then anyone who isn't Christian goes to hell for eternity. Please tell me where I'm wrong.
I thought I had written a reply but now I don't see it... so I'll try again.
You have made several errors in your analysis - first, by accepting without question accusations made by individuals who are virulently anti-Christian. So I hope that your question is sincere, rather than an attempt at entrapment.
Secondly, you are inferring that there is a singular viewpoint about the "End Times"
among Evangelical Christians. There isn't. (I find "Fundamemtalist" to be rather pejorative. But perhaps you are making a distinction between the two? There possibly could be).
Thirdly, is it really necessary for others to hold the same beliefs as you regarding theoretical or theological viewpoints, for you to welcome their care and support? I hope not.
I would say that in general, the basis for most Christian support of Israel is that we share the same Tenach and therefore, the same God and badic values. The Bible tells us that God chose the Jewish People for a unique role and gave them the Land of Israel.... and that those who align themselves with the Jewish people and bless them, will in turn be blessed. Those are eternal truths. The fact that not everyone believes it, or likes it, doesn't change the reality (whether they call themselves "Christian" or anything else).
There are many other issues and many logical reasons to support Israel that can apply to everyone, but a true believer in the God of Israel (and in Yeshua/Jesus as the Messiah - whom Christians claim to follow) will identify with, care about, and stand alongside the Jewish people. If they do not, I question which God they actually believe in.
For too long, this deep connection with the Jewish roots of our faith has been theoretical only, but now everyone is being forced to make a stand... and that's OK.
Unfortunately most Jews are fairly ignorant of the depth and sincerity of the Evangelical support for both Judaism and Israel. Most often "we" (shamefully) fall back on the false claim of "you just support Israel in order to bring about the Apocalypse" and accusations of supporting the wrong types of politician. The deep rot in our "liberal" institutions that Oct 7 exposed has changed some minds, but not enough.
I want you to know that your support and friendship is appreciated .
You are misunderstanding many things... and there is no one undisputed view of the End Times. Israel is important to me Nevis it is important to God. If you're interested in a theological discussion, we can do that. But maybe this isn't the place.
I don’t understand her play on Chabad. Every Chabad family and Shaliach I know welcome all Jews at every level of knowledge and practice. I’ve never experienced them feeling “their shul is better.” Rather they celebrate that you go to shul. And they’ll bring you as close to observance as you care to travel and celebrate that as well.
I am not religious at all, have not been in a shul in decades but I did have dealings with Chabad last Passove where the Rabbi came over to my home, brought me matzoh and we have stayed in touch since. Chabas welcomes everybody regardless of where you are an atheist or whatever. The author was very wrong in her characterization. I agree with you completely. papa j
Some of us were warning about this for over a decade and the legacy Jewish world only heaped scorn on us. So now everyone knows there's a problem, but what are most doing about it other than complaining?
I was one who was warning. I wanted folks to get ahead of it, especially in the academy. Yes, I was scorned
During covid and the mass hysteria it engendered I saw how people became sheep. I said "replace covid with Jew and we'll see the true nature of the world." I was scorned.
I love the author’s writing style. Sometimes we just need to laugh. A serious subject. We have been serious for a long time. I still believe Jews are welcome in America and most people are not obsessed with thinking about us. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family. Be grateful for all
Just an observation of mine: Chabad Jews usually are loving and accepting of all Jews. It’s the reverse that is most often not true. In your piece, you write that this goes both ways. I urge you to reconsider - and find out you’re not quite right.
Yes- someone else mentioned this too, suggesting it’s the Satmars not Chabadniks who are hostile. I definitely encountered hostile chabadniks in Chicago in the 90s - maybe it was just that branch, or the times have changed?
It’s doubtful, even then and in Chicago. (Unlikely but still possible.) As for Satmar, it’s much more complicated, nuanced of you will. Generally, in my experience, they are extremely insular and don’t welcome distractions from the outer world. They are passionate about maintaining the clarity of their own traditions and have no desire for outside influences. Nevertheless, once I’ve developed a close and personal relationship with members of this community, they are warm and accommodating - normally on their own turf.
The writer doesn't seem to realize or glosses over the fact that 99 percent of what she is describing comes from the infernal "red/green alliance" of leftists and Muslims. I lived my whole life in New York. A year ago I moved to a community in central Texas in which there are about 300 Jews in a population of 10,000. I have encountered NO ANTI-SEMITISM here. None. Zero. In fact when I met my neighbors here and they learned I am Jewish they expressed intense support for us as Jews and for Israel itself. To fight this problem we need to understand where its coming from. We are not in a shetl. We are not alone. Our large cities and campuses are infested with Leftist Jew haters. And our governments and college administrators are too cowardly to do anything about it. And too many Jews who fancy themselves liberals hate conservatives so much they can't see that when it comes to this they are our greatest friends.
Wonderful, funny article....thank you so much......It seems like people forgot WW2 and September 11.....we need to educate them about History, so they stop believing all the lies and distortion of Zionism, Israel and Jews. Am Israel Chai.....
Welcome to the world of those who have woken up and smelled the aroma of the proverbial coffee known as woke oriented anti Semitism However such sentiments are not supported by those who are political and cultural conservatives except for those who are the successors of Pat Buchanan
Find work outside of "progressive" institutions. Those people are horrid.
Your barber is right about keeping muslims out of America and also about how a transgender person would be treated in Gaza or anywhere else in the muslim world.
"Is this who’s going to live in my shtetl?3 Is it going to be me, the xenophobic misgendering barber, and the Marathon Drinkers — just because we are all Jews"?
Excellent fun piece but I would just say that Chabad is extremely tolerant. I have been davening at Chabad of Alexandria VA, not exactly a bastion of Jewry for a couple of years now and am frequently impressed with their attitude. Something is better than nothing is their attitude. Living in Israel I always felt one in a large family. Now in the diaspora it's more difficult but I agree with you that we all need to cling to each other regardless of the level of religious observation.
Thank you for your beautifully written story, it moved my old swedish heart. I’m not an ”educated”(indoctrinated..?) man but always been reading of interest and curiousity, especially history. Sweden is too poisoned by islam and its useful idiots. I truly believe in Jesus Christ but am done with organized ”christianity”. Wish I could be helpful in other ways than little economic support for terror victims in Israel. My prayers may seen pathetic to you but what can I do..?
Thank you for your insightful article. Living in South Africa it's not easy to express pro Israeli feelings. I'm sure you are aware that our government reported Israel to the ICC. Our population is mostly uneducated and only sees South African news. Due to propaganda the Israelis are seen as suppressors of darker people, and therefore linked to the previous Apartheid government. Even among my white friends there have developed a definite anti-Israeli sentiment because of the children in Gaza and Lebanon. I don't understand why the Israeli government put on more of a show of where the rockets found their targets, and your own people getting injured and carried off to hospitals - the wounded and killed soldiers, and more emphasis on the brutality of the 7 October attack. Why not wage an internet war on Islam and their stance on LGBTQ, and their total disregard for women? Yes people know all that, but it is the repetition of that information that can change people's minds. Why not name and shame Hamas supporters who are with the press in Gaza etc? I feel for you, I really do. May God bless you all.
We have had very different experiences, Hana. Since converting in 1978, I have had the blessing of being embraced by Jewish communities in Toronto; in three small towns in the American Midwest; in Bogotá, Colombia; in Gainesville, FL; and now in Vancouver. After October 7th I felt almost too insulated, so I decided to shine my Jewish star in non-Jewish spheres as well, principally by volunteering. To keep my personal shtetl from becoming a ghetto, I wear my Jewishness proudly in every setting.
No, this country isn't "really racist". It's the least racist country and the most pro-Israel. You still carry the brainwashing that "progressives" have indoctrinated you with. The last year surely must have awakened you to what evil, marxist liars they are. Ironically, "progressives" are the most racist and antisemitic monsters. The devout Christians on the other hand, are the most supportive of us.
"‘This is why we need to pass laws now to keep them out,” said Gabriel.
“Who?” I asked.
“Muslims,” he said. “They’re all terrorists. You see what that congresswoman from Michigan said, the Palestinian woman — ‘from the River to the Sea.’ They’re all antisemites and they won’t rest until they kill all the Jews. So we have to pass the law now.”
“Is that what they’re saying on Fox News?” I asked.
I wanted to explain to Gabriel that this is America, not Dagestan. Muslims and Arabs are not coming to America to kill Jews. Or … are they? Is America still America"?
I want you to know that there are a small but passionate and loyal minority of non-Jews -- mainly among Evangelical Christians -- who are taking a stand with you, and for Israel, regardless of the cost. Sometimes we may seem invisible to you because we don't usually live in big city centres, and too often there is a cultural divide between us... But we do identify and feel a close connection with Jews who still believe in God and who are not so isolated from mainstream society that they reject friendship with non-Jews. And we do support Israel and all that entails.
In the past few decades, we have also been maligned and "othered" by the Woke Left, who are now attacking you! So we (at least those of us who are unafraid of rejection) want to come alongside and stand with you however we can.
Attending and supporting the Jewish-sponsored pro-Israel rallies and events in Vancouver has helped us feel not quite so helpless... and the warmth, appreciation and acceptance we've felt there has been such an encouragement to us!
Thank you so much Betty for your support. Frankly, we are allies in a war that is designed to tear down Western culture and is an attack on all decent people. Betty, we make up less that half a percent of population and without the support of non-Jews like yourself thruout history, we would be extinct.
ahimsa papa j
Thank you, Betty. I’m in Vancouver, too. I hope our paths cross one of these days.
We may have already met - at one of the outdoor rallies for the hostages, or an event at a synagogue? It's a bit of a trekk into Vancouver from Abbotsford, and more challenging in bad weather, but we'll come when we can.
Could be. I’m Amy Gilbert. Tall. Active at Temple Sholom. Did I meet you and your husband on Burrard Bridge?
No, I haven't made it to the bridge events yet... the whole parking issue there is a bit intimidating. It's only been the Art Gallery and different synagogue events.
I appreciate any support for Jews and Israel. In regard to fundamentalist Christians, please enlighten me: my understanding is that you support Israel because Israel is required in order for the end times to occur, and then anyone who isn't Christian goes to hell for eternity. Please tell me where I'm wrong.
I thought I had written a reply but now I don't see it... so I'll try again.
You have made several errors in your analysis - first, by accepting without question accusations made by individuals who are virulently anti-Christian. So I hope that your question is sincere, rather than an attempt at entrapment.
Secondly, you are inferring that there is a singular viewpoint about the "End Times"
among Evangelical Christians. There isn't. (I find "Fundamemtalist" to be rather pejorative. But perhaps you are making a distinction between the two? There possibly could be).
Thirdly, is it really necessary for others to hold the same beliefs as you regarding theoretical or theological viewpoints, for you to welcome their care and support? I hope not.
I would say that in general, the basis for most Christian support of Israel is that we share the same Tenach and therefore, the same God and badic values. The Bible tells us that God chose the Jewish People for a unique role and gave them the Land of Israel.... and that those who align themselves with the Jewish people and bless them, will in turn be blessed. Those are eternal truths. The fact that not everyone believes it, or likes it, doesn't change the reality (whether they call themselves "Christian" or anything else).
There are many other issues and many logical reasons to support Israel that can apply to everyone, but a true believer in the God of Israel (and in Yeshua/Jesus as the Messiah - whom Christians claim to follow) will identify with, care about, and stand alongside the Jewish people. If they do not, I question which God they actually believe in.
For too long, this deep connection with the Jewish roots of our faith has been theoretical only, but now everyone is being forced to make a stand... and that's OK.
Unfortunately most Jews are fairly ignorant of the depth and sincerity of the Evangelical support for both Judaism and Israel. Most often "we" (shamefully) fall back on the false claim of "you just support Israel in order to bring about the Apocalypse" and accusations of supporting the wrong types of politician. The deep rot in our "liberal" institutions that Oct 7 exposed has changed some minds, but not enough.
I want you to know that your support and friendship is appreciated .
Thanks for the full response!!! Greatly appreciated. Did not know that fundamentalist was pejorative, whereas evangelical was not - good to know.
You are misunderstanding many things... and there is no one undisputed view of the End Times. Israel is important to me Nevis it is important to God. If you're interested in a theological discussion, we can do that. But maybe this isn't the place.
NP. I will do further research. I still am happy for your support.
That's encouraging. Thanks for posting this.
I don’t understand her play on Chabad. Every Chabad family and Shaliach I know welcome all Jews at every level of knowledge and practice. I’ve never experienced them feeling “their shul is better.” Rather they celebrate that you go to shul. And they’ll bring you as close to observance as you care to travel and celebrate that as well.
I am not religious at all, have not been in a shul in decades but I did have dealings with Chabad last Passove where the Rabbi came over to my home, brought me matzoh and we have stayed in touch since. Chabas welcomes everybody regardless of where you are an atheist or whatever. The author was very wrong in her characterization. I agree with you completely. papa j
Some of us were warning about this for over a decade and the legacy Jewish world only heaped scorn on us. So now everyone knows there's a problem, but what are most doing about it other than complaining?
The answer is very little unfortunately. Whining seems to rule the day. papa j
Oh and the request for donations also rule the day
I was one who was warning. I wanted folks to get ahead of it, especially in the academy. Yes, I was scorned
During covid and the mass hysteria it engendered I saw how people became sheep. I said "replace covid with Jew and we'll see the true nature of the world." I was scorned.
I love the author’s writing style. Sometimes we just need to laugh. A serious subject. We have been serious for a long time. I still believe Jews are welcome in America and most people are not obsessed with thinking about us. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family. Be grateful for all
you have living in a free country. ❤️
Just an observation of mine: Chabad Jews usually are loving and accepting of all Jews. It’s the reverse that is most often not true. In your piece, you write that this goes both ways. I urge you to reconsider - and find out you’re not quite right.
Best always.
Yes- someone else mentioned this too, suggesting it’s the Satmars not Chabadniks who are hostile. I definitely encountered hostile chabadniks in Chicago in the 90s - maybe it was just that branch, or the times have changed?
Please see my post about Satmar-like Chassidim. https://liba.substack.com/p/helping-soldiers?r=fxgvw
They love Jew.
It’s doubtful, even then and in Chicago. (Unlikely but still possible.) As for Satmar, it’s much more complicated, nuanced of you will. Generally, in my experience, they are extremely insular and don’t welcome distractions from the outer world. They are passionate about maintaining the clarity of their own traditions and have no desire for outside influences. Nevertheless, once I’ve developed a close and personal relationship with members of this community, they are warm and accommodating - normally on their own turf.
That’s my 2 cents!
The writer doesn't seem to realize or glosses over the fact that 99 percent of what she is describing comes from the infernal "red/green alliance" of leftists and Muslims. I lived my whole life in New York. A year ago I moved to a community in central Texas in which there are about 300 Jews in a population of 10,000. I have encountered NO ANTI-SEMITISM here. None. Zero. In fact when I met my neighbors here and they learned I am Jewish they expressed intense support for us as Jews and for Israel itself. To fight this problem we need to understand where its coming from. We are not in a shetl. We are not alone. Our large cities and campuses are infested with Leftist Jew haters. And our governments and college administrators are too cowardly to do anything about it. And too many Jews who fancy themselves liberals hate conservatives so much they can't see that when it comes to this they are our greatest friends.
Wonderful, funny article....thank you so much......It seems like people forgot WW2 and September 11.....we need to educate them about History, so they stop believing all the lies and distortion of Zionism, Israel and Jews. Am Israel Chai.....
Welcome to the world of those who have woken up and smelled the aroma of the proverbial coffee known as woke oriented anti Semitism However such sentiments are not supported by those who are political and cultural conservatives except for those who are the successors of Pat Buchanan
Find work outside of "progressive" institutions. Those people are horrid.
Your barber is right about keeping muslims out of America and also about how a transgender person would be treated in Gaza or anywhere else in the muslim world.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"Is this who’s going to live in my shtetl?3 Is it going to be me, the xenophobic misgendering barber, and the Marathon Drinkers — just because we are all Jews"?
Excellent fun piece but I would just say that Chabad is extremely tolerant. I have been davening at Chabad of Alexandria VA, not exactly a bastion of Jewry for a couple of years now and am frequently impressed with their attitude. Something is better than nothing is their attitude. Living in Israel I always felt one in a large family. Now in the diaspora it's more difficult but I agree with you that we all need to cling to each other regardless of the level of religious observation.
Thank you for your beautifully written story, it moved my old swedish heart. I’m not an ”educated”(indoctrinated..?) man but always been reading of interest and curiousity, especially history. Sweden is too poisoned by islam and its useful idiots. I truly believe in Jesus Christ but am done with organized ”christianity”. Wish I could be helpful in other ways than little economic support for terror victims in Israel. My prayers may seen pathetic to you but what can I do..?
Bless you and jewish people all around💙🇮🇱🤍💖🩵❤️
Thank you for your insightful article. Living in South Africa it's not easy to express pro Israeli feelings. I'm sure you are aware that our government reported Israel to the ICC. Our population is mostly uneducated and only sees South African news. Due to propaganda the Israelis are seen as suppressors of darker people, and therefore linked to the previous Apartheid government. Even among my white friends there have developed a definite anti-Israeli sentiment because of the children in Gaza and Lebanon. I don't understand why the Israeli government put on more of a show of where the rockets found their targets, and your own people getting injured and carried off to hospitals - the wounded and killed soldiers, and more emphasis on the brutality of the 7 October attack. Why not wage an internet war on Islam and their stance on LGBTQ, and their total disregard for women? Yes people know all that, but it is the repetition of that information that can change people's minds. Why not name and shame Hamas supporters who are with the press in Gaza etc? I feel for you, I really do. May God bless you all.
Really heart warming. Thank you
We have had very different experiences, Hana. Since converting in 1978, I have had the blessing of being embraced by Jewish communities in Toronto; in three small towns in the American Midwest; in Bogotá, Colombia; in Gainesville, FL; and now in Vancouver. After October 7th I felt almost too insulated, so I decided to shine my Jewish star in non-Jewish spheres as well, principally by volunteering. To keep my personal shtetl from becoming a ghetto, I wear my Jewishness proudly in every setting.
No, this country isn't "really racist". It's the least racist country and the most pro-Israel. You still carry the brainwashing that "progressives" have indoctrinated you with. The last year surely must have awakened you to what evil, marxist liars they are. Ironically, "progressives" are the most racist and antisemitic monsters. The devout Christians on the other hand, are the most supportive of us.
.......................................................................................................
"I tried living in many other parts of the United States, but this country is really racist. And Christian".
Your hairdresser is right. Look what muslims are doing to Europe.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"‘This is why we need to pass laws now to keep them out,” said Gabriel.
“Who?” I asked.
“Muslims,” he said. “They’re all terrorists. You see what that congresswoman from Michigan said, the Palestinian woman — ‘from the River to the Sea.’ They’re all antisemites and they won’t rest until they kill all the Jews. So we have to pass the law now.”
“Is that what they’re saying on Fox News?” I asked.
I wanted to explain to Gabriel that this is America, not Dagestan. Muslims and Arabs are not coming to America to kill Jews. Or … are they? Is America still America"?