For Israeli Jews, the picture could not be clearer. For Jews outside Israel, this moment ought to serve as a wake-up call to the limits of goodwill and alliance-building.
The vast majority of Americans feel warmly towards Israel and loathe the Palestinians and their cause. This has nothing to do with American Jews and who they support. Tue vast majority of self defined "progressives" in the US and the rest of the West detest Israel. For many their hatred of Israel has crossed over into actual Jew hate. The only ones who feel bewildered by all of this (because it has been this way for decades) are the small number of progressive Jews who actually care about the survival of Israel.
It is unfortunate that it took the events of 10/7 to wake up the Jewish world. For many of us it has been patently clear for over two decades that the Palestinians do not want a state alongside Israel, will not compromise, will not make peace, and are taught a blood lust towards Jewish life from birth.
There's a poker saying I heard once, "if you think long you think wrong."
When I visited Israel back in the 90s, the moment I saw the militant Palestinians, and learned of their ideology, I understood their Oct 7 potential, or worse, in an instant.
I wasn't a smart young man either.
The observation didn't require any smarts. It was plainly obvious.
I was simultaneously very disturbed that the Israelis didn't understand the situation was as grievous as it was.
It was plainly obvious that the militant Palestinians were extremely dangerous.
It was plainly obvious that pro Palestinian narrative, actively promoted in Israel's secondary and post secondary eduation in the 1990s, was a threat to Israel's existence.
The Israelis were accustomed to it all.
And many Israelis believed in peace, and left wing logic in Israel was at its peak back then.
Absolutely so important that this be said. It is as clear as daylight, more now than ever. We are engaged in a battle that starts with Israel, but has implications for the rest of the Western world. It is imperative that not only progressive Jews wake up, but that the entire West realize what these barbarians are actually all about. Let's stop them now. In terms of support for organizations out there, progressive or not, all my dollars go to Jewish/Israeli causes, with a few reserved for medical research and animals.
I support pro-Israel voices and an proud to help people of conscience like Christians United for Israel that have come through courageously when some Diaspora Jews have not.
We must also make clear to the organizations from whom we are withdrawing our support that they have let us down. I certainly did with the Vancouver Public Library, and with great regret. I have yet to hear back from their Board of Directors since their recent meeting, but maybe my letter to them opened a few eyes?
Joshua, another bullesye in describing how Hamas can teach Israelis and Diaspora Jews. Unfortunately, those Jews in western countries who align themselves with the poor Palestinian victims find it hard to change. Shortly after October 7th, there were pro-Palestinian groups led by Progressive Rabbis. Then we have the most notable ones, Jewish Voices for Peace, Jews for Justice for Palestinians, and a variety of others. The massacre of October 7th, the peace activist couple who befriended Palestinian/Hamas workers were slaughtered. Those in their group vowed to continue the fight for peace. How does one get these groups or individuals to see the reality of the conflict? Don't they see and understand over many years, no matter how much land, money, aid is thrown at Gaza, it makes little difference when Hamas' end goal is no Jews, no Israel to exist alongside them. It's not difficult to understand, and yet, the Israeli government, who should know the Arab mind better than anyone, continues to make unfortunate decisions over and over again. I remain bewildered by this but still remain hopeful that this belief in peace with Hamas and Palestinians will see a dramatic change. Peace can never be attained if both parties are not vested in it. If not, I try to disconnect my thoughts for a future that I do not wish to see.
Hi Diane. To answer your question: "How does one get these groups or individuals to see the reality of the conflict?"
These groups and individuals have learned ideas. Once people have aligned with an idea and are committed then no facts of how horrible it is in reality and no amount of goodwill gestures from their enemies will ever suffice to change their ideas.
The only thing that can change their ideas are new learned ideas. Facts on the ground and goodwill gestures will never work.
I wrote a book about it this topic many years ago called JNUI. You can find it on Amazon.
You're so on point, Joshua. As a non-Jew in America, I implore Jewish Americans to start arming themselves. The cavalry will not be there to "save" you when the shit hits the fan. As for Israel, I still can't believe that they let their defense down and suffered the horror of 10/7. How will Israel ever achieve true peace? If they take back Gaza and the West Bank, I suspect that the entire Arab world will be against them. Maybe they'll re-educated the Palestinians and live in peace? Fat chance on that ever happening. I'm afraid Israel is facing an existential threat for its survival. They've been severely outplayed so far in this deadly chess match. Hopefully Israel has a miracle move up its sleeve that the entire world did not see coming.
I would like to point out that the anti-Chickens-For-KFC contingent in the gay community stands with Israel and with the Jewish People against the extremist, doctrinaire, Infantile Left. Gay writers and leaders such as Bruce Bawer, Jonathan Rauch, Douglas Murray, Ritchie Torres, Michael Lucas, James Duke Mason, Amos Gutman ... me (well, I have a blog) ... steadfastly remain standing with Israel.
Bingo! Spot on...Wake up my fellow Diaspora Jews. Get off your pompous liberal cushions and realize that you are the target- and nothing and no one is going to help you, except your own eventual realization that you have no ally but Israel.
I feel Israel has changed. It's becoming more rightward in its behavior and actions. Starting with the death of Iitzak Rabin.
Additionally, Israel hasn't cared about its public opinion in decades. This provided an opportunity for Hamas/PLO to hire the biggest PR firm in the world to reform its image. They have been at this for 15 years.
During this time, anti Jewish propaganda was put into schools, and universities, think tanks and businesses underwritten by Qatar. It's time to fight back with a serious campaign to reform public opinion. To support causes we care about. To hire a team of lawyers to challenge every fired Israeli scientist, professor, who was dismissed.
For the P R, I recommend we should study how Hamas and the Republican Party does it because they are masters of the art of public persuasion.
We need to move forward. You are ignoring the communities in Europe, America, Japan who are our friends and build outward.
If you look dispassionately at what they are doing you can appreciate the brilliance of their campaigns. Hamas paints itself as the victim and people are programmed to support the underdog.
They, unlike us, push hate as an agenda.
I want to look into how, they ignited the world,so figure out how to defeat them. We may not get tons of love but we can get respect. We need a goal vs going isolationist.
The Republican Party convinced people they had the answer for the economy. They are brilliant on messaging. and cutting through the noise. The Democrats have nothing on Frank Lutz.
I've been a professional writer and spinmeister for 40 years. I actually wrote a scholarly essay about the Palestinians' propaganda tools 20 years ago. But the reason the Hamas/Pally/Iranian message is successful is because the long march of cultural Marxism through Western institutions has been wildly successful - especially since the Obama administration. However, the tide is turning. The Trump Effect has kindled the hopes of millions to rid the West of toxic Islamo/leftist ideologies. Jews/Israel must double down on the morality of Torah (without necessarily saying "Torah") and "common sense".
Yup, but the crazy chewish kids marchin' with River to Sea flags have zero common sense--they are just as harmful to "us" as they are so dang VISIBLE. They show up like zits on prom night. My girls know better... even I (FORMER lefty know better) but these "kids" are illiterate, uninformed, an' pre-set on "self-destruct" cycle (they think it's savin' their tribal "IDENTITY" but their "allies" will abandon 'em an' ultimately qvestion their loyalty if they refused to totally go def com 3 on "all joos"). DJT might help tone down the venom... Meanwhile the "self-righteous right" eats it up--with a dose of Grayzone & Greenwald on the side. (fwiw Israel could use a schpinmeister--with gawd-awful PR like they have...who needs ennemies?)
I lived in Israel during the 2nd Intifada. They blew up buses, cafes and shopping malls killing a thousand Israeli civilians. The rightward turn in Israel is the result and justifiably so. I cannot imagine what would happen if such a thing occurred in the US. The closest thing is the American response to 9/11, which per capita was not nearly so destructive.
And why do you think that is? Could it be that they are surrounded by implacable muslim neighbors who are committed to the obliteration of their nation and the genocide of their people? Is it also surprising that the peaceniks who lived in the Kibbutzim near the Gaza border also became right wing after October 7, 2023?
Tee-riffic analysis: one'a the most clear-headed & insightFULL pieces on where "WE" are (we in the disapora)... our so-called pals (with whom we stood thru thick, thin, an' semi-gelatinous) took off like Roadrunner an' left us in the dust holdin' the soon-ta-explode dynamite... even the BOOM didn't wake up as many as it should have.
Excellent analysis ! The days of mowing the grass of Gaza should be over
The vast majority of Americans feel warmly towards Israel and loathe the Palestinians and their cause. This has nothing to do with American Jews and who they support. Tue vast majority of self defined "progressives" in the US and the rest of the West detest Israel. For many their hatred of Israel has crossed over into actual Jew hate. The only ones who feel bewildered by all of this (because it has been this way for decades) are the small number of progressive Jews who actually care about the survival of Israel.
It is unfortunate that it took the events of 10/7 to wake up the Jewish world. For many of us it has been patently clear for over two decades that the Palestinians do not want a state alongside Israel, will not compromise, will not make peace, and are taught a blood lust towards Jewish life from birth.
Guilty as charged . . . until October 7th.
There's a poker saying I heard once, "if you think long you think wrong."
When I visited Israel back in the 90s, the moment I saw the militant Palestinians, and learned of their ideology, I understood their Oct 7 potential, or worse, in an instant.
I wasn't a smart young man either.
The observation didn't require any smarts. It was plainly obvious.
I was simultaneously very disturbed that the Israelis didn't understand the situation was as grievous as it was.
It was plainly obvious that the militant Palestinians were extremely dangerous.
It was plainly obvious that pro Palestinian narrative, actively promoted in Israel's secondary and post secondary eduation in the 1990s, was a threat to Israel's existence.
The Israelis were accustomed to it all.
And many Israelis believed in peace, and left wing logic in Israel was at its peak back then.
Joshua, you are 💯 % correct. The picture could not be clearer.
Absolutely so important that this be said. It is as clear as daylight, more now than ever. We are engaged in a battle that starts with Israel, but has implications for the rest of the Western world. It is imperative that not only progressive Jews wake up, but that the entire West realize what these barbarians are actually all about. Let's stop them now. In terms of support for organizations out there, progressive or not, all my dollars go to Jewish/Israeli causes, with a few reserved for medical research and animals.
Re support for organizations, I'm with you. I make sure all of it goes to Jewish/Israeli causes that have NO left wing/progressive agendas.
Perfect.
I support pro-Israel voices and an proud to help people of conscience like Christians United for Israel that have come through courageously when some Diaspora Jews have not.
cufi.org
Sure sure. No problem with that. The point is that we no longer take it for granted that organizations are "good" from our POV.
We must also make clear to the organizations from whom we are withdrawing our support that they have let us down. I certainly did with the Vancouver Public Library, and with great regret. I have yet to hear back from their Board of Directors since their recent meeting, but maybe my letter to them opened a few eyes?
That's a great idea. Maybe I'll write some letters.
Joshua, another bullesye in describing how Hamas can teach Israelis and Diaspora Jews. Unfortunately, those Jews in western countries who align themselves with the poor Palestinian victims find it hard to change. Shortly after October 7th, there were pro-Palestinian groups led by Progressive Rabbis. Then we have the most notable ones, Jewish Voices for Peace, Jews for Justice for Palestinians, and a variety of others. The massacre of October 7th, the peace activist couple who befriended Palestinian/Hamas workers were slaughtered. Those in their group vowed to continue the fight for peace. How does one get these groups or individuals to see the reality of the conflict? Don't they see and understand over many years, no matter how much land, money, aid is thrown at Gaza, it makes little difference when Hamas' end goal is no Jews, no Israel to exist alongside them. It's not difficult to understand, and yet, the Israeli government, who should know the Arab mind better than anyone, continues to make unfortunate decisions over and over again. I remain bewildered by this but still remain hopeful that this belief in peace with Hamas and Palestinians will see a dramatic change. Peace can never be attained if both parties are not vested in it. If not, I try to disconnect my thoughts for a future that I do not wish to see.
Hi Diane. To answer your question: "How does one get these groups or individuals to see the reality of the conflict?"
These groups and individuals have learned ideas. Once people have aligned with an idea and are committed then no facts of how horrible it is in reality and no amount of goodwill gestures from their enemies will ever suffice to change their ideas.
The only thing that can change their ideas are new learned ideas. Facts on the ground and goodwill gestures will never work.
I wrote a book about it this topic many years ago called JNUI. You can find it on Amazon.
Thank you so much for responding. The old adage, "bad habits are hard to break" applies here.
You're so on point, Joshua. As a non-Jew in America, I implore Jewish Americans to start arming themselves. The cavalry will not be there to "save" you when the shit hits the fan. As for Israel, I still can't believe that they let their defense down and suffered the horror of 10/7. How will Israel ever achieve true peace? If they take back Gaza and the West Bank, I suspect that the entire Arab world will be against them. Maybe they'll re-educated the Palestinians and live in peace? Fat chance on that ever happening. I'm afraid Israel is facing an existential threat for its survival. They've been severely outplayed so far in this deadly chess match. Hopefully Israel has a miracle move up its sleeve that the entire world did not see coming.
So right, Josh. Had we followed Torah's rules about war we would have reached this conclusion a lot earlier and saved many Jewish lives.
I would like to point out that the anti-Chickens-For-KFC contingent in the gay community stands with Israel and with the Jewish People against the extremist, doctrinaire, Infantile Left. Gay writers and leaders such as Bruce Bawer, Jonathan Rauch, Douglas Murray, Ritchie Torres, Michael Lucas, James Duke Mason, Amos Gutman ... me (well, I have a blog) ... steadfastly remain standing with Israel.
I’ve always claimed that if you scratch a progressive, you’ll find an anti-Semite.
Not always true: Congressman Ritchie Torres and Senator John Fetterman are counter examples.
Who will stand and fight the Muslim religious invasion of America?
UK Sweden Finland Norway Portugal Spain Belgium Netherlands France south Africa are Muslim controlled countries...
I am so happy that I o not suffer from any of this baggage.
Yes!!! As usual clear and right on. Sharing. You’re the best !
Bingo! Spot on...Wake up my fellow Diaspora Jews. Get off your pompous liberal cushions and realize that you are the target- and nothing and no one is going to help you, except your own eventual realization that you have no ally but Israel.
I feel Israel has changed. It's becoming more rightward in its behavior and actions. Starting with the death of Iitzak Rabin.
Additionally, Israel hasn't cared about its public opinion in decades. This provided an opportunity for Hamas/PLO to hire the biggest PR firm in the world to reform its image. They have been at this for 15 years.
During this time, anti Jewish propaganda was put into schools, and universities, think tanks and businesses underwritten by Qatar. It's time to fight back with a serious campaign to reform public opinion. To support causes we care about. To hire a team of lawyers to challenge every fired Israeli scientist, professor, who was dismissed.
For the P R, I recommend we should study how Hamas and the Republican Party does it because they are masters of the art of public persuasion.
We need to move forward. You are ignoring the communities in Europe, America, Japan who are our friends and build outward.
It's time. Let's talk
Love the way you throw "The Republican Party" into the sentence with Hamas. That about says it all. Pathetic.
If you look dispassionately at what they are doing you can appreciate the brilliance of their campaigns. Hamas paints itself as the victim and people are programmed to support the underdog.
They, unlike us, push hate as an agenda.
I want to look into how, they ignited the world,so figure out how to defeat them. We may not get tons of love but we can get respect. We need a goal vs going isolationist.
The Republican Party convinced people they had the answer for the economy. They are brilliant on messaging. and cutting through the noise. The Democrats have nothing on Frank Lutz.
I've been a professional writer and spinmeister for 40 years. I actually wrote a scholarly essay about the Palestinians' propaganda tools 20 years ago. But the reason the Hamas/Pally/Iranian message is successful is because the long march of cultural Marxism through Western institutions has been wildly successful - especially since the Obama administration. However, the tide is turning. The Trump Effect has kindled the hopes of millions to rid the West of toxic Islamo/leftist ideologies. Jews/Israel must double down on the morality of Torah (without necessarily saying "Torah") and "common sense".
Yup, but the crazy chewish kids marchin' with River to Sea flags have zero common sense--they are just as harmful to "us" as they are so dang VISIBLE. They show up like zits on prom night. My girls know better... even I (FORMER lefty know better) but these "kids" are illiterate, uninformed, an' pre-set on "self-destruct" cycle (they think it's savin' their tribal "IDENTITY" but their "allies" will abandon 'em an' ultimately qvestion their loyalty if they refused to totally go def com 3 on "all joos"). DJT might help tone down the venom... Meanwhile the "self-righteous right" eats it up--with a dose of Grayzone & Greenwald on the side. (fwiw Israel could use a schpinmeister--with gawd-awful PR like they have...who needs ennemies?)
No, it doesn't. I'm being objective.
It wasn't the Republican Party that won the propaganda war. It was The Trump team and REALITY.
I lived in Israel during the 2nd Intifada. They blew up buses, cafes and shopping malls killing a thousand Israeli civilians. The rightward turn in Israel is the result and justifiably so. I cannot imagine what would happen if such a thing occurred in the US. The closest thing is the American response to 9/11, which per capita was not nearly so destructive.
And why do you think that is? Could it be that they are surrounded by implacable muslim neighbors who are committed to the obliteration of their nation and the genocide of their people? Is it also surprising that the peaceniks who lived in the Kibbutzim near the Gaza border also became right wing after October 7, 2023?
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
"I feel Israel has changed. It's becoming more rightward in its behavior and actions. Starting with the death of Iitzak Rabin".
Tee-riffic analysis: one'a the most clear-headed & insightFULL pieces on where "WE" are (we in the disapora)... our so-called pals (with whom we stood thru thick, thin, an' semi-gelatinous) took off like Roadrunner an' left us in the dust holdin' the soon-ta-explode dynamite... even the BOOM didn't wake up as many as it should have.