One thing you do not “receive” when you move to the Jewish state are textbook lessons in what we might call: “Welcome to Israel, a sliver of land in the volatile, Jew-hating Middle East.”
It gives those of us on the 'outside' a glimpse of reality. I grew up in a Christian environment and learned at a very young age that the “Jews” were G-d’s chosen people. Somehow, I never questioned this – the Bible and the grown-ups told me so. The stories fascinated me, and I believed them. For me, the existence of Israel is just a Biblical fact – I have never seen any reason to question it. Your article sheds light on normality of Israelis, something that may have slipped my mind, and yet “warts-and-all” I still admire, respect and support Israel. I have met some Israelis that I genuinely do not like, but then there are many people of many different countries (including my own) that I do not like - and they probably don't like me!
I was young in 1972 but was aware of the horrors of the Olympics massacre and the subsequent hunting down of the terrorists - my young mind was impressed. Fortunately, at school we were taught the truth about the Holocaust, and I grew up being in awe of Simon Wiesenthal and Israel's hunting down of Nazi war criminals. I was in my mid-teens when the Israelis rescued the hostages during the Entebbe operation. I listened how my older brother praised the IDF and often heard, and truly believed the phrase "don't f*&% with the Israelis". So, I probably developed this almost mythical idea of the IDF and Mossad being these unstoppable super soldiers. Now that I am older and bit jaded by life, I know that they are just human – like all of us.
October 7th filled me with horror and a blinding rage that I am still struggling to deal with and whilst I agree that there are some serious issues with the politicians, my support for Israel remains unwavering. I cannot explain it, and do not need to explain it – it just is.
Very well written. Thoughtful, informative and wee delivered. This is what I and I suspect other Americans strongly supportive of Israel and Zionism, would like to hear about. Keep it coming.
By the way, any recommendations for aid groups particularly effective in getting support to IDF soldiers and their families? Would appreciate a couple of reccs
I loved the comment from your trainer and could immediately "get it" ... since I am a Jew and shared the process even in the diaspora. I fail to understand the "new" - maybe not so new - anti semitism however the next crisis will come and Israel will once again be "courted" ... perhaps it is just our "beruf" -- but then again it is more honorable than the behaviors of other philosophies -- not a "believer" but intensely Jewish :)
"there is no “cure” for antisemitism; there never has been and there never willbe" so sad, so true.. Thank you for a look into what living this reality is like.
Thanks for describing what is going on underneath the surface, Joshua. Israelis don’t owe it to anyone to be perfect. Your plates are plenty full as it is. We have your backs, or at least some of us do. Jews in the Diaspora are going through our own problems right now, but our challenges pale in comparison with the ones you face each and every day. Our hearts are broken for you, but we hold you in them, never-the-less. Even more than before, we stand in awe. Am Yisrael Chai!
By the way, the next time you hear one of these imbiciles going on about “from the river to the sea,” be sure to quote Joshua 1:2-4 to them and reming them that G-D gave Israel all the land from the river to the sea but the river is the Euphrates, which encompasses Iraq, Jordan, Syria and specifically named Lebanon. Title deed from G-D to Israel is in my opinion superior to any other. Seems that neutralizing Gaza is pretty tame compared to enforcing the Divine land grant.
Joshua - once again - a great article!
It gives those of us on the 'outside' a glimpse of reality. I grew up in a Christian environment and learned at a very young age that the “Jews” were G-d’s chosen people. Somehow, I never questioned this – the Bible and the grown-ups told me so. The stories fascinated me, and I believed them. For me, the existence of Israel is just a Biblical fact – I have never seen any reason to question it. Your article sheds light on normality of Israelis, something that may have slipped my mind, and yet “warts-and-all” I still admire, respect and support Israel. I have met some Israelis that I genuinely do not like, but then there are many people of many different countries (including my own) that I do not like - and they probably don't like me!
I was young in 1972 but was aware of the horrors of the Olympics massacre and the subsequent hunting down of the terrorists - my young mind was impressed. Fortunately, at school we were taught the truth about the Holocaust, and I grew up being in awe of Simon Wiesenthal and Israel's hunting down of Nazi war criminals. I was in my mid-teens when the Israelis rescued the hostages during the Entebbe operation. I listened how my older brother praised the IDF and often heard, and truly believed the phrase "don't f*&% with the Israelis". So, I probably developed this almost mythical idea of the IDF and Mossad being these unstoppable super soldiers. Now that I am older and bit jaded by life, I know that they are just human – like all of us.
October 7th filled me with horror and a blinding rage that I am still struggling to deal with and whilst I agree that there are some serious issues with the politicians, my support for Israel remains unwavering. I cannot explain it, and do not need to explain it – it just is.
Take care and stay safe. Am Yisrael Chai!
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“At least it’s our sh*t” sums it up perfectly!
Very well written. Thoughtful, informative and wee delivered. This is what I and I suspect other Americans strongly supportive of Israel and Zionism, would like to hear about. Keep it coming.
By the way, any recommendations for aid groups particularly effective in getting support to IDF soldiers and their families? Would appreciate a couple of reccs
I think Friends of the IDF (FIDF)
I loved the comment from your trainer and could immediately "get it" ... since I am a Jew and shared the process even in the diaspora. I fail to understand the "new" - maybe not so new - anti semitism however the next crisis will come and Israel will once again be "courted" ... perhaps it is just our "beruf" -- but then again it is more honorable than the behaviors of other philosophies -- not a "believer" but intensely Jewish :)
That was some great sh*t.
What an excellent piece. Yes it is your sh*t! It sums it up brilliantly!
Very good read.
"there is no “cure” for antisemitism; there never has been and there never willbe" so sad, so true.. Thank you for a look into what living this reality is like.
Thanks for describing what is going on underneath the surface, Joshua. Israelis don’t owe it to anyone to be perfect. Your plates are plenty full as it is. We have your backs, or at least some of us do. Jews in the Diaspora are going through our own problems right now, but our challenges pale in comparison with the ones you face each and every day. Our hearts are broken for you, but we hold you in them, never-the-less. Even more than before, we stand in awe. Am Yisrael Chai!
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Very nice
By the way, the next time you hear one of these imbiciles going on about “from the river to the sea,” be sure to quote Joshua 1:2-4 to them and reming them that G-D gave Israel all the land from the river to the sea but the river is the Euphrates, which encompasses Iraq, Jordan, Syria and specifically named Lebanon. Title deed from G-D to Israel is in my opinion superior to any other. Seems that neutralizing Gaza is pretty tame compared to enforcing the Divine land grant.
And not a word about G-d . maybe that's what's missing from your "Israeli" experience.
Meanwhile, in NYC, China Joe won and TRUMP is convicted on all counts.