My husband and I disagree about the world right now. Maybe it is because I am a worrier. We both support Israel. I, however, see a bigger problem arising, namely the open, rampant anti-semitism throughout the world. He thinks that the anti-Israel faction is a loud, albeit small group, just making noise. I disagree.
This small, albeit loud group has influenced colleges to boycott Israel, to influence unionized workers to not unload a shipment from Asia because it was owned by an israeli country, to influence the general media to blame Israel for all of the suffering of the Palestinians, and to influence white, college educated adults to WRONGLY stand against Israel and support a terrorist regime.
Can this small, albeit loud group be stopped? Should it? As I have said before, the first amendment is at stake in the US and I believe they are allowed to protest. That doesn't mean that we just sit back and let them influence others. For example, the KKK has demonstrated for years, however, few if any have been influenced by it. So how to stop the influence (brainwashing?)?
A few ideas come to mind, maybe not good ones, but a start. I am not connected, influential enough to carry these out, but maybe famous jewish people are willing to step up to the plate (mark zuckerman, Steven Spielberg, etc.).
The first is a pivotal (and my favorite scene) from the movie The American President with Michael Douglas. It is where the President, Michael Douglas, has a press conference to address the American people to finally defend against the name calling to himself and his girlfriend. When his girlfriend is criticized for being a member of the ACLU, the President says, ".. But the more important question is why aren't you, Bob? ". Now, I am not advocating or not the ACLU, and this situation is indirectly about it. What I want is for someone to address the American public, specifically, those who feel that they are helping the Palestinian people by supporting Hamas. Ask them the question, Why are you supporting terrorists who stand for everything you are against?? Israel seems to be doing everything it can to help the people of Gaza, while still defending its own people. What are you, the American public doing to help the people of Gaza? Israel is fighting an uphill battle for sure, since it is hard to draw the line between fighting Hamas and helping the people of Gaza when Hamas uses human shields, keeps it's soldiers dressed as civilians and seems to do everything in its power to keep its people as victims so that the world hates Israel. By saying free-Gaza, these protestors are implying that they need to free Gaza from israeli influence, but right now, the only other influence out there is Hamas. Is that freeing Gaza? What has Hamas done for its people? Someone needs to ask and all of you people out there that sympathize with the people of Gaza need to ask yourself, why aren't you? Because I have seen NO evidence that Hamas helps the people of Gaza and many examples where the Israelis are (even though it is in the midst of war with Hamas - unprecedented!)
I know it is huge stretch to have mr. Obama point this out via a speech to the American people, but maybe all of those famous actors out there might use their influence!
The second idea is not as concrete, but similar because we need to open up people eyes that what they are fighting against is not the problem. Sometime in my childhood I saw an afterschool special called the Wave. The IMB website describes it as " An experiment in an American High School where students learn how easy it is to be seduced by the same social forces which led to the horrors of Nazi Germany. Based on a true story." If I remember correctly, the students couldn't understand how the holocaust could take place, so the teacher conducted a social experiment where the kids became part of this exclusionary club and in essence were brainwashed. At the end of the movie, the students were brought into an auditorium and it was revealed that that they were like the Nazis. The students wee shocked and realized how easy it is to be influenced.
So, one of the criticisms of Israel is that it is acting like the nazis trying to get rid of all Arabs. While this is not true based on numerous examples and actions, those that believe it need to be re-informed what the real Nazis were like and did. Maybe being forced to watch this movie would help. How to
make the protestors watch? I have no idea. Maybe the American (and British, Australian, etc) governments and universities that claim to be against anti-semitism and realize the real threat of radical Islam to the western world, should make this movie, or one like it, a requirement to watch prior to granting the democratic privilege to demonstrate!!
Maybe these governments and universities and white college educated protesters should think about what they really want, because I am pretty sure that radical Islam is not it! There are better, more effective ways to help these victims of Hamas. Blaming the Israelis is wrong and unproductive!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Why Does the World Seem to Hate the Jews (Again)?
Living in Metropolitan Detroit, I have had the pleasure of meeting many very nice people of the Muslim faith. From classes with my children to their hockey and soccer teams. These all seem like nice people who love their children and want to live in a peaceful world. I am conflicted because I have spent the summer in reflection. Particularly the last week or so, while my computer was acting funny and it was hard to write. Why does the world hate the jews so much all of a sudden?
Now, I understand and believe that it is not "all of a sudden", however I think that most will admit, this summer there has been a sharp rise in Anti-Semitism. All these Anti-Israel rallies are really anti-semitism. Most anyone who believes that Israel is the aggressor committing war crimes is, in my opinion, anti-Semitic. I know there are those out there who do not agree with my past statement. I have asked, researched and questioned how anyone can believe that Hamas is NOT using human shields, firing near UN buildings, firing from neighborhoods, FIRING INDISCIMINATELY INTO ISRAEL!!!. The anti-Israel collation believes this, although ALL THE EVIDENCE disputes it!! Therefore, I can only conclude that the anti-Israel collation, has blinders on because they are anti-semitic. If these people really cared about the people of Palestine and not about ending Israel existence, they would punish Hamas.
So that rant on my part brings me to my second point. Who are these anti-Israel protesters? I have looked at many pictures from around the globe. My unscientific analysis is that these are mostly muslim, some left wing people who have been brainwashed, and anti-semites. Lets talk about the first group. Obviously, there are people in this world who are anti-Semitic. Just like there are those that are racist. People are ignorant, raised to believe non truths and maybe have no contact with others of a different race or religion. I would imagine that in many places in Europe, where there are not many Jews due to the Holocaust, that there are many people who have never met a Jew and have been told bad things about them all of their lives. That is sad, but I don't think that is the problem here.
The second group of people are those "lefties", as my uncle, who I always believed was, called them (if you are reading this, I am overwhelmed by your support of the Jewish people and Israel during this time of crisis-thank you). These "lefties" like to protect the underdog. In general, I think that for the most part, society benefits from people like them. I want to say they keep government honest, but I am not that naive of government, but they do question and for democracy, that is good. I don't always agree, but I usually respect their opinion. However, it seems that someone blindly (out of anti-semitism?) decided that the suffering of the Palestinians was due to the Israelis and then everyone followed like sheep. All the evidence is to the contrary. The people of Gaza are suffering, but not from the Israelis!!!! When the Israelis pulled out of Gaza they left agricultural industries, they were destroyed. Cement was given to build schools, hospitals, etc. It was used to build tunnels. Yes, the people of Gaza need help, but the first step is to get rid of there government. Also, these "lefties" who are anti-Israel, do they understand that the side they are routing for would take away all of the freedoms that they enjoy and are fighting for!! I am sorry, but I just do not get it. It is like bizarro world, because in the US and Canada, these activists fight and rally for women's rights, diversity, etc. It is proven that in the radical Muslim world of Hamas (and ISIS) that NONE of those freedoms will exist!!!
Lastly, the third group rallying against Israel is Muslims. That is the group that scares me the most! I am going to assume that these are really the radical Muslims that call for the killing of the Jews. It helps with my conflicted state in paragraph 1. These radical Muslims have played the judeo-christian world perfectly! Diversity is a good thing for us all. When people of different religions, cultures and races come together, everyone learns and grows. However, Hamas, whose charter includes ending the existence of Jews or ISIS, who wants everyone to be radical Muslim or die, does not want diversity OR even tolerate it.
We (judeo-christians) are so afraid to not be PC (politically correct) that we have let these radical Muslims wedge their way into mainstream society. In Europe, it seems rampant! France is something like 7.5% Muslim. Although this is not a large percentage of the population, a small loud, aggressive and hateful minority seems much louder (especially with the help of the media) than the silent majority. Does the silent majority in Europe think that this is a problem between the Jews and Muslims? That would be ignorant of the majority of seeing and reading everything before them. Just look to the Christians in Iraq! Although diversity is good for society, when you have one group that believes that all the other groups need to become like them, it is a huge problem! I am pretty sure that the traditional English, Belgium or French people would not be happy to become radical Muslim. However, Europe has given radical Muslims the religious freedom to operate in their countries (or at least seems to turn a blind eye to it), and now the tide is turning that any control that these governments had, is leaving. Although the French government responded to the threats and direct aggressions against the Jews this summer, it does not seem to be that effective. I love France and have been there many times. I would NOT travel there right now.
How does a nation stop these waves? A start is to redefine or better define or educate those on free speech. Free speech is important. I firmly believe that the Anti-Israel rally here is West Bloomfield had a right go on. It occurred during a Zionist meeting. From all accounts, it was peaceful. There was also a strong Pro-Israel presence as well. However, there needs to be a definite line between free speech and hurtful speech. "Kill the Jews" is NOT ACCEPTABLE and at that point the perpetrators should be punished by law. Also, the media should be held accountable for false reporting. Not, oops, we really couldn't report what was really happening in Gaza because we were scared for our lives - coming out now, after a summer of false reporting. At this point the public, in general, do not know what to believe or have stopped listening. - another blog! I better end this since my kids are now up and this is getting long. The point of this blog is to identify those who are Anti-Israel and maybe that will help decide what to do about it.
Now, I understand and believe that it is not "all of a sudden", however I think that most will admit, this summer there has been a sharp rise in Anti-Semitism. All these Anti-Israel rallies are really anti-semitism. Most anyone who believes that Israel is the aggressor committing war crimes is, in my opinion, anti-Semitic. I know there are those out there who do not agree with my past statement. I have asked, researched and questioned how anyone can believe that Hamas is NOT using human shields, firing near UN buildings, firing from neighborhoods, FIRING INDISCIMINATELY INTO ISRAEL!!!. The anti-Israel collation believes this, although ALL THE EVIDENCE disputes it!! Therefore, I can only conclude that the anti-Israel collation, has blinders on because they are anti-semitic. If these people really cared about the people of Palestine and not about ending Israel existence, they would punish Hamas.
So that rant on my part brings me to my second point. Who are these anti-Israel protesters? I have looked at many pictures from around the globe. My unscientific analysis is that these are mostly muslim, some left wing people who have been brainwashed, and anti-semites. Lets talk about the first group. Obviously, there are people in this world who are anti-Semitic. Just like there are those that are racist. People are ignorant, raised to believe non truths and maybe have no contact with others of a different race or religion. I would imagine that in many places in Europe, where there are not many Jews due to the Holocaust, that there are many people who have never met a Jew and have been told bad things about them all of their lives. That is sad, but I don't think that is the problem here.
The second group of people are those "lefties", as my uncle, who I always believed was, called them (if you are reading this, I am overwhelmed by your support of the Jewish people and Israel during this time of crisis-thank you). These "lefties" like to protect the underdog. In general, I think that for the most part, society benefits from people like them. I want to say they keep government honest, but I am not that naive of government, but they do question and for democracy, that is good. I don't always agree, but I usually respect their opinion. However, it seems that someone blindly (out of anti-semitism?) decided that the suffering of the Palestinians was due to the Israelis and then everyone followed like sheep. All the evidence is to the contrary. The people of Gaza are suffering, but not from the Israelis!!!! When the Israelis pulled out of Gaza they left agricultural industries, they were destroyed. Cement was given to build schools, hospitals, etc. It was used to build tunnels. Yes, the people of Gaza need help, but the first step is to get rid of there government. Also, these "lefties" who are anti-Israel, do they understand that the side they are routing for would take away all of the freedoms that they enjoy and are fighting for!! I am sorry, but I just do not get it. It is like bizarro world, because in the US and Canada, these activists fight and rally for women's rights, diversity, etc. It is proven that in the radical Muslim world of Hamas (and ISIS) that NONE of those freedoms will exist!!!
Lastly, the third group rallying against Israel is Muslims. That is the group that scares me the most! I am going to assume that these are really the radical Muslims that call for the killing of the Jews. It helps with my conflicted state in paragraph 1. These radical Muslims have played the judeo-christian world perfectly! Diversity is a good thing for us all. When people of different religions, cultures and races come together, everyone learns and grows. However, Hamas, whose charter includes ending the existence of Jews or ISIS, who wants everyone to be radical Muslim or die, does not want diversity OR even tolerate it.
We (judeo-christians) are so afraid to not be PC (politically correct) that we have let these radical Muslims wedge their way into mainstream society. In Europe, it seems rampant! France is something like 7.5% Muslim. Although this is not a large percentage of the population, a small loud, aggressive and hateful minority seems much louder (especially with the help of the media) than the silent majority. Does the silent majority in Europe think that this is a problem between the Jews and Muslims? That would be ignorant of the majority of seeing and reading everything before them. Just look to the Christians in Iraq! Although diversity is good for society, when you have one group that believes that all the other groups need to become like them, it is a huge problem! I am pretty sure that the traditional English, Belgium or French people would not be happy to become radical Muslim. However, Europe has given radical Muslims the religious freedom to operate in their countries (or at least seems to turn a blind eye to it), and now the tide is turning that any control that these governments had, is leaving. Although the French government responded to the threats and direct aggressions against the Jews this summer, it does not seem to be that effective. I love France and have been there many times. I would NOT travel there right now.
How does a nation stop these waves? A start is to redefine or better define or educate those on free speech. Free speech is important. I firmly believe that the Anti-Israel rally here is West Bloomfield had a right go on. It occurred during a Zionist meeting. From all accounts, it was peaceful. There was also a strong Pro-Israel presence as well. However, there needs to be a definite line between free speech and hurtful speech. "Kill the Jews" is NOT ACCEPTABLE and at that point the perpetrators should be punished by law. Also, the media should be held accountable for false reporting. Not, oops, we really couldn't report what was really happening in Gaza because we were scared for our lives - coming out now, after a summer of false reporting. At this point the public, in general, do not know what to believe or have stopped listening. - another blog! I better end this since my kids are now up and this is getting long. The point of this blog is to identify those who are Anti-Israel and maybe that will help decide what to do about it.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Help Israel by Not Being Silent
Today I received a comment from my cousin in Israel, thanking me for helping Israel fight this media war. My cousin, Miriam and her family in Israel and all Israelis are living through and fighting this war on the homefront. It is scary and brave, and I think most Jews throughout the world are thankful, humbled, proud and worried about out family in Israel. As diaspora Jews, I believe we have to do our own part in this war. We must give united support, in both monetary and rallies, but most importantly,through the media. My friend, Pam, recently posted a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., "Our lives begin the end the day we become silent about things that matter".
I still do not understand how seemingly intelligent people still see the Israelis as barbarians out to destroy and kill every Palestinian. I have seen overwhelming evidence that the Israelis do not attack civilians unless provoked by Hamas sending rockets from or near civilian facilities. Apparently, the major news networks have not, because still mainstream media condemns the Israel's and says nothing about Hamas. Is the world that anti-Semitic? I thought not, but what other reason could there be? Shouldn't reporters on the major news stations, abc, NBC, CBS, be asking questions like why the UN condemns Israel at every turn, but says nothing to Hamas which is doing far worse, like keeping weapons in UN schools!! Then, the UN has a problem because Israel has the iron dome, but Hamas doesn't. I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous. I still can not think of of comment because I am speechless about that. All I can think is why is this entity (the UN) still in existence, and how do we replace it with something that actually helps the world be a better place.
Well, I think I got off topic again. Americans need to fight this war in Israel through the internet. We need to educate as many people as we can about the truth. Show Hamas true colors. I think, at least in the U.S., the pro-Hamas supporters are small in number, but loud. The rest of the public needs to be educated. Post on Facebook everything you read regarding what is being done to the poor people of Palestine by their elected government. Post all the good that is being done by the Israelis. Write letters to your congressmen or congresswomen (although I am impressed with their actions so far). Write letters to the news networks. Post articles about the rest of the world that the UN seems to be forgetting about. Genocide in Israel, seriously? Non-Jews in Israel have repeatedly commentary that they usually have more freedom there than any other country in the Mid East. How about the genocide in Iraq? That scares me almost as much as the war in Israel! Jews came to America because of religious tolerance - however, radical Muslims offer none! Please listen to Martin Luther King, Jr. And don't be silent!
I still do not understand how seemingly intelligent people still see the Israelis as barbarians out to destroy and kill every Palestinian. I have seen overwhelming evidence that the Israelis do not attack civilians unless provoked by Hamas sending rockets from or near civilian facilities. Apparently, the major news networks have not, because still mainstream media condemns the Israel's and says nothing about Hamas. Is the world that anti-Semitic? I thought not, but what other reason could there be? Shouldn't reporters on the major news stations, abc, NBC, CBS, be asking questions like why the UN condemns Israel at every turn, but says nothing to Hamas which is doing far worse, like keeping weapons in UN schools!! Then, the UN has a problem because Israel has the iron dome, but Hamas doesn't. I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous. I still can not think of of comment because I am speechless about that. All I can think is why is this entity (the UN) still in existence, and how do we replace it with something that actually helps the world be a better place.
Well, I think I got off topic again. Americans need to fight this war in Israel through the internet. We need to educate as many people as we can about the truth. Show Hamas true colors. I think, at least in the U.S., the pro-Hamas supporters are small in number, but loud. The rest of the public needs to be educated. Post on Facebook everything you read regarding what is being done to the poor people of Palestine by their elected government. Post all the good that is being done by the Israelis. Write letters to your congressmen or congresswomen (although I am impressed with their actions so far). Write letters to the news networks. Post articles about the rest of the world that the UN seems to be forgetting about. Genocide in Israel, seriously? Non-Jews in Israel have repeatedly commentary that they usually have more freedom there than any other country in the Mid East. How about the genocide in Iraq? That scares me almost as much as the war in Israel! Jews came to America because of religious tolerance - however, radical Muslims offer none! Please listen to Martin Luther King, Jr. And don't be silent!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
My friend recently asked me if I knew Obama's real stance on Israel when he ran for President. I answered "I did and I did not vote for him because I decided that the number one issue to me was Israel and the number two issue was Obamacare" - but that is a discussion for another day. What I didn't say, was that I hoped my instinct was wrong. Unfortunately, it was spot on!
Before anyone stops reading, or comments about what he has done for Israel (Iron Dome $), please let me clarify. I would describe my political leanings as a conservative liberal (must be due to the 7 years I spent in Ann Arbor). I vote based on issues and then I rank the issues in importance to me. Sometimes I lean right, sometimes left. I do not think that government should have as big as a role as it does, but mostly because I think inevitably, government screws everything up (i.e. VA Hospitals). In a perfect world, I am all for paying taxes to help others, but this is not a perfect world - it is full of greedy short - sited people that say one thing and do another. I might not approve of all aspects of Obamacare, but what I liked about Obama was that he seemed intelligent. Intelligent people make informed decisions. Intelligent people think about the consequences of their decisions. Obama seems to have blinders on when it comes to foreign policy. Not seeing too many intelligent decisions there. There is a cartoon I saw today with John Kerry (whom Obama appointed, whom I also used to think was intelligent) that does a great job showing his stupidity.
Contrary to my great-aunt's comments, I do not think he is a secret radical Muslim (okay, sometimes these days I am starting to question that). I do and did think that he could care less about Israel. What he seems to care about is all of the Jewish supporters who donated to his campaign. Okay, the last statement is an assumption, since he hasn't been Anti-Israel, he has done enough in non-war times to appear to support Israel. However, as soon as trouble brewed, he started by not condemning the kidnappings to not letting the world know, unequivocally, that the US stands with Israel. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, supposedly a close ally of the US. It is as if I am in middle school (and I am Israel in this scenario) and another kid started a bad rumor about me (hamas) and my best friend (Obama is this case) decides to stay away from me instead of standing by me and letting the rest of the school know the truth. My mother would have said that my so called best friend, isn't really a friend at all. Obama is not being a very good friend to Israel.
More importantly, he is not being a very good president to this country. I will state it again, Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Obama is asking Israel to negotiate with terrorists, when the US would do no such thing. Lets see, when have terrorists directly bombed the US.....mmm.... what did that lead to. ... Oh yeah, billions of US tax dollars, thousands of lives (civilian lives I may add) and two long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq!!!! It seems that Obama has been relatively silent, except a few phone calls to Netanyahu. Really? that is all? oh no, I forgot, he pledged $47 million dollars to the Palestinians. I have no doubt that the people of Gaza need that money for basic needs, but I would love to see the money trail for those funds. Give it to Hamas - that would actually by illegal by federal law ( If the money goes to the Hamas led government, that is a violation of 18 U.S. Code § 2339B - Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations). If the money goes to UNWRA, that does not seem much better than the money going to Hamas. This organization seems to be controlled by Hamas considering weapons are found in their schools and then given back! But to get back on this topic.
if Hamas wins, the US loses its footage in the Middle East. This region has been important real estate since the beginning of time. Even without considering the economic impact, the political impact is even worse. There are radical Islamists throughout the region and without the presence of the Western world, it will only get stronger. Maybe more moderate Muslims can contain these forces, but it seems that country after country is falling or unstable. Obama might not seem to care about Israel, but unless he is a radical Muslim, which I doubt, even he does not want to see a future where radical Muslims rule the world as we know it..... another topic for another time. Maybe he needs to think about the consequences of his actions or inactions!
Before anyone stops reading, or comments about what he has done for Israel (Iron Dome $), please let me clarify. I would describe my political leanings as a conservative liberal (must be due to the 7 years I spent in Ann Arbor). I vote based on issues and then I rank the issues in importance to me. Sometimes I lean right, sometimes left. I do not think that government should have as big as a role as it does, but mostly because I think inevitably, government screws everything up (i.e. VA Hospitals). In a perfect world, I am all for paying taxes to help others, but this is not a perfect world - it is full of greedy short - sited people that say one thing and do another. I might not approve of all aspects of Obamacare, but what I liked about Obama was that he seemed intelligent. Intelligent people make informed decisions. Intelligent people think about the consequences of their decisions. Obama seems to have blinders on when it comes to foreign policy. Not seeing too many intelligent decisions there. There is a cartoon I saw today with John Kerry (whom Obama appointed, whom I also used to think was intelligent) that does a great job showing his stupidity.
Contrary to my great-aunt's comments, I do not think he is a secret radical Muslim (okay, sometimes these days I am starting to question that). I do and did think that he could care less about Israel. What he seems to care about is all of the Jewish supporters who donated to his campaign. Okay, the last statement is an assumption, since he hasn't been Anti-Israel, he has done enough in non-war times to appear to support Israel. However, as soon as trouble brewed, he started by not condemning the kidnappings to not letting the world know, unequivocally, that the US stands with Israel. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, supposedly a close ally of the US. It is as if I am in middle school (and I am Israel in this scenario) and another kid started a bad rumor about me (hamas) and my best friend (Obama is this case) decides to stay away from me instead of standing by me and letting the rest of the school know the truth. My mother would have said that my so called best friend, isn't really a friend at all. Obama is not being a very good friend to Israel.
More importantly, he is not being a very good president to this country. I will state it again, Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Obama is asking Israel to negotiate with terrorists, when the US would do no such thing. Lets see, when have terrorists directly bombed the US.....mmm.... what did that lead to. ... Oh yeah, billions of US tax dollars, thousands of lives (civilian lives I may add) and two long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq!!!! It seems that Obama has been relatively silent, except a few phone calls to Netanyahu. Really? that is all? oh no, I forgot, he pledged $47 million dollars to the Palestinians. I have no doubt that the people of Gaza need that money for basic needs, but I would love to see the money trail for those funds. Give it to Hamas - that would actually by illegal by federal law ( If the money goes to the Hamas led government, that is a violation of 18 U.S. Code § 2339B - Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations). If the money goes to UNWRA, that does not seem much better than the money going to Hamas. This organization seems to be controlled by Hamas considering weapons are found in their schools and then given back! But to get back on this topic.
if Hamas wins, the US loses its footage in the Middle East. This region has been important real estate since the beginning of time. Even without considering the economic impact, the political impact is even worse. There are radical Islamists throughout the region and without the presence of the Western world, it will only get stronger. Maybe more moderate Muslims can contain these forces, but it seems that country after country is falling or unstable. Obama might not seem to care about Israel, but unless he is a radical Muslim, which I doubt, even he does not want to see a future where radical Muslims rule the world as we know it..... another topic for another time. Maybe he needs to think about the consequences of his actions or inactions!
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
How to stop the tidewave of Anti-Semitism?
I spent today, as most days this summer, reading Facebook, checking facts, searching for more stories and more angles of Israel on the web and thinking a lot about Israel. I really tried to find anti-Israel comments. I found a post in which my cousin, Andrew, commented on. The Anti-Israel comments were the same I have heard over and over. The Palestinians are suffering at the hands of the bully Israel. The people are backed into a wall, because Israel left them no alternative, with no food, water, electricity. I wanted to take these comments, line by line to refute these peoples' mistaken beliefs. BUT they do not want to hear that Israel left the people of Gaza thriving businesses, gave them cement to build schools, infrastructure. They don't want to hear that Israel does more for these civilians of Gaza than their own ELECTED government. In what other conflict or war has the opposing side allowed a cease-fire to provide the its enemies civilians with necessities to live, AND every cease fire so far has ended with Hamas firing onto the civilians of Israel.
These same people with selective hearing also appear as everyday Americans (or Canadians, as in my last post). I also saw a video on Facebook that took place at a rally in Atlanta. A 30-something caucasian man kept telling the interviewer of the evils of Israel. A young jewish man entered the video and eloquently debated each or every point, explaining why Israel was doing was it was doing and why it is justified. The 30-something man REFUSED to listen to the facts. He did not give any reason or any counter-facts, it was almost like he was possessed and only believed the Hamas propaganda that he heard.
After digesting the video from Atlanta and the negative Anti-Israel comments, I decided to search the web to see the similarities to Nazi, anti-semitic propaganda. I was sickened and scared! I read through a few websites, but they mostly reported the same thing. First the Nazi's took the worlds insecurities and blamed the Jews. The websites said that the Nazi's dehumanized the Jews. Then it started to pass laws to restrict Jews. Lastly, genocide. Guess what....we are in the first phase right now! All around the globe, mostly in Europe, but in North America too, everyone is blaming Israel and the Jews. Why? because Hamas is successfully putting out propaganda that Israel is bullying the Palestinians. Americans love the underdog. So, many are embracing the Palestinians. How do we make people understand that the real bully is Hamas, when people do want to listen to truths. Are these people just anti-semitic? I would argue, yes. They are willing to believe the worst of Jews without listening and learning the facts. What is to be done?
Now comes the big HOWEVER, there is hope. This is not 1930s Europe. I think the most important differences are the internet and Israel's existence. Jews are no longer weak. We have Israel, a homeland. A land where brilliant minds have figured out how to make an oasis in the desert AND keep it protected! We have the internet, where the world has become so small. I just finished reading many stories how journalists who have finally made it out of Gaza are writing how Hamas is trying to control through terror how things are reported. There are many counter-PR's to Hamas' propaganda. I will admit, that Hamas took good notes from the great propaganda machine of the Nazis, BUT in 2014, I hope that is not enough to turn the world against the Jews.
I think the key lies with influential individuals. President Obama, Congress, the heads of all the European Countries, etc. Some have given unqualified support, some have not (Mr. Obama, Mr. Kerry or the UN). However, these are the people who need to really understand the situation and not believe the propaganda. They can influence their constituents and make world policies. I think that trying to convince the average American who has already decided to hate Israel is a waste of time. As stated above, they don't listen. However, the leaders of the free world need to listen and make educated decisions. So far, I have not heard one argument, that is based on reasoning and fact, in support of Hamas. If leaders can not make educated decisions based on fact, then why are they still in office! Except the UN (a topic for another day), there are checks and balances in the US, maybe they need to be used.
How do we turn the tide to this brainwashing?
These same people with selective hearing also appear as everyday Americans (or Canadians, as in my last post). I also saw a video on Facebook that took place at a rally in Atlanta. A 30-something caucasian man kept telling the interviewer of the evils of Israel. A young jewish man entered the video and eloquently debated each or every point, explaining why Israel was doing was it was doing and why it is justified. The 30-something man REFUSED to listen to the facts. He did not give any reason or any counter-facts, it was almost like he was possessed and only believed the Hamas propaganda that he heard.
After digesting the video from Atlanta and the negative Anti-Israel comments, I decided to search the web to see the similarities to Nazi, anti-semitic propaganda. I was sickened and scared! I read through a few websites, but they mostly reported the same thing. First the Nazi's took the worlds insecurities and blamed the Jews. The websites said that the Nazi's dehumanized the Jews. Then it started to pass laws to restrict Jews. Lastly, genocide. Guess what....we are in the first phase right now! All around the globe, mostly in Europe, but in North America too, everyone is blaming Israel and the Jews. Why? because Hamas is successfully putting out propaganda that Israel is bullying the Palestinians. Americans love the underdog. So, many are embracing the Palestinians. How do we make people understand that the real bully is Hamas, when people do want to listen to truths. Are these people just anti-semitic? I would argue, yes. They are willing to believe the worst of Jews without listening and learning the facts. What is to be done?
Now comes the big HOWEVER, there is hope. This is not 1930s Europe. I think the most important differences are the internet and Israel's existence. Jews are no longer weak. We have Israel, a homeland. A land where brilliant minds have figured out how to make an oasis in the desert AND keep it protected! We have the internet, where the world has become so small. I just finished reading many stories how journalists who have finally made it out of Gaza are writing how Hamas is trying to control through terror how things are reported. There are many counter-PR's to Hamas' propaganda. I will admit, that Hamas took good notes from the great propaganda machine of the Nazis, BUT in 2014, I hope that is not enough to turn the world against the Jews.
I think the key lies with influential individuals. President Obama, Congress, the heads of all the European Countries, etc. Some have given unqualified support, some have not (Mr. Obama, Mr. Kerry or the UN). However, these are the people who need to really understand the situation and not believe the propaganda. They can influence their constituents and make world policies. I think that trying to convince the average American who has already decided to hate Israel is a waste of time. As stated above, they don't listen. However, the leaders of the free world need to listen and make educated decisions. So far, I have not heard one argument, that is based on reasoning and fact, in support of Hamas. If leaders can not make educated decisions based on fact, then why are they still in office! Except the UN (a topic for another day), there are checks and balances in the US, maybe they need to be used.
How do we turn the tide to this brainwashing?
Monday, July 28, 2014
Questions on Israel/Gaza!
I am often asked, what I did this summer while my children were away at camp. The truth, I have become obsessed with the war in Israel. I spend hours looking at my Facebook, then at secondary sources trying to verify stories (the lawyer in me). I am appalled, scared and feel a sense of proudness at various times. I started this blog a year ago, with hopes of writing about managing my family. I entered one post. As much as I love my family, the world doesn't need to know that my kids started hockey practice after being back from camp for only 24 hours. However, the world seems to be misinformed, in denial, or just plain ignorant when it comes to Israel. I keep saying, the Jewish people need a good PR firm. Although I have no PR training, I can't remain quiet any longer.
As a jewish child in America, I remember learning of the Holocaust and wondering why? Why did others allow this to go on? Why did American jews allow this to go on? This is my attempt to do something!!!
Well folks, like it or not, admit it or not, Anti-semitism is "in" again. I recently read someone saying (I am paraphrasing), that until there is world outrage and rallies regarding the war in Syria, the Ukraine, etc. then this outcry against Israel is really just Anti-Semitism.
I was just in Toronto. Outside my hotel, on my way to breakfast, a group of people were protesting Israel. This was peaceful. Just a bunch of caucasian, non-muslim (women didn't have head coverings, so I am assuming) people sitting on lawn chairs with signs. I wanted to say something, but decided that since I had my 5 year old with me and I was in a foreign country, I better not. So, I am writing this instead.
But..... I just do not understand. How can any person in the free world protest Anti-Israel and for Hamas? What are they really protesting against, if not Jews? Facts from this war is that Hamas is a recognized terrorist organization, Hamas's charter calls for the complete destruction of Israel. Yes, the war has had "disproportionate" deaths, but beyond the numbers. Ask why? There are many reasons, Hamas uses civilians as human shields, Hamas does not allow civilians to go to safety, Hamas shoots rockets from civilian homes, hospitals and schools. Just to name a few.
From my law school days, I have tried to see the "other" side to this conflict. I can't. I sympathize with the people of Palestine. I realize that Israel is not perfect (not sure about my feelings on settlements). However, I have yet to read a rational argument for Hamas. Disproportionate? Seriously, this is war, not a basketball game. Also, Israel has spent a lot of time, money and brain power to protect its citizens, between safe rooms and Iron Dome technology. Hamas has spent its time, money and brain power (lack of better word) on digging tunnels to Israel. Nothing on protecting its citizens. The poor people of Gaza without food, electricity, etc. Whose fault is that? Hamas started this, chose to build tunnels instead of investing in daily life for its citizens. And I believe it was Hamas' missile that took out the electricity in Gaza!
So I am asking, What are the rational arguments in support of Hamas? If there are not any, why do so many people believe that Hamas deserves support, from the people I saw on the street in Toronto to some in the American government (John Kerry)?
As a jewish child in America, I remember learning of the Holocaust and wondering why? Why did others allow this to go on? Why did American jews allow this to go on? This is my attempt to do something!!!
Well folks, like it or not, admit it or not, Anti-semitism is "in" again. I recently read someone saying (I am paraphrasing), that until there is world outrage and rallies regarding the war in Syria, the Ukraine, etc. then this outcry against Israel is really just Anti-Semitism.
I was just in Toronto. Outside my hotel, on my way to breakfast, a group of people were protesting Israel. This was peaceful. Just a bunch of caucasian, non-muslim (women didn't have head coverings, so I am assuming) people sitting on lawn chairs with signs. I wanted to say something, but decided that since I had my 5 year old with me and I was in a foreign country, I better not. So, I am writing this instead.
But..... I just do not understand. How can any person in the free world protest Anti-Israel and for Hamas? What are they really protesting against, if not Jews? Facts from this war is that Hamas is a recognized terrorist organization, Hamas's charter calls for the complete destruction of Israel. Yes, the war has had "disproportionate" deaths, but beyond the numbers. Ask why? There are many reasons, Hamas uses civilians as human shields, Hamas does not allow civilians to go to safety, Hamas shoots rockets from civilian homes, hospitals and schools. Just to name a few.
From my law school days, I have tried to see the "other" side to this conflict. I can't. I sympathize with the people of Palestine. I realize that Israel is not perfect (not sure about my feelings on settlements). However, I have yet to read a rational argument for Hamas. Disproportionate? Seriously, this is war, not a basketball game. Also, Israel has spent a lot of time, money and brain power to protect its citizens, between safe rooms and Iron Dome technology. Hamas has spent its time, money and brain power (lack of better word) on digging tunnels to Israel. Nothing on protecting its citizens. The poor people of Gaza without food, electricity, etc. Whose fault is that? Hamas started this, chose to build tunnels instead of investing in daily life for its citizens. And I believe it was Hamas' missile that took out the electricity in Gaza!
So I am asking, What are the rational arguments in support of Hamas? If there are not any, why do so many people believe that Hamas deserves support, from the people I saw on the street in Toronto to some in the American government (John Kerry)?
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