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!
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