John is not wrong that “Israel is in no way blameless” in its treatment of the Palestinians. I am one of the many Jews, both in Israel and here in America and around the world, who have been critical of Israeli governments and policies, probably at least since you and John were in diapers. Immediately before these latest events happened,…
John is not wrong that “Israel is in no way blameless” in its treatment of the Palestinians. I am one of the many Jews, both in Israel and here in America and around the world, who have been critical of Israeli governments and policies, probably at least since you and John were in diapers. Immediately before these latest events happened, the Jewish world was riven by the quasi-fascist turn Israel’s government seemed to be taking.
But families close ranks in times of crisis. Jews everywhere recognize a pogrom when we see it. Angry mobs shouting “Gas the Jews!” send chills down every Jewish spine on earth. Just as you say in your piece, “it doesn’t matter how much somebody criticises their family. It doesn’t mean *you* can criticise their family.” For all my criticism of Israeli actions, I also know the history of Palestinian intransigence, rejectionism, and terrorism that has pushed Israeli politics so far to the right. To those Palestinians and their sympathizers cheering, condoning, and justifying the Hamas atrocities, I say look to your own contribution to the present situation. I acknowledge your grievances, but I stand with my family.
Yep, I agree with, or at least sympathise with, everything you say here. My only quibble is this idea that you can't criticise other people's family. In the case of my ex, this unwillingness too truly face the issue let to misery for everybody involved. Including her sister. That irl desperately needed somebody to give her a wake up call. And nobody did. So she just got worse and worse.
There are lots of realities about ourselves and our tribes that we might find uncomfortable. But at some point, we have to find the maturity to face them squarely and honestly anyway. I'd say, the point where thousands of family members are dying is as good a point as any to do that.
"I acknowledge your grievances, but I stand with my family"
Moralistic views held by those with the privilege of distance are dashed when they are in the killing field. Good guys and bad guys become our guys and their guys.
John is not wrong that “Israel is in no way blameless” in its treatment of the Palestinians. I am one of the many Jews, both in Israel and here in America and around the world, who have been critical of Israeli governments and policies, probably at least since you and John were in diapers. Immediately before these latest events happened, the Jewish world was riven by the quasi-fascist turn Israel’s government seemed to be taking.
But families close ranks in times of crisis. Jews everywhere recognize a pogrom when we see it. Angry mobs shouting “Gas the Jews!” send chills down every Jewish spine on earth. Just as you say in your piece, “it doesn’t matter how much somebody criticises their family. It doesn’t mean *you* can criticise their family.” For all my criticism of Israeli actions, I also know the history of Palestinian intransigence, rejectionism, and terrorism that has pushed Israeli politics so far to the right. To those Palestinians and their sympathizers cheering, condoning, and justifying the Hamas atrocities, I say look to your own contribution to the present situation. I acknowledge your grievances, but I stand with my family.
Yep, I agree with, or at least sympathise with, everything you say here. My only quibble is this idea that you can't criticise other people's family. In the case of my ex, this unwillingness too truly face the issue let to misery for everybody involved. Including her sister. That irl desperately needed somebody to give her a wake up call. And nobody did. So she just got worse and worse.
There are lots of realities about ourselves and our tribes that we might find uncomfortable. But at some point, we have to find the maturity to face them squarely and honestly anyway. I'd say, the point where thousands of family members are dying is as good a point as any to do that.
"I acknowledge your grievances, but I stand with my family"
Moralistic views held by those with the privilege of distance are dashed when they are in the killing field. Good guys and bad guys become our guys and their guys.
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