I’ve been delinquent in expressing how much and how often I appreciate your consistent support, compassion, diligence, integrity and understanding and most of all your unwavering and uncompromising voice against antisemitism.
Just a brilliant speech Pat! Your words mean so much. You are a mensch in the true sense of the word.. please continue to pen the words so many of us feel. Todah Rabah to you!
In the wake of October 7, 2023, many countries, Canada, Britain and France among them, not only said that Israel had the "right to defend itself" and the hostages held in Gaza released immediately, but also that Hamas had to be removed from power. But what have any of these countries actually done to either free hostages or help remove Hamas from power? What did they think it would take to force Hamas from power and what's left of its leaders into exile?
Instead, wittingly or unwittingly, these states have continued to send money to UNRWA which has helped to sustain Hamas through the theft for resale of humanitarian aid it has stolen, and Hamas's ability to punish Gazans who dare oppose their cruel rule. And so here we are, 600 or so days later, these countries threaten sanctions against Israel, but not against the countries that have helped sustain Hamas, financially and in some cases with arms transfers - Iran, Qatar, Turkey and Oman. Instead, we've heard Iran ask Canada to reinstate diplomatic relations severed in 2012 by the Harper government over concerns about Iran's nuclear project and human rights abuses, despite not only Iran's failure to make restitution over the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet with over 80 Iranian Canadian citizens and permanent residents, but also Iran's role in financing Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7/23 and other supports. I get why none of these countries want to send peacekeepers in ... UNIFIL in Lebanon was a spectacular failure at preventing Hezbollah from rearming and building tunnels south of the Litani River despite UN Resolution 1701. But why aren't our politicians and diplomats denouncing Hamas's enablers loudly?
I recently heard an opinion on Israeli TV that those who expressed sadness and support in the immediate aftermath of October 7 but then quickly moved on to criticism are like people who watch a movie, feel sad, and then move on to a more powerful movie that makes them sad in an even more powerful way. In other words, they make decisions based on what engages them--not based on principle.
Pat neither here nor there but the young Israeli man executed by the Latino jihadi from Chicago in Washington DC, was a Christian. The woman Jewish, both Israeli.
Initially, I made the same mistake, too. It’s understandable in so many ways. These lives stolen from us, their families, our mischpacha .… He was slaughtered as a Jew, even though he was not. That said, it is important to acknowledge his background - and his commitment.
I believe (although I could be wrong) that he belonged to a group within Judaism that does self-identify as Jewish but that believes that Jesus is the messiah. I believe he has one parent who is Jewish and another who is a Christian. He was a part of the rich and inclusive fabric that is Israel--and yet our haters would say that he worked in the embassy of an "apartheid" state.
That is not a thing. One might have parents from different religions/nation, but ultimately one chooses if they are Jewish (or not) by religious practice (or informed decision not to) + Nation. Being Jewish is not subject to the equivalent of “dual citizenship” where you use the passport/identity that is most convenient for your travels/interactions. Otherwise, Jews cease to be a nation and become absorbed, redefined … disappeared. If he did not convert, he was not Jewish. Given his contribution and the circumstances of his brutal, hate-driven murder, he is a Righteous Gentile.
I’ve been delinquent in expressing how much and how often I appreciate your consistent support, compassion, diligence, integrity and understanding and most of all your unwavering and uncompromising voice against antisemitism.
It matters.
You matter.
Toda.
Bravo and Thank You for your consistent support of my family of Jews.
You are, as the saying goes, a real mensch.
Thank you for all you do. You are a light among the righteous. And a beacon of hope for our Civilization in a time of growing darkness.
Just a brilliant speech Pat! Your words mean so much. You are a mensch in the true sense of the word.. please continue to pen the words so many of us feel. Todah Rabah to you!
Absolutely fantastic. Thank you. Even though as others have noted, you are the last person who should ever have to apologize. 💙🤍
🙏🏼🙏🏼 🙏🏼
Mensch.
I second that!
Thank you. Your commitment to truth and your support for the Jewish people makes you a valued member of our family. Thank you.
What an utterly amazing piece! I’m so proud of you, my friend. Thanks wholeheartedly for your clarity of mind, your bravery and your big heart.
Israel should be deeply proud of you… and either here or in the afterlife we shall all dance together again, victorious, free, pure.
Am Yisrael Chai! Toda raba, from the heart!
Lovely speech, if only it were the ones who really needed to be sorry offering the apology. You have been brilliant. Thank you
In the wake of October 7, 2023, many countries, Canada, Britain and France among them, not only said that Israel had the "right to defend itself" and the hostages held in Gaza released immediately, but also that Hamas had to be removed from power. But what have any of these countries actually done to either free hostages or help remove Hamas from power? What did they think it would take to force Hamas from power and what's left of its leaders into exile?
Instead, wittingly or unwittingly, these states have continued to send money to UNRWA which has helped to sustain Hamas through the theft for resale of humanitarian aid it has stolen, and Hamas's ability to punish Gazans who dare oppose their cruel rule. And so here we are, 600 or so days later, these countries threaten sanctions against Israel, but not against the countries that have helped sustain Hamas, financially and in some cases with arms transfers - Iran, Qatar, Turkey and Oman. Instead, we've heard Iran ask Canada to reinstate diplomatic relations severed in 2012 by the Harper government over concerns about Iran's nuclear project and human rights abuses, despite not only Iran's failure to make restitution over the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet with over 80 Iranian Canadian citizens and permanent residents, but also Iran's role in financing Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7/23 and other supports. I get why none of these countries want to send peacekeepers in ... UNIFIL in Lebanon was a spectacular failure at preventing Hezbollah from rearming and building tunnels south of the Litani River despite UN Resolution 1701. But why aren't our politicians and diplomats denouncing Hamas's enablers loudly?
I recently heard an opinion on Israeli TV that those who expressed sadness and support in the immediate aftermath of October 7 but then quickly moved on to criticism are like people who watch a movie, feel sad, and then move on to a more powerful movie that makes them sad in an even more powerful way. In other words, they make decisions based on what engages them--not based on principle.
With tears in my eyes I say thank you!
Oh, Pat. What a beautiful speech. Moments like help maintain some faith in humanity - an increasingly difficult task these days.
It’s important to give the full quote from Deuteronomy 16:20, if only to annoy the anti-Zionists.
“Justice, justice you shall pursue, so that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
Todah Rabah to you as well. We need you and appreciate you. So beautifully said.
Pat neither here nor there but the young Israeli man executed by the Latino jihadi from Chicago in Washington DC, was a Christian. The woman Jewish, both Israeli.
Initially, I made the same mistake, too. It’s understandable in so many ways. These lives stolen from us, their families, our mischpacha .… He was slaughtered as a Jew, even though he was not. That said, it is important to acknowledge his background - and his commitment.
I believe (although I could be wrong) that he belonged to a group within Judaism that does self-identify as Jewish but that believes that Jesus is the messiah. I believe he has one parent who is Jewish and another who is a Christian. He was a part of the rich and inclusive fabric that is Israel--and yet our haters would say that he worked in the embassy of an "apartheid" state.
Actually, this article suggests that he was a Christian:
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/22/slain-israeli-diplomat-yaron-lischinsky-was-german-christian-who-fell-in-love-with-jewish-state/
He was a Jewish Christian.
That is not a thing. One might have parents from different religions/nation, but ultimately one chooses if they are Jewish (or not) by religious practice (or informed decision not to) + Nation. Being Jewish is not subject to the equivalent of “dual citizenship” where you use the passport/identity that is most convenient for your travels/interactions. Otherwise, Jews cease to be a nation and become absorbed, redefined … disappeared. If he did not convert, he was not Jewish. Given his contribution and the circumstances of his brutal, hate-driven murder, he is a Righteous Gentile.
Bless you Pat.