Maybe I'm kind... In this case though, I'm mostly selfish. Our own voices are belittled and ignored, ruled out as being self-serving (a bit more on this below). Your voice might have some value within the din of uproar and ugliness.
At this point, I've come to believe that Jewish voices against antisemitism only add fuel to the "movement" against us. Our voices are perceived by many, if not all, as irrelevant, as self-serving, or as additional "fake, Jewish propaganda." We can no longer tell our own stories. We are effectively cancelled out by many other more powerful forces, not the least of which is the sad and misguided Jewish voices in the "progressive" world. They have become, in the world's perception, the sane ones, the right-thinking ones, the "good" ones. They add passion to "correctness" to our true enemies.
I believe this is so true, (forgive me, but I've got to get this off my chest), that here in New York City, where a self-destructive and probably urban-suicidal moment lurks in the near future, the worst things Jews can do at this time is attack the mayoral frontrunner on his blatant antisemitism. In doing so, we'll only lend credibility to his so-called causes (which really have nothing to do with helping New Yorkers but only with finding a way for him to have a powerful method of seeing his true anti-Jewish aspirations realized). I only wish that the Jewish influencers would share my view and promote other candidates based on their better experience and more practical means of governance.
Actually, this same belief persuades me in my wanting a global defense of Israel and the properness of that position based not on Jewish sources. There are many Jews who are brilliant advocates for Jews, who are very adept, knowledgeable and "persuasive" in matters of antisemitism. Nevertheless, I'm convinced that the true impact of their efforts is small for the same reasons. Our own self-defense cannot come from speeches and self-advocacy, at least solely. Alternatively, all we can do is live daily lives with wisdom, charity, and goodness, and be the example we are divinely called upon to be. And, we must have the physical means of self-defense which means, at this point in time, a strong Jewish state of Israel. We will never have this means of self-defense anywhere else in the world which makes a strong and successful Israel so important.
Sadly, a strong and successful Israel will never be popular in the eyes of the rest of the world. Which brings me full-circle. Thank you: a voice of sanity coming from within the clamor of the world's craziness and impending large-scale barbarism. May God guide you and protect you in your correct endeavors.
Me too! And, my introduction was on Gay Pride. So prolific, hilarious and spot on! I think I read it 3 times. And, sent it along to family and friends.
As a regular TOI reader, I read the interview about 15 minutes ago. As you started publishing your Substack newsletter a year before I discovered your work, I have a lot of "back issues" to catch up on.
You’re never bugging us! Your articles are a daily reminder that there is still at least one person in the world with moral clarity and sanity. Congrats on this feature! I hope it brings many more readers flocking to your Substack. May your writing reach those outside the Jewish readership. 🙏
Mazel! If there is ever an Oct 7 version of Yad Vashem I hope you will be honored as a righteous person among nations. 🙏
Thank you but all I do is scrawl a few words. It's literally the least.
It’s huge and courageous.
Absolutely!!!
You are, without a doubt, one on the most articulate voices on Substack focusing on Jew haters. You make the world a better place! Thank you!
Thank you Shelley. You are very kind.
Maybe I'm kind... In this case though, I'm mostly selfish. Our own voices are belittled and ignored, ruled out as being self-serving (a bit more on this below). Your voice might have some value within the din of uproar and ugliness.
At this point, I've come to believe that Jewish voices against antisemitism only add fuel to the "movement" against us. Our voices are perceived by many, if not all, as irrelevant, as self-serving, or as additional "fake, Jewish propaganda." We can no longer tell our own stories. We are effectively cancelled out by many other more powerful forces, not the least of which is the sad and misguided Jewish voices in the "progressive" world. They have become, in the world's perception, the sane ones, the right-thinking ones, the "good" ones. They add passion to "correctness" to our true enemies.
I believe this is so true, (forgive me, but I've got to get this off my chest), that here in New York City, where a self-destructive and probably urban-suicidal moment lurks in the near future, the worst things Jews can do at this time is attack the mayoral frontrunner on his blatant antisemitism. In doing so, we'll only lend credibility to his so-called causes (which really have nothing to do with helping New Yorkers but only with finding a way for him to have a powerful method of seeing his true anti-Jewish aspirations realized). I only wish that the Jewish influencers would share my view and promote other candidates based on their better experience and more practical means of governance.
Actually, this same belief persuades me in my wanting a global defense of Israel and the properness of that position based not on Jewish sources. There are many Jews who are brilliant advocates for Jews, who are very adept, knowledgeable and "persuasive" in matters of antisemitism. Nevertheless, I'm convinced that the true impact of their efforts is small for the same reasons. Our own self-defense cannot come from speeches and self-advocacy, at least solely. Alternatively, all we can do is live daily lives with wisdom, charity, and goodness, and be the example we are divinely called upon to be. And, we must have the physical means of self-defense which means, at this point in time, a strong Jewish state of Israel. We will never have this means of self-defense anywhere else in the world which makes a strong and successful Israel so important.
Sadly, a strong and successful Israel will never be popular in the eyes of the rest of the world. Which brings me full-circle. Thank you: a voice of sanity coming from within the clamor of the world's craziness and impending large-scale barbarism. May God guide you and protect you in your correct endeavors.
Yep. you write what we're all thinking. That's your superpower. And not a bad one, neither.
I saw it and was delighted ❤️
Thanks Nurit! I mentioned you (if not by name)!!!
Pat I so appreciate you and all
you’re doing for the Jewish people! I enjoy hearing your perspective. It’s been a scary and unpredictable time for us.
I read your posts but am not normally consistent with commenting. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 💖💖💕
I'm also not consistent with keeping up on the comments section. So THANK YOU!!!
Thanks for sharing so I can put a face to the words. You are a very handsome man and I say that as a strict heterosexual.
Bahahaha. THanks Doug. That's kind of like my mom saying, "You are such a handsome boy!"
Your carefully crafted words are a light unto a dark world.
May your work reach far and wide!
That's how I found you. Good work.
And I'm so glad you did!
Me too! And, my introduction was on Gay Pride. So prolific, hilarious and spot on! I think I read it 3 times. And, sent it along to family and friends.
There are too few beacons among what is evidently a large club of lobotomized writers and journalists.
You stand apart!
Well done Pat. Keep it going.
Nice pic!
Your audience appreciates you, Pat. May this continue to inspire you.
Great article about a great Canadian advocate and writer. Congratulations Pat!
As a regular TOI reader, I read the interview about 15 minutes ago. As you started publishing your Substack newsletter a year before I discovered your work, I have a lot of "back issues" to catch up on.
Hahaha. There's some beach reading for ya. Thanks LYnne.
You’re never bugging us! Your articles are a daily reminder that there is still at least one person in the world with moral clarity and sanity. Congrats on this feature! I hope it brings many more readers flocking to your Substack. May your writing reach those outside the Jewish readership. 🙏