Pat I read all your posts. You understand our reality to the nth degree which I can’t explain. No matter- this post is the most concentrated truth I’ve read since October 7. There are no “what abouts” which is a true deep inhalation of moral clarity. We also seek humour because we love life and the cosmic beauty that gives us freedom of will to laugh. How can I feel love about words on Substack?? That’s also pretty funny😂😍
Liberators found the following prayer crumpled among the remains of the Ravensbruck concentration camp where Nazis exterminated nearly 50,000 women:
“O Lord, remember not only the men and women of goodwill, but also those of ill will. But do not remember the suffering they have inflicted upon us. Remember the fruits we brought thanks to this suffering—our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, the courage, the generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of this. And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.“
Constantinople was once Christian, now is Istanbul. Lebanon was once Christian, known as “Paris of the Middle East,” full of shops and cafes, now it’s known as something far worse.
So sad what the weak and hypocritical leaders have allowed, and the fools who drank the BS Kool-aid.
I see why you are being asked to speak. Your insight of the Jewish world is spot on. You forgot the 4th truth however: when Pat’s Beaten with a Shtick talks, be quiet and listen. Thank you for putting your thoughts into words & sharing. 🦁
Thank you for caring, for your courage, and your humour. Your words inspire me to have both hope & humour. I am the neice and cousin of Holocaust survivors. My son-in-law as well. Also Israeli-American (an old one) that personally survived the '67 & '73 wars.
In my own 2-year service i personally witnessed the savagery of what was becoming Hezbollah (an arm of Iran), when they were destroying the Christian communities of Lebanon. (I was in an Israeli unit stationed at the border to provide food and medical aid to innocent Christian and Moslem civilians, well before northern Israelis were under an attack.)
I am reminded when i look down at the scar in my left hand, from shrapnel, that there are always good, innocent people who need the kindness and courage of others. And, as you eloquently write, we cannot watch from afar. We must let our basic humanity encourage us to be the moral resistance. Your writing is the sustenance to courage.
And finally, this: "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.
This is a beautifully distilled reflection, Pat. Thank you!
You feel far more Jewish to me (I say this with love) than many self-proclaimed Jews who, like the Nazi-supporting members of the Verband nationaldeutscher Juden in Nazi Germany, delude themselves into thinking that by parroting anti-Israel propaganda they will be accepted and elevated by non-Jewish society. The Verband Jews went to the gas chambers with all the rest.
Pat I read all your posts. You understand our reality to the nth degree which I can’t explain. No matter- this post is the most concentrated truth I’ve read since October 7. There are no “what abouts” which is a true deep inhalation of moral clarity. We also seek humour because we love life and the cosmic beauty that gives us freedom of will to laugh. How can I feel love about words on Substack?? That’s also pretty funny😂😍
I came here to say this. Though not as eloquently. So thank you Shelly Evans💝. And thank you Pat Johnson💖 I am grateful for your words and compassion.
Thank you both for your kind words.
Liberators found the following prayer crumpled among the remains of the Ravensbruck concentration camp where Nazis exterminated nearly 50,000 women:
“O Lord, remember not only the men and women of goodwill, but also those of ill will. But do not remember the suffering they have inflicted upon us. Remember the fruits we brought thanks to this suffering—our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, the courage, the generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of this. And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.“
Constantinople was once Christian, now is Istanbul. Lebanon was once Christian, known as “Paris of the Middle East,” full of shops and cafes, now it’s known as something far worse.
So sad what the weak and hypocritical leaders have allowed, and the fools who drank the BS Kool-aid.
I see why you are being asked to speak. Your insight of the Jewish world is spot on. You forgot the 4th truth however: when Pat’s Beaten with a Shtick talks, be quiet and listen. Thank you for putting your thoughts into words & sharing. 🦁
Hahaha. Thank you Saul!
Pat, this is really a gem. Thank you!
Thank you for caring, for your courage, and your humour. Your words inspire me to have both hope & humour. I am the neice and cousin of Holocaust survivors. My son-in-law as well. Also Israeli-American (an old one) that personally survived the '67 & '73 wars.
In my own 2-year service i personally witnessed the savagery of what was becoming Hezbollah (an arm of Iran), when they were destroying the Christian communities of Lebanon. (I was in an Israeli unit stationed at the border to provide food and medical aid to innocent Christian and Moslem civilians, well before northern Israelis were under an attack.)
I am reminded when i look down at the scar in my left hand, from shrapnel, that there are always good, innocent people who need the kindness and courage of others. And, as you eloquently write, we cannot watch from afar. We must let our basic humanity encourage us to be the moral resistance. Your writing is the sustenance to courage.
And finally, this: "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.
Todah for everything!
Great quote!
I don’t just like it, I LOVE it! Re: #1, you so perfectly describe my own journey. Re: #3, I’m working on it.
This is brilliant. It should be shared widely.
One of your best Pat!
Hi Past. I have shared. This essay is wonderfully uplifting and I'm so grateful you are an ally.
Fantastic article. Thank you for your hard work and support of the Jewish community.
If I hadn't discovered truth #3 very early in life, I would never have made it this far.
Well said
Harsh truths but inspiring as well.
What a beautiful post, Pat. Thank you. It’s just what I needed to hear.
your shtick is a beautiful thing... shabbat shalom
Shabbat shalom!
This is a beautifully distilled reflection, Pat. Thank you!
You feel far more Jewish to me (I say this with love) than many self-proclaimed Jews who, like the Nazi-supporting members of the Verband nationaldeutscher Juden in Nazi Germany, delude themselves into thinking that by parroting anti-Israel propaganda they will be accepted and elevated by non-Jewish society. The Verband Jews went to the gas chambers with all the rest.