Genuine dialogue cannot happen without honesty. But Israel haters do not tend to honestly confront their own self-centeredness, their own lack of knowledge, and the emotional benefits that they derive from Israel hate (moral superiority, a connection to the tradition of antisemitism). The result is that they have essentially invented a mythological toy called Israel and have little knowledge of the real Israel. And indeed, they have failed to help the Palestinians because they prioritize the pleasures of Israel hate above what is actually constructive for the Palestinians--peaceful co-existence. By creating a hostile environment, Israel haters are ironically re-creating the feelings of exclusion and fear that gave rise to Zionism.
I've been looking at your former posts and realizing I have seen many of them before on social media. Thank you so much for getting the truth out. I hope more people who are undecided will listen to you!
You're being asked to moderate what is, in effect, an interfaith dialogue. I once believed such dialogues were productive. But like you, I now have serious doubts about the efficacy of such conversations -- doubts which history suggests are completely legitimate: https://outofbabel.substack.com/p/resolved-jesus-was-and-still-is-the
Hi Pat. We have a mutual friend in Mike Sachs. Like Mike, I’ve been trying to engage non-Jewish people in “dialogue” (usually just playing defense), and I’m starting to work with Jewish university students, helping them feel more prepared to have discussions on campus. I’d love to chat with you about what you’re planning.
Another excellent piece. I've shared it with several friends, most particularly with one person in with whom I really hoped it would resonate.
Their response: "And now [I'm] being asked to be silent on the Geneva Conventions? Because speaking out has no impact?"
Evidently the damaging impact they're having on their traumatized Jewish friends via their fixation on Israel's wrong-doings -- when decent people understand that there is no moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas -- failed to register.
They will insist that they are against Jewish Canadians being targeted and isolated (while our current federal government barely lifts a finger to protect us), while failing to grasp how they are contributing to the problem.
Genuine dialogue cannot happen without honesty. But Israel haters do not tend to honestly confront their own self-centeredness, their own lack of knowledge, and the emotional benefits that they derive from Israel hate (moral superiority, a connection to the tradition of antisemitism). The result is that they have essentially invented a mythological toy called Israel and have little knowledge of the real Israel. And indeed, they have failed to help the Palestinians because they prioritize the pleasures of Israel hate above what is actually constructive for the Palestinians--peaceful co-existence. By creating a hostile environment, Israel haters are ironically re-creating the feelings of exclusion and fear that gave rise to Zionism.
BAM!
I've been looking at your former posts and realizing I have seen many of them before on social media. Thank you so much for getting the truth out. I hope more people who are undecided will listen to you!
I’m glad they’re getting out therre. I post them and then have no control over where they go!
Are we trying to turn these critically thinking, intelligent, questioning individuals.
This acknowledgement that some of the "other" will have this is often missing on both sides, so yes.
You're being asked to moderate what is, in effect, an interfaith dialogue. I once believed such dialogues were productive. But like you, I now have serious doubts about the efficacy of such conversations -- doubts which history suggests are completely legitimate: https://outofbabel.substack.com/p/resolved-jesus-was-and-still-is-the
Glad to have found your writing. We need all the voices we can get.
Thank you Karen …
“This House Believes Israel is an Apartheid State Responsible for Genocide.”
Debate at the Oxford Union, Nov 2024.
Overwhelmingly supported by the blatantly antisemitic audience (and moderator).
Hi Pat. We have a mutual friend in Mike Sachs. Like Mike, I’ve been trying to engage non-Jewish people in “dialogue” (usually just playing defense), and I’m starting to work with Jewish university students, helping them feel more prepared to have discussions on campus. I’d love to chat with you about what you’re planning.
“A little less conversation, a little more action”—Elvis Presley…
Dear Pat, once again, you have articulated so beautifully the deepest and most thoughtful of understandings. I am so grateful to you.
Another excellent piece. I've shared it with several friends, most particularly with one person in with whom I really hoped it would resonate.
Their response: "And now [I'm] being asked to be silent on the Geneva Conventions? Because speaking out has no impact?"
Evidently the damaging impact they're having on their traumatized Jewish friends via their fixation on Israel's wrong-doings -- when decent people understand that there is no moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas -- failed to register.
They will insist that they are against Jewish Canadians being targeted and isolated (while our current federal government barely lifts a finger to protect us), while failing to grasp how they are contributing to the problem.
Thanks, Pat. I appreciate you.
Of course. But not with those Zionists, obviously.