Offering Support to Jewish Friends

[Anonymous]

Here's something I can't really discuss in real life.

Over the past few days, I've seen a lot of social media offering support to Jewish friends and posts from Jewish friends suggesting people offer support. People have reached out to me in light of what is happening in Israel that never did during say, the synagogue attacks in the United States or other events that felt much more connected to me as a Jew in the United States. I get the good instinct, which is why I'd never say anything other than thank you. But does this make anyone else uncomfortable? I get that religion and politics are inexorably intertwined in Israel; however, there is something I really don't like about the assumption that, as a Jew, I have a special connection to the country of Israel, any more than I would, Ukraine, for example, where my grandparents actually came from. It seems a really short distance from the dual loyalty trope.

In case this is too vague, I've had texts, for example, from people I've haven't spoken to in months, offering "support to my family in this difficult time."

[Anonymous]

It feels a little off to me too, but some people on this site gave been encouraging it so clearly different people feel differently about it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It feels a little off to me too, but some people on this site gave been encouraging it so clearly different people feel differently about it

OP here. Agree, which is why I'd never voice it in real life. But I'm glad I'm not the only one with at least some reservation.

[Anonymous]

We have family in Israel so I had appreciated friends saying to me: saying wow what is going on is horrible and how is your family. I see the Hamas supporters in the politics thread here that I should stop reading and I’m glad to know I’m not friends with people like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have family in Israel so I had appreciated friends saying to me: saying wow what is going on is horrible and how is your family. I see the Hamas supporters in the politics thread here that I should stop reading and I’m glad to know I’m not friends with people like that.

OP here. I might feel completely different if I had family, or friends, or any personal connection to Israel. But, as it stands, these are people with whom I've never discussed Israel, who are assuming a personal connection based on my religion only.

[Anonymous]

I am not Jewish, and the difference to me this time is that I have seen social media posts after this attack that specifically say “your silence is noticed”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not Jewish, and the difference to me this time is that I have seen social media posts after this attack that specifically say “your silence is noticed”.

Yes, and this is insane to me. Sometimes people don't know what to say about appalling tragedies without sounding trite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have family in Israel so I had appreciated friends saying to me: saying wow what is going on is horrible and how is your family. I see the Hamas supporters in the politics thread here that I should stop reading and I’m glad to know I’m not friends with people like that.

OP here. I might feel completely different if I had family, or friends, or any personal connection to Israel. But, as it stands, these are people with whom I've never discussed Israel, who are assuming a personal connection based on my religion only.

The problem with wide calls for people to express support to Jewish people is that people then do so without seeing Jewish people are more than one big blob with the exact same feelings about Israel.

Most Americans don’t understand the nuances or much about Israel so that may play a role too.

I’m Jewish and don’t plan to offer support to anyone. What could I honestly do to be helpful? Nothing. So, the offer would be insincere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not Jewish, and the difference to me this time is that I have seen social media posts after this attack that specifically say “your silence is noticed”.

I’m a PP here. Some people respond by shutting down or blocking things out. Some become activists or know the right words to share.

It’s not a time for people to shame others if they don’t know what to do or say. Judging people in the midst of war that’s only a few days old seems harsh.

I’ve supported other people’s comments on social and May share a particularly thoughtful post instead of writing my own. I do think it odd that I am supposed to “make noise” (the opposite of silence) on this topic.

[Anonymous]

This is the worst atrocity for the Jewish worldwide community in terms of number of Jewish people killed in a single day since the Holocaust. Yes it’s happening in Israel but it’s an attack on Jewish people everywhere. That is why people are providing support. You have a right to your feelings and it’s ok if it makes you uncomfortable but can’t you just say thank you and move on with your day?

[Anonymous]

Like me changing my Facebook profile is doing anything.

[Anonymous]

I'm an American Jew, have only been to Israel once and don't really have close family or friends who live there - and I've been a mess to be honest. Security is stepped up at our synagogue and even here in the USA, it's a stark reminder of how we're a hated people. It hurts and it's scary. I've really so much appreciated hearing from some friends who have reached out for support. But it's just been close friends who know or sense that I'm shaken up. It would be weird to hear from people far and wide though. Maybe the people who are don't that don't have many other Jewish friends, so you're the only one they can think of to reach out to?

Hoping this is resolved as quickly as possible, with as little loss of life as possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not Jewish, and the difference to me this time is that I have seen social media posts after this attack that specifically say “your silence is noticed”.

I'd be pretty much done with anyone who posts that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not Jewish, and the difference to me this time is that I have seen social media posts after this attack that specifically say “your silence is noticed”.

I remember a world not too long ago when it was concerning if you didn't have a blue and yellow flag on your Twitter account or a yard sign.

[Anonymous]

I am not raising the issue on social media for the exact reasons you mentioned. I have shown support in conversations with people I speak to regularly, but for a larger audience that I would not normally have a personal conversation with, no.