I’m banned for calling Jeff Anti-Semitic

[Anonymous]

[b]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reality: Jeff has stated outright he’s sympathetic to the Palestinian cause so I don’t think there needs to be guesswork there. He doesn’t see his words as anti-Semitic. Do I think he has blinders on? Yes but I think that of many leftists - idealism to the point that it ‘breaks’ their brains. I do think the statement that led up to Jeff being called an anti-Semite were shocking, especially in regards to Shani Louk. He feels he was adding logic to an atrocious situation, but the visual of seeing that poor girl being paraded around in the state she was in, the torturous calls to her parents, etc, left no need for explanation by anyone. Trying to make that less heinous was not possible.

All of us normal people are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. It's different from supporting terrorists. It's different from supporting the current disproportionate Israeli response (which, BTW, risks the lives of all the hostages).

I don't think many people in this world are anti-Semitic or hate Jews. We just don't want to see Israel annihilate an entire people. Why, if you've spent your existence as a people being discriminated against, do you want to then turn around and do the same thing to others? Israel's behavior in the Middle East these past decades beggar belief, frankly. It has not acted in a humane and civilized manner towards Palestinians.

I can guarantee that if Israel continues in this vein, supported by the US, in a few years everyone will have forgotten the centuries-long European discrimination of Jews, pogroms and Holocaust, and will just know Israel as a barbaric nation that stole land from Palestinians and crushed them into oblivion.

The ugly truth is that the world would have forgotten the centuries-long discrimination, pogroms, and Holocaust of Jews regardless of what Israel does in Palestine, because a significant portion of the world wants all Jews dead. That is the truth I think a lot of Palestinian supporters can’t face. It is why they also insist that Palestine is entirely separate from Hamas and its explicitly genocidal aims, when of course the truth is far more complex and nuanced. It’s because in the horror that is this ancient conflict, it’s very uncomfortable to find yourself on the side of people who have been explicit and loud in their goals of Jewish annihilation.

This is also true to an extent of Israel supporters, who are uncomfortable finding themselves on the side of the extremist settlers who are calling for genocide of Palestinians. But as a non-Jew and non-Israeli, I find I see a lot more Jews/Israel supporters loudly and explicitly distancing themselves from the settlers than I see pro-Palestians distancing themselves from the explicitly genocidal Hamas.

I’ve disagreed with Jeff on many aspects of this conflict, including his characterization of the Shani Louk conversation above (but I have no desire to rehash that here, and will just state that I disagree for the record). But I think it’s deeply unfair to Jeff to call him antisemitic. I report a lot of Islamophobic and antisemitic posts (much more of the latter but there are both) and he deleted then quickly. He also has spoken up when he sees misinformation. He has an open bias — he has been up front — and I think candidly that his analysis is not always correct. But that’s a far cry from being antisemitic. I’m speaking up because as someone who has been absolutely horrified by the loud, open, violent, and extensive antisemitism that has burst forth particularly out of the progressive left, it’s critically important to focus on identifying actual antisemitism. There is plenty of it to target. I see no need to unfairly tarnish Jeff. Please don’t.

“ I see a lot more Jews/Israel supporters loudly and explicitly distancing themselves from the settlers than I see pro-Palestians distancing themselves from the explicitly genocidal Hamas.”

And why would that be pp? It’s not safe for Palestinians in Gaza to criticize hamas. Let’s not pretend what it’s like living under their rule.

[Anonymous]

Jewish person here.

I don't agree with every decision , but it's not my website, and Jeff is not anti semitic, that's defamation. He does a really good job keeping this board going within reasonable boundaries. I am sure the effort and time and investment make any money he makes well earned.

Op, for more perspective, you should read "I am Jewish so maybe you hate me" by isha Yiras Hashem. Do a internet search.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reality: Jeff has stated outright he’s sympathetic to the Palestinian cause so I don’t think there needs to be guesswork there. He doesn’t see his words as anti-Semitic. Do I think he has blinders on? Yes but I think that of many leftists - idealism to the point that it ‘breaks’ their brains. I do think the statement that led up to Jeff being called an anti-Semite were shocking, especially in regards to Shani Louk. He feels he was adding logic to an atrocious situation, but the visual of seeing that poor girl being paraded around in the state she was in, the torturous calls to her parents, etc, left no need for explanation by anyone. Trying to make that less heinous was not possible.

Palestinians were massacred and forcibly removed from their lands in 1948 to create the nation of Israel (with the help of western powers like Britain). And they continue to be brutally occupied by Israel. Palestinians are also humans and also deserve to live.

I agree with you that Palestinians are human and deserve to live. That should be a given. Your version of events about the creation of Israel, however, omits the fact that Arab countries rejected the creation of two states and attacked the Jews, which began a war that led to the displacement of Palestinians. And the attacks on Israel in 1967 and 1972, which led to the occupation of the West Bank... I think if we are to work in good faith together, we must recognize that there is a complex history here and commit to coexistence going forward. We need to find a way for both Israelis and Palestinians to reject extremist leaders (which I know is easier said that done for Palestinians who were denied subsequent elections since Hamas took power in Gaza) and find common ground. My own dream is for a two-state solution even though it feels hopeless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meh, you deserved it. I'm assuming you have a very pro-Israel stance? If so, you need to do some self reflection during your ban. Not everyone that believes Palestinians have been harmed for decades is antisemitic or even closet antisemitic. You can be anti-hate and objectively believe Palestinians have been wronged.

This is what 99% of the world thinks. But we're in the sole country in the world that has decided to support Israel way beyond what's moral or ethical.
So. There will be people like OP to deal with.

Because a lot of the world is repulsed by America's idea of liberal democracy, capitalism, and anti-tribalism, while at the same time jealous of our financial success (hence the why are we supporting Israel financially complaints, it kills people that, without their say so and despite their protests, we can support an ally who will assist up in upholding our values), and want to come here to live. So basically, most of the rest of th world hates us but wants to use us.

Part of me wonders if you've ever traveled outside the United States (other than a Carnival Cruise trip), but I also feel like English may be your 2nd language -- holy run on sentence, Batman.

Also, "anti-tribalism" -- lol WUT?!

Yeah. Anti-tribalism? I guess I missed that day in my history courses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[b]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reality: Jeff has stated outright he’s sympathetic to the Palestinian cause so I don’t think there needs to be guesswork there. He doesn’t see his words as anti-Semitic. Do I think he has blinders on? Yes but I think that of many leftists - idealism to the point that it ‘breaks’ their brains. I do think the statement that led up to Jeff being called an anti-Semite were shocking, especially in regards to Shani Louk. He feels he was adding logic to an atrocious situation, but the visual of seeing that poor girl being paraded around in the state she was in, the torturous calls to her parents, etc, left no need for explanation by anyone. Trying to make that less heinous was not possible.

All of us normal people are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. It's different from supporting terrorists. It's different from supporting the current disproportionate Israeli response (which, BTW, risks the lives of all the hostages).

I don't think many people in this world are anti-Semitic or hate Jews. We just don't want to see Israel annihilate an entire people. Why, if you've spent your existence as a people being discriminated against, do you want to then turn around and do the same thing to others? Israel's behavior in the Middle East these past decades beggar belief, frankly. It has not acted in a humane and civilized manner towards Palestinians.

I can guarantee that if Israel continues in this vein, supported by the US, in a few years everyone will have forgotten the centuries-long European discrimination of Jews, pogroms and Holocaust, and will just know Israel as a barbaric nation that stole land from Palestinians and crushed them into oblivion.

The ugly truth is that the world would have forgotten the centuries-long discrimination, pogroms, and Holocaust of Jews regardless of what Israel does in Palestine, because a significant portion of the world wants all Jews dead. That is the truth I think a lot of Palestinian supporters can’t face. It is why they also insist that Palestine is entirely separate from Hamas and its explicitly genocidal aims, when of course the truth is far more complex and nuanced. It’s because in the horror that is this ancient conflict, it’s very uncomfortable to find yourself on the side of people who have been explicit and loud in their goals of Jewish annihilation.

This is also true to an extent of Israel supporters, who are uncomfortable finding themselves on the side of the extremist settlers who are calling for genocide of Palestinians. But as a non-Jew and non-Israeli, I find I see a lot more Jews/Israel supporters loudly and explicitly distancing themselves from the settlers than I see pro-Palestians distancing themselves from the explicitly genocidal Hamas.

I’ve disagreed with Jeff on many aspects of this conflict, including his characterization of the Shani Louk conversation above (but I have no desire to rehash that here, and will just state that I disagree for the record). But I think it’s deeply unfair to Jeff to call him antisemitic. I report a lot of Islamophobic and antisemitic posts (much more of the latter but there are both) and he deleted then quickly. He also has spoken up when he sees misinformation. He has an open bias — he has been up front — and I think candidly that his analysis is not always correct. But that’s a far cry from being antisemitic. I’m speaking up because as someone who has been absolutely horrified by the loud, open, violent, and extensive antisemitism that has burst forth particularly out of the progressive left, it’s critically important to focus on identifying actual antisemitism. There is plenty of it to target. I see no need to unfairly tarnish Jeff. Please don’t.

“ I see a lot more Jews/Israel supporters loudly and explicitly distancing themselves from the settlers than I see pro-Palestians distancing themselves from the explicitly genocidal Hamas.”

And why would that be pp? It’s not safe for Palestinians in Gaza to criticize hamas. Let’s not pretend what it’s like living under their rule.

Here in the US, more Jews say we oppose the settlers - and even want Bibi gone - than I am seeing any of these Free Palestine flag-flyers say that they oppose Hamas. Or even 10/7. It's disgusting.

[Anonymous]

I was banned once for calling some soccer coaches Mexican....

They are Mexican and so I'm I.

Still got banned. LMAO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jeff:

Do you care to defend yourself for banning me for calling you anti-Semitic?

How many other posters have you banned for this reason?

WTF, Jeff ain't antisemitic. In fact I report antisemitic posts and he has deleted 100% of them, thankfully.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reality: Jeff has stated outright he’s sympathetic to the Palestinian cause so I don’t think there needs to be guesswork there. He doesn’t see his words as anti-Semitic. Do I think he has blinders on? Yes but I think that of many leftists - idealism to the point that it ‘breaks’ their brains. I do think the statement that led up to Jeff being called an anti-Semite were shocking, especially in regards to Shani Louk. He feels he was adding logic to an atrocious situation, but the visual of seeing that poor girl being paraded around in the state she was in, the torturous calls to her parents, etc, left no need for explanation by anyone. Trying to make that less heinous was not possible.

Palestinians were massacred and forcibly removed from their lands in 1948 to create the nation of Israel (with the help of western powers like Britain). And they continue to be brutally occupied by Israel. Palestinians are also humans and also deserve to live.

First of all - no.

Second of all - tell me your Thanksgiving plans. I assume you're inviting a Native American family to your home to slaughter your children and take your house, and when they do, you'll smile and thank them?

Holy non-answer followed by deflection, Batman

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reality: Jeff has stated outright he’s sympathetic to the Palestinian cause so I don’t think there needs to be guesswork there. He doesn’t see his words as anti-Semitic. Do I think he has blinders on? Yes but I think that of many leftists - idealism to the point that it ‘breaks’ their brains. I do think the statement that led up to Jeff being called an anti-Semite were shocking, especially in regards to Shani Louk. He feels he was adding logic to an atrocious situation, but the visual of seeing that poor girl being paraded around in the state she was in, the torturous calls to her parents, etc, left no need for explanation by anyone. Trying to make that less heinous was not possible.

All of us normal people are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. It's different from supporting terrorists. It's different from supporting the current disproportionate Israeli response (which, BTW, risks the lives of all the hostages).

I don't think many people in this world are anti-Semitic or hate Jews. We just don't want to see Israel annihilate an entire people. Why, if you've spent your existence as a people being discriminated against, do you want to then turn around and do the same thing to others? Israel's behavior in the Middle East these past decades beggar belief, frankly. It has not acted in a humane and civilized manner towards Palestinians.

I can guarantee that if Israel continues in this vein, supported by the US, in a few years everyone will have forgotten the centuries-long European discrimination of Jews, pogroms and Holocaust, and will just know Israel as a barbaric nation that stole land from Palestinians and crushed them into oblivion.

The ugly truth is that the world would have forgotten the centuries-long discrimination, pogroms, and Holocaust of Jews regardless of what Israel does in Palestine, because a significant portion of the world wants all Jews dead. That is the truth I think a lot of Palestinian supporters can’t face. It is why they also insist that Palestine is entirely separate from Hamas and its explicitly genocidal aims, when of course the truth is far more complex and nuanced. It’s because in the horror that is this ancient conflict, it’s very uncomfortable to find yourself on the side of people who have been explicit and loud in their goals of Jewish annihilation.

This is also true to an extent of Israel supporters, who are uncomfortable finding themselves on the side of the extremist settlers who are calling for genocide of Palestinians. But as a non-Jew and non-Israeli, I find I see a lot more Jews/Israel supporters loudly and explicitly distancing themselves from the settlers than I see pro-Palestians distancing themselves from the explicitly genocidal Hamas.

I’ve disagreed with Jeff on many aspects of this conflict, including his characterization of the Shani Louk conversation above (but I have no desire to rehash that here, and will just state that I disagree for the record). But I think it’s deeply unfair to Jeff to call him antisemitic. I report a lot of Islamophobic and antisemitic posts (much more of the latter but there are both) and he deleted then quickly. He also has spoken up when he sees misinformation. He has an open bias — he has been up front — and I think candidly that his analysis is not always correct. But that’s a far cry from being antisemitic. I’m speaking up because as someone who has been absolutely horrified by the loud, open, violent, and extensive antisemitism that has burst forth particularly out of the progressive left, it’s critically important to focus on identifying actual antisemitism. There is plenty of it to target. I see no need to unfairly tarnish Jeff. Please don’t.

During the Spanish Inquisition, Jews were killed, persecuted then expelled from Spain. Where did those Jews go? To Arab lands like the Maghreb (modern-day Morocco, Algeria, etc…). They then went on to live peacefully for centuries with their Muslim neighbors. During the murder of millions of Jews in Europe in WWII, there were Jews living peacefully in Arab and Muslim countries like Iran (if you don’t believe me, Google Mizrahi Jews). Antisemitism was started by Europeans in Europe. Prior to the creation of Israel, Arabs and Jews lived together peacefully.

This is a profoundly whitewashed version of history. There have been many violent purges of Jews at the hands of Muslims for centuries.

Posts like this are why I have little hope of this conflict resolving, however. If there is such consistent denialism about the extreme violence Jews have faced for being Jews globally, I don’t know why any Jew would would trust external peacekeepers or organizations.

This denialism is of course is true on both sides of this conflict. While I don’t trust any numbers coming out of or influenced by Hamas, anyone denying that thousands have died in Gaza after 10/7 is ignoring hard evidence in front of their eyes. I don’t think it really matters whether the Gazan health ministry is exaggerating; the death toll specifics are less important than the fact of the deaths.

In any event I am pessimistic about this resolving peacefully. The Jews rightfully see their very existence at threat and have thousands of years of history to justify that understanding. The Palestinians rightfully see that Israel is systematically destroying north Gaza to rubble to root out Hamas and killing thousands in the process. Neither side will acknowledge the truths the other side is living.

This. Look up the jizya tax for starters. Read the accounts of Mohammad killing Jews in the Quran.

Even if some Jews and some Muslims got along at some point in time, does anybody without an agenda believe that Palestinians still get all soft and mushy about Jews after being forcibly evicted from their lands in 1948?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reality: Jeff has stated outright he’s sympathetic to the Palestinian cause so I don’t think there needs to be guesswork there. He doesn’t see his words as anti-Semitic. Do I think he has blinders on? Yes but I think that of many leftists - idealism to the point that it ‘breaks’ their brains. I do think the statement that led up to Jeff being called an anti-Semite were shocking, especially in regards to Shani Louk. He feels he was adding logic to an atrocious situation, but the visual of seeing that poor girl being paraded around in the state she was in, the torturous calls to her parents, etc, left no need for explanation by anyone. Trying to make that less heinous was not possible.

All of us normal people are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. It's different from supporting terrorists. It's different from supporting the current disproportionate Israeli response (which, BTW, risks the lives of all the hostages).

I don't think many people in this world are anti-Semitic or hate Jews. We just don't want to see Israel annihilate an entire people. Why, if you've spent your existence as a people being discriminated against, do you want to then turn around and do the same thing to others? Israel's behavior in the Middle East these past decades beggar belief, frankly. It has not acted in a humane and civilized manner towards Palestinians.

I can guarantee that if Israel continues in this vein, supported by the US, in a few years everyone will have forgotten the centuries-long European discrimination of Jews, pogroms and Holocaust, and will just know Israel as a barbaric nation that stole land from Palestinians and crushed them into oblivion.

The ugly truth is that the world would have forgotten the centuries-long discrimination, pogroms, and Holocaust of Jews regardless of what Israel does in Palestine, because a significant portion of the world wants all Jews dead. That is the truth I think a lot of Palestinian supporters can’t face. It is why they also insist that Palestine is entirely separate from Hamas and its explicitly genocidal aims, when of course the truth is far more complex and nuanced. It’s because in the horror that is this ancient conflict, it’s very uncomfortable to find yourself on the side of people who have been explicit and loud in their goals of Jewish annihilation.

This is also true to an extent of Israel supporters, who are uncomfortable finding themselves on the side of the extremist settlers who are calling for genocide of Palestinians. But as a non-Jew and non-Israeli, I find I see a lot more Jews/Israel supporters loudly and explicitly distancing themselves from the settlers than I see pro-Palestians distancing themselves from the explicitly genocidal Hamas.

I’ve disagreed with Jeff on many aspects of this conflict, including his characterization of the Shani Louk conversation above (but I have no desire to rehash that here, and will just state that I disagree for the record). But I think it’s deeply unfair to Jeff to call him antisemitic. I report a lot of Islamophobic and antisemitic posts (much more of the latter but there are both) and he deleted then quickly. He also has spoken up when he sees misinformation. He has an open bias — he has been up front — and I think candidly that his analysis is not always correct. But that’s a far cry from being antisemitic. I’m speaking up because as someone who has been absolutely horrified by the loud, open, violent, and extensive antisemitism that has burst forth particularly out of the progressive left, it’s critically important to focus on identifying actual antisemitism. There is plenty of it to target. I see no need to unfairly tarnish Jeff. Please don’t.

During the Spanish Inquisition, Jews were killed, persecuted then expelled from Spain. Where did those Jews go? To Arab lands like the Maghreb (modern-day Morocco, Algeria, etc…). They then went on to live peacefully for centuries with their Muslim neighbors. During the murder of millions of Jews in Europe in WWII, there were Jews living peacefully in Arab and Muslim countries like Iran (if you don’t believe me, Google Mizrahi Jews). Antisemitism was started by Europeans in Europe. Prior to the creation of Israel, Arabs and Jews lived together peacefully.

This is a profoundly whitewashed version of history. There have been many violent purges of Jews at the hands of Muslims for centuries.

Posts like this are why I have little hope of this conflict resolving, however. If there is such consistent denialism about the extreme violence Jews have faced for being Jews globally, I don’t know why any Jew would would trust external peacekeepers or organizations.

This denialism is of course is true on both sides of this conflict. While I don’t trust any numbers coming out of or influenced by Hamas, anyone denying that thousands have died in Gaza after 10/7 is ignoring hard evidence in front of their eyes. I don’t think it really matters whether the Gazan health ministry is exaggerating; the death toll specifics are less important than the fact of the deaths.

In any event I am pessimistic about this resolving peacefully. The Jews rightfully see their very existence at threat and have thousands of years of history to justify that understanding. The Palestinians rightfully see that Israel is systematically destroying north Gaza to rubble to root out Hamas and killing thousands in the process. Neither side will acknowledge the truths the other side is living.

This. Look up the jizya tax for starters. Read the accounts of Mohammad killing Jews in the Quran.

Even if some Jews and some Muslims got along at some point in time, does anybody without an agenda believe that Palestinians still get all soft and mushy about Jews after being forcibly evicted from their lands in 1948?

There are no stories about Mohammad making Jews in the Quran.

Palestinian animosity will be for Israelis, not for all Jews. Please use some nuance rather than spreading hate.

[Anonymous]

Killing*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reality: Jeff has stated outright he’s sympathetic to the Palestinian cause so I don’t think there needs to be guesswork there. He doesn’t see his words as anti-Semitic. Do I think he has blinders on? Yes but I think that of many leftists - idealism to the point that it ‘breaks’ their brains. I do think the statement that led up to Jeff being called an anti-Semite were shocking, especially in regards to Shani Louk. He feels he was adding logic to an atrocious situation, but the visual of seeing that poor girl being paraded around in the state she was in, the torturous calls to her parents, etc, left no need for explanation by anyone. Trying to make that less heinous was not possible.

All of us normal people are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. It's different from supporting terrorists. It's different from supporting the current disproportionate Israeli response (which, BTW, risks the lives of all the hostages).

I don't think many people in this world are anti-Semitic or hate Jews. We just don't want to see Israel annihilate an entire people. Why, if you've spent your existence as a people being discriminated against, do you want to then turn around and do the same thing to others? Israel's behavior in the Middle East these past decades beggar belief, frankly. It has not acted in a humane and civilized manner towards Palestinians.

I can guarantee that if Israel continues in this vein, supported by the US, in a few years everyone will have forgotten the centuries-long European discrimination of Jews, pogroms and Holocaust, and will just know Israel as a barbaric nation that stole land from Palestinians and crushed them into oblivion.

The ugly truth is that the world would have forgotten the centuries-long discrimination, pogroms, and Holocaust of Jews regardless of what Israel does in Palestine, because a significant portion of the world wants all Jews dead. That is the truth I think a lot of Palestinian supporters can’t face. It is why they also insist that Palestine is entirely separate from Hamas and its explicitly genocidal aims, when of course the truth is far more complex and nuanced. It’s because in the horror that is this ancient conflict, it’s very uncomfortable to find yourself on the side of people who have been explicit and loud in their goals of Jewish annihilation.

This is also true to an extent of Israel supporters, who are uncomfortable finding themselves on the side of the extremist settlers who are calling for genocide of Palestinians. But as a non-Jew and non-Israeli, I find I see a lot more Jews/Israel supporters loudly and explicitly distancing themselves from the settlers than I see pro-Palestians distancing themselves from the explicitly genocidal Hamas.

I’ve disagreed with Jeff on many aspects of this conflict, including his characterization of the Shani Louk conversation above (but I have no desire to rehash that here, and will just state that I disagree for the record). But I think it’s deeply unfair to Jeff to call him antisemitic. I report a lot of Islamophobic and antisemitic posts (much more of the latter but there are both) and he deleted then quickly. He also has spoken up when he sees misinformation. He has an open bias — he has been up front — and I think candidly that his analysis is not always correct. But that’s a far cry from being antisemitic. I’m speaking up because as someone who has been absolutely horrified by the loud, open, violent, and extensive antisemitism that has burst forth particularly out of the progressive left, it’s critically important to focus on identifying actual antisemitism. There is plenty of it to target. I see no need to unfairly tarnish Jeff. Please don’t.

During the Spanish Inquisition, Jews were killed, persecuted then expelled from Spain. Where did those Jews go? To Arab lands like the Maghreb (modern-day Morocco, Algeria, etc…). They then went on to live peacefully for centuries with their Muslim neighbors. During the murder of millions of Jews in Europe in WWII, there were Jews living peacefully in Arab and Muslim countries like Iran (if you don’t believe me, Google Mizrahi Jews). Antisemitism was started by Europeans in Europe. Prior to the creation of Israel, Arabs and Jews lived together peacefully.

This is a profoundly whitewashed version of history. There have been many violent purges of Jews at the hands of Muslims for centuries.

Posts like this are why I have little hope of this conflict resolving, however. If there is such consistent denialism about the extreme violence Jews have faced for being Jews globally, I don’t know why any Jew would would trust external peacekeepers or organizations.

This denialism is of course is true on both sides of this conflict. While I don’t trust any numbers coming out of or influenced by Hamas, anyone denying that thousands have died in Gaza after 10/7 is ignoring hard evidence in front of their eyes. I don’t think it really matters whether the Gazan health ministry is exaggerating; the death toll specifics are less important than the fact of the deaths.

In any event I am pessimistic about this resolving peacefully. The Jews rightfully see their very existence at threat and have thousands of years of history to justify that understanding. The Palestinians rightfully see that Israel is systematically destroying north Gaza to rubble to root out Hamas and killing thousands in the process. Neither side will acknowledge the truths the other side is living.

This. Look up the jizya tax for starters. Read the accounts of Mohammad killing Jews in the Quran.

Even if some Jews and some Muslims got along at some point in time, does anybody without an agenda believe that Palestinians still get all soft and mushy about Jews after being forcibly evicted from their lands in 1948?

There are no stories about Mohammad making Jews in the Quran.

Palestinian animosity will be for Israelis, not for all Jews. Please use some nuance rather than spreading hate.

Educate yourself about Banu Qurayza. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Banu_Qurayza

[Anonymous]

As someone who has a Jewish father most of my peers don't realize is Jewish, I have encountered chillingly casual antisemitism where I least expected it. Of course there are degrees. But when millions of people globally truly, gleefully want all Jews dead, it's understandable to develop a defensive posture even in your dorm room, workplace or on dcum.

Right now I have a few personal litmus tests:
1. Do you believe Israel has a right to exist in a two-state solution or federation (ideally without settlements and led by someone more like Rabin than Bibi)?
2. Do you acknowledge Hamas's barbarity—not as an afterthought but as an essential piece of the puzzle?
3. Do you validate Jewish fears of mainstreaming anti-Semitism?

Most leftists in my orbit do not currently meet this minimum so I don't engage, even to discuss a ceasefire, which I support. They may not be antisemitic, but I believe their perspective is ultimately dangerous to the survival and safety of the Jewish people—especially when so much of the world is salivating for some kind of grand Jewish comeuppance, to put it mildly.

[Anonymous]

Criticism of Israel becomes antisemitism when it delegitimizes Israel, holds Israel to a double standard or demonizes Israel. If you don’t believe Israel has a right to exist, we’ll….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Criticism of Israel becomes antisemitism when it delegitimizes Israel, holds Israel to a double standard or demonizes Israel. If you don’t believe Israel has a right to exist, we’ll….

I don’t understand this sentiment and I see it a lot lately. Israel is a state. It doesn’t have rights. It’s not entitled to existence nor does it have the capacity to deserve anything. It just exists or it doesn’t. Right now it does. So is it just a kind of a pompous way to say “should it exist” or “want it to exist”? Because I couldn’t care less whether the country called Israel exists, I just want all the people who have lived in the region or want to be able to do so peacefully with equal rights, without occupation or apartheid.