The ADL receipts are in. Right-wing extremists are responsible for effectively 100% of antisemitic attacks in America. So why are politicians pointing at Muslims and the Left?
I admire your actions in Philly -- words can be cheap. ACTION shows intent. You have explained well, but forever and a day, I have not understood anti-semitism, ... or hate of Jews. Why? Where did it come from? As a child, with a Catholic boyfriend, ... he said it was because they killed Jesus -- now, he was a child, and I hope he has grown a brain, .... but how much is stupidity? Jesus was a Jew -- there was no Christianity until his followers, believers, started spreading the word after his death (and resurrection?), that he was the son of god.
I've done my best to educate myself about Zionism, the taking of that land from others (humans have been doing this, and colonizing .... forever). and giving it to form a Jewish state, Israel, after the Holocaust. And I've studied christianity and Buddhism, ..... and I'm afraid I've come to the conclusion that religion, writ large, has done tremendous harm in this world. Now! ..... would I be moral and ethical, without having been raised in a Methodist household? .... ????? I try to be kind and generous. I do not WORSHIP a god. I look for wisdom in education, experimentation, science, mistakes, and rectifying them. This philosophy works for me, and I do not push it on others. It gives me peace, so I can tackle the hard problems in this world -- injustices.
Qasim, when I was in Sunday school at Leo Baeck Temple in the sixties, one of my teachers was from the ADL. He was wonderful, and largely because of him I have been a progressive ever since. It saddens me to see what the ADL has become and I don't understand why it's happened. Thank you for pointing out that this once great organization can no longer be trusted.
In my mind, soon after Hamas first attacked Israel and Irael attacked back, I sorted the problem into four groups - a rough heuristic. Netanyahu and his government were bad, but Jews and Israelis in general were good. Hamas was bad, and Palestinians in general were good. So many people in the news and online were yelling that Palestinian solidarity was antiSemitic, that Netanyahu et al were just defending themselves - and maybe in the beginning they were. But it quickly became clear that Netanyahu and the government had more on their minds than stopping Hamas and getting prisoners back. I so was confused about how to understand it all that I came up with four groups instead of two adversaries. Of course, it's much more nuanced than that, but after I figured out my heuristic, I was able to see how terrible Trump & his regime were in his attacks on students and universities. Anyway - just needed to write that to help myself understand.
The Bible explicitly states that Jesus is Jewish. He was born to a Jewish mother (Mary) and raised in a Jewish home. To hate all Jews is to hate Jesus. MAGA equals hatred, period. I enjoy and appreciate reading your thoughts. Thank you for sharing!
Excellent - it’s quite evident who promotes antisemitism in this Country, so I wonder if change will ever occur when Maga realizes their ideology is being skewed by these bad actors / publications that insist on contradictory, misleading information?
More accurately the way Israel is run. Netanyahu is what is bad. He is behaving very much like the people who have have historically oppressed Jews. Shame on him!
It's not just netanyahu. The government there (with some exceptions) is fascist, violent, and murderous. The IDF is a terrorist organization. There are people worse than netanyahu in their government. People like Ben Gvir and Smotrich. The rot is deep, just like here in the US. Getting rid of netanyahu will not fix this. Israel has been attacking, killing, raping, and stealing from Palestinians for decades. They hide behind the Jewish faith while not adhering to Jewish values/teachings/scripture. Just like here with Christian nationalists. They don't act anything like Jesus. They just hide behind the label and accuse people of persecution just for questioning immoral policies and actions.
I agree with your Facist and white. I must strongly diagree with any being a Christian. The word Christian means to be Christ like and this is NOT a behavior of Christ, nor would it be tolerated by Christ. If they know the 10 Cmmandments then they must know that Love Thy Neighbor is loving all mankind!
I was not offended. No need for an apology. Nor did I mean you do not know what Christian means, just in case you may have thought that. I just want to say that for all to read. I guess I was addressing the ignorant Facists, who would not understand or bother to read. We are in a really sad world!
Every MAGAt I've ever met, without exception, hated "jews". The only explanation I can think of for this sudden MAGA embrace of Jews (and I believe the embrace is in no way sincere) is the MAGA desire to share in the wealth martyrdom.
I wonder if people who complain about the IHRA definition of antisemitism have actually read it. Here are a few key parts of the IHRA definition as it relates to criticism of Israel:
- Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
- Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
- Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
- Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
The other parts of the definition relate solely to actions directly towards Jewish people and not Israel so I didn't list them here.
But yet, which of the above states that "all criticism of Israel is antisemitic"? Is it the racist endeavor part of it? The Nazi comparisons? I need to understand why the IHRA definition of antisemitism is so vilified.
My problem with your comment is I literally link an entire report by the NIH that explains in detail what's problematic with this definition. You chose not to read the answer, and then ask the question as if no one is willing to answer you. That level of insincerity is harmful so I won't bother repeating the answer already provided. If you're not willing to read the answer, don't ask the question.
Let me also say that I agree that it is true that many pro-Israel activists *do* portray a lot of criticism towards Israel as antisemitic - and I have fought some of my fellow Jews (and lost friends) over that. However, I think that the framework of the IHRA definition is a relevant definition.
I apologize for not reading up on the NIH paper before my response. I've taken a look with it, and I agree with some of what it says and disagree with others. I think that just because it *can* be used to silence critics doesn't mean that its basic framework isn't one that should be supported.
"I think that just because it *can* be used to silence critics doesn't mean that its basic framework isn't one that should be supported."
But that's the point, Peter. It is being used to silence critics, not defend Jewish people. And that misuse is harmful to Jewish people and harmful to people in general who are critical of the actions of a government like Israel who is committing genocide.
This response is beneath you, I feel, as I missed the link within your essay above. I'll go ahead and read it now, if this is your only explanation. I asked my question though in true sincerity, and wonder if your fidelity to fighting antisemitism is true if you feel like attacking me like this.
If I wanted to attack you personally I would have started with, "my problem with you is..."
I specifically started with, "My problem with your comment..."
I am not rejecting you as a person. I'm rejecting the comment and explained why. My apologies for not being more clear, but I'm hopeful you understand that I'm being critical of the argument, not attacking you as a person.
I believe the biggest driver of antisemitism in the west is the continuing genocidal actions of Israel. Israel continually drags all Jewish people under its murderous banner, to ensure Jews feel unsafe around the world. Zionists are not Jews.
Zionists love antisemitism. Zionists NEED antisemitism.
Without antisemitism, whether real, imaginary or manufactured, Israel no longer has a claim for special pleading or double standards. Without antisemitism and victim status, the entire case for Israel disappears.
I admire your actions in Philly -- words can be cheap. ACTION shows intent. You have explained well, but forever and a day, I have not understood anti-semitism, ... or hate of Jews. Why? Where did it come from? As a child, with a Catholic boyfriend, ... he said it was because they killed Jesus -- now, he was a child, and I hope he has grown a brain, .... but how much is stupidity? Jesus was a Jew -- there was no Christianity until his followers, believers, started spreading the word after his death (and resurrection?), that he was the son of god.
I've done my best to educate myself about Zionism, the taking of that land from others (humans have been doing this, and colonizing .... forever). and giving it to form a Jewish state, Israel, after the Holocaust. And I've studied christianity and Buddhism, ..... and I'm afraid I've come to the conclusion that religion, writ large, has done tremendous harm in this world. Now! ..... would I be moral and ethical, without having been raised in a Methodist household? .... ????? I try to be kind and generous. I do not WORSHIP a god. I look for wisdom in education, experimentation, science, mistakes, and rectifying them. This philosophy works for me, and I do not push it on others. It gives me peace, so I can tackle the hard problems in this world -- injustices.
Qasim, when I was in Sunday school at Leo Baeck Temple in the sixties, one of my teachers was from the ADL. He was wonderful, and largely because of him I have been a progressive ever since. It saddens me to see what the ADL has become and I don't understand why it's happened. Thank you for pointing out that this once great organization can no longer be trusted.
Thank you for keeping justice as your north star, Paula ❤️✊🏽
My first thought upon seeing the question in this title is simply Israeli Zionist overreach, not a who
In my mind, soon after Hamas first attacked Israel and Irael attacked back, I sorted the problem into four groups - a rough heuristic. Netanyahu and his government were bad, but Jews and Israelis in general were good. Hamas was bad, and Palestinians in general were good. So many people in the news and online were yelling that Palestinian solidarity was antiSemitic, that Netanyahu et al were just defending themselves - and maybe in the beginning they were. But it quickly became clear that Netanyahu and the government had more on their minds than stopping Hamas and getting prisoners back. I so was confused about how to understand it all that I came up with four groups instead of two adversaries. Of course, it's much more nuanced than that, but after I figured out my heuristic, I was able to see how terrible Trump & his regime were in his attacks on students and universities. Anyway - just needed to write that to help myself understand.
The Bible explicitly states that Jesus is Jewish. He was born to a Jewish mother (Mary) and raised in a Jewish home. To hate all Jews is to hate Jesus. MAGA equals hatred, period. I enjoy and appreciate reading your thoughts. Thank you for sharing!
Qasim, thank you for your verbal and moral clarity in distinguishing between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.
Two very different things. And it's critical we reject the attempts to conflate them.
Excellent - it’s quite evident who promotes antisemitism in this Country, so I wonder if change will ever occur when Maga realizes their ideology is being skewed by these bad actors / publications that insist on contradictory, misleading information?
Israel. It's Israel.
More accurately the way Israel is run. Netanyahu is what is bad. He is behaving very much like the people who have have historically oppressed Jews. Shame on him!
It's not just netanyahu. The government there (with some exceptions) is fascist, violent, and murderous. The IDF is a terrorist organization. There are people worse than netanyahu in their government. People like Ben Gvir and Smotrich. The rot is deep, just like here in the US. Getting rid of netanyahu will not fix this. Israel has been attacking, killing, raping, and stealing from Palestinians for decades. They hide behind the Jewish faith while not adhering to Jewish values/teachings/scripture. Just like here with Christian nationalists. They don't act anything like Jesus. They just hide behind the label and accuse people of persecution just for questioning immoral policies and actions.
Great piece Qasim! I always appreciate you being direct, bringing the receipts, your human rights lawyer logic and your values.
Thank you friend ❤️✊🏽
Here the answer to the ? is, Facist White Christians.
I agree with your Facist and white. I must strongly diagree with any being a Christian. The word Christian means to be Christ like and this is NOT a behavior of Christ, nor would it be tolerated by Christ. If they know the 10 Cmmandments then they must know that Love Thy Neighbor is loving all mankind!
Sorry. Only deferentiating from other Facist religious groups. Meant no offense.
I was not offended. No need for an apology. Nor did I mean you do not know what Christian means, just in case you may have thought that. I just want to say that for all to read. I guess I was addressing the ignorant Facists, who would not understand or bother to read. We are in a really sad world!
Every MAGAt I've ever met, without exception, hated "jews". The only explanation I can think of for this sudden MAGA embrace of Jews (and I believe the embrace is in no way sincere) is the MAGA desire to share in the wealth martyrdom.
Great piece, Mr. Rashid!
Hatred of any person is indefensible.
Hmmm... I certainly "loathe" Trump and Netanyahu in an effort not to say I hate them, but I think if I were to be honest, I hate those two men.
I can understand that and why. Hate is a strong emotion and can have serious consequences.
I wonder if people who complain about the IHRA definition of antisemitism have actually read it. Here are a few key parts of the IHRA definition as it relates to criticism of Israel:
- Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
- Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
- Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
- Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
The other parts of the definition relate solely to actions directly towards Jewish people and not Israel so I didn't list them here.
But yet, which of the above states that "all criticism of Israel is antisemitic"? Is it the racist endeavor part of it? The Nazi comparisons? I need to understand why the IHRA definition of antisemitism is so vilified.
My problem with your comment is I literally link an entire report by the NIH that explains in detail what's problematic with this definition. You chose not to read the answer, and then ask the question as if no one is willing to answer you. That level of insincerity is harmful so I won't bother repeating the answer already provided. If you're not willing to read the answer, don't ask the question.
Let me also say that I agree that it is true that many pro-Israel activists *do* portray a lot of criticism towards Israel as antisemitic - and I have fought some of my fellow Jews (and lost friends) over that. However, I think that the framework of the IHRA definition is a relevant definition.
I apologize for not reading up on the NIH paper before my response. I've taken a look with it, and I agree with some of what it says and disagree with others. I think that just because it *can* be used to silence critics doesn't mean that its basic framework isn't one that should be supported.
"I think that just because it *can* be used to silence critics doesn't mean that its basic framework isn't one that should be supported."
But that's the point, Peter. It is being used to silence critics, not defend Jewish people. And that misuse is harmful to Jewish people and harmful to people in general who are critical of the actions of a government like Israel who is committing genocide.
This response is beneath you, I feel, as I missed the link within your essay above. I'll go ahead and read it now, if this is your only explanation. I asked my question though in true sincerity, and wonder if your fidelity to fighting antisemitism is true if you feel like attacking me like this.
If I wanted to attack you personally I would have started with, "my problem with you is..."
I specifically started with, "My problem with your comment..."
I am not rejecting you as a person. I'm rejecting the comment and explained why. My apologies for not being more clear, but I'm hopeful you understand that I'm being critical of the argument, not attacking you as a person.
I believe the biggest driver of antisemitism in the west is the continuing genocidal actions of Israel. Israel continually drags all Jewish people under its murderous banner, to ensure Jews feel unsafe around the world. Zionists are not Jews.
Zionists love antisemitism. Zionists NEED antisemitism.
Without antisemitism, whether real, imaginary or manufactured, Israel no longer has a claim for special pleading or double standards. Without antisemitism and victim status, the entire case for Israel disappears.
Ditto.