Very well stated, thank you for this piece. American Jews must insist in the civil society and freedom of discourse that protects all Americans, and not fall for the trap of claiming Democrat "special status" that has failed all minorities. Israel deserves support as an ally contributing much to the United States, whose values and Democratic process are closer to our own than others in the region, and whose sovereignty was breached.
Chris, great essay on dialogue considering the increasing antisemitism. It is painful to Jews, and also painful for many non-Jews like myself. I learned about the Holocaust when I was young, and understood the feeling of safety they had in America. Never Again. Long story short, I have attached myself to Jewish history and Zionism because they need their own nation. So when I hear antisemitism, it hurts. And it is painful to hear it coming out of American mouths so readily. We are supposed to be their refuge, but no, Americans are expressing the hatred they have suffered in every other nation.
I agree, no speech codes. We who are disgusted by others’ words have to reasonably disagree to the point that insults are thrown at us. “Conversation is over” is an appropriate final statement.
That’s exactly the issue… on college campuses equal protection is not enforced. Leftist mobs and jihadist encampments allowed to defy the rules and proceed without any accountability, due the Jew hatred of faculty and administrators. This university infection must be cleaned out
No Andy --it's virulent anti-Semitism...rising geometrically since October 7.
Historically Jewish people have been discriminated against, attacked, expelled from many countries far more than any other group. But that said--Obama's plan to divide the country into fighting factions is working. Equal protection for all groups is the correct way to go when fighting bigots.
I mean, it's sort of a intertwining of the two, with an increasing number of Arab/Muslim students and faculty couching the Jew hatred argument in palatable Marxist terms and getting a favorable hearing as avatars of "the oppressed."
In NYC you may well be right that Muslim students and even faculty are a meaningful part of the equation. But IMO they are a very small portion elsewhere.
Well said, Chris. The comments to your post seem to demonstrate that your analysis of current American views is accurate. As one who has spent much of my adult life in foreign policy, I think your recommendations for a coping strategy are the right approach. Many Americans do not personally have the opportunity to see how Israel's presence in the Middle East has slowly assisted liberalization in places like the UAE and even Saudi Arabia. Trump's Abraham Accords were based on this reality and provide a foundation for a renaissance in the Middle East, which will ultimately lead to democracy in Iran. This is key to blunting Chinese and Russian influence there.
Agreed with your comments. However, after experiencing the anti semitism of the last two years from both the right and the left I am skeptical that real information would make a difference. The left cries “ genocide” and no amount of information, data, statistics, expert non- partisan analysis by the likes of John Spencer will change their mind. They are in the DEI world of oppressors and the oppressed. The hard right, in the America first group listens to the social media “ experts” who talk about the Mossad, conspiracy theories, and how Zionists rule the world. No amount of data of the contributions of Israel to the US, whether it’s geopolitical, economic , medical will change their thinking. Many of the same veterans that fought terror for the past few decades fall into this camp. And the “ new” Christians, now believe that the Jews success is because of the deal we made with the devil. Nothing rational about any of the above groups that will be swayed by data, facts and numbers. Unfortunately.
As an American Jew myself, I reject your “both sides” false equivalence.
Those who hate Jews on the right are relatively small in number and have no power.
Those oppressor-oppressed ideologues on the left have a great deal of power - most especially and obviously on campus! - with the rest of the left, especially but not only on campus, refusing to criticize them and hold them to the standards of common decency and equal protection under the law that Rufo suggests.
It's terrible what you're going through. I think aside from the far left and far right there are persuadable people in the middle who need another voice to listen to. I constantly talk to people about Israel and the war and I think there are a reasonable number of people who are misinformed but not hell-bent on hating Jews. But we do need as much information as possible to make those arguments persuasively. If you have any resources you would recommend for us to do that effectively I'd be very open to looking at them.
I look at them not as some radical danger or threat, but more like a flare-up of herpes. It looks nasty and ugly but has little staying power.
Future generations tend to look at previous ones and think "what a bunch of assholes!" That GenZ think they are immune to this is hilarious and adorable: they should consult The Millenials on the whole "make the world atheist" project.
And GenZ themselves will moderate and face reality.
It is with the youngest people where the growth in anti-semitism on the left is the largest by far.
So you can claim that there is a theoretical future risk on the right, but there is the reality, not theory, of huge numbers of oppressor-oppressed anti-Zionist, antisemitic young people on the left.
Now I do agree with you that GenZ, like all generations will moderate over time.
Which means that the likelihood of a growing number of antisemites on the right there is low.
But even somewhat reducing the *huge* (literally the large majority) of antisemites on the young left still leaves a very large number. And quite possibly a majority of leftists. At minimum, a plurality with huge power on the left.
Based on opinion polling, this is a huge and growing problem. Especially with younger people.
From my reading and novice understanding of politics is that you are likely correct that persuasion is unlikely.
As someone who votes Dem, I have to admit that I mostly cared about Israel based on my estimation the issue is a wedge issue for Democrats.
What I saw after 10/7 on my Instagram feed caused a sinking feeling that Mr. Trump would win again.
Over the course of the last few years I’ve become much more concerned about Conspiracy Theories. I think that is a deeper and larger problem than anything we see on the surface level of our Red Team vs. Blue Team political battles.
I don’t care about Team Blue and Team Red at all anymore. To me both sides are losing to Conspiracy Theories. On the left we see conspiracy theories about corporations, billionaires and AIPAC. On the right we see conspiracy theories about Mr. Obama, the three letter agencies and more.
We have to figure it out before Florida bans Tylenol.
Well stated Lloyd and right on point and this is why Americans need to understand how Israel images Western values and how there is and continues to be positive, life supporting changes in the Middle East and hopefully beyond.
Apply the definition of genocide to the several examples in history and around the world, and show how that definition fits Gaza. It’s your burden of proof. You can’t; you just repeat protest signs and propaganda.
Paulette is sadly an overt anti-semite. How often does a genocidal country export thousands of tons of food to the land of its enemy as Israel does? How often does a genocidal country drop leaflets on the population asking them to remove themselves from harm's way in advance or a military operation as Israel does? NEVER is the answer. Ignorant people like you, Congresswoman Talib, and others disgust me with your vile hatred. Take a look at the facts, Pauline, before you write such stupidity.
Please look at other media sources that are not antisemitic. Israel is simply a beautiful multiracial country defending itself against terrorists following murder, rape. Sending millions in food stolen by Hamas and sold to the civilians for 4x more. Israel constantly reached out to the innocent Gazans when neighboring countries would not allow them in for fear of Hamas…you’re watching the wrong media, just like in the 1930’s Europe. Spend some time with Hamas then spend some time in Israel and then let me know how that goes.
Agreed. Americanism, which really is conservatism (ignoring the issues of political parties), needs to be strengthened. Israel strengthens that. There are many enemies of truth and conservatism. They often align because "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." We see that today. On one side; the American leftist, the anti-semite, marxist, muslim extremist, racialist. On the other side; colorblind, meritocrat, capitalist, Christian, and moderate Muslim.
Well said on a most divisive subject. I have an issue with your mention of the ADL as an advocacy group. They are a fringe leftist group representing themselves and NOT any sane Jews.
The ADL has done so much damage to Jews/Israel by claiming to speak for us, targeting and smearing conservatives and claiming to be against “hate.” Conservative American Jews have not had a voice or a platform while the vast majority of American Jews (leftists) continue to vote for democrats no matter what. Chris’s voice and argument, as was Charlie Kirk’s are exactly what we need to do.
Speech is speech. It should not be parsed into prosecutable categories. The First Amendment protects all speech. The response to speech with which you disagree (or agree) is simply more speech, not censorship or prosecution. If we allow that to happen, all is lost.
"I’m still shocked that so many people are conned into hating Jewish people."
Following from the irrationality of anti-Semitism, what would you say is the psychological mechanism that is occurring that brings it back over and over, and in such large groups of people?
Indeed. There is an old canard, "some of my best friends are Jews". It's usually not true but in my parents case it was. The two couples ate at each others' houses, went out together etc.
The Jewish couple also had a beautiful daughter that I would have asked out if I hadn't been so shy. After the husbands died, the two widows became like sisters.
I have never understood Jew hatred. I was in business for over fifty years and met some Jews who were aholes but just as many Gentiles if not more'
I had a Jewish friend who would laugh and liked to tell me that Jesus was "just another Jewish boy who did well".
I largely agree. I do think that persuasion should be how we respond. I also think that there is a subtle form of antisemitism that is becoming increasingly influential on the political right and unless one is informed about the various forms that antisemitism can & has taken one can easily be duped into thinking it’s legitimate criticism when it’s not. To me, if we’re demanding to have sort of say in Israel’s military strategy then we should demand the same thing from Ukraine (or any other ally); otherwise it’s a double standard & that indicates bias. Bias against Israel is a subtle form of antisemitism.
After 2 years since October 7, most of Jews should realize that we cannot win the PR war against Islam and against indoctrinated leftists and extreme right that dusted off again the oldest Jew hatred fueled many times by foreign money. All Jews in Israel and in Diaspora can only achieve peace by strength and not just only by defensive strength. Our enemies everywhere must fear our offensive strength. We must be self reliant and not be dependent on our allies for moral or military support; start by changing IDF to IWF! We cannot wait for another October 7.
Agree completely. If faced with annihilation, Israel will have to respond and they have the ability to make cities disappear. It's why Trump sent the B-2s to wipe out Iran's nuclear dreams. The Jews have nukes for defense and will only use them if worst comes to worst,
Iran wants nukes to use and they will use them if they get their hands on one.
Excellent analysis of our current quagmire and I especially loved your opinion on how to crawl out from under the dross. One thing to keep in mind is that it's not just us Jews who are being hunted and reviled. We're usually the first to be put in the line of fire, but now it's Christians and other denominations of people having religious beliefs. Politicians holding conservative values and love of our beautiful country are included in the unhinged lefts gun sights. There is such clarity now of who stands on the side of good and who stands on the side of evil. May all of us on the side of good prevail and save our nation.
You live in Gig Harbor? I went to HS in Gig Harbor…oh how my little fishing village has grown! And also, I agree with your message. Enforce our current laws. We don’t need new ones.
"On the right, many supporters of Israel, including prominent Republican politicians, argue that America has a theological duty to support the Jewish state. Their view is based on a complex interpretation of biblical prophecy....."
NOT just that but political, practical reasons
"Supporters of Israel should make clear exactly where the lines of the Venn diagram intersect."
We DO, and the Tucker Carlson's (I could Name Others) Don't listen.
Now we need to get you Chris on a national University board to oversee changes the support our western American values and thwart extremism simultaneously.
Presently, there are specific segments of the population that are granted extra special status, which your suggesting would negate. Your concept of equal treatment and protection is a unicorn fantasy dream as long as anti Semitic clubs and influential moneys coming from anti Semitic Islamic groups are allowed to continue to spew their hatred and influence on college campuses. This also included Chinese communist and left wing groups and professors which support these agendas.
I bumped into a childhood friend last week while out walking my dog. She joined us and we had a great conversation.
She is a major donor to the Democrats and to Jewish organizations, and she has a big "Stand with Israel" lawn sign in front of her house. I was stunned, then, when I asked her about "college students" waving Palestinian flags, rioting, and assaulting Jewish students at her Ivy League alma mater.
Her response? "Well, we all hate Netanyahu even more than we hate Trump." Shocked me into silence, but then she added, "We all stand 100% behind Israel, though..."
While I appreciate the thoughtfulness here and agree with many points you’ve made, antisemitic conspiracy theories are not often squashed by countering with persuasive arguments — while I wish it were, it’s unfortunately not that simple. Those peddling these ideas are presented with plenty of logic and myriad facts, but these ideas aren’t based in facts nor reason, and those engaging with them aren’t actually seeking either.
Additionally, we’re dealing with entire newsrooms filled with activists instead of true journalists, and unless that shifts we’ll continue to have people reading and listening to trusted institutions who are intentionally sharing libels and misinformation, and engaging in sloppy reporting.
Very well stated, thank you for this piece. American Jews must insist in the civil society and freedom of discourse that protects all Americans, and not fall for the trap of claiming Democrat "special status" that has failed all minorities. Israel deserves support as an ally contributing much to the United States, whose values and Democratic process are closer to our own than others in the region, and whose sovereignty was breached.
Chris, great essay on dialogue considering the increasing antisemitism. It is painful to Jews, and also painful for many non-Jews like myself. I learned about the Holocaust when I was young, and understood the feeling of safety they had in America. Never Again. Long story short, I have attached myself to Jewish history and Zionism because they need their own nation. So when I hear antisemitism, it hurts. And it is painful to hear it coming out of American mouths so readily. We are supposed to be their refuge, but no, Americans are expressing the hatred they have suffered in every other nation.
I agree, no speech codes. We who are disgusted by others’ words have to reasonably disagree to the point that insults are thrown at us. “Conversation is over” is an appropriate final statement.
Exceptional. I am so tired of these people. These Free Palestine Cats Outta Control
https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/p/these-free-palestine-cats-outta-control
Not gonna read it.
Well said. Equal protection makes it impossible to deny.
That’s exactly the issue… on college campuses equal protection is not enforced. Leftist mobs and jihadist encampments allowed to defy the rules and proceed without any accountability, due the Jew hatred of faculty and administrators. This university infection must be cleaned out
But it’s not mostly Jew hatred per se.
It is oppressor-oppressed ideology on campus that is driving this.
Rufo is 100% correct with his prescriptions.
No Andy --it's virulent anti-Semitism...rising geometrically since October 7.
Historically Jewish people have been discriminated against, attacked, expelled from many countries far more than any other group. But that said--Obama's plan to divide the country into fighting factions is working. Equal protection for all groups is the correct way to go when fighting bigots.
I mean, it's sort of a intertwining of the two, with an increasing number of Arab/Muslim students and faculty couching the Jew hatred argument in palatable Marxist terms and getting a favorable hearing as avatars of "the oppressed."
In NYC you may well be right that Muslim students and even faculty are a meaningful part of the equation. But IMO they are a very small portion elsewhere.
Well said, Chris. The comments to your post seem to demonstrate that your analysis of current American views is accurate. As one who has spent much of my adult life in foreign policy, I think your recommendations for a coping strategy are the right approach. Many Americans do not personally have the opportunity to see how Israel's presence in the Middle East has slowly assisted liberalization in places like the UAE and even Saudi Arabia. Trump's Abraham Accords were based on this reality and provide a foundation for a renaissance in the Middle East, which will ultimately lead to democracy in Iran. This is key to blunting Chinese and Russian influence there.
Agreed with your comments. However, after experiencing the anti semitism of the last two years from both the right and the left I am skeptical that real information would make a difference. The left cries “ genocide” and no amount of information, data, statistics, expert non- partisan analysis by the likes of John Spencer will change their mind. They are in the DEI world of oppressors and the oppressed. The hard right, in the America first group listens to the social media “ experts” who talk about the Mossad, conspiracy theories, and how Zionists rule the world. No amount of data of the contributions of Israel to the US, whether it’s geopolitical, economic , medical will change their thinking. Many of the same veterans that fought terror for the past few decades fall into this camp. And the “ new” Christians, now believe that the Jews success is because of the deal we made with the devil. Nothing rational about any of the above groups that will be swayed by data, facts and numbers. Unfortunately.
As an American Jew myself, I reject your “both sides” false equivalence.
Those who hate Jews on the right are relatively small in number and have no power.
Those oppressor-oppressed ideologues on the left have a great deal of power - most especially and obviously on campus! - with the rest of the left, especially but not only on campus, refusing to criticize them and hold them to the standards of common decency and equal protection under the law that Rufo suggests.
It's terrible what you're going through. I think aside from the far left and far right there are persuadable people in the middle who need another voice to listen to. I constantly talk to people about Israel and the war and I think there are a reasonable number of people who are misinformed but not hell-bent on hating Jews. But we do need as much information as possible to make those arguments persuasively. If you have any resources you would recommend for us to do that effectively I'd be very open to looking at them.
The very large majority of people on the right support Israel. Much more than 70%, probably more than 80%.
It’s not even clear that a simple majority (51%+) on the left does.
Most of those on the left will only not “hate Jews” if those Jews renounce Zionism.
The concern on the right is with GenZ.
I look at them not as some radical danger or threat, but more like a flare-up of herpes. It looks nasty and ugly but has little staying power.
Future generations tend to look at previous ones and think "what a bunch of assholes!" That GenZ think they are immune to this is hilarious and adorable: they should consult The Millenials on the whole "make the world atheist" project.
And GenZ themselves will moderate and face reality.
“The concern on the right is with GenZ.”
Sorry, but this flies in the face of the facts.
It is with the youngest people where the growth in anti-semitism on the left is the largest by far.
So you can claim that there is a theoretical future risk on the right, but there is the reality, not theory, of huge numbers of oppressor-oppressed anti-Zionist, antisemitic young people on the left.
Now I do agree with you that GenZ, like all generations will moderate over time.
Which means that the likelihood of a growing number of antisemites on the right there is low.
But even somewhat reducing the *huge* (literally the large majority) of antisemites on the young left still leaves a very large number. And quite possibly a majority of leftists. At minimum, a plurality with huge power on the left.
Thanks for your thoughts. I have no idea about the stats but I hope you're right about the right.
Based on opinion polling, this is a huge and growing problem. Especially with younger people.
From my reading and novice understanding of politics is that you are likely correct that persuasion is unlikely.
As someone who votes Dem, I have to admit that I mostly cared about Israel based on my estimation the issue is a wedge issue for Democrats.
What I saw after 10/7 on my Instagram feed caused a sinking feeling that Mr. Trump would win again.
Over the course of the last few years I’ve become much more concerned about Conspiracy Theories. I think that is a deeper and larger problem than anything we see on the surface level of our Red Team vs. Blue Team political battles.
I don’t care about Team Blue and Team Red at all anymore. To me both sides are losing to Conspiracy Theories. On the left we see conspiracy theories about corporations, billionaires and AIPAC. On the right we see conspiracy theories about Mr. Obama, the three letter agencies and more.
We have to figure it out before Florida bans Tylenol.
Well stated Lloyd and right on point and this is why Americans need to understand how Israel images Western values and how there is and continues to be positive, life supporting changes in the Middle East and hopefully beyond.
Israel images racism, apartheid, and genocide. Not any values I share.
That’s all nonsense. You need new information sources.
You need a conscience, AND new information sources
Apply the definition of genocide to the several examples in history and around the world, and show how that definition fits Gaza. It’s your burden of proof. You can’t; you just repeat protest signs and propaganda.
Genocide scholars, including Jewish ones, have already spoken, and named it a genocide. You don't just get to repeat Zionist hasbara
Rape, murder, arson and kidnap apologia? How unAmerican.
which is what Israel does every day to Palestinians.. Yes, very unAmerican
Paulette is sadly an overt anti-semite. How often does a genocidal country export thousands of tons of food to the land of its enemy as Israel does? How often does a genocidal country drop leaflets on the population asking them to remove themselves from harm's way in advance or a military operation as Israel does? NEVER is the answer. Ignorant people like you, Congresswoman Talib, and others disgust me with your vile hatred. Take a look at the facts, Pauline, before you write such stupidity.
She doesn’t care about the facts. It appears she’s blinded by her hatred.
Please look at other media sources that are not antisemitic. Israel is simply a beautiful multiracial country defending itself against terrorists following murder, rape. Sending millions in food stolen by Hamas and sold to the civilians for 4x more. Israel constantly reached out to the innocent Gazans when neighboring countries would not allow them in for fear of Hamas…you’re watching the wrong media, just like in the 1930’s Europe. Spend some time with Hamas then spend some time in Israel and then let me know how that goes.
Oh please, can the hasbara. Israel is a Jewish Nazi state.
Including, I guess, a strong military capable of smashing an enemy? In some ways this is the image of America that I don't like.
Agreed. Americanism, which really is conservatism (ignoring the issues of political parties), needs to be strengthened. Israel strengthens that. There are many enemies of truth and conservatism. They often align because "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." We see that today. On one side; the American leftist, the anti-semite, marxist, muslim extremist, racialist. On the other side; colorblind, meritocrat, capitalist, Christian, and moderate Muslim.
Well said on a most divisive subject. I have an issue with your mention of the ADL as an advocacy group. They are a fringe leftist group representing themselves and NOT any sane Jews.
The ADL has done so much damage to Jews/Israel by claiming to speak for us, targeting and smearing conservatives and claiming to be against “hate.” Conservative American Jews have not had a voice or a platform while the vast majority of American Jews (leftists) continue to vote for democrats no matter what. Chris’s voice and argument, as was Charlie Kirk’s are exactly what we need to do.
💯
Speech is speech. It should not be parsed into prosecutable categories. The First Amendment protects all speech. The response to speech with which you disagree (or agree) is simply more speech, not censorship or prosecution. If we allow that to happen, all is lost.
I should know better, but I’m still shocked that so many people are conned into hating Jewish people.
Victim blaming is just as ugly here as it is when children are blamed for being abused by pedophiles.
Thank you for speaking up for victims and for course correcting people’s anger.
Victim blaming? Only cringey professional victims can claim Jews are victims as the Zionist Holocaust that started in 1948 murders and disposseses on.
"I’m still shocked that so many people are conned into hating Jewish people."
Following from the irrationality of anti-Semitism, what would you say is the psychological mechanism that is occurring that brings it back over and over, and in such large groups of people?
Indeed. There is an old canard, "some of my best friends are Jews". It's usually not true but in my parents case it was. The two couples ate at each others' houses, went out together etc.
The Jewish couple also had a beautiful daughter that I would have asked out if I hadn't been so shy. After the husbands died, the two widows became like sisters.
I have never understood Jew hatred. I was in business for over fifty years and met some Jews who were aholes but just as many Gentiles if not more'
I had a Jewish friend who would laugh and liked to tell me that Jesus was "just another Jewish boy who did well".
I largely agree. I do think that persuasion should be how we respond. I also think that there is a subtle form of antisemitism that is becoming increasingly influential on the political right and unless one is informed about the various forms that antisemitism can & has taken one can easily be duped into thinking it’s legitimate criticism when it’s not. To me, if we’re demanding to have sort of say in Israel’s military strategy then we should demand the same thing from Ukraine (or any other ally); otherwise it’s a double standard & that indicates bias. Bias against Israel is a subtle form of antisemitism.
After 2 years since October 7, most of Jews should realize that we cannot win the PR war against Islam and against indoctrinated leftists and extreme right that dusted off again the oldest Jew hatred fueled many times by foreign money. All Jews in Israel and in Diaspora can only achieve peace by strength and not just only by defensive strength. Our enemies everywhere must fear our offensive strength. We must be self reliant and not be dependent on our allies for moral or military support; start by changing IDF to IWF! We cannot wait for another October 7.
Agree completely. If faced with annihilation, Israel will have to respond and they have the ability to make cities disappear. It's why Trump sent the B-2s to wipe out Iran's nuclear dreams. The Jews have nukes for defense and will only use them if worst comes to worst,
Iran wants nukes to use and they will use them if they get their hands on one.
Yes. And as they believe in martyrdom, the will readily go up
In flames.
Islamic powers only respect strength. Appeasement is suicidal. Israel gets this. It seem most of Western Europe does not…
You're like 20M people.
Do that "offensive strength" thing just ONCE against the European "far right".
I beg you. Do it.
Excellent analysis of our current quagmire and I especially loved your opinion on how to crawl out from under the dross. One thing to keep in mind is that it's not just us Jews who are being hunted and reviled. We're usually the first to be put in the line of fire, but now it's Christians and other denominations of people having religious beliefs. Politicians holding conservative values and love of our beautiful country are included in the unhinged lefts gun sights. There is such clarity now of who stands on the side of good and who stands on the side of evil. May all of us on the side of good prevail and save our nation.
You live in Gig Harbor? I went to HS in Gig Harbor…oh how my little fishing village has grown! And also, I agree with your message. Enforce our current laws. We don’t need new ones.
"On the right, many supporters of Israel, including prominent Republican politicians, argue that America has a theological duty to support the Jewish state. Their view is based on a complex interpretation of biblical prophecy....."
NOT just that but political, practical reasons
"Supporters of Israel should make clear exactly where the lines of the Venn diagram intersect."
We DO, and the Tucker Carlson's (I could Name Others) Don't listen.
Now we need to get you Chris on a national University board to oversee changes the support our western American values and thwart extremism simultaneously.
Presently, there are specific segments of the population that are granted extra special status, which your suggesting would negate. Your concept of equal treatment and protection is a unicorn fantasy dream as long as anti Semitic clubs and influential moneys coming from anti Semitic Islamic groups are allowed to continue to spew their hatred and influence on college campuses. This also included Chinese communist and left wing groups and professors which support these agendas.
I bumped into a childhood friend last week while out walking my dog. She joined us and we had a great conversation.
She is a major donor to the Democrats and to Jewish organizations, and she has a big "Stand with Israel" lawn sign in front of her house. I was stunned, then, when I asked her about "college students" waving Palestinian flags, rioting, and assaulting Jewish students at her Ivy League alma mater.
Her response? "Well, we all hate Netanyahu even more than we hate Trump." Shocked me into silence, but then she added, "We all stand 100% behind Israel, though..."
Her cognitive dissonance is deafening.
"I have engaged in the debate on domestic policy but have hesitated to comment on foreign policy, where I am less certain."
Would that more people would do that! And Not just on foreign policy/affairs.
While I appreciate the thoughtfulness here and agree with many points you’ve made, antisemitic conspiracy theories are not often squashed by countering with persuasive arguments — while I wish it were, it’s unfortunately not that simple. Those peddling these ideas are presented with plenty of logic and myriad facts, but these ideas aren’t based in facts nor reason, and those engaging with them aren’t actually seeking either.
Additionally, we’re dealing with entire newsrooms filled with activists instead of true journalists, and unless that shifts we’ll continue to have people reading and listening to trusted institutions who are intentionally sharing libels and misinformation, and engaging in sloppy reporting.