Israel-Gaza - (No More Emails)
I have multiple identities which intersect in being significant parts of myself. Being an "Aspie" goes along with being white, male, hettish, Jewish, uppermiddle class and within the Identities are other snippets of myself. My "Aspie" essence along with what my parents, particularly my father helped (or not) me learn was that we were (are) "different" no identification with "fitting in" and being "normative" related for example to us not having Television, going to see "a great movie" not going to "the movies", as well as clothes were handmedowns and the cheapest clothes possible from Sears, Penneys and Montgomery Wards.
With respect
to Judaism my (paternal) grandfather
Moses Marx taught my father and he
believed that being Jewish was a Very Important part of his Identity.
They both believed that Synagogues
and Temples were "show
places" not where one's
"religion" was best developed but rather the place for a social world (which
neither felt helpful/important). Judaism was taught at home was familial and for us was shared with fellow Jews at Seders, and perhaps in our Sukkoh.
I believe
that there's no word 'hettish' in English.
I am not a “Dictionary”,
nor am I a “Thesaurus”.
Do you think
that I care?
(Part of my
most recent emailed words) “Stated simply I would posit that:
"October 7th was Both a horrific, horrible set of Actions, as well as
Inevitable, given the history of Palestine-Israel.
When one
looks at October 7th - solely as a single - isolated "event" - it
appears as comparable to the Atomic Bomb detonation in Hiroshima.
To me, it has similarities, but also major, major differences.
For me an
apt quote follows:
“In March
1919,on the eve of the post World War I Paris Peace Conference, ‘Julius Kahn,
the German-born Jewish congressman from San Francisco, delivered to President
Wilson “A Statement to the Peace Conference” endorsed by 299 Jews. …[T]he
document denounced the Zionists for attempting to segregate Jews and to reverse
the historical trend toward emancipation.’ Its signers ‘objected to the
creation of a distinctly Jewish state in Palestine’ not only because they
feared it would jeopardize the status of Jews like themselves in the home
countries, but because they found it ‘contrary “to the principles of democracy’
to elevate Jewish immigrants over Palestine’s Muslim and Christian native
inhabitants. They explicitly denied ‘the existence of ethnic ties among
Jews’ and ‘asserted their wish not to see Palestine “either now or at any time
in the future’ become a Jewish state.’ They petitioned instead for
Palestine to be ‘made into an independent , free, and democratic state that
would not recognize any distinctions of creed, race, or ethnic descent among
its citizens.’ “ (18) (p. xii)
Julius Kahn
- was a reactionary/very conservative - elite politician - who also - defended
grossly racist treating of East-Asian immigrants to the U.S., but here I think
that in some ways, his (along with others) words of 1919 - may have been the
"Last Real Chance" for a peaceful, just resolution of - what became
Israel - through the present (I hope, long-term wise we will find a
"new" permanent solution. I'm not optimistic that it will come
in my lifetime.)
Jabotinsky -
no "liberal egalitarian" or hero of mine (Peter Beinart and Rashid
Khalidi and Noura Erakat and others have influence me in this) - was - Totally
On Target - in being clear - that "Israel" - as a Future State - was
going to Only be a reality through "defeating the Arabs" (my specific
words) - who would fight seeking Palestine - that it was a "binary" -
contrary to the vision of what Julius Kahn believed - Should Have Been created.
For me - a
"real Israel" - "should" have been either some type of
"two state solution" or a "single democratic state",
neither of which should have been based upon - either:
1. A
historic - "Right" - to - The Land, nor
2. A core
belief - that The Jewish People are "better" than the Palestinian
People.
I see Hamas
and October 7th - as having become 100% inevitable - (the latter not
necessarily is Exactly how it transpired - but in a manner of a "radical -
military-killing of ('innocent') people" - because - all other avenues of
- a Peaceful Resolution - of the core issues - had been 100% eliminated, Not by
the Palestinian People, but rather by the actions of the Israeli
Military/Government - strongly supported by the financial and political support
of the U.S. Government.
- - -
Ultimately
it is a Very Dangerous - TRAGEDY - that continues and may be even growing - now
day-by-day, month-by-month.
Abbas - is a
corrupt, inept, aging politician. Hamas - would/will ultimately
fail - being held together - by the tactical and moral - failures of Israel and
more importantly The U.S. Fear - and through Deep Fear - Hatred -
is making "peace" more and more unlikely. War - and
Violence - is not a Positive force - and will never resolve the core issues.
White people
fear Black People far more than Black People fear white people.
Black People are in much more danger, due to racism, than white
people. Men ultimately fear Women far more than Women fear
men. Domestic Violence and Rape - are much more commonly - Men
threatening, killing and injuring Women than other gendered-life situations.
Ultimately -
the fears of the (vast majority of the) Israeli (Jews) - are of another
Holocaust - "From The River to the Sea" meaning the Killing of the
Jews. Obviously, there are Palestinian People who wish to
"kill the Jews".
I have met
Rashida Tlaib and Noura Erakat. They are two Palestinian-Americans
I admire greatly. “
“I have read
a tremendous amount of writing and listened/watched the words of many, many
people -some "experts" many - not so perceptive.
If I am
"naive" or "hoodwinked" or similar - it is Not from not
seeking - "truths" - I reject the word: "The Truth" -
through assimilating the views of a wide variety of others - from - extremely
Contradictory of my view of things to others, who I may agree with in
significant part, while I feel that they are missing important points.
I clearly
remember being in Israel - circa 1981 - for Israeli Independence Day. I
clearly remember first arriving in Israel - during the day in 1963 - when
Pesach began that evening (we were at a Seder that evening held in our
honor). I clearly remember - staying in Jerusalem with my
(maternal) grandfather in August, 1968 - the first Jewish Tour group - staying
in a hotel in East Jerusalem. I walked each evening - through the
darkness - to The King David Hotel - where the only other non-old person on our
tour - was staying (she was in college, I was about to enter my senior year at
WLHS).
My
perspective evolved over the years. I hope, against hope, that -
the U.S. - will eventually change its perspective on Israel and the
Palestinians. As the Dominant Power in the World - we - The
U.S.People/Government - have more impact upon the rest of the world than others
do. We, in the U.S. - are a distinct minority in the World - in
various ways - isolating ourselves. In the decades of the future -
assuming a prevent of a nuclear end to our existence - I believe that:
1. Oil -
will no longer - dominate - "the strategic interests" of the U.S. -
and
2. Israel -
similar to - Panama, Nicaragua, and others countries will discover - that they
- don't matter to - The U.S. - and will be abandoned (leaving Israel isolated
and likely reliant on the potential use of its Nuclear Weapons),
3. The U.S.
- will become no longer - The Dominant Power in the World - the Chinese seem
more likely to become dominant - though India or even other countries could
become dominant
I hope -
against hope - that both people in the U.S. and in Israel - will realize that
the necessity of seeking "Peace" - will make it necessary to risk - a
lot - trust - in a just peace - with the Palestinian People - and that it will
become Possible.
I find the
perspectives of Jonathan Kuttab - a Jerusalem resident - Palestinian -
Christian- hopeful - not "the truth". I have hopes -
that from within (Jewish) Israel - voices of "reason" - which are
present - will grow.
Will such
people and the causes they push forth - "succeed" or be "the
right way"? I have no idea!
I hope so!
I am not
optimistic - that things will change for the better - as far as I can see into
the future. Iran's leadership - is both "tactical" - now
- and HORRIBLE - oppressing their own people horribly. Syria - is
potentially - a HUGE PROBLEM. Lebanon- is a deeply messed up place!
Israel -
with the strong support of the U.S. - is seeking to control - its - current
reality - militarily - in Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon - as well as within The
West Bank and what I refer to as "Israel".
No one I
know believes - that a lasting peace - a just peace - is possible - in the
short-term. If there was - or becomes a "Ceasefire" - I
am Not optimistic - because I don't see - a concern for:
1. The
Palestinian People, nor 2. The (Jewish) People of Israel.
The hostages
- held by Hamas - are clearly not valued by the Israeli Leadership (my
view). The normative - Israeli Jews - are not valued by the Israeli
leadership (my view). While I see no - simple -
"conspiracy" - systemically - I see - a concern - for
"profits" and "power" - which supercede concern for most of
us- "normal people".
I believe
that Israel and more importantly The U.S. - control things far, far more than
others do. The leadership - of most of the countries, if not all of them
in the Middle East - besides Israel - have little concern for the Palestinian
People.
Ultimately -
I see a world (related to Israel) of Zionism - where the strongest forces in
the U.S. supporting Israel - are the "Christian Zionists" - who -
ultimately envision - us all literally dying - upon the "return of
Jesus". The vast major of people in the U.S. know little
about - the realities which I am trying to speak of, nor do they really care
most, if not all of the time.
While I have
a sense of despair and anger, I continue to try my best - to help build a
better world, a just world. I wish - that you and I could dialogue - but
that seems not likely to work.
This
response - is NOT what you asked for. The alternative for me was
silence. I chose the former. I've written it -
unedited. It's not "great" but the best that I can do
now.”
Around 1981 –
I visited with a cousin (not first) – an older woman in Jerusalem. She told me a story which has had deep
meaning from the moments she spoke through today.
She and her husband
had owned a custom dress shop in Jerusalem beginning in the 1930’s – after they’d
emigrated from Germany (no doubt due to the rise of Hitler in 1933). Their customers were wealthy women – both Jewish
and Palestinian. (Note: Those not wealthy could not have afforded to
pay for a dress to be specially made for them.)
Shortly
after the 1967, she recalled that an old Palestinian man came into her
store. He asked of her husband. When she told him that he’d passed away, he
began to cry.
He had been
a porter – working for them – prior to the 1948 – “War of Independence” (for me
now: The Naqba). He’d then been – in East
Jerusalem – land that Jordan ruled over.
There was no way – that he – a Palestinian man – now in “another country”
– could have further contact with the two of them.
My cousin
told me – clearly fondly remembering – that this old Palestinian Man – had asked
to carry her bags – whenever she came to The Old City - the walled in area of East Jerusalem. For the next several years, until he passed
away, she saw him – as he had requested.
The Man –
would not take any money from her. (He
was loyal – most loyal.) Her story – was
one of speaking of how – she, a Jewish, Israeli Woman – felt a connection – one
– that one in this time period – would not have otherwise been spoken of.
I’ve heard
other stories – of Palestinian People – circa 1947-8 – warning – Jewish –
people they’d known – warning them – to leave – immediately – to avoid – being attacked
(and potentially killed).
Obviously –
both such relationships – were “not the norm” and also were not rare.
=
Needless
Deaths – so, so many of them! Sad! At the same time – for me – for my reality –
it is not:
“radicals on
both sides” – have created the Great Divide – that exists (today)!
The “Balance
Beam” – has 1000 pounds on one side – and perhaps 10-100 pounds – on the other
side!
The
Palestinians – can not “make peace” or “help make peace” – unless “Peace” is
seen – as Apartheid – Death – Literally – for many – and Oppression – Deepening
Oppression.
The Fears –
of my former Classmate – mirror – the Fears of the vast Majority of Israeli
Jews! The Houthi People – of Yemen –
are facing – massive military – attacks – from the Air – and the threat – that their
leadership will be “assassinated”. They
are “The Terrorists”! Their Deep Crime –
is supporting – Strongly Supporting – the Palestinian People of Gaza! The Bombings from the Air – continue – along
with – the attempt to stop – “the terrorists” – of Israel, the West Bank, Gaza,
Lebanon, Syria – and most ominously of Iran.
The 1953
Iranian coup d'état, known in Iran as the 28
Mordad coup d'état (Persian: کودتای ۲۸ مرداد), was the U.S.- and British-instigated,
Iranian army-led overthrow of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh in favor of
strengthening the autocratic rule of the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, on 19 August 1953,
with the objectives being to protect British oil interests in Iran after its
government refused to concede to western oil demands.[5][6] It
was instigated
by the United States (under the name TP-AJAX Project[7] or Operation
Ajax) and the United Kingdom (under the name Operation Boot).[8][9][10][11] This
began a period of dissolution for Iranian democracy and society whose effects
on civil rights are prevalent to this day. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_Iranian_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat#:~:text=The%201953%20Iranian%20coup%20d,Mohammad%20Reza%20Pahlavi%2C%20on%2019
The (later)
Iranian Revolution – which resulted in the oppressive leadership of Iran – came
about – in reaction to what is described above. We hear about these clear facts – rarely –
if at all in the U.S. MSNBC and CNN –
do not speak of them more than rarely, if at all!
Let’s not
forget – that the Balfour Declaration of 1917 – came during World War I. At the time – that a home for The Jewish
People was promised by the British Government, Palestine – the part of the
Middle East – that includes what became Israel – was a part or the Ottoman
(Turkish) Empire. Why the British and
French Empires – should have had – control over much of the Middle East – after
World War I seems – “wrong, wrong, wrong” to me. Particularly Wrong – were the promises made
to the Jewish People – that promised them a “home land” – while the Palestinian
People were promised – “rights” – which proved largely to be illusory! The Blame – of course – has been placed on
the Palestinian People – who continue to be Starved, and Attacked and …. (December 27, 2024)
=
As children –
our families were friends! The Older
George – is No Longer To Be in Contact with Him!
I seemingly
refuse to acknowledge the obvious Truths he sees!
Israel – has
sought peace – but the Palestinian People have Repeatedly Rejected – the Numerous
Reasonable Efforts of Israel!
I Do Not –
Buy this Narrative! I acknowledge the
Legitimate Anger He has – towards me!
It isn’t Simply that we Disagree!
My
Disagreements – my Stubborness – has ended his willingness to listen – evermore
– to Me – reaching out – from Richmond, California – to wherever in Israel he
lives – his country of residence – of Deep Love from when he was roughly 18 or
19 years old – to the present – when he is roughly 75 years old!
I Did Not
try to – Offend Him. I tried to honestly
answer his questions, though my Explanation was Far Longer – more Detailed –
than he could possibly of Expected!
Does he
think I’m virtually or totally 100% Wrong?
I don’t know, and honestly – I don’t really Care!
I am not
Angry, nor am I Sad! I’ve spoken my piece. He – broken – the barrier – I suggested –
that we “not talk politics”.
I’ll move
backwards perhaps two days!
“While I
suspect that our - "political perspective" - remains - WILDLY
DIFFERENT, we are still human beings, former classmates, members of the (WL)
Jewish Community and similar.”
I have no
idea why you would choose to open this email on such a confrontational note.
You and I have no idea what each other's political views on Israel are,
especially following the events of October 7, 2023.
Well, I
believe – that my words were not intentionally “confrontational”. I sought, in vain as it turned out, to avoid
– a Significant (increased) Division – between the two of us.
We do Speak
a Different Language. Our views of “Reality”
– are Quite Different related to Israel and October 7th – and the
Palestinian People.
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