As usual, your analysis cuts through the protective skins of commentators on both sides of this conflict.
I do not strongly support the extremists on either side. I believe in the right of both nations to exist. The problem of course is that they each claim absolute and exclusive ownership of the same little piece of the planet's surface. Not adjacent pieces. No Two States living side by side in peace. The same single piece! The Temple Mount of the Hebrews/Judaists is the Noble Mount (Haram Sharif) of the Muslims both Shia (Iran) and Sunni (Saudir Arabia). Thank goodness the Christians don't also claim it, though they did in the 11thC. The Crusades, anyone? My ancestors were up to the fetlocks of their horses in that one. Not mud - blood! Jewish and Moslem blood, very ecumenical.
I am an active participant in Jewish culture in a vibrant and growing community. Normally a talkative person, I have clammed up about my disappointment with Likud leadership and policies since Menachum Begin won the first presidency for the Israeli right wing. With more than 46 years to wince and seethe over Israeli politics, I have to tell you that average boomer, gen x and older millennial American Jews don’t want to hear views critical of Israel, its people or its leadership. I’m staying quiet, as I leave for a big bar mitzvah and celebration. Gotta keep my mouth shut!
I hope that you receive at least as much support as you receive mindless anger. Unfortunately the world contains far more hatred than compassion these days.
I get that people are passionate about their beliefs--I am. I just can't accept killing non-combatants. There can be no "oh, well, they are killing them because of this." reasons.
As usual, your analysis cuts through the protective skins of commentators on both sides of this conflict.
I do not strongly support the extremists on either side. I believe in the right of both nations to exist. The problem of course is that they each claim absolute and exclusive ownership of the same little piece of the planet's surface. Not adjacent pieces. No Two States living side by side in peace. The same single piece! The Temple Mount of the Hebrews/Judaists is the Noble Mount (Haram Sharif) of the Muslims both Shia (Iran) and Sunni (Saudir Arabia). Thank goodness the Christians don't also claim it, though they did in the 11thC. The Crusades, anyone? My ancestors were up to the fetlocks of their horses in that one. Not mud - blood! Jewish and Moslem blood, very ecumenical.
Never again!
I am an active participant in Jewish culture in a vibrant and growing community. Normally a talkative person, I have clammed up about my disappointment with Likud leadership and policies since Menachum Begin won the first presidency for the Israeli right wing. With more than 46 years to wince and seethe over Israeli politics, I have to tell you that average boomer, gen x and older millennial American Jews don’t want to hear views critical of Israel, its people or its leadership. I’m staying quiet, as I leave for a big bar mitzvah and celebration. Gotta keep my mouth shut!
I hope that you receive at least as much support as you receive mindless anger. Unfortunately the world contains far more hatred than compassion these days.
I get that people are passionate about their beliefs--I am. I just can't accept killing non-combatants. There can be no "oh, well, they are killing them because of this." reasons.