Futility of persuasion

I see Israelis posting their outrage on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Some even do so while knowing that they can be targeted by fanatics who may happen to live nearby.

Just like with the war in Ukraine, Israelis are attempting to convince others, to perusade them. And hitting that wall of ignorance can be frustrating. Damn frustrating.

Sadly, it’s a futile effort. How do I know? I’ve tried many many times to convince educated Africans that Russia isn’t the good guy and Wagner Group isn’t a friendly organization. That, from my perspective, reality looks dramatically different. But Russia-lovers don’t care. They have their image of Russia and nothing I say, nothing I do, is going to change it. They are going to call me a propagandist. Oh, the irony is, of course, lost on them.

You, my dear Jewish friends, are up against the same rigid, if not psychotic, mindset, just a different part of the world. Still, I’m astounded to see esteemed academics openly supporting Hamas. This is even worse than I thought.

What can you do, then? Just focus on the ones who are on your side. Everyone else is a lost cause. I know, I know. You’re screaming at the screen now, telling me how defeatist it is to write such nonsense.

The only way these – pardon my French – misguided morons are going to learn is if something happens to them and their bubble bursts. Life teaches them humility.

Other than that, they are like cult members who are so far gone even the best cult deprogrammer in the world might not be able to reach them.

Don’t despair but don’t expect fools to become wise men.