In the Name of Love (Jewish Pride)
We are witnessing, in real time, international bullying and piling on of the highest order, in the age of social media, propaganda masquerading as news, and complete social dysfunction.
Israel is not perfect. But Israel is also not worthy of the astoundingly hypocritical condemnation we have witnessed in recent days. We just want peace, safety, and security like anyone else. Leave us alone. That’s all we ask.
Did Israel ever launch a “crusade” or a “jihad” or attempt to establish an “Empire” to convert “infidels” or rule the world? Did you ever see mobs of Jews chanting “Death to America” like we saw on 9/11 after 3000 US citizens were murdered in one of the most unimaginable terrorist attacks ever? (Until Oct 7, that is.)
No.
So I don’t think it is hyperbolic to say that the hypocrisy of the international community, and the lack of any sense of integrity or courage to demand the immediate and unconditional release of ALL the hostages, with one singular voice, is perhaps the greatest moral failure since the holocaust. The world’s madness has gone further than just ignoring evil. Now it seeks to reward it. Never again, indeed.
For us, “never again” is not a slogan to soothe any kind of guilt the way the rest of the world seems to meaninglessly let those words spill off their tongue and then congratulate themselves for their humanitarian “sensitivity.” For us, “never again” is an imperative. It’s a mandate. And it’s a warning. Don’t mistake our compassion and dedication to history, learning, and enlightenment for weakness.
All we’ve ever wanted as Jews is peace and a place to call home. We write about it. Sing about it. Pray for it every day. All we want is a place where we would not be persecuted or tortured, or vilified just for being different. We are “those Jews.” And we’re proud of it.
What would you do if every single day, someone was doing everything they could to demoralize, defame and destroy, and kill you? Not because of land. But because of hate, plain and simple hate. Because if it was just about land, this could have ended before it even started. In 1948. In 1967. In 1979. In 1998. In 2005.
Want to stop the war and the suffering? Stop the hate. It really is just that simple. Demand immediate and unconditional release of ALL the hostages. Every day. With as much unrelenting persistence as you blame Israel for everything else.
Short of that, critics of Israel’s Hobbesian choice should stay quiet and pray that Israel wins and defeats Hamas. They must win. Because it’s not just for the sake of Israel. It’s for the sake of everything good and decent in the world. Just as the world united in World War II to defeat evil, so too must we now all resolve to defeat Hamas. Completely and decisively. Whatever it takes.
All these so-called “leaders” should be ashamed, with that weasel, Macron, at the head of the class. Those who criticize Bibi for prolonging the war so he can stay in power should look in the mirror. I’m looking at you, M. Macron…President of Paristine.
If anyone is to blame for the poor humanitarian conditions in Gaza, it’s Hamas and the Gazans who elected them. Since 2005, they have been given the keys to their own destiny. Instead, drunk with power, they wrecked the car, while the world stood by and said nothing, did nothing. The UN has become nothing more than a self-serving cesspool of corruption, long passed its relevance and usefulness.
This is not World Hunger Day, the Ethiopian famine, or LiveAid (ironically, also the result of the UN’s incompetence). Not even close. I suspect Bono’s recent declarations are more about trying to stay relevant than they are about demanding justice. Sadly, it puts his prior statements in the wake of October 7th in the same light as that of so many others: just meaningless, empty words to make themselves feel better and perhaps get a U2 “viral” humanitarian award moment on TikTok.
But we are a people who believe words are the source of action, not a substitute for it. Words, history, and our code have sustained us. Which is why 3000 years later, our message of freedom is still the same. Freedom to live and worship and love in our home, on our land. Freedom from physical and intellectual tyranny, for all mankind. We’re still here, asking for the same thing:
Let my people go!!!
In the aftermath of one of the saddest days in our history – Tisha B’Av – a day that commemorates and mourns the destruction of our holiest site, the Temple in Jerusalem, Israel celebrates Tu B’Av… the holiday of love. Just as Israel also celebrates its Independence Day, the day after its Memorial Day for all those who have perished. Name one other country in the world that celebrates love, life, and peace with such optimism and resilience after darkness and despair.
You want to do something in the name of love? Stop the hate.
Am Israel chai.
(And Bono can kiss mine tuchus. In the name of love, of course.)