Inches to Metric: How to Have ‘The Difficult Conversation’

By highlighting people, organizations and interesting situations, I’m able to introduce and familiarize my readers to the personal, ironic, funny, human, unusual  and brilliant side of Israel. I’m focusing on two extremely visionary organizations today.

OpenDor Media or ODM (formally Jerusalem U), was created as a production company specializing in documentary films highlighting Israel’s contributions to the world. Two of their films include Sustainable Nation, and Beneath the Helmet. The organization since evolved becoming a premiere provider of Jewish and Israeli educational content, including a remarkable division called UNpacked. A wildly successful format including podcasts, YouTube, social media and more, on various hot topics relating to Israel.

Clarion Project, another indie film production company, focused on the Arab world. One of their many films Covert Cash, (shook the news world), documenting the money trail of non-allied countries pouring vast sums of money into our finest US\ universities. They’ve moved onto other extremely important matters, no longer producing films. Check out their website.

“The Difficult Conversation”

Several years ago I was invited to attend a seminar hosted by ODM: “How to Have the Difficult Conversation,” with people holding vastly different political views about Israel. I was intrigued. I was witnessing people turn away from Israel and was overwhelmed with emotion when speaking with anti or “Trojan Horse Zionists” (people who claim to love Israel, but…). It’s always with a but, it’s like saying I love America/my parents, followed by a “but.” My friends and acquaintances in the US were also stymied when discussing/debating Israel. The timing was spot on, the seminar was empowering. They taught a clever and powerful technique for Israel advocacy. I decided to help others by formulating the strategy/speaking points.

Instead of plunging into a debate, ask questions

• Does Israel have the right to exist? If the other party says no, stop the conversation. If yes, listen. Often they say, “What about the Palestinians?” I have heard this many times (are they scripted?). I ask, “What about them?” They usually answer, “Israel is not doing enough.” I say, “You are demanding a utopia that does not exist.” Then offer “I have a different perspective.” If they are not interested, stop.
• Does Israel have a right to defend itself?
• Name another country in the Middle East where Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, Bedouins, Bahai, Armenian, openly gay, secular and Traditional Religious communities co-exist? There are none.
• Are there Israeli Arabs? Yes. Do Arabs work in every level of society in Israel? Yes. Including– but not limited to– medicine, law, military, police, teachers, journalists, building, farming, butchers, shop keepers, truck drivers, gas stations, groceries…
• Name another country in the Middle East which allows open elections for Jews, Muslims, Christians and others, where a man or woman can run for office and hold a seat of power (Supreme Court and Knesset)? None.
• The “Palestinian situation.” Has Israel ever offered a two state solution? Countless times. Why was it rejected? Palestinian narrative: restoring honor to their people necessitates eliminating Israel (Palestinian Charter, articles 5 and 15). Does Israel have borders which allow Gazans and West Bank residents to enter Israel? Yes. Pre-October 7th, 20,000 Palestinian Gazans entered Israel daily for work. Some were spies, slaughtering the same people who employed them, on October 7th. Does Israel treat wounded or sick terrorists? Yes. Israel saved Sinwar’s (Hamas leader, mastermind behind Oct 7 ) life by performing life saving brain surgery while in captivity.
• Why is Israel being accused of being a colonizer/occupier? Israel’s presence in the region spans over 3,000 years. Is there proof of Israel’s existence? YES. Israel is documented in the Torah (first five books of the Hebrew Bible), New Testament and Koran. Archaeological sites throughout Israel validate Israel’s existence in all the Holy Books. When did the Arabs arrive? Approximately 700 years ago various Arab tribes migrated into the region, all the while living among the groups you see in Israel today. They built the Dome of the Rock on our sacred Temple Mount, therefore destroying our holiest site.
• Which religion was wiped out of the Middle East (excluding Israel) other than Jews? The Christians. After the establishment of Israel in 1948, the Jews from  surrounding Middle Eastern countries were persecuted then exiled by their Arab neighbors, most fled to Israel. Then the Christian communities were attacked. Clarion produced Faith Keepers, which tells the story of the Christian genocide in the Middle East.
• Can an educated Western mind possibly understand the mindset of a Jihadist killing cult? To get a peek into what is happening today, Clarion produced Chasing Paradise. 

Knowledge is power

Debating with confidence requires knowledge. I have three book recommendations. The Prime Ministers by Yehudah Avner, Israel by Noa Tishby, and Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef, made into a film, The Green Prince. 

My life lines!

My favorite podcasters: Call Me Back by Dan Senor, the episode with Noa Tishby and Emmanuel Acho, co-authors of the book Uncomfortable Conversations With a Jew, is worth a listen. Honestly by Bari Weiss, The Commentary Magazine Podcast by John Podhoretz, Israel from the Inside by Daniel Gordis. I read Bari Weiss’ The Free Press, Naomi Ragen Daily War Diary, Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), and Times of Israel.

The enemy within

I checked out the If Not Now (INN) website. One picture has a sign saying “End The Occupation.” I was curious about “the occupation.” I had to dig a bit…INN wants Israel out of Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Other than the war, Israel pulled out of Gaza nearly 20 years ago. East Jerusalem is and has always been the capitol of Israel for over 2,000 years. When not in control of that area, Jews were forbidden to go to The Wall. Now all are welcome. The West Bank… Why is it okay for Muslims to live in nearly every area of Israel (we have several Arab villages near our home) while the world frowns on Israel living outside of its ghettoized borders? Now that the Palestinian movement has shown their true colors and wants Israel eliminated, why do you think the members of INN still align with “their movement?”

Some Jewish community leaders/members who claim to be Zionists were fed/brainwashed anti-Israel propaganda, similar to what the INN members believe. They choose to ignore the fact that extending our hand in peace leaves us vulnerable and often attacked. Some say Israel deserves it!?

I’ve had conversations with “Trojan Horse Zionists,” it often ends abruptly, with the Trojan huffing away in anger… One prominent leader in our community stated “her blood was boiling.” I just laughed. Scratch the surface, and the anti-Israel crowd has no argument. I pity them. They all have FOMO and don’t want to be ousted by the “cool anti-Israel crowd.” It’s not funny, it’s tragic. I told one leader encouraging Jews to turn away from Israel was dangerous.

Articulate your discussion points, practice, be brave, and speak up! History will prove one of us right. I prefer to be on the side of our people. Change can’t happen sitting in the US screaming at the TV; read, listen, debate, ask questions. Visit Israel and learn, or better yet, become a citizen and create the change you are dreaming of.