The Repetition of Mistakes, History and Antisemitism

I don’t know about you, but I keep making the same mistakes. Let me share a recent example: our kitchen sink got blocked, and I thought I could fix it myself. First, I tried using caustic soda—no luck. A little later, I grabbed the plunger, which only made things worse. Determined not to give up, I opened the drainpipes myself, cutting my finger in the process and spilling water everywhere. Soaked, frustrated, and sporting chemical burns, I finally called the plumber, who fixed the blockage but dislodged the water machine pipe. By Shabbat, I was scrambling to clean up and manage the chaos.

Reflecting on the fiasco, I realized how often we repeat mistakes, fail to see reality, ignore clear signs, and overestimate our abilities. This led me to think about this week’s Torah portion, Parsha Vayeshev, and its resonant lesson: Jacob’s decision to send Joseph to check on his brothers despite obvious warning signs of animosity. The consequences—Joseph being sold into slavery, and years of suffering for him and Jacob—serve as a cautionary tale about underestimating hostility and ignoring risks.

This lesson is painfully relevant to modern history. Take the Yom Kippur War of 1973: the signs were there, yet the scale of the attack caught Israel unprepared. Fast-forward to October 7, 2023, and we see a similar pattern in Israel’s underestimation of Hamas’s hatred. By examining these stories side by side, we can uncover essential lessons in leadership, vigilance, and the cost of misjudgement.

But first let’s look at some examples of repeated mistakes, history, false narratives, and antisemitism disguised as anti-Israelism.

Ireland’s Wording on International Justice and Genocide

Ireland’s push to join the International Court of Justice (ICJ) trial against Israel is a glaring example of bias cloaked in moral authority. Realizing the term “genocide” would not stand in court—since genocide requires clear intent—Ireland shifted to accusations of “collective punishment.” This dangerous rhetoric disregards the realities of war.

What war does not involve some form of collective punishment? If this becomes the standard for judgment, then equal scrutiny must apply to Hamas rockets indiscriminately targeting Israeli civilians, Iran’s proxy wars, Hezbollah’s aggression, and Syria, Yemen, and Western military interventions in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet these are rarely met with the same outrage.

Ireland itself has a history that raises questions about its moral credibility: from the sectarian violence of The Troubles to its neutrality during World War II, which included sheltering Nazi sympathizers. The systemic abuse of women and children in “Mother and Baby Homes” further undermines its position as a moral arbiter.

Debunking the 186,000 Casualties Claim: Amnesty’s Flawed Narrative

In its damning report Amnesty International’s report, it accuses Israel of Genocide and claims 186,000 casualties- a figure that defies credibility.

This was debunked by the “big” story this week that Hamas’s reports, which fail to distinguish between combatants and civilians, included over 5,000  natural deaths in their tally. Amnesty’s omission of critical issues—such as Hamas taking hostages and using human shields—distorts the narrative and fuels anti-Israel sentiment.

By disproportionately focusing on Israel and downplaying Hamas’s crimes, Amnesty undermines genuine accountability and peace efforts.

Furthermore. Amnesty International’s report glaringly omits the critical issue of hostages taken by Hamas during the Gaza conflict. Hundreds of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, were abducted and subjected to inhumane treatment, psychological torture, and used as bargaining tools. This egregious violation of international law constitutes a clear war crime, yet Amnesty’s report fails to give it the attention it deserves.

By focusing disproportionately on allegations against Israel while neglecting Hamas’s crimes, including the hostage crisis, Amnesty promotes a distorted narrative that obscures the full reality of the conflict. The suffering endured by the hostages and their families cannot be ignored and must remain central to any balanced and truthful analysis of the Gaza war.

Such unsubstantiated numbers promote a false narrative by painting Israel as solely responsible for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while ignoring critical context. It overlooks Hamas’s deliberate use of civilian areas for military operations, their embedding of weapons in schools and hospitals, and their use of human shields—all of which contribute to civilian casualties. By focusing exclusively on Israel and downplaying or ignoring these factors, the report perpetuates a one-sided portrayal that fuels global anti-Israel sentiment and distorts the realities of urban warfare against a terrorist entity. This approach not only undermines Amnesty’s credibility but also hinders genuine accountability and peace efforts.

They accuse Israel of being a colonist enterprise. The irony is almost too rich to digest—these descendants of European empires, whose nations perfected the art of genocide, colonialism, slavery, and cultural annihilation, now sit perched on their moral high horses, wagging fingers at Israel for daring to defend its existence. What chutzpah! These are societies that uprooted entire civilizations, transported millions in chains, and plundered continents for wealth that still props up their economies, yet they feel entitled to vilify the one nation resurrected from millennia of persecution. It’s as if the grandmasters of historical atrocities have taken a masterclass in projection, cloaking their collective guilt in a crusade against the Jewish state.

This hypocrisy not only undermines the integrity of international justice but perpetuates an outdated and troubling bias against the world’s only Jewish state.

History Repeating in Syria- Nothing New Under the Sun: Reflections on Psalm 60

Reflecting on Psalm 60, I am struck by the timeless relevance of its message. Artscroll, in its introduction to this psalm, explains that King David composed it at the outset of his successful campaign against Israel’s northern neighbors. These adversaries had been violating Israel’s borders with impunity. In this psalm, David expresses his unwavering trust in the divine assurance that his reign would be strengthened internally, while externally, Israel would be both feared and respected.

This past week, we have witnessed a significant resetting of the political map. Israel has seized the moment to dismantle weapons of mass destruction including chemical weapons in Syria—that posed an existential threat to its survival. Syria has long been a hub for instability, hosting hostile forces such as Iran-backed militias and serving as a conduit for advanced weaponry destined for groups like Hezbollah. By acting decisively, Israel has not only safeguarded its own security but has also put a dent in the “axis of evil” that seeks to undermine regional stability.

These events in Syria mirror struggles from ancient times. Over 2,000 years ago, Israel faced the Greek-Syrians, a foreign power that sought to dominate the region. Today, the modern Syrian regime, backed by external powers, has become a theatre for proxy wars that threaten Israel and other neighboring states.

What is remarkable is how, despite these shifting dynamics, one constant remains: Israel’s enduring presence and resilience. While the actors and methods of conflict may change, the core struggle for survival, sovereignty, and the defense of values continues. Psalm 60 reminds us that, just as in King David’s time, divine assurance and steadfast action are crucial for overcoming these challenges.

These recent developments in Syria also highlight the cyclical nature of history. The threats Israel faces today—chemical weapons, proxy forces, and destabilizing regional actors—are modern echoes of the ancient struggles described in Psalm 60. The parallels are striking, and they reinforce the need for vigilance, strategic action, and faith.

Sportswashing: The Modern Moral Quagmire

From Qatar’s 2022 World Cup to Saudi Arabia hosting in 2034, we witness global institutions rewarding nations with glaring human rights abuses. These events serve to whitewash repression, extremism, and environmental irresponsibility. Why does history keep repeating itself? Why do we prioritize spectacle over justice?

This recurring pattern of “sportswashing” highlights the need for a global reckoning. Drawing lessons from history, faith, and timeless values, we must demand better.

Click here to read: https://upgradingesg.substack.com/p/history-repeats-itself

Deep dive into the lessons of our Parsha – Comparing and learning from history

Credit – Chat GPT

1. Failing to Recognize the Depth of Hostility

• Jacob and His Sons: Jacob underestimated the depth of his sons’ jealousy toward Joseph, ignoring the warning signs. His decision to send Joseph into their midst led to betrayal and immense suffering.
• Israel and Hamas: Similarly, Israel misjudged Hamas’s deep ideological hatred. The brutal attack of October 7 revealed the devastating consequences of underestimating their capacity for violence and terror.

2. Ignoring Warning Signs

• Jacob’s Oversight: Jacob failed to address the growing tension in his family, allowing jealousy to fester unchecked. His inaction set the stage for Joseph’s betrayal.
• Israel’s Oversight: Despite increased militant activity and clear warnings, Israel’s political and defence leadership misjudged the immediate threat, leading to catastrophic consequences.

3. Trusting When Vigilance Was Needed

• Jacob: Jacob trusted that familial bonds would restrain his sons, ignoring clear evidence of their hostility.
• Israel: A sense of false security during periods of calm led to complacency, underestimating Hamas’s readiness and willingness to act.

4. Misjudging the Power of Ideology

• Jacob: Jacob assumed that family ties would outweigh resentment, failing to grasp how jealousy blinded his sons to moral obligations.
• Israel: Hamas’s hatred, rooted in uncompromising ideology, was underestimated. Their actions defied expectations of rational behaviour, driven by extreme narratives.

5. The Cost of Underestimation

• Jacob: Joseph’s betrayal caused years of pain and separation for Jacob’s family, with consequences that rippled across generations.
• Israel: The October 7 attack resulted in profound loss, trauma, and devastation, underscoring the high cost of underestimating worst-case scenarios.

6. Lessons in Leadership and Vigilance

• Jacob’s Story: The narrative highlights the need for foresight, proactive conflict resolution, and balancing trust with caution in leadership.
• Israel’s Reality: Effective leadership demands vigilance, humility to recognize blind spots, and readiness to act decisively to mitigate threats.

7. The Role of Redemption and Resilience

• Jacob’s Family: Despite the betrayal, Joseph’s story ultimately leads to redemption and unity, ensuring the survival of Jacob’s family.
• Israel: The resilience of the Israeli people in the face of tragedy mirrors the Torah’s redemptive arcs. Crisis can lead to unity, preparedness, and a deeper understanding of the threats faced.

Conclusion

The parallels between Jacob’s underestimation of his sons’ hostility and Israel’s misjudgement of Hamas highlight a universal truth: the human tendency to downplay animosity when it conflicts with our hopes for peace or security. These narratives remind us of the critical importance of vigilance, proactive conflict resolution, and recognizing the dangerous potential of unchecked hatred.

Whether in biblical times or modern geopolitics, the lessons remain timeless: true leadership requires hope, trust, and the courage to confront uncomfortable realities. By doing so, we can prevent harm, foster resilience, and ultimately work toward redemption and healing.

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Erin Molan is being pulled off the air by hashtag#skynews Australia. She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and spoke up strongly on behalf of the Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. She was not even allowed a farewell program by the Sky News. Erin will be visiting Israel in a week, and perhaps we can learn if speaking out against Hamas and hashtag#UNRWA cost her job. Erin, we remember our friends, and you have been a true friend. May you land on your feet and not be afraid to keep speaking the truth. Erin Molan hashtag#erinmolan.