Thank you for putting yourself out there, Erin, when anything we express on this topic makes us vulnerable to criticism and attack. Here's what's been going through my head:
Nobody assumes that, because I'm a US citizen, I support Trump, and yet so many do support him that he may be reelected. So, why is there an assumption that Israeli citizens support Netanyahu's government? Or that Palestinians support Hamas? Moreover, how did we get to the place that:
1. If you're critical of the Israeli government, conservative Jews accuse you of being anti-semitic, and
2. Real anti-semitic attacks, both verbal and physical, are occurring at an alarming rate, directed at Jews who are no more supportive of Israeli government policies and actions than they are of Trump. (Viz the attack on Smitten IceCream, right here in SF.)
Yes, there have been many protests continuing in Israel against the Bibi government. It's so important not to equate Israeli or Jewish people with the Israeli government (especially the way their parliamentary system works).
Thank you for putting yourself out there, Erin, when anything we express on this topic makes us vulnerable to criticism and attack. Here's what's been going through my head:
Nobody assumes that, because I'm a US citizen, I support Trump, and yet so many do support him that he may be reelected. So, why is there an assumption that Israeli citizens support Netanyahu's government? Or that Palestinians support Hamas? Moreover, how did we get to the place that:
1. If you're critical of the Israeli government, conservative Jews accuse you of being anti-semitic, and
2. Real anti-semitic attacks, both verbal and physical, are occurring at an alarming rate, directed at Jews who are no more supportive of Israeli government policies and actions than they are of Trump. (Viz the attack on Smitten IceCream, right here in SF.)
Yes, there have been many protests continuing in Israel against the Bibi government. It's so important not to equate Israeli or Jewish people with the Israeli government (especially the way their parliamentary system works).