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running commentary

The internet is filled with things. Here are some of them.

#israel

2023

Measuring the effect of Anti-Israel propaganda on the youth 2023 Dec 18
This linked PDF of a Harvard Caps Harris Poll from last week shows opinions on a smattering of political and recent events. The last section, "Current Events" digs heavily into the American Public's reactions to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. To my relief, the majority opinions are sane in every question. However, looking at age-bracket breakdown charts, 18-24 year olds frequently fall into a stance against the majority, holding counter-factual or antisemitism-based points of view that would have been unthinkable when I was last a member of that demographic twenty years ago. I don't know what to do about this, but to me it's telling of the extent and effectiveness of the antisemitic and antizionist propaganda efforts active in social media.
‘Antizionism’ is the most lethal form of antisemitism out there 2023 Nov 30
I've been quiet about the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas and their aftermath, but not because I haven't been paying attention. Rather, I've been horrified by the progressive worlds' reaction, abandoning its principals of self-determination for all people, and descending into blatant antisemitism. This article sums up rather succinctly the thin facade that is the vogue euphemism 'antizionism,' highlighting the reality that "No other form of antisemitism—the most obvious example being the Jew-hatred espoused by white supremacists and other far-right groups—is this accessible."
50 years ago, the Munich Olympics massacre changed how we think about terrorism 2023 Nov 18
An article which grows more interesting in light of the current Israel hostages being held in the Gaza Strip. Clearly not an echo of what happened in Munich, but certainly an unfortunate continuation.
Israel 75 eCards 2023 May 14
On May 14, 1948 in the late afternoon the new Jewish state was proclaimed in Tel Aviv. A few hours later the British Mandate ended at midnight and just eleven minutes later the new State of Israel was formally recognized by the United States – at 6:11 pm in Washington, DC.
Bay Area Support for Israel Isn't Unconditional 2023 Mar 15
This article documents the Bay Area Jewish response to Israel's proposed judicial reforms – laws that would allow Knesset to override the Supreme Court's decisions. I am tracking this story closely, the latest sign of a growing divide between American Judaism and Israeli politics. What do we do with a Jewish state which doesn't uphold our Jewish values?