David, Great work. But from one talking head to another, do you not feel that this time something is different. It seems a critical mass has been reached. Whoopi Goldberg. What's the point of the fight anymore? World Jewry needs to come home. Instead of investing millions on programs that will never change an Antisemite's mind, put the money into immigration to Israel.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ehud. I sympathize with your point and very much encourage my Jewish friends to make Aliyah. However, I really don't want to see too many American Jews move to Israel. They really add so much to our culture in America and I would miss my Jewish friends so much.
And I do think it's possible to eventually change some antisemites minds. There are plenty of examples of former klansmen and former racists who woke up and now speak out against hate. The fight against antisemitism is going to be long and hard but if we can wake up more non-Jews to how important it is then I think we can really make a difference.
I also have a few wilder ideas about how to cure antisemitism - in many ways I see it as a kind of psychological disorder. I'll write more on this next year as I continue to organize my thoughts on it.
David, American Jewry needs to come home to Israel. Even one million would change Israel forever. They can come and live in their own communities (there are precedents). They can continue living their lives as English speakers. Antisemitism will not disappear when the Jews are gone (see Poland). True, it may just continue to transform into Antizionism but that is fine because they will be screaming in the streets while Zionism is moving ahead and providing a safe haven for Jews. I understand your desire to keep your Jewish friends around--I really do--but Israel needs them more. The destiny of the Jewish people is being realized today in Israel.
1. If you haven't already. Implicit Antisemitism of allowing Iran to threaten to wipe Israel off the map for the last 40 years and to actively pursue a nuclear bomb to assist with that, with no country really objecting.
2. Why it would be good for America to keep at least some of its Jews. This is diametrically opposed to a basic theme of my substack and I would happily host or cross-post on it. I have many Jewish American readers who would certainly like to hear such a view.
As a Jew, this is very flattering and humbling. But I see it as a suicide mission, like trying to cool-off a boiling tub of water by jumping into it. I say this as someone who moved to Israel alone over four decades ago, leaving an entire family behind. The Jews of America gave it their "best shot" and now Antisemites are "shooting back," with live ammo. This is a repeat of the German Jewish experiment of the 1920's and '30s. Then there was no precedent.
I think the American Jews who you see as a catalyst for good, are either in denial or have morphed into something very un-Jewish. Those who are cognizant of what it is to be a Jew and the Jewish role in humanity have moved or are planning their move to Israel.
I am as sad as you are; outside of the family I created with my wife here in Israel, all my pre-aliyah family is in the States and don't recognize the pending abyss.
David, Great work. But from one talking head to another, do you not feel that this time something is different. It seems a critical mass has been reached. Whoopi Goldberg. What's the point of the fight anymore? World Jewry needs to come home. Instead of investing millions on programs that will never change an Antisemite's mind, put the money into immigration to Israel.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ehud. I sympathize with your point and very much encourage my Jewish friends to make Aliyah. However, I really don't want to see too many American Jews move to Israel. They really add so much to our culture in America and I would miss my Jewish friends so much.
And I do think it's possible to eventually change some antisemites minds. There are plenty of examples of former klansmen and former racists who woke up and now speak out against hate. The fight against antisemitism is going to be long and hard but if we can wake up more non-Jews to how important it is then I think we can really make a difference.
I also have a few wilder ideas about how to cure antisemitism - in many ways I see it as a kind of psychological disorder. I'll write more on this next year as I continue to organize my thoughts on it.
David, American Jewry needs to come home to Israel. Even one million would change Israel forever. They can come and live in their own communities (there are precedents). They can continue living their lives as English speakers. Antisemitism will not disappear when the Jews are gone (see Poland). True, it may just continue to transform into Antizionism but that is fine because they will be screaming in the streets while Zionism is moving ahead and providing a safe haven for Jews. I understand your desire to keep your Jewish friends around--I really do--but Israel needs them more. The destiny of the Jewish people is being realized today in Israel.
Ok! I'll be listening.
Much appreciated. If you ever have any ideas of things you want me to write about feel free to hit me up.
Two things.
1. If you haven't already. Implicit Antisemitism of allowing Iran to threaten to wipe Israel off the map for the last 40 years and to actively pursue a nuclear bomb to assist with that, with no country really objecting.
2. Why it would be good for America to keep at least some of its Jews. This is diametrically opposed to a basic theme of my substack and I would happily host or cross-post on it. I have many Jewish American readers who would certainly like to hear such a view.
Got it. Vice versa.
David,
As a Jew, this is very flattering and humbling. But I see it as a suicide mission, like trying to cool-off a boiling tub of water by jumping into it. I say this as someone who moved to Israel alone over four decades ago, leaving an entire family behind. The Jews of America gave it their "best shot" and now Antisemites are "shooting back," with live ammo. This is a repeat of the German Jewish experiment of the 1920's and '30s. Then there was no precedent.
I think the American Jews who you see as a catalyst for good, are either in denial or have morphed into something very un-Jewish. Those who are cognizant of what it is to be a Jew and the Jewish role in humanity have moved or are planning their move to Israel.
I am as sad as you are; outside of the family I created with my wife here in Israel, all my pre-aliyah family is in the States and don't recognize the pending abyss.
Glenn Perlman