FAR-RIGHT, CRIMINALLY INDICTED NETANYAHU: "THIS IS A TIME FOR WAR" . . . LIBERALS: "YAAAAY!"
Hey America, how would you feel about our nation's unyielding support to Netanyahu if it was being issued by Trump?
I WAS ABOUT SEVEN YEARS OLD when I first started to understand the gravity of tyranny and white supremacy. Despite being an atheist who grew up in an agnostic home, I took my first steps on this life-long path against persecution's reign through my meaningful relationships with Jewish people and, indeed, with Judaism.
For nearly 40 years, my connection with Judaism has taught me to stand up for all people victimized by terror, hatred, and authoritarianism. And it is 100% because of — and not in spite of — this connection that I am able to think critically about persecution in our world today.
Persecution of all people.
And all children.
For the last three weeks, I have been screaming at the television due to the profoundly irresponsible media reporting and politicking occurring before our very eyes. Indiscriminate devotion to supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, no matter what, while we watch the slaughter of Palestinians.
Sightlessly standing with Netanyahu is not honoring the Jewish people and their heritage. He is a criminally indicted leader with an extremist administration who is warping the integrity of Judaism with his quest for supremacy and, in the process, placing both Jews and Muslims directly in danger.
Speaking to reporters yesterday evening (Monday), Netanyahu decisively rejected pleas for a ceasefire, saying, "This is a time for war". All this as he faces extensive criticism and fury from an Israeli public that holds his government responsible for its failure to stop the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7.
This is a time for war.
Oh, how immoral this statement is.
For weeks now, many, many mainstream media outlets and legislators have parroted far-right Netanyahu talking points without even a trace of perceptive and judicious analysis. Yet now, many of them are starting to see that perhaps this Netanyahu fella ain't a good guy.
What's that? Being unquestioningly devoted to a criminally indicted authoritarian and his extremist regime isn't turning out well? Astonishing.
As well as being laser-focused on how this war is decimating human beings in Palestine and Israel, we must confront how this war impacts families, children, and communities around the globe. Antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes are increasing worldwide, placing Jewish, Muslim, and Arab people and communities in extreme danger. The seriousness of these worldwide hate crimes cannot be understated.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a warning, citing an increasing number of appalling domestic hate crimes against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and saying that the intensification of Israeli airstrikes on Hamas targets and the ground incursion into Gaza will keep the U.S. on a "heightened threat environment in the near-to-medium term."
Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities merit peace, respect, and stability. The young people in these communities deserve a joyful existence free of hate and bigotry. These people deserve time and space to heal and mourn for these devastating attacks.
It bears repeating: I am critical of Netanyahu because of — not in spite of — my long-standing connection to Judaism. Our world is awash with right-wing white supremacists who believe the murderous authoritarians of our past were heroes. Actual antisemites. Actual Islamophobic bigots. Actual fascists. People who exist to HURT non-white, non-Christian, non-"American" communities.
Calling someone either antisemitic or Islamophobic as a means to deflect criticism of Netanyahu's or Hamas' indiscriminate killing of children conflates the seriousness of what these terms truthfully mean and is grossly irresponsible. We cannot haphazardly undermine the genuine meaning and history of these words to uphold terror against children.
We must face reality. And in facing this reality, we need to acknowledge where we are. If former President Trump were currently in office, he would be making the exact same decisions President Biden is presently making and issuing the same unwavering support to Netanyahu. So, I have an earnest question for the #BlueNoMatterWho crowd and need you all to answer honestly . . . how would you feel about America's unyielding support of Netanyahu if it was being issued from Trump? Does this change your relationship with this war?
We can never again stand by on the sidelines of despotism and permit any dehumanization and genocide, as was so disgracefully and unforgivably done to the Jewish people in the Second World War.
We must advocate for humanity, critical thinking, and for innocent children.
Full fucking stop.
Very well said Jo!