2) They held the hostages in an area densely populated with innocent Palestinian people, knowing that Israel could attempt a violent rescue of those hostages at any time.
3) When the IDF conducted the rescue, Hamas opened fire on them.
These are indisputable facts.
So, it follows that the civilians killed were 100% Israel's fault???
Thank you, Ed. I agree with everything you wrote. Much of the language protestors and others are using is disturbing, hyperbolic, and terrifying and vilifies Jews. The meaning and implications of words and phrases being thrown around and often misused matter greatly (e.g., "from the river to the sea," "genocide," "colonialism," "zionist and zionism"). Also, equating Jews and zionists with nazis, holding all Jews accountable for the actions of Netanyahu's government, etc. is horrible and unwarranted. It's also crazy that some people who Hamas would kill in a heartbeat (e.g., LGBTQ people) are engaged in pro-Hamas protests. (I chose to use the term "pro-Hamas" because I find so many protestors and others are acting and speaking as though they are pro-Hamas, not pro-Palestinian, perhaps without knowing it.) I wish most people would at least try to understand the complexities of the situation and the history of the region. People often have no idea what they're talking about and don't understand the damage they're causing. It's truly terrifying.
I’m not terrified for myself, yet anyway, rather by the rise in antisemitism and hate crimes (against other groups too), white supremacists, Christian Nationalists, and rightwing politicians and governments here and around the world. So, most of my concerns are similar to those of other well-informed liberals and progressives.
Let's see:
1) Hamas kidnapped those hostages on October 7.
2) They held the hostages in an area densely populated with innocent Palestinian people, knowing that Israel could attempt a violent rescue of those hostages at any time.
3) When the IDF conducted the rescue, Hamas opened fire on them.
These are indisputable facts.
So, it follows that the civilians killed were 100% Israel's fault???
Thank you, Ed. I agree with everything you wrote. Much of the language protestors and others are using is disturbing, hyperbolic, and terrifying and vilifies Jews. The meaning and implications of words and phrases being thrown around and often misused matter greatly (e.g., "from the river to the sea," "genocide," "colonialism," "zionist and zionism"). Also, equating Jews and zionists with nazis, holding all Jews accountable for the actions of Netanyahu's government, etc. is horrible and unwarranted. It's also crazy that some people who Hamas would kill in a heartbeat (e.g., LGBTQ people) are engaged in pro-Hamas protests. (I chose to use the term "pro-Hamas" because I find so many protestors and others are acting and speaking as though they are pro-Hamas, not pro-Palestinian, perhaps without knowing it.) I wish most people would at least try to understand the complexities of the situation and the history of the region. People often have no idea what they're talking about and don't understand the damage they're causing. It's truly terrifying.
Diane and I both have immense respect and great love for you, Jodi. You deserve to never be terrified!
I’m not terrified for myself, yet anyway, rather by the rise in antisemitism and hate crimes (against other groups too), white supremacists, Christian Nationalists, and rightwing politicians and governments here and around the world. So, most of my concerns are similar to those of other well-informed liberals and progressives.
i am too old to have much fear for myself, but i fear greatly for the nation and for many, many other people.
Yeah. I fear for you too though.
Thank you, Ed. The feeling is mutual! Love to you and Diane!