It is difficult to hold many thoughts at once that seem contradictory. Your essay admirably does that.
Unfortunately, I doubt whether any significant number of the protesters have developed that level of political and intellectual talent for nuance. That's not to single them out. That's the default working of the human brain. It takes a lot more energy as well as maturity and wisdom, to engage in that sort of thinking.
So, I'd add this nuanced concept to your essay. Many of the protesters are responding to the carnage in Gaza from a pure and good-hearted wish to stop violence. At the same time, their protests are likely to inculcate nihilistic tendencies---America is awful, Biden and Trump are both indistinguishably awful--- that could grievously hurt America in the 2024 election, As well, the protests could inculcate beliefs that are antisemitic as I believe there's a thin line for most between antizionism and antisemitism.
I wrote about how James Baldwin, a writer I love and respect, crossed that line in the course of his writing career.
I agree with David about your beautifully nuanced essay .
I discovered yesterday in my readings, that much of the antisemitism and colonialism is a result of Qutar pouring money into universities and public schools. Starting in pre K and Kindergarten, children are taught about Jews as oppressors. There are lesson plans adopted for various grades that reinforce this narrative. The story ran in the Free Press, How U.S.Schools Teach Antisemitism. By Francesca Block. This is why you're seeing the large Pro Palestine rally's.
My fear is that instead of teaching children to reason or to see two or three different sides of an issue, they are seeing only one. And instead of seeing the beauty in differences, we are othering one another. I have never felt more alone.
I pray young people vote. Having the freedom to speak freely, to protest etc, would likely be removed from them if trump or some other similar politician got elected. The Israelis didn't show up for the last election and got Bibi, the worst person for the job, who is trying to turn Israel into an illiberal nation. His leadership is the last thing we need right now.
I have been writing Israeli leaders to request some changes to help civilians. I know the army is busy breaking Hamas, their tunnels and endless weapons supplies,which seem to be everywhere.
I want peace and for everyone to be housed and happy.
I asked a spokesperson for Bibi via LinkedIn, if it was possible to deliver aid directly to the Palestinians and skip the entire entry point where Hamas fighters take over. I'll keep you posted if I hear anything.
It is difficult to hold many thoughts at once that seem contradictory. Your essay admirably does that.
Unfortunately, I doubt whether any significant number of the protesters have developed that level of political and intellectual talent for nuance. That's not to single them out. That's the default working of the human brain. It takes a lot more energy as well as maturity and wisdom, to engage in that sort of thinking.
So, I'd add this nuanced concept to your essay. Many of the protesters are responding to the carnage in Gaza from a pure and good-hearted wish to stop violence. At the same time, their protests are likely to inculcate nihilistic tendencies---America is awful, Biden and Trump are both indistinguishably awful--- that could grievously hurt America in the 2024 election, As well, the protests could inculcate beliefs that are antisemitic as I believe there's a thin line for most between antizionism and antisemitism.
I wrote about how James Baldwin, a writer I love and respect, crossed that line in the course of his writing career.
https://robertsdavidn.substack.com/p/a-jew-reads-james-baldwin-after-the
Hi Jill,
I agree with David about your beautifully nuanced essay .
I discovered yesterday in my readings, that much of the antisemitism and colonialism is a result of Qutar pouring money into universities and public schools. Starting in pre K and Kindergarten, children are taught about Jews as oppressors. There are lesson plans adopted for various grades that reinforce this narrative. The story ran in the Free Press, How U.S.Schools Teach Antisemitism. By Francesca Block. This is why you're seeing the large Pro Palestine rally's.
My fear is that instead of teaching children to reason or to see two or three different sides of an issue, they are seeing only one. And instead of seeing the beauty in differences, we are othering one another. I have never felt more alone.
I pray young people vote. Having the freedom to speak freely, to protest etc, would likely be removed from them if trump or some other similar politician got elected. The Israelis didn't show up for the last election and got Bibi, the worst person for the job, who is trying to turn Israel into an illiberal nation. His leadership is the last thing we need right now.
I have been writing Israeli leaders to request some changes to help civilians. I know the army is busy breaking Hamas, their tunnels and endless weapons supplies,which seem to be everywhere.
I want peace and for everyone to be housed and happy.
I asked a spokesperson for Bibi via LinkedIn, if it was possible to deliver aid directly to the Palestinians and skip the entire entry point where Hamas fighters take over. I'll keep you posted if I hear anything.
https://open.substack.com/pub/bariweiss/p/how-us-public-schools-teach-antisemitism?r=rg1i1&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post