Responding to Critics, Detractors, Haters and Various Others - (Week V - JULY 5, 2025)
My post-AIPAC activities have “evolved” and will continue to “evolve” even as my focus of interest remains unchanged! Besides various writings; I also now - for better or worse - “engage” more! I do after all have a certain expertise and knowledge base on which to fall back on.
Below: Some of my social media posts from this past week (beyond the regular “ON THIS DAY” and reposting items). Included are links to what’s being responded to. As anyone on social media will have probably experienced; beyond all the normal criticisms; there’s no shortage of “Hate Israel/Hate supporters of Israel” out there on social media.
See also:
My Times of Israel blog piece this week "Some Past July ‘Highlights’ and Low Points in Israeli and Jewish History
Past “Washington Views” Substack Posts
Feel free to follow (and repost) my work on “Twitter” (X)
Marking almost half-a-century since the rescue at Entebbe on
July 3rd/4th 1976. (ABC News reporting at the time)
Shabbat Shalon and Happy July 4th: “VIDEO -Singing The Star Spangled Banner in Yiddish”
Jun 30 I think one knows who the "New Nazis" are in 2025. And it's not Israel or its supporters. Just look around. Some engage in it. Some utilize it. Some hide from it. Some say silent.
@ Often wonder whether those who do such things are either totally-ignorant of their history. Or entirely-familiar with their history. Someone who posts that; wonder what they'd have been doing and whose side they would have been on if they'd been adults between 1933-1945
X This is how "The system" works! One "Strong Critic" of Israel" @Amnesty's @AgnesCallamard (and many, many others) cites and "validates" another "Strong Critic " of Israel Francesca Albanese - @FranceskAlbs - and they all quote each other as though that makes their case stronger!
Jul 1 Sorry: People don't get to destroy the State of Israel. There was an (arguable) debate pre-Statehood. It became very different once Israel was founded. True for all the other recently-founded states in Africa, the Middle East and beyond.
m I'd guess that if Israel was not "The Jewish State" but its population was entirely or primarily Muslim and Arab, must of the rest of the World would not give a damn how this state "engaged" its neigbors - or even its own population. Good indicator: Lack of concern elsewhere
Jul 1 As everyone has obviously noticed; there are quite some number of vitriolic anti-Israel haters on social media - Of the openly "Israel shouldn't exist; Israel should be destroyed." Their very statements make vividly clear the need for Israel and the need for supporting Israel. (And that obviously doesn’t mean one can’t criticize Israel!)
40m Anyone with any historical knowledge is fully-aware of who has been threatening whom with destruction. It has been Iran. Hamas. Hezbollah and various others in the Middle East along with anti-Israel advocates across the globe - including in the US & UK - advocating Israel's end
Jul 1 Call it what you want: If you want to see the State of Israel destroyed (however you want to term that); that make clear your intent. Not going to argue/debate "Antisemitism" or "Just Anti-Zionism" Israel exists. It should continue to exit
48m Jews - including the Jews of Israel - have time and again seen where "Humanity" has been. For too many: Killing Jews. And threatening to kill Jews. And attacking Jews has been deemed ok (or perhaps sometimes to be mildly deplored but not actually stopped.)
Jun 30 I'm sure you know exactly what was happening. Can you name other event in the West, where's there's a large crowd chanting for the death all the soldiers of the Russian army or the Sudanese army or the US army or any army?
13m From @NicoleLampert in the@Telegraph re how many British Jews even feel this way. (And yes always some anti-Zionist Jews deny this!) Always been disappointing to me how those who proclaim they're anti-racism & other phobias are so blase about Antisemitism https://telegraph.co.uk/gift/5162cafc804c65e3
1h What a ridiculous, inane post.... It's been oft-stated that "Antisemitism is the canary in the coalmine." Perhaps more might pay heed to that - and denounce all the antisemitic comments out there. Even is those come from supporters of your cause
Jul 1 Waiting for the haters of Israel and the apologists for Iran to "explain" how Iran is at war; Jews are full citizens of Iran,@TimesOfIsrael "Two dozen Iranian Jews accused of contact with Israel as mass arrests rattle community...." https://timesofisrael.com/two-dozen-iranian-jews-accused-of-contact-with-israel-as-mass-arrests-rattle-community/
3hA few maybe do; most do not. (I certainly don't). And I'd counter with that many of the people who say they're "only Anti-Zionist but not Antisemitic" sure don't see to show that! Not to mention their silence about vitriolic antisemitism when comes from the Left and Israel haters
Jun 30 You just don't get it. Israel exists as a state. It will continue to exist a state. But keep on with your hatred.
n 30And no protests, demonstrations, marches in the Capitals of the West. No denunciations on the Campuses....Must upset you when you take of your "Focus-on-Israel" hat, how little most people really care about these horrific abuses and deaths around the World if can't bash Israel.
1h IF ONLY there were 150 million Jews in the World. Perhaps without the Holocaust and the Pogroms and the forced conversions, might at some point have got to that people. But sadly not one tenth of that number
Jul 2 Of course: PLO/Arafat signed an agreement with Israel (Rabin/ Peres....) Unfortunately question is what Pals adhered to/what backtracked on/What said in Arabic/View of Hamas/What say to this day. Refused deal with Ehud Barack/demand Right of Return etc
23h One of the canards one hears is that prior to Israel; Jews lived in perfect equality and safety in the Arab World....Well #OnThisDay in 1932: @JTANews reporting "Jews Fearing Pogroms Leaving Aden En Masse; Seek Palestine Entry" #Aden #Yemen #Antisemitism #Jews
ws A few maybe do; most do not. (I certainly don't). And I'd counter with that many of the people who say they're "only Anti-Zionist but not Antisemitic" sure don't see to show that! Not to mention their silence about vitriolic antisemitism when comes from the Left and Israel haters
23h Why not include in this public statement a call for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza? @ChurchesforMEP @AmnestyUSA
Jun 28 Obviously they're also not going to want to be associated with (or use products of ) any business or organization that does business with or have investments in countries abusing human rights or womens rights or LGBTQ rights ..So let's seem them publicly announce that
Jun 30 People may be more strident or outspoken or bolder in their expressions of hatred of Israel (which I'm sure pleases you) On the other hand; after the horror of Hamas's October 7th slaughter and Israeli failures; quite a recovery: Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria, Lebanon and now Iran
Jul 1 Of course there's the "First Amendment" rights of US Citizens; the seeming lesser-First Amendment rights of US permanent residents. I think we've seen over the decades that the US is not obligated to grant visas to anyone who wants to visit or work in the US.
Jun 30 In sadly a few instances; it seems almost to be a requirement! (An anti "Shout Out" to those Jewish HATERS of Israel, who work so-assiduously "As a Jew" to see the Jewish State destroyed. (And I'm not referring to those who just criticize as friends & those not interested)
Jul 1 Of course these particular "Pro-Israel Jewish Democrats" are ones "on the left" who don't want to be seen opposing "progressives" and might want to have "access" cos think he will win.
1h Perhaps they learned some "lessons" from those who preferred to Demonize/undermine Biden/Harris rather than fight Trump. (His views ARE fair to be focused on). And it sure seems that a fair number whose public posts focus on bashing Israel, are proclaiming their support for him)
Jun 28 Of course the other side of the issue is that some people are going to seek to delegitimize and denigrate criticism of @ZohranKMamdani as "Islamophobic." But highlighting or criticizing Mamdani's views on ANY political issue including Israel and Palestinians is 100% legitimate
Jul 1\ There have been a slew of comments about @ZohranKMamdani statement. But I don't believe it's unreasonable (or "Islamophobic") that people have noted that Mamdani didn't mention the word Jew or antisemitism or anti-zionism or of course, the phrase "Globalize the Intifada"
Jun 28Absolutely! I did prefer it when he was "Shomer" Schumer! But even this Schumer is a "better" Democratic NY Senator than Senator AOC or some other Democratic Minority or Majority leader of the Senator
n 30 Disturbing if you’re pro-US-Israel (which of course I am!) Hopefully post-war..
@WashingtonPost “Young Republicans are fueling the GOP’s generational divide on Israel - The Washington Post
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Jun 30 When I look at the @NexusProjectUS it sure seems to be rather "skewed" in when it speaks out on the issue of Antisemitism. When and who it "critiques" and when and who it "defends"(or downplays). But maybe that's just my interpretation!
Jun 28 And agree re this re @ZohranKMamdani - as I posted. My query to or hope for the @NexusProjectUS is to denounce and call attention to left-wing antisemitism just as much as you do to right-wing antisemitism
Jun 30 The @NexusProjectUS perspective re the debate re @ZohranKMamdani
via @jacobkornbluh (Not really surprising)
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Jun 30 Alternatively people will keep supporting, defending or staying silent about anti-Zionism - and too-often clear antisemitism, till THEY pay a political price
Jun 30 Don't think it's being ignored at all. Your post actually proves what some said "Critics" said pre-election - and were pooh-pooed by others who said didn't matter @ZohranKMamdani views re Israel & Palestinians. It's Mayor. Obviously Israel haters DO see his views as important.
n 29 On the other hand, it sometimes help to show there are others "further out there than you." Kind of "moderates" you in comparison.
Jul As opposed to "Terrorism is okay. As long as you are anti-Israel"?
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Jun 29 It would obviously be "interesting!" But my basic adage is that children are not responsible for/shouldn't be blamed or judged or held accountable on the basis of for the actions of their parents (for good or ill).
un 29 Someone's happy with @ZohranKMamdan primary victory
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Jun 29 Of course condemn anti-Muslim comments. Just not sure that this piece by
@AXIOS Justice and Race reporter @RussContreras adequately covers the broader issues re
@ZohranKMamdani views or reasons for opposition https://axios.com/2025/06/28/zoh
sz4d First: Absolutely people should NOT be attacking Zohran Mamdani on the basis of his religion. And should denounce "Islamophobic comments" made about him.
At the same time; there should obviously not be an attempt to stifle debate about his - or anyone else -views with a blanket charges of Islamophobia - which is something that has not infrequently been done in politics- not least by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR). But I'm not going to get into whether I think his general agenda is good or bad for New York City. That's for others and the voters to determine. I "probably" wouldn't characterize myself as a "Progressive" but nor am I all the way on the other side on such issues. (Like probably the majority of people despite all the partisanship)
I also think it's perfectly fair for people to oppose him if they choose. They have as much right to be concerned - as people do to support him
But I do think you're probably underplaying the impact of his potential (or perhaps likely) Mayoral electoral victory, based on his Israel/Palestinians views (and what his supporters may do and say if he is elected.) This is New York City after all. Lot of Jews. A place where Mayor of New York do have an international impact. And its sort or dissimulation for some to profess there's no "foreign policy" issue in this election for for New York Mayor. (Just look at what some of his supporters are saying about his election.)
I think some of the responses to your piece just so far - which are obviously nothing to do with you - illustrate why "Friends of Israel" are concerned with the Democratic Primary Victory of Zohran Mamdani.
As I posted a few days ago
"Think absolutely people should NOT be opposing (or supporting) Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York based on his religion. Totally legitimate to criticize his ideology or political views or affiliations, past statements and non statements, or impact on New York, views re Israel, concerns about antisemitism, views of some of his supporters, etc. All these things should of course be up for discussion. But NOT his religion (or even his foreign birth). But certainly not his religion. (The one caveat: Unless he were a member of some “Muslim Brotherhood or that he was going around saying his Islamic beliefs impell him to take some action; something like that. But otherwise no) As a Jew one can’t - or at least, shouldn’t feel comfortable - on the basis of someone being attacked because of his religion. All the other reasons listed above are of course, fair game." substack.com/@michaelle…?
s The @KenRoth Anti-Israel campaign goes on. Look back at his last 500 posts and reposts (or his last couple of weeks of postings and repostings). "Bad Israel." "Bad Israel" "Bad Israel" with a relatively-small number of postings focusing on human rights matters in the entire rest of the world.
Jun 30 We GET you HATE Israel, @AmnestyUK You've shown it enough times.
un 30 Well if @AmnestyUK are disappointed...!
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26m Blah blah blah blah blah from @AmnestyUK ... If it's involving anything concerning anti-Israel activities; you just KNOW what they're going to say.
22mWhen one reads such comments by @BobJcarr one can't help wondering "just sick of the Israel lobby bulling..." Who specifically in Australia is he referring to? And his view re "anti-semitism."... #Australia
Jun 29 You could easily add another page (or two or three or) of anti-Israel organizations in America!
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Jun 29 Well we all know who else was a Vegetarian!
Jun 29 It's not the cause that's a problem (at least for me). But where is @GretaThunberg 's visit to Moscow? To Beijing? To North Korea? To Iran? and a host of other countries outside Europe, demanding "Gay rights?" (and general human rights)?
Jun 28 Alternatively the "inference" might be that @AmnestyUK is selective in what it wants to defend; and what it wants to prohibit. Or at least is silent in many cases. And actively supportive in others.
Jun 28 On a related issue; I was asking @AmnestyUK on the issue of why speak out on such "free speech" issues but not others (and clearly not this!)
Jun 28 We get that you don't accept the legitimacy of Israel or Israelis. And that Israelis -even those born in Israel - are just immigrants who shouldn't be there. Do you have that same view of immigrants and their descendants (Jews and non-Jews) in other countries?
Jul 1 But doesn't@CodePink supports US Sanctions on Israel?
Jul 1 I'm not a big fan of Israel not allowing groups or individuals into Israel (unless they're a threat and a few other things.) Having said that; @sarahleah1 and
@DAWNmenaorg do have a very "fixed" and focused view re Israel. Aware https://dawnmena.org/countries/israel-palestine/ https://freebeacon.com/national-secur
Jun 29 #Betar? Betar_USA ? (I’m of course blocked by Betar after I commented on some of their comments on X but they are fringe on the US spectrum of US Jewish Groups)
n 29 You could of course support @AIPAC AND the @RJC Or @AIPAC AND @DemMaj4Israel|
Jun 29 Guess you won't be buying the AIPAC mugs then! - Available at the
@AIPAC online store https://store.aipac.org (The mugs are $18 each)
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VIDEO of last night's Christians United for Israel (CUFI) 20th annual “Night to Honor Israel.” Among the speakers were Pastor John Hagee, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and talk show’s Mark Levin. I’m obviously aware that there are people out there who mock CUFI and Pastor Hagee - and Christian Zionists in general, disparaging both their views and their motives - and denounce Mark Levin for his various views (including perhaps his views of Israeli opponents of Benjamin Netanyahu) But on the issue of Israel, they deserve the gratitude of supporters of Israel. Rachel Goldberg-Polins address speaks volumes. CUFI VIDEO
As I noted last week
