Responding to Haters (and Others): Week II of Personal Comments and Observations - June 13, 2025
Some of my observations, comments and responses posted this week on Substack or X
Below: A compilation of some of my observations and comments posted this past week on either Substack or X/Twitter. Apologies I haven’t linked to the original statements. It’s always a tradeoff over how much time and effort to devote to “responding” to people. And how much effort to devote to broader writing. (Or just doing other more enjoyable things!). If interested: Last week’s “Responding to Hate I
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Flashback 4 years....#OnThisDay in 2021: A new Government of Israel with @naftalibennett replacing @netanyahu as @IsraeliPM As I posted at the time: "What we have seen over the years is that those who hate Israel and seek its destruction are not really-concerned with whether the Government of Israel is "left", "center" or "right" - or whether this or that Israeli policy changes. For haters of the Jewish State; their "Talking Points" may be rewritten; but their ultimate goal remains unchanged"
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Some might think that many of those who rush to employ terms such as Nazi, Concentration Camp, Gas Chambers, Final Solution when talking about Israel and Zionists are perhaps themselves the ones who are closest to Nazi ideology. Especially those advocating wiping Israel out. And those who respond to posts with antisemitic slurs.
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You're a hater. But obviously being a hater pays off for you. And countless of your followers will chime in in support of you. The sad thing is that you don't really understand Israel or its foundation or its response to efforts to destroy it - or how it came about. You don't understand why so many people do support Israel despite all the hate propaganda and lies. (And yes the Israeli mistakes and things it does). You clearly don't understand Jewish concerns and fears. Nor do you show any concern for Jewish fears. Jews over the eons have witnessed and experienced such hatred before. It's come under different names. And different guises for the reason for the hate. You speak about hate and about "Israeli genocide."
And yet you're in practice advocating it: The elimination of the State of Israel where half the Jews of the World live (most of whom were born in Israel.) And you disparage the existence of Antisemitism in the West. When almost every Jew in the World sees that growth in Antisemitism (No. Not just "criticism of Israel.") You're a hater of Israel and others. And in its essence; it's not what's Israel is doing. But that Israel exists. Why exactly that is? I don't know enough about your past experiences to say. But when you refuse to condemn attacks even on Jews outside Israel. If anything downplay or almost cheer on those attacks. Well you are what you are
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Well as I responded when you posted this comment on twitter (X) earlier… From all the things you have written; I would say that such a "I would've supported Hitler in Nazi Germany" sign would be more-appropriately worn around your neck.
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What many haters try to do is take the admitted number of Israelis accidently killed by the IDF in the chaos of October 7th (and yes some of the hostages in Israeli raids). And make it sound as though most of the October 7th Israelis killed were killed by the IDF. (And throw in 1) the attack was a false flag operation …or Netanyahu deliberately let the attack go ahead…or Hamas were justified in doing what they did…And what about Israel has done before…And anyway Israel is not legitimate. Oh and throw in the Israeli Video is not genuine. And could go on with the excuses used to kill Israelis (and others in Israel) and to hold Israelis hostage.
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What should be noted is that in Israel; the Zionist "Left" and Center are supporting the Israeli action against Iran.
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There are supporters of Israel and Zionists across the political and religious spectrum. You don't have to be a Netanyahu supporter. Or a defender of Israel's Gaza policy. Or of its settlements policy. Or various social or religious issues. Do need to support Israel's existence!
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I'm not a massive believer in the efficaciousness of “dialogue;” but I am self-aware enough to appreciate that to a large degree on social media (including substack); there is a shouting past each other and not really influencing each other. Even if one is responding with actual facts and not just opinion. As the saying goes “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion; but they’re not entitled to their own facts.” At the same time; I do believe in offering responses to some anti-Israel posters even if in doing so; one is really playing on the “Away Field” where most reader responses to one’s post; will be abuse. It’s a mixture of "Speaking Truth to Power" and “The Truth Will Set you Free!” Think it’s the least any of can do. Ideally without engaging in abuse!
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Don't see that. Given that Jewish and Israeli sites are the ones that are most at risk and have already been targeted; given that the monthly @NYPD "Hate Crimes" reports show it's Jews who are the primary target; don't see that. Sure NYPD do best to defend Muslims as much as Jews
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When read @SuppressedNws postings; reminder this is Suppressed News' position regarding Israel - No Israel.
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Do want to avoid hubris or boasting (or unnecessary revealing of secrets) or the belief that "only by the gun." Israel's fight for its survival is a marathon not a sprint. As Golda Meir famously said. "They" can afford to lose a lot of battles. Israel can't afford to lose one.
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Obviously not my call; but what I'd like to see from self-proclaimed "Zionist Left" organizations, such as J Streeet @JStreetdotorg and @NJNarrative (APN-AMEINU) and individuals is repeatedly responding on social media to the rabid anti-Israel haters, some with mass followings
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I imagine there will be comments today from @JStreetdotorg and @theJCPA and @NJNarrativ but very-carefully phrased and "nuanced." Just find it interesting that others have issued statement. If want to support Israel's action; do so. If want to oppose it; do so...
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From @susanabulhawa re the Israeli video compilation of Hamas' Oct 7 slaughter "...The video is manufactured and anyone who possesses it can easily prove it digitally. If there’s any truth in that video, they would have released it a long time ago..." #October7th
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The Zionist Entity." No it's Israel. Anyway not much point calling it the "Zionist Entity" if you're then going to speak about "Israelis."
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There's of course a very-legitimate case for caution which many are making. But there are various groups and individuals such as @NIACouncil and @TParsi who seek to denigrate those who are urging a "firm" stand vs Iran.
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You sure spend an awful lot of time denouncing Israel. And very little time denouncing Iran
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And not just "anti-Jewish acts;" it's the implicit, rabid lack of concern for Jews and their concerns; Jewish lives, Jewish safety; Jewish well being
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Here's an "Idea for Jeremy [Corbyn]" Stop supporting and advocating for those who are working for the extermination of Israel.
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How could there be "sleep deprivation, especially targeting Greta Thunberg"?@GretaThunberg was scarcely in Israel before departing?
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Actually it's REALLY "so silly" how haters of Israel try to denigrate, defamate and work for Israel's destruction. And are so silent (or supportive) of haters of Israel. And too-often of pure antisemites. You must have seen the expressions of pure Antisemitism reacting to posts
As I said: Why not condemn and denounce the unequivocally antisemitic comments made by various people responding to your posts or responding to responses to your thread. I'm sure you've seen them. If not take a look.
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Pure Antisemitism is scarcely a diversion. Not sure why you seem so reluctant to denounce it. And I’m not talking about all the criticisms of (or worse) re Israel. But the stuff we both see attacking Jews; praising what Hitler did etc
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Are these part of the Iran “Talking Points?” - Seek to impugn the loyalty of those who are serious about Iran not having nuclear weapons? Make the case; don’t go further into the gutter
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They’re scarcely “warmongers” because they’re serious about preventing Iran from having nuclear weapons -or having that capacity. Works both ways when you seek to tarnish people …#Iran #NIAC
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More conspiratorial hatred. Nonsense interpretation of what @Netanyahu was saying & no "implied threat." I took Netanyahu to mean (whether you agree with him or not) that if Israel falls; the West will follow. Not because Israel's doing "bad things" @bassem_youssef9
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Maybe a few of your posts could be on what the Iranian regime is doing - both domestically and in its support, sponsorship, funding, arming attacks on Israel. It's threat to destroy the Jewish State. Its Holocaust Revisionism etc etc etc. Maybe Iranian human rights.
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What voters base their vote on is entirely up to them. And who's to judge better than them who in their mind, best reflects what they want in the Mayor or New York.
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Yes we get you hate the Jewish state and advocate its extermination. And your contempt (and more) for Jews around the world who don't share your views. As you posted #WipeIsraelOffTheMap
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It's kind of interesting some posters saying a New York Mayoral vote shouldn't be affected by a Candidates' view on Israel. One just knows a candidate who's pro-Israel will be receiving anti-Israel criticisms - and perhaps how they vote. Anyway up to the voters how they vote
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I'm sure you'll receive a very-warm response @UniofOxford . The only proviso that you be harsh enough on Israel and its supporters for this audience. Might be a learning experience for you if you're prepared to take it..
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You don't want to live in Israel. That's your choice. You feel an antipathy towards Israel. That's your choice. You want to spend your time attacking Israel. Again your choice. But the fact remains that for many, many Jews across the World: Israel is a special place for them.
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Zionism is actually not a failure. But certainly 75+ years of anti-Zionism and Anti-Israel efforts has impacted Israel. Meanwhile a small number of Jews - whatever motivates them - devote their time to various slurs against Israel and their supporters and urging Israel's end
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If any New York Voter - Jewish or non-Jewish want to make @ZohranKMamdani views about Israel part of their voting decision - or even the totality of their voting decision; that's totally up to them. That's democracy.
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Busy with semantics and false analogies. All Israel seeks is one small Jewish-majority state (with minority rights) in a vast Middle East area with a couple dozen Arab majority (Muslim majority) State. Because Jews see every day the alternatives...
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Agree with you. But anyway whatever @hasanthehun and some others, think; the voters of New York will decide for themselves what they want in a Mayor of New York. That's how it is a democracy. And if the voters decide this issue is important in how they vote; that's it!
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That may be the case. But that's along the lines of "Blaming the Victim." Whatever the motivation of the attackers and haters - All responsibility and culpability lies with those who engage in the attacks or threats on Jews.
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Does Greta Thunberg actually have a paying job? Is she funded by some Foundation or Institute? She's surely too-young to retire! (And too old not to have a job - Or is protesting a job?) Or is she independently wealthy? @GretaThunberg
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It's kind of interesting some posters saying a New York Mayoral vote shouldn't be affected by a Candidates' view on Israel. One just knows a candidate who's pro-Israel will be receiving anti-Israel criticisms - and perhaps how they vote. Anyway up to the voters how they vote
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Zionism is actually not a failure. But certainly 75+ years of anti-Zionism and Anti-Israel efforts has impacted Israel. Meanwhile a small number of Jews - whatever motivates them - devote their time to various slurs against Israel and their supporters and urging Israel's end
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I'm sure glad that so many people are "only" Anti-Zionist; because some (many) of the comments one reads on Social Media sure strike one as "Antisemitic" - in most unequivocal/undeniable form...
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Disgusting. Even if criticize or condemn Israel in Gaza (and that's another discussion)...the repeated analogies between Israel and the "Final Solution." Just disgusting. And telling on those who use it
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Exactly! Those calling Israel demons or satanic and quite a few other words. Dehumanizing an entire people. Not criticizing or condemning leaders or actions. But the people. History teaches us where that leads. Especially when it comes to demonizing Jews
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But who's to say who the Madleen passengers will be silently cheering for, when they view the video...
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You don't want to live in Israel. That's your choice. You feel an antipathy towards Israel. That's your choice. You want to spend your time attacking Israel. Again your choice. But the fact remains that for many, many Jews across the World: Israel is a special place for them.
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You DO care about the lack of gay rights everywhere right - rather than just trying to hijack "Gay Pride" for your anti-Israel cause? Because if you REALLY care; you'd be speaking out for Gay rights "World Pride" for other countries - including of course, Cuba and Iran...
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A Jew with zero even distant cousins in Israel? That's hard...Sure if you do an "Ancestry" search; you'll find you do have some family there. Hope that wouldn't embarrass you
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And no Pride in tolerating antisemitism. No Pride in staying silent about anti-LGBTQ in so many countries in the Middle East and beyond...
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If this is from who @GretaThunberg is learning about Israel and the Palestinians...As I've noted before: It's one thing to have a point of view. But it's another to be ignorant of the actual history. So what does Greta know about the history of Israel?
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That's great. But two caveats - Why it took so long to issue the statement? And why do they have to bring in all the other hates (which I agree should be condemned). But why here? Do they do that every time they issue a statement against some other hate, also throw in we condemn antisemitism? And if they felt they had to do this multi-condemnation to bring people along; does that also suggest a problem in just condemning antisemitism?
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Perhaps. But most other countries don't actively work for the destruction of the Jewish State. And publicly call for its eradication. Most countries' don't (publicly at least) deny the Holocaust. Most other countries don't arm, fund, train, support mass terror attacks on Israel
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The @NYTimes Lead Editorial in the June 9, 1981 issue of the #NewYorkTimes opened "Israel's sneak attack on a French-built nuclear reactor near Baghdad was an act of inexcusable and short-sighted aggression..." https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1981/06/09/issue.html #Osirac #Israel #IraqiNuclear #NYTAndIsrael
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What a World. Iran wants to destroy Israel. Iran says it's going to destroy Israel. Iran tries to weaken and harm Israel. Iran funds and arms and supports Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi attacks on Israel. Israel objects to being destroyed and takes steps to prevent it.
Another prediction: Israel will be gone in 2027?! Don't think so. If you know the history of Israel; you'd know it was the Haganah, Palmach and the Jewish Agency. It's not a "psycho state." I statt's ae responding to various efforts to destroy the state rather than accept it
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But whatever you think re GHF; surely any additional food for the people of Gaza is better than nothing?
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Well that's a shocker....! @Amnesty @AgnesCallamard criticizing Israel "Israel’s Interception of Madleen and Detention of Crew Flouts International Law" https://amnestyusa.org/press-releases/israels-interception-of-madleen-and-detention-of-crew-flouts-international-law/ #AmnestyInternational
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I've always held that parents are not responsible for the acts of the children (unless they're under age!) And children are not responsible for the acts of theie parents. So I'm happy to critique @IlhanMN @Ilhan for what she does and says. And the daughter for what she says.
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Are you SURE you're Betar @Betar_USA ? - Because you post a lot of alarmist stuff including warning Jews to stay away from New York. Yes there are problems. And yes things need to be done (albeit maybe not the #Betar approach). But come on https://x.com/Betar_USA/stat
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If I wasn't blocked by @Betar_USA would respond directly. Not classy Betar https://x.com/Betar_USA/stat
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American Jewish organizations have taken in BILLIONS of dollars in donations since October 7th? Really? Seen a lot of criticism of American Jewish organization from the Jewish Left and the Jewish right..Criticism is the easy part!
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Shabbat Shalom!