Comments on: Settlement Whiplash

By: David Broida

David Broida — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:58:16 +0000

Dan – I just read the article and responses, not realizing till the end that it was dated a year ago. Reading it seemed current – right now. So I gues it shows that Israel has not made one move away from this unsustainable status quo. What a great lesson for me. I should read older articles more often, but if I do, I suppose I’ll still hope for a glimmer of hope, however slim the chance. (David Broida – house guest next door in # 4 at this very moment)

By: T Belman

T Belman — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:05:56 +0000

If Israel had at least one nation supporting its right to continuing building settlements, but the sad fact is there is none. Israel must continue to interact with the rest of the world and the settlement issue is just not that important. From a purely practical point of view there ought to be a change in course.There is no point in alienating the rest of the world.

By: Yoav Peled

Yoav Peled — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:39:10 +0000

Daniel – I totally agree with the American Jew in regard to the demeaning and humiliating attitude of ALL Israeli governments to Conservative and reform Jews. If such open and blatant discrimination against any segment of the Jewish population took place in any other country – the outcry of anti Semitism would have been heard from one end of the world to the other. But it is OK for Israel to deny them basic and fundamental rights such as getting married, divorced, converted etc. They have to go abroad to do that. But they are good for military service and taxes, while most of those who are behind the denial of these rights to them do neither. If I were a reform or Conservative Jew I not only would not contribute a penny – I will not come to visit there. And the fault lies with the secular leadership which conveniently gives in to the ultra Orthodox, not with the minority Orthodox who grab what they can get.

At the same time I am totaly opposed to his political views – his understanding of the Arab Israeli conflict sounds very similar to that of Shalom Achshav and J-Street. Let him attend the AIPAC conference – maybe he will listen and wise up…

By: Scott Gordon

Scott Gordon — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:21:06 +0000

Another thought-provoking post. Thanks for your efforts.

By: JWOLDY

JWOLDY — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:22:32 +0000

To the Jewish Philanthropist, I say that unless one is willing to live with the consequences of one’s strongly-worded exhortations on peace negotiations (i.e. move to Israel), one should be very careful about passing judgment on the choices Israelis make. It is all to comfortable to pound the table about what Israelis should do from the safety of your living room in Scarsdale, or Manhattan. Try living with it.

Also, your “embarassment” about Israeli policy decisions is something you should think about. Frankly speaking as an American Jew, I am embarassed at the arrogance behind the notion that support of Israel by American Jews hinges on how comfortable they feel with the policies of the current Israeli Government. As if we know what is best for them.

You may be speaking the truth for yourself and for others (I have no idea how many people feel the way you do). I am sorry you feel this way. Sorry for you. Sorry for Israel. Sorry for the Jewish People.

By: Gerald Gordon

Gerald Gordon — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:44:35 +0000

Your articles are consistently well written, thought provoking and on point.

By: Monty Reitzik

Monty Reitzik — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:42:37 +0000

I find your writings perspicacious and insightful, but this communique contains an egregious error.The sentence which starts with ” I disagreed with many of his factual claims,but…..” begets confusion. The only argument that survives is the counterargument which does not take account of the “facts”.
Your lay leader echoed the feelings of many in North America with respect to his comments regarding the stranglehold of the chief rabbinate.Jewish religious practice in the diaspora is dynamic and includes conservatives,reform and others.It is invidious that Israel does not.
His argument with respect to the settlements should perhaps have been countered by the “facts” hidden in the text ” ,but” alluded to above.
The comments of your Scandinavian acquaintance should not have seen the light of day – enough said!

By: Marvin N

Marvin N — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:44:51 +0000

Whiplash is an understatement of your experiences on Friday. Perhaps it was whiplash with a boomerang thrown in.
Why does the “Rabbinate” of Israel want to emulate the Mullahs of Islam with such rigidity that will alienate the world’s other large and generous Jewish community?
When will the elected leaders of Israel remind the world how half of its neighbors came into being after WW I? Are not the Jews entitled to the offering made to them at the same time? Only when all the Arabs are ready to accept Israel’s existence will peace talks progress, not just the “Palestinian” Arabs. Bibi’s affront to VP Biden was stupid, but a courageous statement that Israel cannot negotiate again until the Arabs decide they really want to make peace is in order.

By: Lloyd Trufelman

Lloyd Trufelman — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:07:52 +0000

Unfortunately public diplomacy and media coverage are rarely about the substance of an issue,but rather the perception. Likud’s provocative handling of the announcement during Biden’s visit actually helped to amplify negative public debate on the settlement issue for no reason, just like Netanyahu’s needlessly high-profile announcement about renovations at Maarat HaMachpela reignited debate over that site. The announcement of any policy that may be controversial should be made strategically, with finesse and shrewd timing. As the saying goes, “don’t try to be right, just be clever…”

By: stephen

stephen — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:47:42 +0000

I agree with the American that yes the leaders of Israel must show some backbone to the Rabbis. The difference between a Jewish and a Muslim theocracy isn’t worth while.
Re: Jerusalem- In Jordanian hands it wasn’t open to the world I believe Israel has the right to Jerusalem it was never anybody’s elses capital.
Re: settlements -we need to stop building elsewhere.
Re: Two States -no other way can keep it mostly Jewish
Re: The Scandanavian observation. True-however as Jews must find a resolution between Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Secular the Palestinians must resolve between Sunni, Shiite and Christian. Give them a country with continuous borders and let them make peace amongst themselves and than Israel.