There can be no forgiveness for abandoning humanity for fear of being labelled an antisemite. The conscience of the world is drowning in the blood of the innocent
The only point I would raise is the reference to "innocent women and children," because many men are just as innocent. I would prefer people to say "innocent civilians," because many Palestinian men are (were) shopkeepers, fishermen, farmers, academics, doctors etc, and fathers, just going about their lives, doing what we all do. Just as innocent as women and children. Since oct 7th their focus has been the survival of their families, doing their jobs if they can (and much of it essential to the survival of others).
This isn't a personal criticism, because everyone does it, but I think at some point we do need to acknowledge that "innocence" as used in this context isn't exclusive to women and children.
October 7, 2023 is the excuse Netanyahu had been looking for, for a very long time. He has wanted a war with the Palestinians long before he became Prime Minister and he is using every excuse possible to keep it going. The fact that he is committing genocide, of which the U. S. is complicit, does not bother him. Some organizations in Israel are beginning to come out against him over the genocide and starvation policy he is forcing. It is very unfortunate Netanyahu has continued on to this point as he is turning a lot of people, many who have always supported Israel, myself included, against the country.
Your piece is carefully thought out, but, I think missing some important elements in this terrible struggle and the tragic horrors it has caused and continues to cause every day.
Historically, the Arab world leaders were steeped in the lies of the “Protocols of Zion”, the hateful and anti Semitic book which Henry Ford had translated into Arabic and presented to them in the 1930s.
The Arabs who believed in the truth of this book fully supported Hitler, and were hostile to the Jews who came to their country, and, understandably extremely angry when they were driven from their homes and villages or killed.
Two peoples claiming the same land is a disaster in the making!
The other pressures on the both people are the statements of the Palestinian leadership that they wish to destroy Israel, and the teachings promoted in their schools (with books provided by the Saudi government), that killing a Jewish person will make them a martyr, and they will be rewarded in heaven by virgins.
These ideas have not made negotiations with the Palestinian leadership easy.
This, combined with the great disaster of Netanyahu’s and Trump’s leadership, two criminals with the desire to avoid prison, and the unwillingness of Hamas to change their charter, or to help improve the quality of life in Gaza, (building tunnels instead of a better way of life, and adhering to a very restrictive form of Islam) all contributing to this nightmare.
Also, are you familiar with the study by Zimbardo conducted at Stanford University. It, along with the Yale Study by Milgrim, help to understand how humans behave in circumstances that cause aggressive behaviors.
“We need another dose of evolution.” Axel Dorf
Thank you for sharing your deep insights into this unbearably painful destruction of innocent women and children, by people whose history should be a dire warning to “Never Again” allow this to happen, or worse, be the perpetrators of this horrific crime.
I’ve had time to decompress now Terry and have read your contribution to the conversation.
I have no doubt this is a very complex and challenging tapestry of historic and religious ideology. I will take a look at the studies you mentioned, because I am genuinely interested in understanding the big picture.
My piece while acknowledging the difficult history, focuses on the here and now because history books and academic studies do not feed starving children.
While interpretation of history may serve for some as justification for murder, they are just an excuse for abhorrent crimes against humanity. We live in the here and now and that is where justice should be served.
ALOHA... SHAM SHAM SHAM.. ALL THE WORLD LEADER SHOULD BE INDITED FOR WAR CRIMES... NO HELP...SILENCE..... “Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought. Instead of fear, let this moment fuel the fire that already burns at the heart of this place. A fire of righteous indignation at abuses of power.”
I found your piece extraordinary in the facts and history, about every element of which you wrote. For those 600 people who unsubscribed, I believe they have their eyes closed to reality and find it hard to accept the truth in front of them. But isn't that what is happening here in the US with the evil permeating our government? I have had conversations with my fellow Jews; many views are to never say anything negative about Israel, whom they say never started anything at any time. Growing up Jewish, the intrinsic sense of who I am, your article did not offend me., But rather shined a light on facts and reality, ones that too many people do not want to see. It was Netanyahu who did not protect his people from that horrifying attack. That of course does not negate the shocking violence of it all. But he is an evil, power-hungry leader who does whatever he wants to stay in control. His manipulation of Trump is so evident, but of course Trump has no clue. For me, the unacceptable killing and starving of people goes beyond the pale. To perpetuate the same evil as what the Jews went through in the Holocaust to others by Israel is unspeakable. For most of the world to stand by, including the US, again with all the evidence, is a reminder that we have not learned at all from history. Elie Weisel said, "never again", yet here we are. I am heartsick over everything that is happening there, and in this country, where we are systemically being led into more evil. However, I believe the Amercian people will not let this happen with our sheer will, force and determination not be taken over.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I take heart from the fact that I struck the right balance in terms of approach. My intent is never to generalize, but rather to place the blame where it belongs.
I totally agree. It boggles my mind that there are more people in the US that think what is happening is wrong, yet nothing seems to change or get better!!
Best commentary on Zionists’ manipulation of the West that I have read since the book titled “Against their Better Judgment”. Thank you for your incredible work creating your articles!
Netanyahu has been a terrible PM. Rabin understood that the Palestinians had been robbed of their land, looted of their belongings and expelled by violent Zionists. He was killed because he worked for a just and peaceful settlement. Palestinians would not give up the fight to return to their land despite years of oppression and occupation. October 7 was a desperate attempt by Hamas to harm Israel and motivate other Arab leaders to support their military action. Instead Israel launched a scorched earth campaign to kill, torture, displace and starve Palestinians. Polls show Israelis want everyone in Gaza dead or expelled. But the massive assault to punish Palestinians has backfired. People now understand that the Palestinians have been badly treated for decades. Netanyahu initiated the starvation policy which has been rightly condemned as depraved and barbaric.
I really appreciate your perspective and your writing. I read a later piece first so I am going back to the beginning of this series. This is what I have been needing so that I can “try” and converse with people. Thank you!
This is so timely and true. Too many Americans have been ignorant to these actions. It was brought to my attention by Jimmy Carter long years ago and I started questioning why we had to follow Israel to hell. Age has a benefit the young don’t see. I look forward to your next article!! And, thank you.
Well done. Your outsider view is valuable. You are completely on point about AIPAC. I lived in Israel in 1984, then went to college to study the region (primarily the Israel-Egypt relationship). I learned quite a bit going to every nook and cranny of the country, including bus from Tel Aviv thru the Sinai to Cairo. Seeing the military remnants of war and monuments as well as Bedouin way of life for the first time. That country sadly no longer exists. Though for many American jews it is one of their fantasies, which AIPAC stirs for support.
I know this because my first job out of university was for AIPAC, I still listened to my father’s ideas when I took the job. My 2 years ended there after the reality of what I knew to be true and worthy of defending (Rabin’s coalition goals of 2 state resulting in Oslo) versus the extreme views of their political strong arming of representatives both in states and on the federal level. Their money held sway over policy and Bibi knew it back in 1992 with the loan guarantees. His zealotry and rhetoric have been fundamental, always. The senior Bush administration also knew settlements would have long term negative impacts for peace. Again, the American paid for politicians by AIPAC wagged the dog.
When Bibi paid no price for his rhetoric inspiring the violence that led to Rabin's murder he continued to use fear to change the political course for his nation. The similarities between how Bibi uses language & speeches and DJT have been obvious since 2017.
None of the AIPAC donors, Bibi or Trump have ever wanted anything more than expansion and to rename the area Judea and Samaria. Decades ago the phrase was “there is no such thing as a Palestinian, they need to go to Jordan” and because this was not called out in public and LOUDLY as untrue, it quietly lived on the minds of zealots.
Yuval Noah Harari said it best “And the big question that I would ask is what are the values? What are the ideals that Israel still stands for? What positive ideals it still stands for?”
From Unholy: Two Jews on the News: Israeli strike on Iran inching closer, Netanyahu survives another crisis and Special Guest Yuval Noah Harari, Jun 12, 2025.
WOW, want to say thank you so much for your contribution to the conversation. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, I really do appreciate it. It seems my read from the outside is not far off the mark.
The only point I would raise is the reference to "innocent women and children," because many men are just as innocent. I would prefer people to say "innocent civilians," because many Palestinian men are (were) shopkeepers, fishermen, farmers, academics, doctors etc, and fathers, just going about their lives, doing what we all do. Just as innocent as women and children. Since oct 7th their focus has been the survival of their families, doing their jobs if they can (and much of it essential to the survival of others).
This isn't a personal criticism, because everyone does it, but I think at some point we do need to acknowledge that "innocence" as used in this context isn't exclusive to women and children.
I think you make a very valid point Marianne and the words I used were used consciously to drive home the point, but you are absolutely right.
No words.
Thank you for clarifying this very important fact: “innocence” is not exclusive to women & children.
What they do with the Palestinians is no less than what the Holocaust was for them.
It is very sad that they forgot, shameful.
Who will believe them now? They lost the empathy of the world by committing war crimes.
And this criminal regime has done a huge damage to all the Jews worldwide, even the ones that have nothing to do with Zionism, or the state of Israel.
They damage the image they had for generations, and the idiots in charge do not care!
Idiocy is the name of war crimes everywhere… but today louder in this endless Israeli— Palestinian disaster.
This is not about politics or religion this is simply about greed.
The stench of these actions will be on us for many generations to come
October 7, 2023 is the excuse Netanyahu had been looking for, for a very long time. He has wanted a war with the Palestinians long before he became Prime Minister and he is using every excuse possible to keep it going. The fact that he is committing genocide, of which the U. S. is complicit, does not bother him. Some organizations in Israel are beginning to come out against him over the genocide and starvation policy he is forcing. It is very unfortunate Netanyahu has continued on to this point as he is turning a lot of people, many who have always supported Israel, myself included, against the country.
Your piece is carefully thought out, but, I think missing some important elements in this terrible struggle and the tragic horrors it has caused and continues to cause every day.
Historically, the Arab world leaders were steeped in the lies of the “Protocols of Zion”, the hateful and anti Semitic book which Henry Ford had translated into Arabic and presented to them in the 1930s.
The Arabs who believed in the truth of this book fully supported Hitler, and were hostile to the Jews who came to their country, and, understandably extremely angry when they were driven from their homes and villages or killed.
Two peoples claiming the same land is a disaster in the making!
The other pressures on the both people are the statements of the Palestinian leadership that they wish to destroy Israel, and the teachings promoted in their schools (with books provided by the Saudi government), that killing a Jewish person will make them a martyr, and they will be rewarded in heaven by virgins.
These ideas have not made negotiations with the Palestinian leadership easy.
This, combined with the great disaster of Netanyahu’s and Trump’s leadership, two criminals with the desire to avoid prison, and the unwillingness of Hamas to change their charter, or to help improve the quality of life in Gaza, (building tunnels instead of a better way of life, and adhering to a very restrictive form of Islam) all contributing to this nightmare.
Also, are you familiar with the study by Zimbardo conducted at Stanford University. It, along with the Yale Study by Milgrim, help to understand how humans behave in circumstances that cause aggressive behaviors.
“We need another dose of evolution.” Axel Dorf
Thank you for sharing your deep insights into this unbearably painful destruction of innocent women and children, by people whose history should be a dire warning to “Never Again” allow this to happen, or worse, be the perpetrators of this horrific crime.
Thank you for your contribution Terry, I’ll absorb it when I’ve had time to breathe after a long writing session.
I’ve had time to decompress now Terry and have read your contribution to the conversation.
I have no doubt this is a very complex and challenging tapestry of historic and religious ideology. I will take a look at the studies you mentioned, because I am genuinely interested in understanding the big picture.
My piece while acknowledging the difficult history, focuses on the here and now because history books and academic studies do not feed starving children.
While interpretation of history may serve for some as justification for murder, they are just an excuse for abhorrent crimes against humanity. We live in the here and now and that is where justice should be served.
ALOHA... SHAM SHAM SHAM.. ALL THE WORLD LEADER SHOULD BE INDITED FOR WAR CRIMES... NO HELP...SILENCE..... “Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought. Instead of fear, let this moment fuel the fire that already burns at the heart of this place. A fire of righteous indignation at abuses of power.”
I found your piece extraordinary in the facts and history, about every element of which you wrote. For those 600 people who unsubscribed, I believe they have their eyes closed to reality and find it hard to accept the truth in front of them. But isn't that what is happening here in the US with the evil permeating our government? I have had conversations with my fellow Jews; many views are to never say anything negative about Israel, whom they say never started anything at any time. Growing up Jewish, the intrinsic sense of who I am, your article did not offend me., But rather shined a light on facts and reality, ones that too many people do not want to see. It was Netanyahu who did not protect his people from that horrifying attack. That of course does not negate the shocking violence of it all. But he is an evil, power-hungry leader who does whatever he wants to stay in control. His manipulation of Trump is so evident, but of course Trump has no clue. For me, the unacceptable killing and starving of people goes beyond the pale. To perpetuate the same evil as what the Jews went through in the Holocaust to others by Israel is unspeakable. For most of the world to stand by, including the US, again with all the evidence, is a reminder that we have not learned at all from history. Elie Weisel said, "never again", yet here we are. I am heartsick over everything that is happening there, and in this country, where we are systemically being led into more evil. However, I believe the Amercian people will not let this happen with our sheer will, force and determination not be taken over.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I take heart from the fact that I struck the right balance in terms of approach. My intent is never to generalize, but rather to place the blame where it belongs.
I totally agree. It boggles my mind that there are more people in the US that think what is happening is wrong, yet nothing seems to change or get better!!
The lack of humanity is astounding. We can see with our own eyes, children and babies are suffering. 😢
Best commentary on Zionists’ manipulation of the West that I have read since the book titled “Against their Better Judgment”. Thank you for your incredible work creating your articles!
WOW, praise indeed. I’ll take that my friend. Thank you so much.
Its is Genocide of a people who live on earth .
Netanyahu has been a terrible PM. Rabin understood that the Palestinians had been robbed of their land, looted of their belongings and expelled by violent Zionists. He was killed because he worked for a just and peaceful settlement. Palestinians would not give up the fight to return to their land despite years of oppression and occupation. October 7 was a desperate attempt by Hamas to harm Israel and motivate other Arab leaders to support their military action. Instead Israel launched a scorched earth campaign to kill, torture, displace and starve Palestinians. Polls show Israelis want everyone in Gaza dead or expelled. But the massive assault to punish Palestinians has backfired. People now understand that the Palestinians have been badly treated for decades. Netanyahu initiated the starvation policy which has been rightly condemned as depraved and barbaric.
I really appreciate your perspective and your writing. I read a later piece first so I am going back to the beginning of this series. This is what I have been needing so that I can “try” and converse with people. Thank you!
Cheers Neil, hope it helps. It’s pretty comprehensive, so it should give you something to work with.
This is so timely and true. Too many Americans have been ignorant to these actions. It was brought to my attention by Jimmy Carter long years ago and I started questioning why we had to follow Israel to hell. Age has a benefit the young don’t see. I look forward to your next article!! And, thank you.
Go on, please! And thank you!!!
Well done. Your outsider view is valuable. You are completely on point about AIPAC. I lived in Israel in 1984, then went to college to study the region (primarily the Israel-Egypt relationship). I learned quite a bit going to every nook and cranny of the country, including bus from Tel Aviv thru the Sinai to Cairo. Seeing the military remnants of war and monuments as well as Bedouin way of life for the first time. That country sadly no longer exists. Though for many American jews it is one of their fantasies, which AIPAC stirs for support.
I know this because my first job out of university was for AIPAC, I still listened to my father’s ideas when I took the job. My 2 years ended there after the reality of what I knew to be true and worthy of defending (Rabin’s coalition goals of 2 state resulting in Oslo) versus the extreme views of their political strong arming of representatives both in states and on the federal level. Their money held sway over policy and Bibi knew it back in 1992 with the loan guarantees. His zealotry and rhetoric have been fundamental, always. The senior Bush administration also knew settlements would have long term negative impacts for peace. Again, the American paid for politicians by AIPAC wagged the dog.
When Bibi paid no price for his rhetoric inspiring the violence that led to Rabin's murder he continued to use fear to change the political course for his nation. The similarities between how Bibi uses language & speeches and DJT have been obvious since 2017.
None of the AIPAC donors, Bibi or Trump have ever wanted anything more than expansion and to rename the area Judea and Samaria. Decades ago the phrase was “there is no such thing as a Palestinian, they need to go to Jordan” and because this was not called out in public and LOUDLY as untrue, it quietly lived on the minds of zealots.
Yuval Noah Harari said it best “And the big question that I would ask is what are the values? What are the ideals that Israel still stands for? What positive ideals it still stands for?”
From Unholy: Two Jews on the News: Israeli strike on Iran inching closer, Netanyahu survives another crisis and Special Guest Yuval Noah Harari, Jun 12, 2025.
WOW, want to say thank you so much for your contribution to the conversation. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, I really do appreciate it. It seems my read from the outside is not far off the mark.