Hi, all, and happy Tuesday. I suspect I’m not the only one who’s feeling exhausted and a bit overwhelmed right now. It’s safe to say that the stress levels we’re experiencing are unprecedentedly high. Our country somewhat routinely feels unstable these days, but now it is the world itself that feels like it’s spinning out of control. Every moment brings a new crisis. Every headline is more troubling than the one before.
Jessica thank you for all of your good, but please post the complete history of the Palestinians struggle. What is happening is tragedy no doubt but Israel’s policies and persecution of the Palestinians is partly to blame. J street is telling only one side of the terrible story. Here is one place you could start :https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/1/nakba-film-streaming-netflix-despite-israeli-threats
So, I am trying really hard in this newsletter to stick to giving you guys actions related to *American* politics. I am not a foreign policy expert nor anything approaching it. I DO know well that the Israeli government has behaved appallingly towards Palestinians, and I very much blame them for it. But this attack is not justified by those facts. Deliberate attacks on civilians--and staggering, intentional violence against children and the elderly--is never justified. I have tried hard to maintain a balance in my limited comments on this subject--I've linked to both Israeli and Palestinian charities, I've mentioned checking in on both Israeli and Palestinian friends, and I've repeatedly stated my abhorrence of all violence--especially against children. I'm not sure how much more clear I can be. I actively oppose Netanyahu and his government's suppressive and monstrous tactics. AND an attack on kids at a concert, killing entire families where they sleep, kidnapping babies, raping 20-year-old women before shooting them and posting videos of it...it's horrific and needs to be strongly denounced. I'm trying to thread a needle that likely just can't be threaded. But I'm going to keep trying even if I occasionally elicit criticism. I am a mom. I grieve EVERY child lost. I don't know how else to say it. We need peace. But we won't get there this way.
Beautifully said. And no need to apologize. I understand what you’re saying perfectly and I agree with you that the Biden administration has been too accepting of Netanyahu’s awful behavior.
Yesterday, Jessica's Chop Wood, Carry Water lead was "Lead with Love." Seems to me, it doesn't get any better than that. And I certainly stand in the company of others when I say that I witness Jess doing just that, tirelessly, day in and day out. Certainly beyond anything I could ever imagine doing, not now, not ever in my lifetime. Not with that much passion and commitment. And yes, we need peace, among us, if there's any hope for this broken world of ours. 💔
Jessica, I apologize for my earlier comments. I know you are trying to navigate a horrific situation. The work you do every day, is critical. It would be hard for me to carry on without your encouragement. I wrote in haste and did what the Israel General Yoni Shimshoni warn us about on the J Street presentation – we’re coming at this when our emotions are high and our reasoning is low.
First, let me say that I believe the Palestinians have a right resist a belligerent military occupation, but what Hamas did in killing and taking hostage women and children is a horrific crime. This is not resistance to oppression, this is terrorism. But bombing more women and children in Gaza is not going to solve anything. I agree with the political scientist and human rights activist, Omar Baddar, “If we’re going to be morally consistent and care about the lives and wellbeing and freedom of both Palestinians and Israelis equality, we’ll need to realize there is no military solution to this violence, and resolving this problem requires JUSTICE through an end to Israeli apartheid.”
This would require the Biden administration to not send more arms to the far-right Israeli government (that, by the way, has crippled it own judiciary) but rather stand up against violence period and work internationally to find a solution. I’m furious at Biden’s actions. They follow a long history of the U.S. giving barely a nod to the injustice that the Palestinian people have suffered. Where was the outrage when villages were bulldozed, or Palestinians were killed by settlers in the West Bank, or when Netanyahu policies made Gaza an open-air prison, or this year when the Israeli army attacked the refugee camp in Jenin and then deliberately used bulldozers and miliary vehicles to block ambulances from getting through. The U.S. has the power change this situation, but it must be an honest broker.
I'll end with something that the Rev. Grayland Scott Hagler, wrote on October 10, “All the violence is senseless and will never lead to peace with justice. I grieve and mourn all the deaths. But I must emphasize that I mourn and grieve the deaths among Palestinians as much as among the Israelis. The perception of the importance of one life over another however is an indictment of our sense of morality and ethics. One life is not more important than another life.” Amen to that.
I get why you think Jessica should post "the complete history of the Palestinian struggle." But as soon as we say "Israel's policies and persecution of the Palestininans is partly to blame," we are dangerously close to saying that, in contrast to international law on war crimes (see link below), we accept that terrorist attacks on civilians can be justified if the provocation is sufficient. And that is just morally wrong, no matter who is committing the atrocities. (See below for Jessica's statement below condemning the atrocities, especially against infants and children.)
As to J street "telling only one side of the story, I listened very carefully to the video. and the comments by the two experts, Retired IDF Brigadier General and member of Commanders for Israel's Security, Yoni Shimshoni, and Celine Touboul, Co-Executive Director of the Israeli Policy Think Tank ECF. Due respect, I disagree that they are "telling only one side of the story." Their job was not to tell the whole history but to help process what just happened, how it happened and what's next.
Here are just a couple of examples of their calling out Israel's part in what happened. They both referred to Netanyahu and the far right working to make the "Palestinian authority irrelevant," and to make Hamas "just strong enough to make peace (and a two state solution) impossible." They mentioned that this was not just an intelligence failure, but that Netanyahu's government did have plenty of warnings from Egypt about the situation in Gaza and how it is not sustainable, but they ignored it. Also both said how important it is to get past the "punishment and revenge stage" because one of the outcomes of acting from that place (such as cutting off food and water) in Gaza would create a humanitarian disaster way before capitulation. might occur. They also both stated that Israel needs to apply thinking to making sure they would have an exit strategy .
I don't need to repeat Jessica's explanation below, where she makes very clear that the horrific atrocities committed by the Hamas terrorists as they invaded civilian homes, (including decapitating infants which she didn't mention) must be strongly denounced. But I do think she is showing amazing skill, compassion and courage in her attempt to help us understand this horrific and tragic situation. And for that I am deeply grateful.
Agree- there should be no pass for any group/ person doing such atrocities. War between nations one thing. Peripheral damage on both sides will happen. Terrorist behaviors are evil and these type of massacres need to be held out differently. As persecuted as the Palestinians have been I’m hearing many saying they would never agree with the slaughter of civilians/ children such as was done by Hamas.
And then I think we need to add that while "rules of war" allow for proportionate response (Sigh, I remember in American President or West Wing - can't remember which - the president said he wished someone would explain to him the merits of a proportional response) they do NOT allow for targeting civilians. From the little reporting I've seen, it surely sounds like the Israeli response in bombing Gaza does not follow those rules. I have heard that Hamas makes it difficult because they live among the the civilians so it's not like it used to be to distinguish military targets. And I don't claim any military expertise. But what I am hearing about Israel's response in Gaza just sounds wrong to me. And I keep thinking I need to do something. But I don't know what....yet.
Yeah, it's maddening, because it sounds like Hamas leadership isn't even in Gaza. They live high lifestyles in other countries and let Palestinians bear the brunt of THEIR bad deeds. It's awful. And I think Pres. Biden is working feverishly behind the scenes to push Netanyahu to not harm civilians. Hope he succeeds.
Your comment is an example of what I think of as "social media hit and run." It's just so easy to drop an insult and leave rather than take the time and effort to attempt to share one's thinking/feelings.
So I'm going to take a chance and ask for a respectful response - are you saying that I got my summary of what I heard all wrong? Or are you saying that the two experts got it all wrong? I would like to know.
Jessica, you are one of the beacons I rely on in these treacherous times. Another one is Heather Cox Richardson, whom you mentioned. Without such calm voices and critical perspectives, I don’t know how I’d make it through each week and month. I don’t even bother with mainstream news anymore because I know the biggest stories get endlessly amplified, and writers/activists such as you and Heather will help me make sense of most (or at least some) of it. I don’t know where your incredible strength and energy come from, but I wish you more of each as we slog ahead.
I truly believe if this country is to survive in one piece, it will be because of the efforts of people like you.
These are the times that chopping wood really matters. We can't fix everything in the world, but we can do a few small things each day to elect good leaders and get good policies enacted. Long term it makes a difference.
Feeling disheartened today and really appreciated coming home and reading your words of kindness and encouragement. Thank you. Echoing Mimi - so grateful for your compassion, dedication and energy.
This is a lovely and much needed thread just now. None of this makes much sense, especially the nonsense wing of the Republican Party. Cringeworthy bunch of ignorant brats pretending to be grown ups. Violence and bigotry solve nothing. If many of our fellow Americans see the MAGA crowd as saviors, god save us all. Forget Woke, just plain wake up, damnit.
Oct 10, 2023·edited Oct 10, 2023Liked by Jessica Craven
I think each generation living through conflict and violence, feels like their time is the worst time.
But, it's worth pausing, and taking the long view. Perspective is always much needed, so we can apply some context. This is not to say the current political conditions are not bad, stressful and overwhelming...only that immediacy tends to imbue whatever conditions we're living under in a given moment, with greater weight and terribleness than those conditions may actually carry, relatively speaking.
Also, thank you so much for your postings—and especially, this reminder: "We can’t choose the times we live in. But we can certainly choose how we live. So let’s do our best to be beacons of love, fairness, and determination today."
I just got off my phone call to Senator Schumer's office. As preparation for the call I did the smallest amount of google research on the Senate rules that allow Tuberville's shenanigans, and I got myself worked up into a lather by reading in The Hill (from June of 2023) "Democrats fed up with Tuberville want to change Senate rules"(link below). In particular, the article attributes (without quotation) that "Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has indicated his preference is for Senate Republicans to figure out among themselves how to persuade Tuberville to back off his blanket hold on military promotions." Though McConnell's comment was "You will have to ask Tommy about that."
I also asked why Schumer has not yet co-sponsored Ethan's Law. Both NY Senators are on board for S.25 and S.494, so I don't get that Schumer would not support keeping guns safely stored in residences with children and other less-than-fully-responsible individuals.
J street posted the video of this morning's discussion. It's here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZbYL9xOZ8w
Jessica thank you for all of your good, but please post the complete history of the Palestinians struggle. What is happening is tragedy no doubt but Israel’s policies and persecution of the Palestinians is partly to blame. J street is telling only one side of the terrible story. Here is one place you could start :https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/1/nakba-film-streaming-netflix-despite-israeli-threats
So, I am trying really hard in this newsletter to stick to giving you guys actions related to *American* politics. I am not a foreign policy expert nor anything approaching it. I DO know well that the Israeli government has behaved appallingly towards Palestinians, and I very much blame them for it. But this attack is not justified by those facts. Deliberate attacks on civilians--and staggering, intentional violence against children and the elderly--is never justified. I have tried hard to maintain a balance in my limited comments on this subject--I've linked to both Israeli and Palestinian charities, I've mentioned checking in on both Israeli and Palestinian friends, and I've repeatedly stated my abhorrence of all violence--especially against children. I'm not sure how much more clear I can be. I actively oppose Netanyahu and his government's suppressive and monstrous tactics. AND an attack on kids at a concert, killing entire families where they sleep, kidnapping babies, raping 20-year-old women before shooting them and posting videos of it...it's horrific and needs to be strongly denounced. I'm trying to thread a needle that likely just can't be threaded. But I'm going to keep trying even if I occasionally elicit criticism. I am a mom. I grieve EVERY child lost. I don't know how else to say it. We need peace. But we won't get there this way.
Beautifully said. And no need to apologize. I understand what you’re saying perfectly and I agree with you that the Biden administration has been too accepting of Netanyahu’s awful behavior.
Yesterday, Jessica's Chop Wood, Carry Water lead was "Lead with Love." Seems to me, it doesn't get any better than that. And I certainly stand in the company of others when I say that I witness Jess doing just that, tirelessly, day in and day out. Certainly beyond anything I could ever imagine doing, not now, not ever in my lifetime. Not with that much passion and commitment. And yes, we need peace, among us, if there's any hope for this broken world of ours. 💔
Thank you Jean.
Thank you Jess.
Jessica, I apologize for my earlier comments. I know you are trying to navigate a horrific situation. The work you do every day, is critical. It would be hard for me to carry on without your encouragement. I wrote in haste and did what the Israel General Yoni Shimshoni warn us about on the J Street presentation – we’re coming at this when our emotions are high and our reasoning is low.
First, let me say that I believe the Palestinians have a right resist a belligerent military occupation, but what Hamas did in killing and taking hostage women and children is a horrific crime. This is not resistance to oppression, this is terrorism. But bombing more women and children in Gaza is not going to solve anything. I agree with the political scientist and human rights activist, Omar Baddar, “If we’re going to be morally consistent and care about the lives and wellbeing and freedom of both Palestinians and Israelis equality, we’ll need to realize there is no military solution to this violence, and resolving this problem requires JUSTICE through an end to Israeli apartheid.”
This would require the Biden administration to not send more arms to the far-right Israeli government (that, by the way, has crippled it own judiciary) but rather stand up against violence period and work internationally to find a solution. I’m furious at Biden’s actions. They follow a long history of the U.S. giving barely a nod to the injustice that the Palestinian people have suffered. Where was the outrage when villages were bulldozed, or Palestinians were killed by settlers in the West Bank, or when Netanyahu policies made Gaza an open-air prison, or this year when the Israeli army attacked the refugee camp in Jenin and then deliberately used bulldozers and miliary vehicles to block ambulances from getting through. The U.S. has the power change this situation, but it must be an honest broker.
I'll end with something that the Rev. Grayland Scott Hagler, wrote on October 10, “All the violence is senseless and will never lead to peace with justice. I grieve and mourn all the deaths. But I must emphasize that I mourn and grieve the deaths among Palestinians as much as among the Israelis. The perception of the importance of one life over another however is an indictment of our sense of morality and ethics. One life is not more important than another life.” Amen to that.
I get why you think Jessica should post "the complete history of the Palestinian struggle." But as soon as we say "Israel's policies and persecution of the Palestininans is partly to blame," we are dangerously close to saying that, in contrast to international law on war crimes (see link below), we accept that terrorist attacks on civilians can be justified if the provocation is sufficient. And that is just morally wrong, no matter who is committing the atrocities. (See below for Jessica's statement below condemning the atrocities, especially against infants and children.)
As to J street "telling only one side of the story, I listened very carefully to the video. and the comments by the two experts, Retired IDF Brigadier General and member of Commanders for Israel's Security, Yoni Shimshoni, and Celine Touboul, Co-Executive Director of the Israeli Policy Think Tank ECF. Due respect, I disagree that they are "telling only one side of the story." Their job was not to tell the whole history but to help process what just happened, how it happened and what's next.
Here are just a couple of examples of their calling out Israel's part in what happened. They both referred to Netanyahu and the far right working to make the "Palestinian authority irrelevant," and to make Hamas "just strong enough to make peace (and a two state solution) impossible." They mentioned that this was not just an intelligence failure, but that Netanyahu's government did have plenty of warnings from Egypt about the situation in Gaza and how it is not sustainable, but they ignored it. Also both said how important it is to get past the "punishment and revenge stage" because one of the outcomes of acting from that place (such as cutting off food and water) in Gaza would create a humanitarian disaster way before capitulation. might occur. They also both stated that Israel needs to apply thinking to making sure they would have an exit strategy .
I don't need to repeat Jessica's explanation below, where she makes very clear that the horrific atrocities committed by the Hamas terrorists as they invaded civilian homes, (including decapitating infants which she didn't mention) must be strongly denounced. But I do think she is showing amazing skill, compassion and courage in her attempt to help us understand this horrific and tragic situation. And for that I am deeply grateful.
https://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/war-crimes.shtml#:~:text=Some%20examples%20of%20prohibited%20acts,charitable%20purposes%2C%20historical%20monuments%20or
Agree- there should be no pass for any group/ person doing such atrocities. War between nations one thing. Peripheral damage on both sides will happen. Terrorist behaviors are evil and these type of massacres need to be held out differently. As persecuted as the Palestinians have been I’m hearing many saying they would never agree with the slaughter of civilians/ children such as was done by Hamas.
And then I think we need to add that while "rules of war" allow for proportionate response (Sigh, I remember in American President or West Wing - can't remember which - the president said he wished someone would explain to him the merits of a proportional response) they do NOT allow for targeting civilians. From the little reporting I've seen, it surely sounds like the Israeli response in bombing Gaza does not follow those rules. I have heard that Hamas makes it difficult because they live among the the civilians so it's not like it used to be to distinguish military targets. And I don't claim any military expertise. But what I am hearing about Israel's response in Gaza just sounds wrong to me. And I keep thinking I need to do something. But I don't know what....yet.
Yeah, it's maddening, because it sounds like Hamas leadership isn't even in Gaza. They live high lifestyles in other countries and let Palestinians bear the brunt of THEIR bad deeds. It's awful. And I think Pres. Biden is working feverishly behind the scenes to push Netanyahu to not harm civilians. Hope he succeeds.
You have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about. None.
I just saw a notice in my email that you "liked" my comment. So now I'm completely confused!
Your comment is an example of what I think of as "social media hit and run." It's just so easy to drop an insult and leave rather than take the time and effort to attempt to share one's thinking/feelings.
So I'm going to take a chance and ask for a respectful response - are you saying that I got my summary of what I heard all wrong? Or are you saying that the two experts got it all wrong? I would like to know.
“Experts” don’t always deal in facts either. And it’s not my job to educate you, when a 30 second google search will tell you why it’s not accurate.
See my comment above.
You are priceless, dear Jess. "Thank you" is not nearly enough to express my gratitude for your compassion, dedication and incredible energy.
Aw, thank you, Mim!
Agreed.
Jessica, you are one of the beacons I rely on in these treacherous times. Another one is Heather Cox Richardson, whom you mentioned. Without such calm voices and critical perspectives, I don’t know how I’d make it through each week and month. I don’t even bother with mainstream news anymore because I know the biggest stories get endlessly amplified, and writers/activists such as you and Heather will help me make sense of most (or at least some) of it. I don’t know where your incredible strength and energy come from, but I wish you more of each as we slog ahead.
I truly believe if this country is to survive in one piece, it will be because of the efforts of people like you.
That's really kind of you. Thank you, Yvonne.
Keep reporting the truth and drown out the negative people
Thank you for one of the best posts I’ve read about these tragic and terrible times
Oh, wow. Thank you!
These are the times that chopping wood really matters. We can't fix everything in the world, but we can do a few small things each day to elect good leaders and get good policies enacted. Long term it makes a difference.
Oh it sure does! That's what "Extra Extra" is all about!
The other day I posted my appreciation for your every Sunday Extra! Extras!. They are filled with hope.
Today I wish to express my appreciation for your daily CWCWs. They give me purpose.
🥰
Feeling disheartened today and really appreciated coming home and reading your words of kindness and encouragement. Thank you. Echoing Mimi - so grateful for your compassion, dedication and energy.
Thanks, Kathy, and so glad I could provide a lift.
This is a lovely and much needed thread just now. None of this makes much sense, especially the nonsense wing of the Republican Party. Cringeworthy bunch of ignorant brats pretending to be grown ups. Violence and bigotry solve nothing. If many of our fellow Americans see the MAGA crowd as saviors, god save us all. Forget Woke, just plain wake up, damnit.
I think each generation living through conflict and violence, feels like their time is the worst time.
But, it's worth pausing, and taking the long view. Perspective is always much needed, so we can apply some context. This is not to say the current political conditions are not bad, stressful and overwhelming...only that immediacy tends to imbue whatever conditions we're living under in a given moment, with greater weight and terribleness than those conditions may actually carry, relatively speaking.
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/deaths-in-state-based-conflicts-by-world-region
Also, thank you so much for your postings—and especially, this reminder: "We can’t choose the times we live in. But we can certainly choose how we live. So let’s do our best to be beacons of love, fairness, and determination today."
LOVE this thank you so much!
I just got off my phone call to Senator Schumer's office. As preparation for the call I did the smallest amount of google research on the Senate rules that allow Tuberville's shenanigans, and I got myself worked up into a lather by reading in The Hill (from June of 2023) "Democrats fed up with Tuberville want to change Senate rules"(link below). In particular, the article attributes (without quotation) that "Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has indicated his preference is for Senate Republicans to figure out among themselves how to persuade Tuberville to back off his blanket hold on military promotions." Though McConnell's comment was "You will have to ask Tommy about that."
I also asked why Schumer has not yet co-sponsored Ethan's Law. Both NY Senators are on board for S.25 and S.494, so I don't get that Schumer would not support keeping guns safely stored in residences with children and other less-than-fully-responsible individuals.
Yeah that baffles me, too. Glad you asked about it and glad you pushed Schumer on Tuberville!
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4057516-democrats-fed-up-with-tuberville-want-to-change-senate-rules/
What has happened to the resistbot messages. I like helping that way.
Sorry--back to normal this week. I was a bit overwhelmed this week.
Last week.
The J Stream video was excellent for information from informed people...thank you for posting the link!