As you ponder the potential middle ground in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the REAL conflict is yet to come.
After the fighting stops + maybe six months of international hand wringing, wrist twisting and head scratching, we will arrive at the point where Hamas is fully discredited and vanquished.
Then the last group believing the "River to the Sea" solution will not be Arab nations, but Israel's ultra religious and ultra right wing minority..They will be the ongoing conflict.
No matter how far the modern world has moved passed the Bible, they believe, above all else, in the 4000 year old contract between God, Abraham and Moses.
Taking away their theocratic dream will be the most difficult political issue to overcome, provide Palestinians a sovereign nation with political rights and bring an enduring peace to the Middle East...finally!
The reason for greatest hope that this can happen is JOE BIDEN. He has been a miracle for Israel in this crisis. Most Israelis want Biden as their president (even at 80!)
He's the only world leader with the stature and backbone to tell the Israeli right to pound sand and join global reality..
Which is to say, I agree that Joe Biden can likely handle that (very likely) outcome better than anyone. And I agree that it's going to be a problem. The violent settler expansion is very, very troubling. Unacceptable, in fact.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your very thoughtful response. I apologize for the mention of genocide. I think there was another comment I saw as I was reading the article you included and the comments. It is a tough tough situation for sure. I'm no fan of Bibi and his right wing government but at this point, fortunately, it looks like the vast majority of Israelis will vote him out as soon as they get the chance. Mostly, I appreciate all that you do politically--for the fight for our democracy so I absolutely will continue to read this. Thanks again
Glad you mentioned Standing Together which is an organization of Israeli Arabs and Jews working together. Another organization worth supporting is Hand in Hand (https://www.handinhandk12.org/). Which runs a group of schools for Arab and Israeli children. They study both Hebrew and Arabic ( and English), celebrate and discuss all the holidays, including Israel Independence Day and the Nachbar; their parents are involved and form relations with one another that otherwise would not happen. We visited one of the schools in Jerusalem and it was very impressive. Much more of what is needed!
I love the Civics Center. My "power three" are definitely not the ONLY places that deserve support. They are just my top three, and where I think money probably buys the most votes and/or progress.
Unfortunately, stopping the fighting would not bring peace. Instead it would mean victory for Hamas who's declared it's efforts to repeat Oct. 7th and go further with it's vows of violence and destruction. If Hamas were to give up tomorrow and stop using the innocent Palestinians as human shields, it would be a different story. No where in the article nor in any of the comments did I see a mention of Hamas breaking its word and the cease fire last week after refusing to release any more hostages. Hamas started firing missiles. Although there's unfortunately not much mention in the news, Israel is under a nearly constant barrage of missiles. If American citizens were attacked like Israel is, who would not want and expect the US Armed Services to defend us. I often wonder if World War 2 were happening today, would you see the same call for the allies to stop fighting? Yes, war is awful, but so is living right next to a terrorist group whose stated goal is to wipe out the state of Israel. Israel is not committing genocide. Israel is fighting for its survival.
First, you'll notice I haven't used the word genocide anywhere. Ever. Second, I very much believe that Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas. I agree--it's a terrifying situation to have them there threatening to attack again. And if you've been reading this newsletter for awhile you'll know that I didn't leap into this position immediately. We are 8 weeks in and it's clear that Israel's current approach is only turning the International community against it--which is the last thing anyone wants--and not actually succeeding at destroying Hamas. My understanding is that between 1000 and 2000 Hamas fighters--out of 30K or so--have been killed so far. And about 13K civilians? That seems like a very poor outcome--not to mention that new Hamas members are being created by this kind of destruction. It's a very, very sensitive situation, and I've tried hard to consider all opinions and feelings on this. I started the letter by saying Israel has every right to defend itself, and I feel strongly that that's the case. But since the U.S is looking at giving them 13B in aid I think we have a right and even an obligation to attach conditions to it--especially because Netanyahu has people in his other ear telling him to flatten the entire Gaza Strip. Also, Biden will lose next year if he doesn't keep pushing for restraint. Period. It's a hard balance, but I think it's fair to ask for conditions. And again, I took my lead from J Street, who has been issuing really thoughtful, nuanced, and humane pleas while very much standing up for Israelis' right to existence and safety. Hope that makes sense. I can't tell you how much I'm thinking about this and weighing what, if anything, to say in the newsletter. In fact I'd prefer not to say anything, but this aid package is going to be THE big battle of the next couple of weeks, and I feel I have to wade in. Feel free to skip the letter if you disagree.
Even if what he was funding is not ethnic cleansing, a # of us are sick and bloody tired of our tax dollars going to Israel regardless (why is it that we are able to help fund their society's free healthcare and education, but it's not allowed here?? https://www.bbc.com/news/57170576)
I honestly cannot think of anything he could do, short of a full reverse of international policy, a heartfelt apology on live television, and reparations to palestinians at home and abroad that would get me to vote for him.
Additionally, on the state level, there are a number of Democrats who may very well be at risk because of their commitment to Israel even as more is being uncovered:
Additionally, we are learning that Hammas is not the only ones with hostages -- before Hammas took anybody, Israel was holding thousands hostage; even children have been in jail without charge or explanation for god knows how long (https://www.btselem.org/statistics/detainees_and_prisoners).
I'm not really sure what this means for your newsletter. I guess I hope that you look into folks like Project Olive Grove (over on tiktok) to consider how we might start to rebuild our leadership from the bottom up as we continue to fight for all of the other issues that matter. And I get it - I am a queer, trans, poly jew living in a very, very red state.
I understand the stakes. But this is my stance. And I am not even a little bit alone.
I have respected your stance of neutrality re Palestine/Israel bc I understand that you are trying to hold together a rapidly disintegrating coalition to try to do some good domestically. It is, however, difficult to understand why you are using this platform to advocate for the Ukrainian genocide when you will not do the same for Palestinians when it seems as though both Netanyahu and Putin are working off the same playbook. Again, I have much respect for your goals and what you have accomplished. And I am not asking you to stop advocating for genocide victims. We absolutely should. We should for Congo and Sudan and all the rest as well. I'm just asking you to consider why you feel like some victims of genocide deserve this substack's resources and others do not. Thanks
Not only today, but at least on several other occasions I have put in actions--either phone calls or Resistbot letters--demanding an end to the violence in Gaza. Today I demanded strong conditions for any aid, like more aid for Gazans, protection of all civilians, no more settlement violence, and more. Not sure if you just haven't seen those? I'm trying to be as balanced as I can while also not allowing this issue to dominate the newsletter. The only reason I bring it up now is because Congress is debating an aid package that we can't ignore and that is central to meeting other goals.
You don't appear to have read today's edition, which includes both a link to a pro-peace essay and an action item to condition aid to Israel on humane requirements.
Thank you for taking the time. I saw the bit about Ukraine in the beginning, and your (rightful) condemnation/tone of what's happening there seemed so at odds with your overall approach to the other, and I rushed to judgement before getting to the end. I am *delighted* to be proven wrong.
Can you, Jessica, send me personally to my email (susanorkin@gmail.com) the derivation of Chop Wood Carry Water that you had posted in a recent newsletter. Or tell me which newsletter. I thought it was great --had to do with just carrying on and moving forward
Hey Jess,
As you ponder the potential middle ground in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the REAL conflict is yet to come.
After the fighting stops + maybe six months of international hand wringing, wrist twisting and head scratching, we will arrive at the point where Hamas is fully discredited and vanquished.
Then the last group believing the "River to the Sea" solution will not be Arab nations, but Israel's ultra religious and ultra right wing minority..They will be the ongoing conflict.
No matter how far the modern world has moved passed the Bible, they believe, above all else, in the 4000 year old contract between God, Abraham and Moses.
Taking away their theocratic dream will be the most difficult political issue to overcome, provide Palestinians a sovereign nation with political rights and bring an enduring peace to the Middle East...finally!
The reason for greatest hope that this can happen is JOE BIDEN. He has been a miracle for Israel in this crisis. Most Israelis want Biden as their president (even at 80!)
He's the only world leader with the stature and backbone to tell the Israeli right to pound sand and join global reality..
I couldn't agree more.
Which is to say, I agree that Joe Biden can likely handle that (very likely) outcome better than anyone. And I agree that it's going to be a problem. The violent settler expansion is very, very troubling. Unacceptable, in fact.
yes, I saw. Thanks. I seemed "fishy" (physsy)
Seems out of character for you to suggest anything like this. Seems scammy. Will not respond on Telegram
That was NOT me. Ugh. New form of Substack spam I reported and deleted. Sorry about that.
I agree. Jess, could you comment if you really sent this and it is legit?
You saw the newsletter today, yes? Phisher.
Hi Jessica,
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your very thoughtful response. I apologize for the mention of genocide. I think there was another comment I saw as I was reading the article you included and the comments. It is a tough tough situation for sure. I'm no fan of Bibi and his right wing government but at this point, fortunately, it looks like the vast majority of Israelis will vote him out as soon as they get the chance. Mostly, I appreciate all that you do politically--for the fight for our democracy so I absolutely will continue to read this. Thanks again
Thanks, Judy!
Glad you mentioned Standing Together which is an organization of Israeli Arabs and Jews working together. Another organization worth supporting is Hand in Hand (https://www.handinhandk12.org/). Which runs a group of schools for Arab and Israeli children. They study both Hebrew and Arabic ( and English), celebrate and discuss all the holidays, including Israel Independence Day and the Nachbar; their parents are involved and form relations with one another that otherwise would not happen. We visited one of the schools in Jerusalem and it was very impressive. Much more of what is needed!
Meant to write that the schools are for Arab and Jewish Israeli children.
Sounds great I'll check them out!
I love your three choices for donations. How about the Civics Project for engaging young voters?
I love the Civics Center. My "power three" are definitely not the ONLY places that deserve support. They are just my top three, and where I think money probably buys the most votes and/or progress.
Unfortunately, stopping the fighting would not bring peace. Instead it would mean victory for Hamas who's declared it's efforts to repeat Oct. 7th and go further with it's vows of violence and destruction. If Hamas were to give up tomorrow and stop using the innocent Palestinians as human shields, it would be a different story. No where in the article nor in any of the comments did I see a mention of Hamas breaking its word and the cease fire last week after refusing to release any more hostages. Hamas started firing missiles. Although there's unfortunately not much mention in the news, Israel is under a nearly constant barrage of missiles. If American citizens were attacked like Israel is, who would not want and expect the US Armed Services to defend us. I often wonder if World War 2 were happening today, would you see the same call for the allies to stop fighting? Yes, war is awful, but so is living right next to a terrorist group whose stated goal is to wipe out the state of Israel. Israel is not committing genocide. Israel is fighting for its survival.
Hi, Judy. Thanks for sharing.
First, you'll notice I haven't used the word genocide anywhere. Ever. Second, I very much believe that Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas. I agree--it's a terrifying situation to have them there threatening to attack again. And if you've been reading this newsletter for awhile you'll know that I didn't leap into this position immediately. We are 8 weeks in and it's clear that Israel's current approach is only turning the International community against it--which is the last thing anyone wants--and not actually succeeding at destroying Hamas. My understanding is that between 1000 and 2000 Hamas fighters--out of 30K or so--have been killed so far. And about 13K civilians? That seems like a very poor outcome--not to mention that new Hamas members are being created by this kind of destruction. It's a very, very sensitive situation, and I've tried hard to consider all opinions and feelings on this. I started the letter by saying Israel has every right to defend itself, and I feel strongly that that's the case. But since the U.S is looking at giving them 13B in aid I think we have a right and even an obligation to attach conditions to it--especially because Netanyahu has people in his other ear telling him to flatten the entire Gaza Strip. Also, Biden will lose next year if he doesn't keep pushing for restraint. Period. It's a hard balance, but I think it's fair to ask for conditions. And again, I took my lead from J Street, who has been issuing really thoughtful, nuanced, and humane pleas while very much standing up for Israelis' right to existence and safety. Hope that makes sense. I can't tell you how much I'm thinking about this and weighing what, if anything, to say in the newsletter. In fact I'd prefer not to say anything, but this aid package is going to be THE big battle of the next couple of weeks, and I feel I have to wade in. Feel free to skip the letter if you disagree.
Thank you for this. Your response is thoughtful, and I can tell you are trying to meet the original poster where they are.
I would ask, as you consider your newsletter in the weeks to come, that you consider the fact that Biden has already lost. There are a number of us - myself included - who will not vote for someone who is funding ethnic cleansing (https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/10/un-expert-warns-new-instance-mass-ethnic-cleansing-palestinians-calls).
Even if what he was funding is not ethnic cleansing, a # of us are sick and bloody tired of our tax dollars going to Israel regardless (why is it that we are able to help fund their society's free healthcare and education, but it's not allowed here?? https://www.bbc.com/news/57170576)
I honestly cannot think of anything he could do, short of a full reverse of international policy, a heartfelt apology on live television, and reparations to palestinians at home and abroad that would get me to vote for him.
Instead of Biden, we will be voting 3rd party and encouraging/demanding more states sign up for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Here's an older article explaining it if you are unfamiliar. (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/map-national-popular-vote-plan-replace-electoral-college-n1247159)
Additionally, on the state level, there are a number of Democrats who may very well be at risk because of their commitment to Israel even as more is being uncovered:
Israel knew of the potential for attack a full year in advance and did nothing to prepare or stop it (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/30/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-attack-intelligence.html)
more than 60 percent of Palestinian casualties are children (https://abcnews.go.com/International/women-children-disproportionately-impacted-conflict-gaza-experts/story?id=104655493)
even as Biden "pressures" for humanitarian measures, Israel bombs bakeries / trashes eggs in the midst of a famine they have created (https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/11/2/gaza-bakeries-destroyed-by-israeli-strikes)
and Netanyahu has been recorded as wanting to "thin the population," (https://theintercept.com/2023/12/03/netanyahu-thin-gaza-population/).
Additionally, we are learning that Hammas is not the only ones with hostages -- before Hammas took anybody, Israel was holding thousands hostage; even children have been in jail without charge or explanation for god knows how long (https://www.btselem.org/statistics/detainees_and_prisoners).
Finally, the passing of HR 888 is a direct infringement on first amendment rights as it is not antisemetic to be antizionist. It's just not. (https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/mar/07/debunking-myth-that-anti-zionism-is-antisemitic)
I'm not really sure what this means for your newsletter. I guess I hope that you look into folks like Project Olive Grove (over on tiktok) to consider how we might start to rebuild our leadership from the bottom up as we continue to fight for all of the other issues that matter. And I get it - I am a queer, trans, poly jew living in a very, very red state.
I understand the stakes. But this is my stance. And I am not even a little bit alone.
Hi Jess
I have respected your stance of neutrality re Palestine/Israel bc I understand that you are trying to hold together a rapidly disintegrating coalition to try to do some good domestically. It is, however, difficult to understand why you are using this platform to advocate for the Ukrainian genocide when you will not do the same for Palestinians when it seems as though both Netanyahu and Putin are working off the same playbook. Again, I have much respect for your goals and what you have accomplished. And I am not asking you to stop advocating for genocide victims. We absolutely should. We should for Congo and Sudan and all the rest as well. I'm just asking you to consider why you feel like some victims of genocide deserve this substack's resources and others do not. Thanks
Not only today, but at least on several other occasions I have put in actions--either phone calls or Resistbot letters--demanding an end to the violence in Gaza. Today I demanded strong conditions for any aid, like more aid for Gazans, protection of all civilians, no more settlement violence, and more. Not sure if you just haven't seen those? I'm trying to be as balanced as I can while also not allowing this issue to dominate the newsletter. The only reason I bring it up now is because Congress is debating an aid package that we can't ignore and that is central to meeting other goals.
You don't appear to have read today's edition, which includes both a link to a pro-peace essay and an action item to condition aid to Israel on humane requirements.
Yes, thank you. I was going to say the same.
Thank you for taking the time. I saw the bit about Ukraine in the beginning, and your (rightful) condemnation/tone of what's happening there seemed so at odds with your overall approach to the other, and I rushed to judgement before getting to the end. I am *delighted* to be proven wrong.
Oh good I'm glad. (:
Can you, Jessica, send me personally to my email (susanorkin@gmail.com) the derivation of Chop Wood Carry Water that you had posted in a recent newsletter. Or tell me which newsletter. I thought it was great --had to do with just carrying on and moving forward
I emailed it to you but it's also in the CWCW FAQs doc here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yug2slxUsuKNduC7uLF4u4VbOrh56CbPg_rzzNhTpfA/edit
I don't think you meant this last one for me
what's a "benefiting investment" and I don't know how to use telegram
You saw that this was spam, right? This is the real Jessyca Craven by the way lol.