Thanks Jessica for all you do. One reason I read this every day is your big heart. The "mistakes" are not, they are learning the edges/vulnerabilities of the "team". So you can find the best way to guide the largest group of us, unified toward our important goal. NO ONE can do it all, nor should we try to. I truly appreciate you and thank you for doing what is needed and something I personally couldn't.👍🤗
Oh I couldn’t agree more, I also read Jessica because of her grace, compassion and loving world view. I once compared her daily newsletter to an uplifting sermon! (Secular of course) She’s a treasure, thank you Jessica for all the hard work you do!
One thing we should all agree on is that nothing good will happen in Israel or Palestine if Trump wins. Defeating Trump and MAGA in general is the number one thing we can do to maximize the chance for peace all around the world.
"2024 is going to be a clusterfuck, especially on social media, and in this era of catastrophe and collapse, you do not want to alienate a huge spectrum of your potential allies come 2025. So, my advice is that whatever your work is, focus on that. If people are wrong about something, sometimes you just have to let them be wrong, and keep it moving. Focus on what you can heal and what you can build. That’s what antifascist discipline demands of us in this moment."
" And I also have to say, in 2016 I heard some movement people say things like, “If you vote for Hillary Clinton, you have blood on your hands,” and y’all… we live in the imperial fucking core. There are no clean hands here. I am a Native person whose ancestors experienced genocide and whose land was stolen, and who organizes for collective liberation, but given the structure of capitalism and imperialism, I am still living at the expense of a lot of fucking people. I want to change that math, but to do that, we are going to need each other. We can’t afford unnecessary rancor in our movements, and we can’t allow disagreements about electoralism to tear us apart."
I agree with Anna. I too thought it was balanced . Wrote my own version of the call to my senators and congresswoman. And I did call. It felt good to clearly express my thoughts on the topic.
I am a progressive Jew. I agree with all the comments here. J. Nol expresses the situation very well. It’s not a football game. We can’t choose sides as if it is. We are all human and must remember our interconnectedness to one another and to all. Peace and rock on Jessica.
It is problematic to take any side on this issue, and totally unhelpful to boot. The only thing I would hope people would support is to put pressure on both sides' leadership to stop any and all bloodshed. The leadership on both sides of the Hamas, Israel conflict have done incredibly cruel and unjust things, and apparently are okay with sacrificing the lives of ordinary people in pursuit of their political ideology. The world needs to stop getting into who is the most evil, and start insisting that both sides stop the madness. If we continue to point fingers then aren't we doing the same thing as these misguided leaderships are doing and if our tax dollars are used to kill others, then aren't we helping to perpetuate the madness?
It's depressingly common that some people, mostly men, in their chest pounding, think war is a good solution to any political problem. All it does is enrich the arms industry and causes enormous suffering, upheaval and destruction.
I agree with Anna and Pete. If Biden got as much support from Netanyahu as he is giving the Israeli PM, there would be much more accomplished with less bloodshed and divisiveness. The situation is difficult and politically complicated to the nth degree but you're quite right in stepping back, at least until the major parties involved can agree on a pathway and an endpoint. It appears from reports this morning that there is a plan emerging from the Arab Gulf States, Egypt, the EU and us that is being held up only by Netanyahu and Hamas, both of whom are pointedly not included in the postwar plan.
Sorry. I've been off for a few days with family and missed the Israel/Palestine reader pushback from a few days ago.
I absolutely do not believe you need to either beat yourself up or withdraw from the tremendous human tragedy that has unfolded in Israel/Gaza. Your suggestion to readers that Senators and Congressmen should be questioned about arms supplied to Israel is a more than valid action in the democracy we are all working to uphold.
I write this as a Jewish person from a long standing Zionist family with more than 75 close relatives living in Israel. A pair of twin boys cousins were just born in a small village north of Tel Aviv.
I believe that what has happened in Gaza in the past 3 months is a moral nightmare for world Judaism. As everyone knows, we are a people who have suffered ethnic cleansing and genocide of epic proportions in the past two centuries We, of all people and Israel of all nations, should know when enough is enough. As an American, I am proud that our president, Joe Biden (the most popular politician in Israel) has made this point to Netanyahu and the JDL, since the start of this war. He is also the world leader most capable of enabling some form of long term political solution that will finally ensure political and statehood rights to the Palestinian people and all the social responsibilities that statehood will entail.
IMO, Joe Biden will need all the support he can get from the American Left as he takes on the the Israeli opposition; Israel's theocratic, Messianic right wing. His will be an epic religious and political battle. Israel's religious parties believe in the same "River to the Sea" promise as Hamas, but based on God's promise to Moses some 3500-4000 years ago. We must hope that Joe Biden with Sunni Arab allies can rewrite biblical history in the name of humanity as soon as is possible to finally achieve a lasting peace.
I love what you wrote today. And I am also a supporter of J Street. They have had a bunch of zooms that I have found enlightening, including one early on with Jeremy Ben-Ami and Nancy Pelosi. Also, I included that phone bank for Tom Suozzi (law school classmate) in our Markers For Democracy newsletter but I didn't know you were leading that. That is a definite selling point so I will include in our next newsletter. Also we are co-hosting Sundays For Suozzi for the next 5 weeks at 4 pm. This Sunday, January 7th, Simon Rosenberg will visit as well as Tom. Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/suozziforcongress/event/596053/
Hi Jessica, thank you for another great newsletter. Concerning the issue of the Israel/Gaza war, President Biden himself mentioned a couple of times in public remarks that Israel is “risking
losing the support of the world.” Anthony Blinken, on at least a couple of occasions if not more, also publicly stated that he would like to see Israel perform more surgical strikes that do not kill so many civilians. So, just some words of support for yesterday‘s script that I think was very helpful, and that can always be modified by your readers. I understand that this is a very fraught and difficult subject, and I also appreciate your reference to J Street.
I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your well-deserved rest.
As with all of your newsletter, I really appreciated the Climate Coach articles. I care a lot about the climate but I don't know much about how to reduce my household's carbon footprint. These articles were quick with very actionable advice. We stopped rinsing our dishes immediately and are now running cold washes and I'm about to buy some bar shampoo and conditioner. I'll be sharing these with friends and family!
The cold water wash (actually we use "tap cold") has saved us SO MUCH MONEY in gas bills, too. And our clothes come out just as clean. And yes on the bar shampoo--you'll never go back. I'm so glad you found those tips helpful! I have a whole document for climate, by the way. It's not too long but it's a really good primer on how to lower your footprint. It's here: https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/p/chop-wood-save-the-earth
Thank you this is so helpful! Also just signed up for composting and got our bin today! Have been thinking about it for awhile but needed a little extra push.
I applaud your decision to take the war in the Gaza off your list as well as your link for where to go for more info. Our heads will implode over that one. Division among freedom fighters is just what every wannabe dictator wants. 😊❤️
A little grace goes a long way. You are our hero. Thanks for all you do.
And all of you are MY heroes. Thanks, Peter!
Don’t regret what you wrote. Others should respect your opinion. I thought it was a balanced approach and agreed
Thank you for your support, Anna.
Thanks Jessica for all you do. One reason I read this every day is your big heart. The "mistakes" are not, they are learning the edges/vulnerabilities of the "team". So you can find the best way to guide the largest group of us, unified toward our important goal. NO ONE can do it all, nor should we try to. I truly appreciate you and thank you for doing what is needed and something I personally couldn't.👍🤗
Thank you for that kind comment!
Oh I couldn’t agree more, I also read Jessica because of her grace, compassion and loving world view. I once compared her daily newsletter to an uplifting sermon! (Secular of course) She’s a treasure, thank you Jessica for all the hard work you do!
🥰
One thing we should all agree on is that nothing good will happen in Israel or Palestine if Trump wins. Defeating Trump and MAGA in general is the number one thing we can do to maximize the chance for peace all around the world.
Yes, yes, yes!
Some notes from fascism 101
Organizing my thoughts
Kelly Hayes Dec 28 2023
"2024 is going to be a clusterfuck, especially on social media, and in this era of catastrophe and collapse, you do not want to alienate a huge spectrum of your potential allies come 2025. So, my advice is that whatever your work is, focus on that. If people are wrong about something, sometimes you just have to let them be wrong, and keep it moving. Focus on what you can heal and what you can build. That’s what antifascist discipline demands of us in this moment."
" And I also have to say, in 2016 I heard some movement people say things like, “If you vote for Hillary Clinton, you have blood on your hands,” and y’all… we live in the imperial fucking core. There are no clean hands here. I am a Native person whose ancestors experienced genocide and whose land was stolen, and who organizes for collective liberation, but given the structure of capitalism and imperialism, I am still living at the expense of a lot of fucking people. I want to change that math, but to do that, we are going to need each other. We can’t afford unnecessary rancor in our movements, and we can’t allow disagreements about electoralism to tear us apart."
Ooh that's good! Who is Kelly Hayes?
On Substack search for "organizing my thoughts"
No quote marks.
A long detailed approach to organizing.
Give a look, great read.
I agree with Anna. I too thought it was balanced . Wrote my own version of the call to my senators and congresswoman. And I did call. It felt good to clearly express my thoughts on the topic.
Thanks for all you do!
Thanks, Judith. So appreciate that!
I am a progressive Jew. I agree with all the comments here. J. Nol expresses the situation very well. It’s not a football game. We can’t choose sides as if it is. We are all human and must remember our interconnectedness to one another and to all. Peace and rock on Jessica.
Thanks, Linda! you, too!
Well said. And we need to talk about what’s happening, all of it. And to hear all sides.
It is problematic to take any side on this issue, and totally unhelpful to boot. The only thing I would hope people would support is to put pressure on both sides' leadership to stop any and all bloodshed. The leadership on both sides of the Hamas, Israel conflict have done incredibly cruel and unjust things, and apparently are okay with sacrificing the lives of ordinary people in pursuit of their political ideology. The world needs to stop getting into who is the most evil, and start insisting that both sides stop the madness. If we continue to point fingers then aren't we doing the same thing as these misguided leaderships are doing and if our tax dollars are used to kill others, then aren't we helping to perpetuate the madness?
Yes. Stopping the bloodshed on BOTH SIDES and rescuing the hostages is all I care about!
It's depressingly common that some people, mostly men, in their chest pounding, think war is a good solution to any political problem. All it does is enrich the arms industry and causes enormous suffering, upheaval and destruction.
I agree with Anna and Pete. If Biden got as much support from Netanyahu as he is giving the Israeli PM, there would be much more accomplished with less bloodshed and divisiveness. The situation is difficult and politically complicated to the nth degree but you're quite right in stepping back, at least until the major parties involved can agree on a pathway and an endpoint. It appears from reports this morning that there is a plan emerging from the Arab Gulf States, Egypt, the EU and us that is being held up only by Netanyahu and Hamas, both of whom are pointedly not included in the postwar plan.
Thank you for understanding!
Hi Jessica
Sorry. I've been off for a few days with family and missed the Israel/Palestine reader pushback from a few days ago.
I absolutely do not believe you need to either beat yourself up or withdraw from the tremendous human tragedy that has unfolded in Israel/Gaza. Your suggestion to readers that Senators and Congressmen should be questioned about arms supplied to Israel is a more than valid action in the democracy we are all working to uphold.
I write this as a Jewish person from a long standing Zionist family with more than 75 close relatives living in Israel. A pair of twin boys cousins were just born in a small village north of Tel Aviv.
I believe that what has happened in Gaza in the past 3 months is a moral nightmare for world Judaism. As everyone knows, we are a people who have suffered ethnic cleansing and genocide of epic proportions in the past two centuries We, of all people and Israel of all nations, should know when enough is enough. As an American, I am proud that our president, Joe Biden (the most popular politician in Israel) has made this point to Netanyahu and the JDL, since the start of this war. He is also the world leader most capable of enabling some form of long term political solution that will finally ensure political and statehood rights to the Palestinian people and all the social responsibilities that statehood will entail.
IMO, Joe Biden will need all the support he can get from the American Left as he takes on the the Israeli opposition; Israel's theocratic, Messianic right wing. His will be an epic religious and political battle. Israel's religious parties believe in the same "River to the Sea" promise as Hamas, but based on God's promise to Moses some 3500-4000 years ago. We must hope that Joe Biden with Sunni Arab allies can rewrite biblical history in the name of humanity as soon as is possible to finally achieve a lasting peace.
Love this comment, Merrill. Thank you.
Thanks for all you do Jessica! YOU are not the one creating the divisiveness.
❤️
I love what you wrote today. And I am also a supporter of J Street. They have had a bunch of zooms that I have found enlightening, including one early on with Jeremy Ben-Ami and Nancy Pelosi. Also, I included that phone bank for Tom Suozzi (law school classmate) in our Markers For Democracy newsletter but I didn't know you were leading that. That is a definite selling point so I will include in our next newsletter. Also we are co-hosting Sundays For Suozzi for the next 5 weeks at 4 pm. This Sunday, January 7th, Simon Rosenberg will visit as well as Tom. Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/suozziforcongress/event/596053/
Yes I put the Sunday event in my Tom Suozzi resource doc!
Thank you! Next Sunday's guest is Representative Grace Meng. I love her.
Hi Jessica, thank you for another great newsletter. Concerning the issue of the Israel/Gaza war, President Biden himself mentioned a couple of times in public remarks that Israel is “risking
losing the support of the world.” Anthony Blinken, on at least a couple of occasions if not more, also publicly stated that he would like to see Israel perform more surgical strikes that do not kill so many civilians. So, just some words of support for yesterday‘s script that I think was very helpful, and that can always be modified by your readers. I understand that this is a very fraught and difficult subject, and I also appreciate your reference to J Street.
I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your well-deserved rest.
Thanks, Janet. I appreciate that!
Hugs and happy 2024. 🤗
YOU ROCK Jessica!
Thank you. So do you!
As with all of your newsletter, I really appreciated the Climate Coach articles. I care a lot about the climate but I don't know much about how to reduce my household's carbon footprint. These articles were quick with very actionable advice. We stopped rinsing our dishes immediately and are now running cold washes and I'm about to buy some bar shampoo and conditioner. I'll be sharing these with friends and family!
The cold water wash (actually we use "tap cold") has saved us SO MUCH MONEY in gas bills, too. And our clothes come out just as clean. And yes on the bar shampoo--you'll never go back. I'm so glad you found those tips helpful! I have a whole document for climate, by the way. It's not too long but it's a really good primer on how to lower your footprint. It's here: https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/p/chop-wood-save-the-earth
Thank you this is so helpful! Also just signed up for composting and got our bin today! Have been thinking about it for awhile but needed a little extra push.
Oh yay you'll love it!
I applaud your decision to take the war in the Gaza off your list as well as your link for where to go for more info. Our heads will implode over that one. Division among freedom fighters is just what every wannabe dictator wants. 😊❤️
Indeed.