The following quotes come from Israeli and Palestinian officials of the highest rank.

"Why should the Arabs make peace? If I were an Arab leader, I would never make terms with Israel. That is natural: we have taken their country. Sure, God promised it to us, but what does that matter to them? There has been anti-Semitism, the Nazis, Hitler, Auschwitz, but was that their fault? They only see one thing: we came here and stole their country. Why should they accept that?" David Ben-Gurion (first Israeli Prime Minister) quoted in "The Jewish Paradox" by Nahum Goldmann, former president of the World Jewish Congress.
"We must use terror, assassination, intimidation, land confiscation, and the cutting of all social services to rid the Galilee of its Arab population." David Ben-Gurion May 1948, to the General Staff. From Ben-Gurion, a Biography, by Michael Ben-Zohar Delacorte, New York 1978.
"We plan to eliminate the state of Israel and establish a purely Palestinian state. We will make life unbearable for Jews by psychological warfare and population explosion. . . . We Palestinians will take over everything, including all of Jerusalem." -- Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization in front of an Arab audience in Stockholm in 1996
The similar messages coming from first Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion and the Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Yasser Arafat should actually be viewed as a sign of hope for the region. Whether either side is willing to admit it, they share common goals and interests. Of course, this is also part of the reason the fighting has yet to cease. The Palestinian Liberation Organization and Hamas’s goals of re-acquiring all of Israel and re-establishing an Arab majority must be reformed in order build a lasting peace.
Ideologically, little separates the original members of the Stern Gang, with members of today’s Hamas or Palestinian Liberation Organizations. Both organizations put forth humanitarian efforts within their own communities while inflicting the terror of disenfranchisement on the establishment which served to monopolize their recourses and opportunities. To simplify things, the Middle East must create and maintain a Palestinian establishment; yielding the enfranchisement and sorvereignty, while maintianing the existence of Israel.

I’ve been thankful for the chance to hear and be heard over the past semester, it was a pleasure. Best of wishes to my classmates and to our professor; be safe and enjoy yourselves. Happy Hanukah

Eating

I’m currently watching Jackie Mason do one of his bits about Jews and gentiles. As such I am laughing, and wondering why these stereotypes not only seem so acceptable to me, but true as well. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that they are coming straight from the horse’s mouth. Mason comments on the difference between the attitudes taken by Jews and gentiles at restaurants. This line of commentary specifically is where I loose it, historically that is. Thinking of going out to dinner with my grandparents in Detroit, I recall the number of times my grandmother asked to be moved because of a “draft.” If the food was too cold, it would be sent back. If a booth were open, they might ask to be moved. Having been an employee at a nice restaurant for some time, I have noticed that such practices are not limited to my extended family. As Mason comments, “When a Jew enters a restaurant, he acts like a partner,” for whatever reason this was the case for most of the Jews I served while working at Scholars Inn in Bloomington. Gentiles, I seemed were never as picky or demanding. This is of course not to put our people down, but I must say that Mason’s stereotypes ring true. Perhaps we just value food more than most people, and eating out is simply more of an event. Either way, I just thought I might weight in on this.

Hanukah

Hanukah is on the horizon. I look forward to sitting around with the family, eating latkes, lighting the Menorah, and exchanging gifts. My family has always told at least the abridged version of the story of Judah Maccabi, and the miraculous defeat of the Philistines. My favorite part of Hanukah has to be gathering with family around a warm fireplace and schmoozing as we always do. No talk of grades or job prospects is allowed. As somewhat of an underachiever this is a relief, any other time of the year I would have to justify what seems to be every decision I have ever made. Jewish mothers, as you all know can be a bit overbearing. As such, this is a time of year that allows us all to relax, even Jewish mothers.
What is the importance of Hanukah to the Jews? It seems that we always downplay the significance of it when asked by gentiles. I know it is no a major holiday, and the act of exchanging gifts is part of the newly Americanized version of the holiday. However, I find it to be a refreshing even each year. This I say because it is the celebration of a triumphant event in history. It seems that Jews especially dwell on the negativity, choosing often to highlight the persecution in our past. Hanukah on the other hand focuses solely on the triumph. Anyhow, Happy Hanukah.

Kosher?

What does it mean in this day and age of mass production of food products to keep Kosher? It seems to me that corporations are willing to shell out tremendous amount of money to insure that many of their products carry a kosher label. Why this is I do not know. Perhaps it has to do with the old ad campaign by Hebrew National hotdogs. “We answer to a higher power,” it seemed elicited a positive response from consumers. Such a campaign apparently allowed the company to garner the trust of consumers by evoking the notion that the almighty endorsed their product. Is this the reason for the majority of manufacturers feeling that they must pay to have their food “Kosherized?” It must be a reason beyond catering to the Jewish population. Just do the numbers. Jews encompass roughly 2 percent of the population in America. Out of that small number of consumers, an even smaller percentage actively follows the laws of Koshrut. That said my guess is that the marketplace has simply been well researched, and apparently such labels garner the trust of consumers.

Love Thy Neighbor

The Declaration of Independence, declaring this land to be a beacon ofliberty seemingly had great intentions. As a matter of fact, the men that wrote and signed that document were able to bask in the liberties that it granted them; enjoying the freedom to carve out a home in the newly settled Americas. Funny thing is, the seemingly enlightened ideals our country was founded upon, only applied to a fortunate minority. That minority consisted of white male landowners. African Americans, Native Americans, Jews, women, and the impoverished were only spectators of America's beloved freedom. One can only watch for so long. Just as the settlers had to break from the hegemony of British colonialism, the disenfranchised would have to break from the political manifestation of the philosophical foundation of their own nation. That break would serve both to alter the outcome of the words our forefathers so ambitiously built upon, and actually to legitimatize and strengthen them, by extending the liberties given to land-owning white men to everyone.
As in politics, Religion must evolve with the times. The status of homosexuals within Conservative and Orthodox Judaism is too often reflective of the aforementioned state-sponsored subjugation. Oddly enough, it was religion that played a role in changing the minds of our forefathers, forcing them to look at all humans with respect and dignity. Religion teaches us to love thy neighbor, but it also sometimes prevents one from doing so.

Who is Jewish?

Because it is often viewed that Jews are Jewish not by choice but for the same reason that an African American is black, how can it be determined just what makes a Jew? Furthermore, I also wonder how it might feel to choose to make the conversion to Judaism, and where one such convert might weigh into the debate regarding his or her own identity. It is my opinion that while one can choose to become a Jew one cannot necessarily choose to stop being a Jew. While I no longer consider myself to be a practicing Jew, it is my Jewish upbringing and communal experiences make it impossible to be anything but a Jew. In other words, my past has molded and defined me and ignoring or abandoning it could very well me forgetting or losing who I am.

Merry Christmas

Despite the phrase used to wish me some good cheer over the holiday, I find it to be a friendly and kind gesture. Merry Christmas is of course what I hear most, and honestly I enjoy it. For whatever reason I feel, regardless of the denomination of the well-wisher, happy to be wished a good anything. Perhaps it is my Midwest upbringing, but I’m just so used to being wished a Merry Christmas that it never seemed to be inappropriate. Furthermore, how am I to expect someone to know that I am Jewish? In other words, I simply take the gesture to be a friendly interaction between two people who really don’t know each other.
Of course, if the majority of America were to be of the Jewish faith, I might be prone to viewing the situation in a drastically different light. Why should we expect to be catered to when we encompass such a minute minority? Using the Happy Holidays slogan, while polite simply doesn’t role off the tongue in the context of interpersonal communication. Anyhow, wish me what you will, for I will appreciate it.

Double Consciousness

Recently, I became engaged in a conversation focused on the topic of Israel, and its conflict with Palestinians and the Middle East at large. The fellow with whom I was speaking knew that I was a Jew, and addressed me as though I was a fervent Zionist. After he equated Israeli policy with Nazism, I began to wonder where he was actually coming from. At this point, I questioned whether he was really just against Zionism, or simply an anti-Semite. This made the conversation awkward, and for the most part without aim. I really just didn’t know how to address his many unfounded claims concerning Israel, and seemingly Jewish people in general. I became frustrated and rather offended, but refused to jump to conclusions. Fortunately, or unfortunately the conversation would be over shortly, and my suspicions confirmed. He ended the discussion by telling me that I was pretty reasonable for a Jew, at which point I raised an eyebrow and suggested he read a few books. Perhaps I was smug, but I most certainly felt what it was to experience double consciousness, even if only or a few moments. I cannot imagine having to wonder why somebody was treating me in a certain manor on a daily basis. If I wore a Kippah or was black, perhaps I would experience such social ambivalence and stress on a regular basis. However as a white male, I fit into many societal norms, thereby making such encounters infrequent. I question whether one might learn more about the true nature of those around them when possessing certain stigmatized traits. Either way, I’m sure it’s quite a bit easier not to have to deal with such matters with any sort of consistency.

Left Behind?

Left Behind was an interesting little book. I often felt as though I was reading science fiction. Never once did I get the sense that this stuff was in any way real. As such, I took it with a tremendous grain of salt. For entertainment purposes, I simply remind myself that this contributes to the strength of Israel. IE Pat Robertson types. I’m also reminded of the statement, “with friends like those, who needs enemies.” Indeed.

Conference in Iran

The conference in Iran is a surreal event to me. First off, what could possibly be accomplished? Certainly Holocaust deniers will simply have another bit of “evidence” from which to base their theories. What might this do for their agenda? Do they have an agenda? We already know what the Iranian President has said about Jews and Israel, so how might this conference serve to further his questionable position in Middle Eastern politics? I know these questions will likely remain unanswered; however it will be interesting to see how this plays out. If anything, events such as these will only serve to strengthen the resolve of Jews the world over regarding the need for the Jewish State.

50 Shekel’s out the Shtetl

Upon hearing of the artist formerly known as 50 Shekel, I was open to the possibility of a “Jewish” Weird Al type. Unfortunately, 50 couldn’t hold a candle to the aforementioned satirist. He was merely a confused Evangelist. I say evangelist because of his aim to “promote” Judaism. By wearing gaudy jewelry and a Kippah he hoped to connect with Jewish hip-hop fans, but seemed only to fulfill his need to be recognized. Anyhow, it’s good not to have to explain to anybody why some upper-middle class Jew is acting like a hustler from Jamaica Queens.

Homosexuality

I am ashamed that the most religiously observant members of our community find it necessary to partake in such institutionalized biggotry. Of all people, you would imagine tht they would understand being "other," thereby giving them ample reason to question the legitimacy and necessity of such discrimination. Jews are generally the ones taking on the task of ending oppression in ll forms, how then are our Hassidic and Orthodox members able to treat a minority in such a way?
Do you really think that one's sexual preference is a choice? If so, ask yourself if you actually chose to be attracted to the opposite sex. I bet tht after a bit of thought, you will come to the conclusion that you simply are who you are because you are. I certainly did not decide one day to be attracted to women, nor could I imagine waking up and choosing not to be.

The Hebrew Hammer

I frst saw a bit of the film in class, but recently viewed it in its entirety. Why not make fun of, and have fun with all of the stereotypes associated with Judaism? Most every other race or ethnic group seems to be comfortable doing so, and as far as I am concerned, its a show of strength and comfort. Actually though, the movie goes beyond playing up Jewish stereotypes by portraying Goldberg as a tough guy who gets the girl. Obviously this is not the typical perception ssociated with Jewish men. Aside from the addition of a "tough Jew" image, the fact that the movie shies away from non of the typical associations made with Jews, it conveys a sense of security in ourselves. For this, I have no problem whatsoever with Jews and non-Jews alike enjoying such entertainment.

ADL

No one organization has the right to speak for an entire group of people, especially one with such divergent views and lifestyles. Just the same, the associations an individual may have do not necessarily reflect the aspirations of the movement they represent. In 1994 the ADL made the mistake of assuming that a single working relationship somehow accurately defined the trajectory of the NAACP. At the time, the NAACP’s leader was Benjamin Chavis. Chavis had developed somewhat of a working relationship with Louis Farrakhan, whom the ADL had deemed to be an anti-Semite. Consequently, they threatened to ask corporate supporters to end funding to the NAACP should the relationship between Chavis and Farrakhan continue. This is wrong on many levels. First and foremost, the ADL has no say in, or investment in the plight of the NAACP. Secondly, who is to say that Farrakhan is actually an anti-Semite? Thirdly, even if the leader of the NAACP has a working relationship with an anti-Semite, of what business is it to the ADL. And last but not least, Farrakhan was a central figure in organizing the Million Man March, proving that, despite potential flaws of character, he is a respected figure in the African American community. The NAACP clearly has ample reason to be associated with such a figure, despite what I would consider to be peripheral, and only supposed character flaws. As far as I am concerned, the ADL had no business threatening the position of the NAACP simply because a prominent member of their organization associated with an individual deemed to be an anti-Semite. If the statues of every organization were to be questioned on such a basis, the entire American political and financial system would come under attack.

Ali G

I love it. Been a fan since i firt came out. I find that he exposes the absurdity of biggotry, in all forms. For instance, during season 2 Cohen makes a trip to some sort of a hunting farm, during which he has a colorful conversation with his guide. Cohen, as Borat elicits some very anti-Semitic remarks from said guide. He brings up the possibility of hunting Jews, after which the guide says it would be illegal, but that he would be all for it. Such absurdity makes clear the point that biggotry is archaic and utterly ignorant. Not to mention the fact that Cohen is a brilliant situational comic, and I think it's always good to enjoy education.

Israel...thoughts following Ehud Barak Speech

I enjoyed the Prime Minister's sense of humor. I find it necessary to maintain one's ability to laugh in the presence of challenging times. He spoke in a casual tone that I enjoyed and appreciated. I found much of the speech to be uplifting and troubling all at once. Barak made an excellent point about the necessity to quell the social ills faced primarily in impoverished nations dominated by malevolent dictators. However, it was premised with the urgent, and more pressing need to defeat terrorism. Essentially Barak would find it necessary to end human rights violations and uplift the disenfranchised, but only after global terrorism is "defeated." I find that the two issues are very much intertwined. It is not often that terrorism thrives in states that feed, house, and educate their citizens. Not to mention that the task of defeating all of the world's terrorists is very much unlikely to ever come to fruition. Therein lays my primary reservation with Barak's speech. Furthermore, while I understand the concept maintaining a finger firmly on the trigger while extending the other hand in peace, it may send the wrong message to our enemies.

Israel...thoughts

By nature, the creation of a state is bloody and cold. Nearly every modern civilization emerged out of violent revolution leaving only the victors to write the history books. The case of Israel is no different. It is in the understanding of the history of modern day Israel that is crucial to building a lasting peace. If the Jews really attained their state without a victim, how could they ever accept the plight of a people that somehow hold claim to that state? And how can one empathize with a people that share no common experience or struggle? I will draw a parallel between the Palestinian fight for statehood and the plight of the Jewish people that once realized, created the mirroring struggle of the Palestinians.
It is in Israel’s best interest to make Palestinian enfranchisement a priority. Also it is in the best interest of the Palestinian peoples to discourage attacks on the state of Israel. Embroiled in age old tensions, neither party has been willing to make that first real step in joining one another to find a mutual peace and prosperity. I say “real” step, because over the years both sides have made only surface level diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting peace. Those efforts however, have only come in the form of temporary cease-fires failing to address the root of the problem. That problem, in part is the lack of opportunity for the average Palestinian to lead a normal and productive life due to the constraints put in effect by a dominant and Israel. The flip side of the coin, of course is a group of disenfranchised and stateless people that rather then focusing on building a central leadership, lash out in violent attacks against their occupiers. Consequently the cycle of violence, terrorism, and economic oppression is seemingly justified to all parties involved.

Cultural Judaism

Jews have differences. We always have. These differences and more importantly, the way we deal with them is part of what defines us as a people. How many of us believe that Moses actually parted the sea, or stumbled upon a burning bush that did not actually burn? If you answered yes, I will not pass judgment, and upon finding out that my answer is no, I would expect the same respect. There is an excellent reason Jews have branched out amongst one another, in communities that differ both in the interpretation and practice of Judaism; we simply cannot all agree on a single manor of practice. It is the unrelenting interpretation and re-interpretation of Halacha that allows all Jews to continue finding relevance in the teachings of our ancestors. With that in mind, discussion for the most part was more then a bit puzzling yesterday. Not a single member of the class is a part of an orthodox or Hasidic temple, regardless, some found themselves fit to define the legitimacy of a particular movement. As a matter of fact, I would imagine that most of us find it a bit absurd that many members of the more traditional sects of Judaism would not even consider us to be Jews. It is for this reason that I was so surprised to hear some of my fellow classmates allude to their respective movement’s religious superiority. Not only is such sentiment rigid and arrogant, being that it draws upon notions of false entitlement, but could also be construed as plain ignorance. Nearly every movement within Judaism has initially been irresponsibly discredited as “lesser than.” As in the case of most social movements, “traditionalists” come to regret their rigidity. Not too long ago women were not permitted even to read from the Torah, now women are respected Halachic scholars and lead congregations as Rabbis. I’d imagine though that most of the same folks with disdain for some the more recent Jewish movements, would have erred on the side of tradition, and favored leaving women “in their place.”

Reform Childhood

Having grown up in the Reform movement, I've found its greatest strength lies in its ability to cater to the majority of the Jewish population. My Synagogue was filled with Jews that practiced in a number of different fasions, yet all finding a comforatble home in a reform temple and community. I dont have the allusion that some of the members would not have preffered more structure, more hebrew, and so on. I also know that services conducted in more traditional forms bored the hell out of me. Sure I was a child, and never had the notion that my Jewish identity needed to be catered to, but because I simply wasn't taught adequate Hebrew, I didn't have much choice but to be in the dark in such circumstances. Fortunately, services tended to cater more to the illiterate, and I was able to derive more out of my Shabbatt service attendence then otherwise. Honestly though, my Jewish identity derives from my family and community then it does any tradition, holiday, or perticular prayer or teaching. I always had a tight-nit community to draw support from, and from that, I felt Jewish.
My impression of Jews has been shaped by my family and many of the values that the Reform movement holds close. Proggresiveness and open-mindedness, to me are the Reform movements greatest assets. The Reform movement's willingness to modernize is as crucial to its success as is the refusal to break from tradition to the Orthodox. It is my opinion that Jews must accept and promote diversity amongst one another. It is a neccesary part of any culture or community, and most certainly applies to Jews.