I enjoyed reading this despite disagreeing with most of what you wrote. As you said - we Jews can argue.
One part really bothered me though - your comment on numbers at they end. I scrolled down expecting (hoping) to find a note explaining that the numbers you quote come from the Hamas-run health ministry. The same terror organization that burned families alive in their homes, raped women and kidnapped babies.
But instead… I don’t even know what to call this. To me, intentionally omitting these numbers, even with your note, feels like downplaying the utter brutality of the Hamas attacks, the pain of the aftermath and indeed the reason we’re in this current mess.
As you said - words are important. Why should we have to choose between sympathy, or even recognition, of the impact of each side’s attacks?
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond Lan. I really value your perspective as I know mine is limited.
Although I don't put my faith in Hamas, these are numbers that are being used by international human rights organizations and news organizations as well. From one I have read, it seems like these numbers may in fact be an UNDERcount because many Palestinian people are still missing.
I appreciate your call to sympathy and empathy for the pain Israelis are suffering as well. I believe it's vital that leftists (and humans) continue to keep our hearts opening to everyone's suffering. It was not my intention to downplay the impact of Hamas' attacks and I'm sorry my words did that.
I enjoyed reading this despite disagreeing with most of what you wrote. As you said - we Jews can argue.
One part really bothered me though - your comment on numbers at they end. I scrolled down expecting (hoping) to find a note explaining that the numbers you quote come from the Hamas-run health ministry. The same terror organization that burned families alive in their homes, raped women and kidnapped babies.
But instead… I don’t even know what to call this. To me, intentionally omitting these numbers, even with your note, feels like downplaying the utter brutality of the Hamas attacks, the pain of the aftermath and indeed the reason we’re in this current mess.
As you said - words are important. Why should we have to choose between sympathy, or even recognition, of the impact of each side’s attacks?
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond Lan. I really value your perspective as I know mine is limited.
Although I don't put my faith in Hamas, these are numbers that are being used by international human rights organizations and news organizations as well. From one I have read, it seems like these numbers may in fact be an UNDERcount because many Palestinian people are still missing.
I appreciate your call to sympathy and empathy for the pain Israelis are suffering as well. I believe it's vital that leftists (and humans) continue to keep our hearts opening to everyone's suffering. It was not my intention to downplay the impact of Hamas' attacks and I'm sorry my words did that.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading Erick