Jewish musings, Tuesday, June 25

[gazelle18]

Hi all, 
be back in a few with a topic. 

[gazelle18]

Yesterday, I asked the question: Will you watch the upcoming presidential debate? (And thanks, Louise, for the correction; the debate is Thursday, not Wednesday.) Frankly, I thought I was the only person who would be doing anything BUT watching the debate. I am so concerned about it, I’m going to do like several of you, and NOT watch.

I don’t like the idea of hiding one’s head in the sand. But , putting oneself through the angst of this debate, WHILE NOT BEING ABLE TO DO ANYTHING TO CHANGE THE OUTCOME, seems - for me- to be a reasonable choice at self-care.

Does anyone else have on their radar the election in NY between incumbent Jamaal Bowman, and challenger George Latimer? That election is today (June 25). The incumbent has been vocally anti-Israel since Oct. 7, and I am hoping that the challenger wins. (He has a good chance, according to polls.) Years ago, I might have been fine with Bowman. Oct. 7 changed a lot of things for me.

Thoughts?
Is anyone else pointing to recent antisemitism, Oct. 7, and the rise of anti-Zionism as factors in how you see certain politicians?

[lee058]

Good morning everybody. Hope you are all well and SAFE! Please pray for Israel.

Re today's topic: What gets me is how some politicians are now openly anti-Israel, and others are making a big deal about how much they love Jews and Israel (while in reality they don't care, they are only looking for votes).

Have a peaceful day, Lee

[hollygail]

October 7 changed a lot of things about me. Yes, I am more watchful about politicians who open their mouths, but that seems less of an impact on me than other things. I started wearing a yellow ribbon pin (to bring the hostages home) and I changed the pendant I'd been wearing for my paternal grandmother's black onyx marcasite Jewish star. I'm more vocal about Israel than I'd ever been before October 7. And I'm reading online newspapers that I rarely looked at before (including the Guardian from England). I'm more outspoken about the situation starting on October 7 than I'd been any time in my past about Israel and Palestinians (and in the 1980s, I was very clear about supporting a two-state solution; that has 100% ended).

[louise]

This is a confusing one for me. I tend to usually like AOC and Sanders, who are with Bowman, but he is so anti Israel. Just waiting to see hwo it plays out.

[peachymom1]

I can't think of a time in my life when I've been more disgusted and disheartened by politics. It's hard not to dig a hole and burrow myself into it.

[brgmsn]

I believe Netanyahu is the ISraeli trump and needs to go. I think he's made this about his political career and keeping his power. I do believe they needed a better plan after October 7. I don't think the Israelis have focused enough on bringing home whatever hostages are still alive.
I do think the world has turned on Israel and the Jews. Started out as support for "Palestine" and quickly headed into overt antisemitism.
I hear young voters are making the entire election, and their votes, on Gaza, which is so concerning as we need every vote for Democrats. But, like Jamaal Bowman, an antisemitic nutjob, there's no way he should get in. AOC has long been antisemitic along with her "squad", so it's no loss if she's voted out.
Our local city council passed a resolution condemning Israel. I will not vote for any of them and blocked them on my FB
Critize the government; leave Jews out of it.

[louise]

Looking like Lattimer.