Perfect example!

Would you know the difference??

I’ve been on the look out for an example to show you how we’ve gone too far with the Jewish/Zionist thing.

And then this morning I came across a comment thread that will hopefully explain what I'm attempting to convey.

So the back story is that I have noticed that well-meaning Pro-Palestine supporters are super careful to not conflate Judaism (and Jewishness) with Zionism.

And that’s lovely.

But often it’s not actually correct.

So I want to show you an example.

But before I get to that…I also want to say…my other bee in my bonnet is the constant comments I hear about Judaism being a peaceful religion and how God is opposed to genocide etc etc. So that’s a lovely sentiment. But I don’t think it’s actually that accurate.

If you look at the Jewish scriptures it’s pretty hard to deny that it’s a blood thirsty God that’s all about revenge and smiting whole cities.

The scriptures are also very much reinforcing an “us and them” mentality…which again, it’s not really very peaceful and inclusive.

Next time you are about to make a statement about Judaism/Jewishness please stop for a moment and check in if what you’re about to claim is actually true…or if it’s just something you’ve heard repeated elsewhere and it feels good.

Alright…so back to the comment section from this morning.

I was watching the wonderful Nazeem Hussain share about this unnerving experience with ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation). It’s a true story. And honestly it’s a really serious subject:

Out of the blue Nazeem was called by ASIO and not given an option but to meet with them for a “conversation”.

He’s clearly been racially targeted.

This is what happened in the comment section.

Maybe this is obvious for most. But I want to highlight it for those who are finding it confusing.

Yes, there is a difference between Zionism and Judaism/Jewishness.

HOWEVER. And it’s a big however.

There are times when it’s totally okay.

For example. There is a very strong majority of Jewish people who are Zionists. Especially here in Australia. And if you have Jewish friends that you still don’t know where they stand on the genocide…three years in…then I hate to tell you…I’m 99.9% certain they are Zionist.

And this is where it gets interesting…EVEN IF THEY DON’T IDENTIFY AS A ZIONIST.

Because the term “Zionist” can be confusing, even for a Zionist :)

So it’s not enough to ask someone if they are a Zionist to get your correct answer. The way to do it is to ask them if they support the liberation of the Palestinian people.

That’s the key.

I meant to send this off yesterday but got distracted with a zoom call with a young man in Sydney. He’s going to be interviewing me tomorrow for an event at Macquarie University.

He asked if we could chat before the interview to help him get an understanding of where I’m coming from. He’s never talked to an Israeli who is pro-Palestine before!

And when we chatted, I was reminded once again of something…

There are so many wonderful people who just struggle so much to believe that Israelis are as bad as they hear they are. He really wanted to hear from me that most Israelis are not in support of the genocide. I felt terrible having to let this beautiful Muslim young man know, that unfortunately it’s true, most Israelis are in support of the slaughter in Gaza. It’s not just extremists and religious fanatics.

Okay…I better stop here because I can see that I’m on a soapbox and that wasn’t my intention.