The European and South American countries that attack Israel—and it is an attack—will find that there will be a price to pay. Alan, I know that you see Israel as a dependency, but we are far past that, and when we move ahead with those who stand with us, those who stood against us will be left behind. They will become irrelevant.
I'm not sure if I've ever referred to Israel as a "dependency."
"Those who stood against us will be left behind." >> I think you should entertain the possibility that the countries that now turn their back on Israel might one day come around. They are not completely lost causes. So if and when they one day say, "Yeah, we kinda f*cked up. We got it wrong. Sorry about that." -- I hope we have the compassion and strength to reply: "What a long, strange trip it's been! And yeesh -- mistakes were made, amirite? But we're delighted you're finally aboard."
Meanwhile I've sobered up...a bit. I cannot possibly disagree with this sentiment of yours, Alan, but can you really see it happening? I also hope that we would be able to answer thusly.
"but can you really see it happening?" >> Yes, of course I can! What other option do we have? ... Worth mentioning: I grew up in a Reform synagogue called Temple *Isaiah*. That guy was one of our best. And if Isaiah could envision a day of redemption, it seems like I should give it a try, too. :-)
It happened. Who thought Egypt? (I know, it’s pretty dormant, almost dead, but who wouda thought?). Abraham’s Accords? Historic and very unlikely. Also, the regimes could change: see Javier Milei. So ya. The others may yet see the light.
But the truth is, “Back off. Stand clear,” is still the best recipe. We can’t control the others (we can’t even control ourselves, but at least there’s a chance…)
I like to think of my worldview as “measured messianism.” Or maybe “anticipatory messianism.” Also known as: Judaism. Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai got it right: “If you have a sapling in your hand, and someone should say to you that the Messiah has come, stay and complete the planting, and then go to greet the Messiah.”
Put another way: The job of Jewish messiah remains open. (Your life story, Ehud, might make you a perfect candidate for the position. Let me know if you need a recommendation.)
After a couple thousand years you've realized you can't please the haters. Haters will hate because that is what haters do. I used to tell my juvenile probation students, "Look around, see who hates you. Make sure they're the right people."
I wasn't thinking California per se. Well, not on a conscious level. It's just the shortest distance to drag Iwo Jima. Next time I'll make it Oregon. Oh. Wait…
Yes, see it through to the end.
I was with you until the very end: "Afterwards, we will deal with you."
What does that mean?
The European and South American countries that attack Israel—and it is an attack—will find that there will be a price to pay. Alan, I know that you see Israel as a dependency, but we are far past that, and when we move ahead with those who stand with us, those who stood against us will be left behind. They will become irrelevant.
That’s all I meant.
I'm not sure if I've ever referred to Israel as a "dependency."
"Those who stood against us will be left behind." >> I think you should entertain the possibility that the countries that now turn their back on Israel might one day come around. They are not completely lost causes. So if and when they one day say, "Yeah, we kinda f*cked up. We got it wrong. Sorry about that." -- I hope we have the compassion and strength to reply: "What a long, strange trip it's been! And yeesh -- mistakes were made, amirite? But we're delighted you're finally aboard."
Meanwhile I've sobered up...a bit. I cannot possibly disagree with this sentiment of yours, Alan, but can you really see it happening? I also hope that we would be able to answer thusly.
"but can you really see it happening?" >> Yes, of course I can! What other option do we have? ... Worth mentioning: I grew up in a Reform synagogue called Temple *Isaiah*. That guy was one of our best. And if Isaiah could envision a day of redemption, it seems like I should give it a try, too. :-)
The promises to Israel are irrevocable. But Israel has to keep fighting as if it is a lone wolf. I totally get it. I really do.
It happened. Who thought Egypt? (I know, it’s pretty dormant, almost dead, but who wouda thought?). Abraham’s Accords? Historic and very unlikely. Also, the regimes could change: see Javier Milei. So ya. The others may yet see the light.
Linda, you and Alan make for quite the one-two punch. It's actually a messianic outlook, if you ask me (which neither of you did:))
But the truth is, “Back off. Stand clear,” is still the best recipe. We can’t control the others (we can’t even control ourselves, but at least there’s a chance…)
I like to think of my worldview as “measured messianism.” Or maybe “anticipatory messianism.” Also known as: Judaism. Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai got it right: “If you have a sapling in your hand, and someone should say to you that the Messiah has come, stay and complete the planting, and then go to greet the Messiah.”
Put another way: The job of Jewish messiah remains open. (Your life story, Ehud, might make you a perfect candidate for the position. Let me know if you need a recommendation.)
After a couple thousand years you've realized you can't please the haters. Haters will hate because that is what haters do. I used to tell my juvenile probation students, "Look around, see who hates you. Make sure they're the right people."
Your students were lucky to have you as a teacher.
I'm all for it. But, frankly, no one here would mourn California's demise.
I wasn't thinking California per se. Well, not on a conscious level. It's just the shortest distance to drag Iwo Jima. Next time I'll make it Oregon. Oh. Wait…