As always, thought-provoking. I can’t say much, because I don’t fully understand the elections, government structure or judicial system in Israel. As a Zionist (and, I mean really, just as a human), I have always struggled to understand American Jews who are so quick to judge and condemn Israel. I recently saw a post in a Jewish moms’ group here asking if, due to the current government, she should continue with her plan to travel to Israel. Only 3 people (including me) said she should definitely go— political issues are not really relevant to the average tourist (IMO). Not sure if it’s a lack of understanding as to one of the biggest reasons the state was created (bc, as you said, those same folks will likely change their tune should they NEED Israel in the future) or if Jewish Americans just accept what is reported in the mainstream media about Israel??? Also, (as many others have said), where is the outrage towards China or Russia or…. There are no calls to dismantle those countries based on the policies of their government.
Thank you Dina! I think it unfortunately is caught up with the culture war in the US. Bibi is seen as a stand in for Trump in the way Americans often overlay their local politics into foreign nations where they don't apply. It's a clear and obvious misunderstanding. I hope they come and enjoy! Absolutely nothing has changed for tourists, whether one is coming in pilgrimage to the western wall, or for the biggest (and only) gay pride parade in the middle east Tel Aviv.
As always, thought-provoking. I can’t say much, because I don’t fully understand the elections, government structure or judicial system in Israel. As a Zionist (and, I mean really, just as a human), I have always struggled to understand American Jews who are so quick to judge and condemn Israel. I recently saw a post in a Jewish moms’ group here asking if, due to the current government, she should continue with her plan to travel to Israel. Only 3 people (including me) said she should definitely go— political issues are not really relevant to the average tourist (IMO). Not sure if it’s a lack of understanding as to one of the biggest reasons the state was created (bc, as you said, those same folks will likely change their tune should they NEED Israel in the future) or if Jewish Americans just accept what is reported in the mainstream media about Israel??? Also, (as many others have said), where is the outrage towards China or Russia or…. There are no calls to dismantle those countries based on the policies of their government.
As always, thanks for the thought-provoking read!
Thank you Dina! I think it unfortunately is caught up with the culture war in the US. Bibi is seen as a stand in for Trump in the way Americans often overlay their local politics into foreign nations where they don't apply. It's a clear and obvious misunderstanding. I hope they come and enjoy! Absolutely nothing has changed for tourists, whether one is coming in pilgrimage to the western wall, or for the biggest (and only) gay pride parade in the middle east Tel Aviv.