I find Dave Rich to generally be the voice of sanity in these times. His articles are my go-to places for genuine perspective and critical thinking. His insights and eloquence are, to my mind, an essential antidote to some of the WhatsApp groups who would rather we herd ourselves into our own ghetto of fear. One thing I would add to Dave’s points would be the resounding success and turnout of the recent AJEX March and Rally. In proud full view of anyone and everyone, the community proved that it is indeed still very possible to be visible in a positive way. The respect shown by non-Jewish passers-by was heartwarming. Dave’s articles are aware and never ‘in denial’ but are calm, considered and based on facts. Like Hans Rosling for the Jews!
Your involvement and vast knowledge in this subject is an eye opening to many and a lesson to all those who appear to have a blurred vision of what is antisemitism in its differen forms and opposition to the current Israeli government. Amongst other faith denomnations, those include fractions of our Jewish people living living here and other countries, and/or Isralies currently residing here since 7/10/23.
Thank you and the organisation CST for takig upon yourselves the enormous task to protect all of us!
Thank you for your writing, as well as your positivity and your hope here. As the daughter of a Dutch hidden child, and the granddaughter of a survivor, I often imagine what my ancestors might be feeling, and what they would want me to hear right now. I know that, after much work, my unit were able to heal. I know that mostly we thrive from our adversity (primarily due to consequences of passed-down, unhealed wounds-too soon for them and no blame), and also that we never stopped laughing!
“It is well well known that humor, more than anything else in the human make-up, can afford an aloofness and an ability to rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds.” V Frankl
Thank you so much for this! Indeed because of 7th October I have found a local Jewish group on the South Coast formed as a response to that day, been on the CAA's London march, and am tackling my council for failing to protect me from local hate-filled demonstrations.
Was it necessary to call the belated response to Hezbollah aggression "Israel's ruthless assault"? Why not "Israel's crushing response" or similarly neutral words?
Do you see how using loaded language like "ruthless" and "assault" utilises and normalises antisemitic discourse painting Israel as cruel and bloodthirsty?
I find Dave Rich to generally be the voice of sanity in these times. His articles are my go-to places for genuine perspective and critical thinking. His insights and eloquence are, to my mind, an essential antidote to some of the WhatsApp groups who would rather we herd ourselves into our own ghetto of fear. One thing I would add to Dave’s points would be the resounding success and turnout of the recent AJEX March and Rally. In proud full view of anyone and everyone, the community proved that it is indeed still very possible to be visible in a positive way. The respect shown by non-Jewish passers-by was heartwarming. Dave’s articles are aware and never ‘in denial’ but are calm, considered and based on facts. Like Hans Rosling for the Jews!
Thank you for your insights Dave .
Your involvement and vast knowledge in this subject is an eye opening to many and a lesson to all those who appear to have a blurred vision of what is antisemitism in its differen forms and opposition to the current Israeli government. Amongst other faith denomnations, those include fractions of our Jewish people living living here and other countries, and/or Isralies currently residing here since 7/10/23.
Thank you and the organisation CST for takig upon yourselves the enormous task to protect all of us!
Hanukah Smeach and a happy and paceful New Year.
Moshe
Thank you for your writing, as well as your positivity and your hope here. As the daughter of a Dutch hidden child, and the granddaughter of a survivor, I often imagine what my ancestors might be feeling, and what they would want me to hear right now. I know that, after much work, my unit were able to heal. I know that mostly we thrive from our adversity (primarily due to consequences of passed-down, unhealed wounds-too soon for them and no blame), and also that we never stopped laughing!
“It is well well known that humor, more than anything else in the human make-up, can afford an aloofness and an ability to rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds.” V Frankl
With warm wishes, Debbie
Thank you for this piece. Nice to end the year with “positives”, which we have to find them to stay motivated and keep going.
Thank you so much for this! Indeed because of 7th October I have found a local Jewish group on the South Coast formed as a response to that day, been on the CAA's London march, and am tackling my council for failing to protect me from local hate-filled demonstrations.
Many thanks Dave for your superb article, as always - may your reasons for hesitant optimism be realised in 2025 and beyond!
Thanks Dave
We need some glimmers of light at the end of an exhausting dark year
Was it necessary to call the belated response to Hezbollah aggression "Israel's ruthless assault"? Why not "Israel's crushing response" or similarly neutral words?
Do you see how using loaded language like "ruthless" and "assault" utilises and normalises antisemitic discourse painting Israel as cruel and bloodthirsty?
I meant it in strict military terms as a compliment!
But it's how antisemites characterise Israel's actions. When we use the same words, we give them ammunition.