As anyone with an IQ above room temperature can tell by a quick glance through the main page of this blog, I am a Zionist. And by “Zionist” I do not mean the perversion of the definition that Israel-haters use. I mean that if I had been alive during Theodor Herzl’s time, I would have supported his idea for establishing a Jewish state in our ancient homeland of Israel, and would have worked to help him achieve that dream. Now, when I say I am a Zionist, I mean that I support the state of Israel and her continued existence as a free, sovereign, Jewish nation.
I do not give a damn for the opinions of those who think that Israel is a racist state. I do not give a damn for the opinions of those who think that Israel has no “right” to exist. I do not give a damn for the opinions of those who think that the Jews of Israel are a bunch of European colonials who “stole” the land from the “indigenous” population (utterly ignoring the 3,500-year history of Jewish communities in the land of Israel, up to and including ignoring the Hebron massacre of 1929, which erased the millennia-old Jewish population of that “West Bank” town).
And more to the point, I am not at all interested in seeing those thoughts uttered in my comments sections. Neither am I interested in hearing the viewpoints of those who pretend that a terrorist group that has a “military” and “political” wing is any more legitimate than any other terrorist group. I am not interested in hearing about how Israel is enforcing “collective punishment” on the poor, poor, pitiful Pals. I am not interested in hearing the same, tired, over-the-top shrieking against a state that is protecting its people from having brainwashed children blow themselves up in the middle of a restaurant, or a bus, or a market. I am tired of hearing the Israel-bashers attack Israel on every single point while utterly ignoring the barbarity of the so-called “victims,” the poor, poor, pitiful Pals.
I was not kidding when I declared this blog to be a No Israel-Bashing Zone. I can read that garbage in any mainstream media publication. I can read anti-Israel reporting on the BBC website, or in the Guardian, or Reuters, or the AP. I can watch it on any given news program. And I can read it on any unmoderated blog that has a discussion that mentions Israel or Jews, on any topic.
You know what? That’s not this blog. If you want to rag on Israel, go somewhere else. If you want to sympathize with the poor, poor, pitiful pals, go somewhere else. If you want to bash the one nation in the Middle East where it is not illegal to be homosexual, where “honor” killings are not winked at, where women can work, vote, and run for office, where you can worship as you please, and where the government changes regularly without a single shot being fired—GO. SOMEWHERE. ELSE.
Think that makes this blog an echo chamber? Ask me if I care. My blog, my space, my dime, my rules. I did not ask for your opinions, Mr. and Ms. Israel-hater, I do not want them, I will not publish them. If your comment gets through my moderation queue, I will delete it. That means your trackbacks, too. Once again, my blog, my space, my dime, my rules.
Go somewhere else. This is a no Israel-bashing zone for a reason: So I and my readers don’t have to be subjected to the Israel-hating, Jew-hating garbage that we see everywhere else.
Not here.
Go.
Somewhere.
Else.
Scream and leap, Louis Wu.
Right on Meryl! Let the kapos and the rest of the left SOB’s find another site to regurgitate their vile. I will no longer support the Democrats because they are being taken over by the left wing useful idiots. The lines are finally being drawn and are very clear. I hope Jews begin to wake up and understand what is at stake.
Last year I cancelled a thirty year subscription to the local Minneapolis rag sh**t, because they could not call terror attacks in Israel by their real name, yet had no problem with calling last years attacks in London – terror.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Herschel.
You know what else I don’t want on this blog?
Phony comments from pretend Jews that advocate the death and destruction of all non-Jews.
Fuck off, Jew-haters. I’ve been around long enough to know a fake when I see one, and to delete the comments the fakes write–like “Yitzi” from Toronto, whose post is now in the ether.
Great, great post….
and Herschel…. I have to pay for the BBC and even they couldn’t quite call the people who blew up the tubes I travel on terrorists.
Brian
Meryl
Yasher Koach
Harry
I thought I’d toss in that though I have some differences of opinion with you on some matters, Meryl (making you no different from every other human on the planet) that not only do I, of course, support your right to take these stances on your own blog, but I think that on the issues you state in this post, you’re being entirely mild, reasonable, and I share your views.
We may have some disagreements at times about policies towards the Palestinians, but I have no hesitation whatever in stating them as a Zionist.
I’m also feeling fairly hardline and in support of present Israeli policy, at present, incidentally. But I won’t go there, for now. (It’s on my mind both for obvious reasons and because I’ve been making pro-Israeli cases in small and obscure comment threads elsewhere.)
I can’t say I’m very comfortable with remarks about “kapos,” though.
Gary, you know, that’s a term that I am rarely comfortable with, either. It is usually not applied to anyone specifically, though, so I let it stand. Unless the conversation begins to heat up.
Then again, I have used it myself from time to time, so I understand why it appears.
Great Meryl :) Keep up the wonderful job!
You know, I used to be bothered by “kapos”, too. But now I see too many Jews wrapping themselves in their confortable “anti-Zionist” cocoons to care about their wee fragile feelings.
They don’t have the excuse of being worried about their lives and their safety, like the genuine kapos did. If I had the choice between being a kapo and the safety of my child… I’d like to think to think I’d make the right choice, but none of us know how far we can be pushed.
But I look at people like “Judith Wiseman” (see here: http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=ioi&item=106) and frankly, I am left with two choices: these people are either too stupid to tie their own shoelaces without a map, or the fuzzy comfort of belonging to a bunch of noble Jew-haters outweighs any consideration of damage their “activism” is bringing to Jews, Israelis, Palestinians, or the prospect of a just peace.
If someone tells me that the poor woman and her companions are brain-damaged or emotionally disturbed, I will appologize for jumping to conclusions and donate $50 to the Hamas-cover organization of her choice. Otherwise *they* are the ones who’ve made the choice between jumping onto a path that ensures as many Jews as possible will suffer and a path towards peace and hope for Israelis and Palestinians. She made the choice — I am just naming it.
PS — Are there any non-kapo anti-Zionists? Absolutely! There are about 15 genuine internationalists who do not believe in any countries at all, including the Jewish country. And there are about 7 people who are waiting for the messiah to come before we can build a Jewish state. More power to them. If you are not one of these 22 people and you believe your Jewish background exempts you from being honest and responsible when you criticize Israel… What would you like us to call you?
You can’t beat the First Amendment of the American Constitution. And, ya know what? It’s working when you HATE what you hear. Otherwise, it’s just another form of propaganda. It’s not my blog; but I wouldn’t be so fast discriminating against the stupid people who think their anti-Jewish comments aren’t hilarious.
You should give them the rope to hang themselves. But that’s just me. I don’t even cancel “dirty words” from kids. Instead, very early on, I taught my own he was responsible for his words. And, if he was so angry to curse it’s better to know “after the word” I’d listen to what was frosting him off, so.
You’d be surprised what you learn when you allow language to have free reign. Except, of course, for “shouting fire, in a crowded theater.”
You’d be surprised how easy it is for people to recognize free speech from the things that are designed to frighten you to death.
And, every day, I respect Olmert MORE. I see what Arik Sharon picked him. And, that it’s not easy being a politician.
You’ve never read my comments policy, have you?
The First Amendment applies to government regulation of speech. I am not the government.
And you’re right about one thing: It’s my blog. I don’t want anti-Jewish comments here. Period.
Not to break the mood, or anything, but when I go to http://www.dictionary.com all I find under the term ‘Kapos’ is the acronym:
Kentucky Association of Pep Organization Sponsors
I am assuming that the above is not a front for an evil cabal, but I could be wrong. That is a perfect front for an evil cabal. Kinda funny too when you think about it… :)
Americans use the Letter “C” for hard as well as soft sounds. Try spelling it CAPO and she what happens?
The idea of free speech goes beyond a government policy. It’s an idea that by allowing even people you hate to have their say, that you get an across-the-board reality. You also never know what some anti-Semite might learn from dropping by? You’re just assuming they wouldn’t change.
While I remember reading that as soon as the Americans crossed the Rhine, the germans who were left alive were busy ripping off the nazi insignias. And, denying anyone was a party member.
Of course, that wasn’t true!
However, in europe they spend a lot of time forbidding the old stuff from showing its head. While a great Jewish performer wrote “Springtime for Hitler.” And, added a cute dance number to the tutu wearing freaks who were able to confuse so many german heads. (or Kups.)
But whatever your cup of tea. I think it’s not as terrible as you think to get a wiff of the anti-Semitic rantings.
Free speech is one of those wonders. That’s why europe is now toast. And, you can stick a fork in that.
Meryl: I support you. There are thousand places for the same old copy-paste anti Israel propaganda. Our blogs will not be another link in Google for lies.
Best!
Fabian
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Tell it like it is, Meryl.
There is enough anti-Jew rubbish out there without defiling your site with their ignorant nonsense.
Three things that are never mentioned in the media are the 870,000 Jewish refugees who were forced out of Arab lands, the Nazi connection with the Arabs during World War 2, and the Armenian Genocide in World War 1.
Until the media give space to these matters they have no right to even discuss Israel’s actions.
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This comment will be light:
1. That was an excellent post, but, because of that (artificial) self-discipline regarding use of a certain subset of the English language, there is some flavor missing.
2. You know very well that SJ pine for visitors of this ilk, so please route them over. The more the merrier.
Hey, good idea Snoopy. And if they need to know more about you guys (other than being ‘Simply Jews’), all they have to do is click on you ‘about’ pages and they will understand more clearly what you stand for…
I found it … ummm… rather amusing…
This is the first time I’ve visited your blog but wanted you to know I completely support this policy. It just makes me so mad at the way the UN gets away with bashing Israel.
Wow. What part of “my blog, my space, my dime, my rules” don’t you understand, Carol?
Clearly, you have not read my comments policy, which explicitly states that I will laugh at those of you who bring up the First Amendment argument, and encourage my readers to do so, also.
You think that because I don’t allow anti-Semites to post here that I don’t encounter them? You are a naif. They read me regularly, and often drop comments. They are deleted or banned. Then they drop me emails.
This is a Jew-hate Free Zone. It will not change. Get your own blog, Carol, and have fun with the Jew-haters. In the meantime, they will not post here.
Your arguments are falling on deaf ears. No, impervious ears. I heard you the first time. And answered. Twice, now. There won’t be a third time.
Fabian, I’ve read your comments at Harry’s Place. You’re a better man than I, Gunga Din.
But I love the way you shove it right back at them.
Remind me to add your blog to my blogroll.
I have no issue with this being a Zionist zone; I am a Zionist myself. I have no issue with Meryl declaring the rules here; ultimately a blog is a place for the owner to declare their opinion and that is what a blog is…not a forum for open discussion. There are other places for that.
I have my personal issues about how people express themselves and their opinions [i.e. “someone who disagrees isn’t just wrong, they are bad stupid people;” this may be true but isn’t necessarily true]. But that’s me. This is Meryland [insert punchline here] and in Meryland only one voice calls the shots.
And by the way, anqua, there are more than 7 people who think Israel should wait on the Messiah; try over 30,000 Satmar Hasidim to start with. Sincere people with whom I strongly disagree [see Reb Joel Titlebaum’s opinion on Zionism being the reason for the Holocaust…].
Thank you Meryl!
I will do so too.
Dear Doctor, there are millions of people who disagree with me who are not bad or stupid people. It’s possible to disagree in good faith about a particular Israeli policy or a particular interpretation of the facts. However, I haven’t seen an explanation yet of why someone would consistently choose to support Jew-haters and Jew-killers (even if this support results in worse conditions for the Palestinians) *without* being either nasty or stupid. Feel free to offer one.
And by the way, I do realize that there are more than 7 Satmar Hassidim. That’s what we English speakers call an “exaggeration”. I preemptively admit that there are more than 15 genuite “smash-all-borders” internationalists, as well.
Mel,
terrific rant! One of the best I read in looong while.
Thanks Meryl! Another blogger just recommended your site to me.
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Meryl, what Carol does not realize is that the same First Amendment that says THE CONGRESS can’t interfere with freedom of the press also says that on your press (or in this case blog), you can’t be forced to publish views that you find abhorrent or even disagreeable. Same First Amendment. So in a way, she’s right and she’s wrong. You CAN’T beat the First Amendment, but you aren’t the one who’s trying to, she is. Either that, or somewhere she got the idea that your blog is the Congress.
Anyway, y’yasher kochaich (my diduk is even worse than my vocabulary, but at the risk of sounding sexist, let’s give the fair sex its due) on once again saying well what — in a saner world — should not have to be said.
Yankev
You go girl.
hugs, Janet Cohen, mpls
Damned straight, Meryl. Good for you.
Wow, thirty two responses so far!
It looks like the wake up is beginning.
I believe all of us have had enough of the MSM double standard when it comes to Israel. Consider doing what I did, cancel your subscription to a biased newspaper in your area with an explanation of why you are doing so.
I receive a monthly call from the Minneapolis Star/Tribune asking me to come back, my response is fire the editorial staff first and I will.
Funny — I’m a zionist too and I’m not a Jew.
Is there a special category for me?
They need you in Gaza right now Meryl. Your no nonsense approach should work. The Pals. have been given too much wiggle room already. Time to clean out the snake pit.
Yes, Jack, your special category on this blog is “Zionist.”
That’s one of the points of my post. Zionism is not synonymous with Judaism. That’s a slur given us by the anti-Zionists.
First time I’ve visited this site (thanks to a link from Captain Ed). It is so refreshing to see someone post an unapologetic and unadulterated manifesto of what she believes (obviously from the depths of her soul). I believe the continued existence of the state of Israel is a test of modern civilization itself, and the increasingly savage attacks upon Israel in the press and academia a sad reflection upon the precariousness of that civilization.
Just read your Normblog profile and hope that you reconsider your statement re Bush “–wouldn’t vote for him again”. Bush is a snake pit cleaner Meryl and his kind don’t get very popular, especially with snakes.
Well Said.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Even on those blogs where I enjoy the takedowns applied to Israel hating commenters, the takedowns can’t compensate for having been exposed to yet another dose of hatred and evil vomitted against Israel or Jews.
Has anyone ever come across even one instance where these haters reconsidered their beliefs because the comment section allowed free exchange of ideas no matter how vile? Is the hatred of Israel available in nearly every venue of modern “culture” so insufficient that one needs to provide room for more of it in order to be fully aware?
I like seeing occasional short citations from the haters as a way of remembering names and organizations who are to opposed with all of our might; but thanks, Meryl, for not providing them yet another forum for their bile.
Meryl,
I liked this post so much I posted the first paragraph on my blog with a link here to finish the read. I hope that’s ok with you.
Meryl, I am pro-Zionist myself, and I agree with just about everything you said, but I don’t go to blogs to only read posts with which I agree. I like reading the give and take with both sides of an issue (where the line is blurry) or seeing the wrong side of an issue completely embarrass themselves with their ignorance or bias (on clear cut issues such as Israel/Pal-Arabs).
However, I understand the desire to have a safe haven where one may post and read without worrying about the filth dirtying up the waters.
(clicked through from Captain’s Quarters)
Meryl: First-time visitor to your blog, I concur with your view. I emphatically stand in solidarity with the people of Israel.
And as I said, there are a ton of other places–on the right and left–for exactly that kind of discussion. In fact, I read those other places regularly.
Which is why I don’t want to see the same tiresome arguments here.
Another wishy-washy broad who can’t make up her mind! C’mon, Meryl, tell us what you _Really_ think!
I was going to ask the same question as Jack above. I’m not a Jew and I’m not even sure if I know any Jews, but I’ve been a Zionist ever since I read Leon Uris’ “Mila 18” 40+ years ago. In all the years since I’ve found no reason to change my mind. I especially appreciate you pointing out that it’s only censorship if it comes from the government. Stand your ground!!!
Bravo Dear Lady!
Hmmm. I’ve never been able to get thru all the crap (hyperbole/distortion/ranting/blathering/etc) whenever “Zionist” is used, so I’ve usually just ignored it and moved on. If your definition of a “Zionist” is even remotely accurate, then I’m a “Zionist” too.
Although ….., I suspect that dispite the bluster, you’re the more tolerant.
I’m not a Jew and I feel the same way.
It’s absolutely unbelievable to me that people will blame Israel and have sympathy for palestine. Even in light of the horific actions of the palestinian people. I really can’t wrap my mind around what it is they get out of that kind of warped thinking.
I can only think that it has to be fear??