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A thread for shabbat on a subject close to my heart:Zva Hagana LeYisrael; Israel Defence Force, IDF for short. When I look on Twitter these 3 letters are sufficient to send the far left into apoplexy. It is here where the distance between us and them is at its most stark.(1)
Many Zionist jews will agree with the proposition that the occupation of the west bank should end and that there should be a Palestinian state. However, very few, if any will agree with the characterisation of the IDF one sees on here. On this issue common ground eludes us. (2)
Unsurprising when many of the 'criticisms' which could be levelled at any armed force are only directed at one. Worse still the hyperbolic language deployed, apart from its often preposterous exaggeration, frequently strays into classically antisemitic territory (3)
The word 'blood' is a favourite, 'baby killers' commonplace, 'murderers' routine. It is language designed not as criticism but demonisation with which to bait jews. Most jews will not respectfully disagree but be repelled by such grotesque attacks.
Why? (4)
Why? (4)
To my mind there are 2 sides to this particular coin. First, it is often not understood that the IDF is a citizens' army rather than a professional one. It is comprised substantially of the youth of society whose service is mandatory on leaving school. Like it or not. (5)
So instead of being comfortably ensconced in the warm,safe environment of campus from where so many type their condemnations, their 18 year old contemporaries are required to sacrifice the length of a degree course to military service. (6)
So if you are tempted to condemn a particular action it is worth remembering that you might be talking about an 18 year old who could be you/your child who does not want to be there but has to. As a result criticisms of the IDF gain little traction here or among jews generally(7)
On a wider level it is vital to see this issue in its historical context. For 2 millennia jews have been defenceless and at the mercy of the whims of their hosts. It is a history littered with massacres and pogroms culminating in industrialised murder. (8)
Against that backdrop it can readily be understood that an armed force trained and equipped to defend jews is a source of overwhelming pride. When one adds into the mix that it is our kids doing the protection the attitude of the majority of jews scarcely requires explanation (9)
To label these kids crazed murderers consumed by bloodlust is not only inaccurate but offensive. The training and discipline imposed on them is rigorous. Part of that training comprises study; lectures and workshops on values and ethics by which they are expected to operate. (10)
Enough with the blood libels already and the false narratives. All they do is serve to bait jews generally and shore up the right here specifically.
In my own case when subject recently to a pro Corbyn pile on, they trawled my TL gleefully insulting my son who is serving.(11)
In my own case when subject recently to a pro Corbyn pile on, they trawled my TL gleefully insulting my son who is serving.(11)
What did they hope to achieve? I related it to my son who just laughed. Do they think my pride in him will be diminished? Ludicrous.
I suspect those in my position are no different and jews more generally feel the same. (12)
I suspect those in my position are no different and jews more generally feel the same. (12)
Ultimately it comes to this. Were there no IDF there would be no Israel. Were there no IDF there would be a slaughter of jews almost unparalleled in history. Jews know from the bitterest of experience what happens when our protection lies in the hands of others. (13)
Forgive us 'comrades' if that is a risk we are not inclined to take. You can take your insults and stick them where the sun don't shine!
For those who kindly follow me from a positive perspective, shabbat shalom, and here is a picture of my boy !
For those who kindly follow me from a positive perspective, shabbat shalom, and here is a picture of my boy !
