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Patricia Edraos's avatar

Thank you so much for this message of sanity.

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Laura Westbrook's avatar

Thank you Rabbi Joshua Hammerman. I will continue to stand on the side of love ❤️

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LIZBETH X NIEZEN's avatar

I’m all for reducing hate for all. And yes, antisemitism has increased in America, as the racism and intolerance of others is normalized and modeled by our President and his followers daily. It is terrifying to witness that humanity needs so little encouragement to cross that fragile line of “appropriate and respectful behavior/treatment of others”. I really thought we humans, had already learnt this lesson. But boy oh boy, how quickly so many regress to savage behaviors towards others. It’s as if on the surface, we look civilized, but scratch it just a bit, only to find rage, racism, intolerance and hate pouring out like a volcano. Why are so many people so angry inside? And they direct this anger to the weakest target. Sigh. It’s on replay since the earliest of times. Will we ever learn?

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

I wish I had an answer for you. Lizbeth. I take some comfort in polling that shows some buyer’s remorse - as could easily have been predicted. The pendulum is beginning to swing. The question is whether it will swing fast enough. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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LIZBETH X NIEZEN's avatar

You are welcome :)

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Valerie McMurray's avatar

First let me say I am a White Southern X-Catholic senior citizen who does believe in God but does not support any kind of formal religion as they are all run by White men for power and greed. That said, I apprecite your good message here and I regularly speak up against antisemitism, however, I wish when you and other prominant Jews wrote about antisemitism and all hate is bad I wish you would also always acknowledge the Jewish hate for Palestinians in the settlements. It is too often glossed over like it is not such a serious problem which it is. It is herrendous the hateful Jews that occupy the settelment area.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Thank you,Valerie. I know I write lots of postings and articles, so it's likely you haven't seen many of my pointed critiques of extremest behavior among Jews, and in particular toward some Palestinians, along with the extremist hate directed against Jews. It's all bad, and organized religion has fueled it, to a large degree. But it also fuels opposition to the hate, something I hope you will be able to see.

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Valerie McMurray's avatar

Rabbi thank you for responding and yes though I do not get a chance to read all that you write I have read enough to believe that you have covered this and spoken out against the extremist Jews. But my point goes beyond this. Just my opinion, but I feel that EVERY time you or other prominent Jewish voices comment on antisemitism it would carry more weight if EVERY time you also talk about the extremist Jews, the deplorable leader Netenyahu and his cabinet. These are very bad people, as bad or worst than trump and it needs to be called out EVERY time.

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rae-ann Allen's avatar

Having a conversation?? What a novel idea! Thanks Rabbi

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