The simple answer is No. So easy to write and hard to do.
I have been gobsmacked by some of the comments said to me, and could only gather my thoughts later.And it is so easy to appease an aggressor, especially someone,( in my case), who had been a good friend for many decades.
This is, I believe, is because I, like most Australian Jews, have had a dream run in this country....peace, safety, acceptance ...well, enough acceptance. Well, not any more, and the way the universities are going, it could stay like this for a long time.
It has become fashionable to talk about "The Israel Problem" just as it was fashionable in Europe to talk abut "The Jewish Problem" in the 19th century. This, of course drew sight away from the truth, which was "The European Racism Problem".
Next time someone tried to draw me into a debate about Israel, I hope I have the wit to say that I am not a performing seal and I will send them a reading list.Most people have read nothing much at all. Just react to TV images and social media, all of which bypass any reflective thought.
But when someone asks you "how can Israel be a democracy and a Jewish state?" do join the discussion - by asking how it is possible for nations like Japan or Sweden to be so. And follow on by asking why can't any Arab majority country crack that difficult challenge?
Nearly brings me to tears reading this. I am appalled at the blatant antisemitism on display in Australia today. Your words show how heartbreaking this must be for you.
So many people I know have fallen for Hamas propaganda and spout rubbish about Israel. The left alliance with islamofascists is mind boggling. That so many (not all, thankfully) of my feminist friends have fallen for it leaves me feeling sick.
Thank goodness you have your dog to go walking with at StKilda beach. I am in the process of moving house, to be closer to the beach. Taking my dog for runs on the beach is one of the things that helps keep me sane these days.
All the best. I hope those horrible marches through Melbourne (and London and Sydney and …) settle down soon.
I marvelled at the way you navigated these matters in "My Life" Michael. You sailed close to the wind ( you had to ) but not once did I ever question your judgement, your fundamental decency and integrity. When I finished, I was deeply impressed and felt the positive, enthusiastic reviews you recieved from people such as Helen Garner ( another "sailor" through those notoriously vexed and difficult Melbourne waters ) were fully warranted and deserved. You and Julie both need to pace yourselves as things slowly turn in your favour, and try not to worry too much about the "bien pensants" . They are incorrigible, and there is no point in seeking to engage with them.
I like this very much. I wish you had indeed asked all those questions of the academic. To hear/read his responses would have been fascinating. Any chance of a rematch?
Scarcely know where to begin Michael. Today I wake to the news that a child care centre has been fire-bombed. And Albanese’s latest excuse is that he can’t call a National Cabinet is because some people are still on holiday. Shame on you Prime Minister. A little while back my lovely neighbour, born on a kibbutz, said she feared for the future of the State of Israel. No, I said. Won’t happen. Can’t happen. To your Melbourne University academic, I say: grow a moral backbone.
A brilliant and blistering indictment in which you somehow contain the rage ? despair? I am likely projecting, but we are living in such a dystopian era. We need a new term other than gaslighting to describe the experience.
It’s very easy for Australians- academics, executives, teachers, writers- to pose these hypotheticals from afar. Very few of them have a visceral understanding of either the deep connection all those people feel to the land and the terrifying fear they feel living so closely to people who want to kill them. It’s also easier for them to talk about these political challenges, about which they have read almost nothing, than to face, head on the antisemitism they have, at best watched impassively and at worst contributed to. I agree, the best suggestion is to send them a reading list. Buy in with some sweat and effort or shut the f%# up and fix your own backyard!
Having worked with and for Israelis and indeed for many Jews in Europe, UK, US and Australia, many of whom are - Israel right or wrong regardless of any atrocity - , but many of whom were not, I remain confused as to how anyone can think trying to defend a colonial occupation regime, which Israel is, and which has denied justice, freedom and human and civil rights to Palestinians, often with extreme cruelty, for 76 years, represents Judaic values. There is a disconnect here.
There is no doubt Israel's history is of genocide and ethnic cleansing and even Israeli historians admit to that, not all of them, but many, which no-one can ever claim represents Jewish values, so why the slavish commitment to injustice in the name of Israel which by its nature and actions defames Judaism and Jews.
I really would like someone to explain to me how they can Love anything about such a State.
I do not intend to explain to you how I can love Israel. Why would I? And why are you here on my substack? No conversation with you is possible. i would prefer you just go away and deliver your hate somewhere else. You have worked with Jews! Big deal! What, that makes you an expert on Jews? And anyone who starts a sentence about history with There is no doubt’ Is not someone I would want to have a conversation with. I do not intend to do so. So if you post anything else here, I shall delete it.
The simple answer is No. So easy to write and hard to do.
I have been gobsmacked by some of the comments said to me, and could only gather my thoughts later.And it is so easy to appease an aggressor, especially someone,( in my case), who had been a good friend for many decades.
This is, I believe, is because I, like most Australian Jews, have had a dream run in this country....peace, safety, acceptance ...well, enough acceptance. Well, not any more, and the way the universities are going, it could stay like this for a long time.
It has become fashionable to talk about "The Israel Problem" just as it was fashionable in Europe to talk abut "The Jewish Problem" in the 19th century. This, of course drew sight away from the truth, which was "The European Racism Problem".
Next time someone tried to draw me into a debate about Israel, I hope I have the wit to say that I am not a performing seal and I will send them a reading list.Most people have read nothing much at all. Just react to TV images and social media, all of which bypass any reflective thought.
But when someone asks you "how can Israel be a democracy and a Jewish state?" do join the discussion - by asking how it is possible for nations like Japan or Sweden to be so. And follow on by asking why can't any Arab majority country crack that difficult challenge?
Nearly brings me to tears reading this. I am appalled at the blatant antisemitism on display in Australia today. Your words show how heartbreaking this must be for you.
So many people I know have fallen for Hamas propaganda and spout rubbish about Israel. The left alliance with islamofascists is mind boggling. That so many (not all, thankfully) of my feminist friends have fallen for it leaves me feeling sick.
Thank goodness you have your dog to go walking with at StKilda beach. I am in the process of moving house, to be closer to the beach. Taking my dog for runs on the beach is one of the things that helps keep me sane these days.
All the best. I hope those horrible marches through Melbourne (and London and Sydney and …) settle down soon.
Thank you. Enjoy your walks on the beach with your dog. One of life's great joys.
a good piece- though sad for a former Fairfax journo to read, in a week that for me has very mixed emotions.
I marvelled at the way you navigated these matters in "My Life" Michael. You sailed close to the wind ( you had to ) but not once did I ever question your judgement, your fundamental decency and integrity. When I finished, I was deeply impressed and felt the positive, enthusiastic reviews you recieved from people such as Helen Garner ( another "sailor" through those notoriously vexed and difficult Melbourne waters ) were fully warranted and deserved. You and Julie both need to pace yourselves as things slowly turn in your favour, and try not to worry too much about the "bien pensants" . They are incorrigible, and there is no point in seeking to engage with them.
I like this very much. I wish you had indeed asked all those questions of the academic. To hear/read his responses would have been fascinating. Any chance of a rematch?
Scarcely know where to begin Michael. Today I wake to the news that a child care centre has been fire-bombed. And Albanese’s latest excuse is that he can’t call a National Cabinet is because some people are still on holiday. Shame on you Prime Minister. A little while back my lovely neighbour, born on a kibbutz, said she feared for the future of the State of Israel. No, I said. Won’t happen. Can’t happen. To your Melbourne University academic, I say: grow a moral backbone.
Albanese is calling a cabinet meeting on antisemitism today. Must be worried about his image at the next election. Pardon my cynicism.
Of course there may be many reasons for the arson at a child care centre.
Some possibilities may be:
1. A coded message that children died in Gaza?( in case we could not notice..);
2.An attempt to provoke the Jewish community to respond in kind(.." there go those aggressive Jews again...");
3.An indication that the current ceasefire will not stop the rage about the Palestinians and their situation;
4.A test of Albanese's allegiances with different ethnic communities?
Guess if he puts a foot wrong we may see new graffiti: "Albanese is a Jew lover".
5. Or maybe someone walking past forgot to stub out a cigarette.Let's think of all possibilities.
A brilliant and blistering indictment in which you somehow contain the rage ? despair? I am likely projecting, but we are living in such a dystopian era. We need a new term other than gaslighting to describe the experience.
It’s very easy for Australians- academics, executives, teachers, writers- to pose these hypotheticals from afar. Very few of them have a visceral understanding of either the deep connection all those people feel to the land and the terrifying fear they feel living so closely to people who want to kill them. It’s also easier for them to talk about these political challenges, about which they have read almost nothing, than to face, head on the antisemitism they have, at best watched impassively and at worst contributed to. I agree, the best suggestion is to send them a reading list. Buy in with some sweat and effort or shut the f%# up and fix your own backyard!
Having worked with and for Israelis and indeed for many Jews in Europe, UK, US and Australia, many of whom are - Israel right or wrong regardless of any atrocity - , but many of whom were not, I remain confused as to how anyone can think trying to defend a colonial occupation regime, which Israel is, and which has denied justice, freedom and human and civil rights to Palestinians, often with extreme cruelty, for 76 years, represents Judaic values. There is a disconnect here.
There is no doubt Israel's history is of genocide and ethnic cleansing and even Israeli historians admit to that, not all of them, but many, which no-one can ever claim represents Jewish values, so why the slavish commitment to injustice in the name of Israel which by its nature and actions defames Judaism and Jews.
I really would like someone to explain to me how they can Love anything about such a State.
I do not intend to explain to you how I can love Israel. Why would I? And why are you here on my substack? No conversation with you is possible. i would prefer you just go away and deliver your hate somewhere else. You have worked with Jews! Big deal! What, that makes you an expert on Jews? And anyone who starts a sentence about history with There is no doubt’ Is not someone I would want to have a conversation with. I do not intend to do so. So if you post anything else here, I shall delete it.
I can only quote the wonderful Howard Jacobson. It’s the Finkler question isn’t it…
I have been thinking about your piece for the whole of the last week. It is overwhelming in its Shakesperian reach. Thank you!
I am so pleased it resonated with you Alison.