The open anti-semitism I am seeing from all corners is horrifying. I think you’re right that people don’t know enough Jews. I grew up in metro Boston with a lot of Jewish families. I have many Jewish friends and have been to many of the milestone celebrations for the children of my Jewish friends.
I have yet to hear anyone cogently respond to the question — what is Israel supposed to do when surrounded by nations and peoples who wish for their entire annihilation? It seems to me that for many the only good Jew is a dead one or one cowering in fear.
Israel is the only place I would feel safe in the Middle East.
I grieve for all civilians who are injured or killed in war. It’s a tragedy that Palestinians are at the mercy of a Death Cult.
I appreciate it! Unfortunately—and I did not see this coming—for the first time I can remember, antisemitism is coming from all fronts—right, left and Islamic—in equal measure, toward both Jews and Israel, and in dangerous expressions. We’d better get serious.
I actually came here from that Kingsnorth post, having read the Davis article when it dropped, and I’m so glad I subscribed, as this articles was well worth the price. As a baby Orthodox Christian who is still struggling with the old man to even get to catechism, I am one of the most vulnerable targets of the antisemitic language couched in claims of “truth”.
I really appreciate the facts and, more importantly, the nuance that was provided here. I fear men’s hearts are growing cold, as was foretold, and this confusion in language and narrative is the opening salvos of a truly terrible evil planned for us all.
I am so glad you subscribed. I thought the article was very helpful and I liked how Stamper was respectful of Davis by letting him know she was going to respond.
I very much hear on that fear men’s hearts are growing cold. I think we are in the part of Revelation where the Liar has been released and is roaming the earth. It seems we are bathed in lies called “the narrative”. But remember the New Jerusalem coming down from the heavens is the next move. I hope you get to catechism. For what it’s worth the old man is done with—crucified with Christ. But you are a new creation.
I've read Kingsnorth's Substack for years. He seems at times to bring too much gravity and piety to things he isn't sufficiently knowledgeable about. I wonder if he isn't missing humor, so key to the Jews, as one of life's great existential meridians. I also often sense an ignorance around Judaism, if not an antipathy to it, in his writings. He may not even be conscious of it, but something uncomfortable comes through for me.
I look forward to your piece on the antisemitism/anti-Zionism in the Orthodox church - something i have noticed in ROCOR. Thank you for for taking the time to write this. And I, too, am a big fan of Eve Barlow!
The banjos are dueling every day in my Twitter feed. Thanks for injecting some facts.
There are pockets of distrust in Protestant world too. I must navigate this delicately with my current pastor and his wife, very godly gentle people but their son is a missionary in Israel who married an Arab woman, and sadly it's clouded their judgment/speech around the war. I've heard the "g" word casually used over Sunday lunch and felt torn about whether to say something.
I definitely recognize Israel isn't perfect and try to be open when there's evidence of actual war crimes. If I'm open to that evidence for my own country, there's no reason to be closed here. But Israel is at least a functioning state where the concept of "war crimes" exists to begin with.
The open anti-semitism I am seeing from all corners is horrifying. I think you’re right that people don’t know enough Jews. I grew up in metro Boston with a lot of Jewish families. I have many Jewish friends and have been to many of the milestone celebrations for the children of my Jewish friends.
I have yet to hear anyone cogently respond to the question — what is Israel supposed to do when surrounded by nations and peoples who wish for their entire annihilation? It seems to me that for many the only good Jew is a dead one or one cowering in fear.
Israel is the only place I would feel safe in the Middle East.
I grieve for all civilians who are injured or killed in war. It’s a tragedy that Palestinians are at the mercy of a Death Cult.
You get it.
Thank you for this clear and thoughtful refutation of pro Hamas arguments that I have come across in some progressive Christians.
I appreciate it! Unfortunately—and I did not see this coming—for the first time I can remember, antisemitism is coming from all fronts—right, left and Islamic—in equal measure, toward both Jews and Israel, and in dangerous expressions. We’d better get serious.
Mark Helprin’s in his book Paris in the Present Tense addressed antisemitism in Europe quite sometime ago. You’re right we need to get busy.
It’s very troubling. Paul Kingsnorth posted the above article. I’m sending him a link to yours.
@katie I know Paul a little bit and am supposed to chat with him soon. I had no idea he had written on this. Can you send a specific link?
https://substack.com/@paulkingsnorth/note/c-101959502?r=2jx39&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
It’s just a note resharing Davis’ article with an interesting comment thread.
Sigh, I'm sorry to see Paul get into this, was he interacting in the thread?
I actually came here from that Kingsnorth post, having read the Davis article when it dropped, and I’m so glad I subscribed, as this articles was well worth the price. As a baby Orthodox Christian who is still struggling with the old man to even get to catechism, I am one of the most vulnerable targets of the antisemitic language couched in claims of “truth”.
I really appreciate the facts and, more importantly, the nuance that was provided here. I fear men’s hearts are growing cold, as was foretold, and this confusion in language and narrative is the opening salvos of a truly terrible evil planned for us all.
Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us and save us!
I am so glad you subscribed. I thought the article was very helpful and I liked how Stamper was respectful of Davis by letting him know she was going to respond.
I very much hear on that fear men’s hearts are growing cold. I think we are in the part of Revelation where the Liar has been released and is roaming the earth. It seems we are bathed in lies called “the narrative”. But remember the New Jerusalem coming down from the heavens is the next move. I hope you get to catechism. For what it’s worth the old man is done with—crucified with Christ. But you are a new creation.
I've read Kingsnorth's Substack for years. He seems at times to bring too much gravity and piety to things he isn't sufficiently knowledgeable about. I wonder if he isn't missing humor, so key to the Jews, as one of life's great existential meridians. I also often sense an ignorance around Judaism, if not an antipathy to it, in his writings. He may not even be conscious of it, but something uncomfortable comes through for me.
"Humor, one of life's existential meridians"what a great insight.
I look forward to your piece on the antisemitism/anti-Zionism in the Orthodox church - something i have noticed in ROCOR. Thank you for for taking the time to write this. And I, too, am a big fan of Eve Barlow!
Glad you like reading Eve! I want to read more of her music writing.
When I do the article, I promise it will be fair. It's family—imperfect but beloved.
My thanks as well. This is as clear and cogent a piece as I can remember ever reading. It’s a gift.
Thank you for saying so. I only wish I had more time to write on this to this extent. Hope it helps—feel free to pass it on.
The banjos are dueling every day in my Twitter feed. Thanks for injecting some facts.
There are pockets of distrust in Protestant world too. I must navigate this delicately with my current pastor and his wife, very godly gentle people but their son is a missionary in Israel who married an Arab woman, and sadly it's clouded their judgment/speech around the war. I've heard the "g" word casually used over Sunday lunch and felt torn about whether to say something.
I definitely recognize Israel isn't perfect and try to be open when there's evidence of actual war crimes. If I'm open to that evidence for my own country, there's no reason to be closed here. But Israel is at least a functioning state where the concept of "war crimes" exists to begin with.