I Am Jewish and Not Israeli

Being an American Jew is very tough these days. Frankly, it has always been a bit challenging, though it seemed that things were getting much better for me than during my childhood in the 60s and 70s, though they were never that bad. The worst of times in modern history for Jews was during the Holocaust, when millions were slaughtered. While the world is a much better place for Jews now than then, American Jews today are being blamed for the atrocities taking place in the Middle East at the hands of Israel.

Before I address what I think is wrong with Israel's actions, let me say that I understand that Hamas attacked them in late 2023. This violence had no justification and was horrible, but it doesn't give Israel a license to do whatever it wants to do. Yes, defending oneself is the right of any attacked entity, but allowing so many innocent residents of the Gaza Strip to suffer and to die goes well beyond that.

I grew up being taught the importance of Israel. As Americans, though, we are taught about the importance of the separation of church and state, and this is an inherent problem with Israel. At Sunday School, we were taught to support Israel, and I did for many years. My father's father grew up in Palestine (now Israel), and I visited Israel as part of the Jewish Federation trip on 2008. I wasn't around when Israel was created in 1948, but the creation of the country seems like it was always going to lead to troubles. I don't think it was right to take the land of people who were living there without compensation, and it appears that deep hatred has been brewing for years over this issue. I have not been a fan of Netanyahu at all, and I suggested that he was actually smiling secretly after the attack by the Hamas. It opened the door to doing what he has wanted to do all along: Take back the Gaza Strip.

The actions of Israel are horrible, and it rightly upsets people around the world. We Americans are supplying them with their arms. Our tax dollars are being used to support Israel. Now, I support Israel and don't hate it at all, though I do dislike how the country treats non-Jews. Here in America and around the world, many are mad at Jews instead of being mad at Israel. We Jews need to share in the displeasure with what is going on over there.

I have always felt Jewish and have enjoyed the Jewish religion. I have learned a lot about other religions, and I do not nor ever did think that Judaism is "right" with others being "wrong". My study of other faiths has led me to see so many similarities between religions and not that many fundamental differences. I married a Jewish person, and we raised two Jewish kids who are now adults.

I don't have an answer for how Israel can get Hamas and Hezbollah to go away. Perhaps America and other leading nations can step in. Starving people on the Gaza Strip won't cut it, and attacking Lebanon won't either. I found it odd that when Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Majority Leader, suggested that Israel should have a vote soon, the public scolded him. Schumer signs the checks still, though. America needs to step aside!

So, I am indeed Jewish and not Israeli. I am JANI...