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A review by bytifcohen
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Noa Tishby, Emmanuel Acho
4.0
If you don't want to read what follows this - simply start at chapter 29, read through to the end and then start from the beginning.
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I believe all people should be free to live their lives as authentically as possible - as long as it does not harm anyone else. From the comfort of my home that is not in any threat of being bombed, I believe in the pain of both Palestinians and Israelis. There is, however, repetitive behavior that eludes me in discussions about the war between these two states. It is that Hamas (terrorist org that believes they are protecting the rights of Palestinians) is the only one murdering children and civilians. When Israel's actions are defended, the brutality they are also engaging in is conveniently excused. It is "self defense."
Noa Tishby spends a vast majority avoiding this topic - until chapter 29 where she faces it head on. Up until this point, it was difficult for me to earnestly consider her arguments. Once that was out of the way, I was on board. I do believe this was deliberate. Tishby mentions that Jews are punished for their government's policies and that not all people are their govt. The same is not true for, say, Americans. Many Americans (and globally) do not agree with all of the American govt's actions/policies yet they are not calling for the dismantling of the country, like they are of Israel. I believe the delayed recognition of the atrocious of the Israeli govt was to reveal some underlying prejudice against Jews. I'm not sure it was the right choice.
Overall - Everyone's story is valid. We are also all a villain in someone else's story. Even if your beliefs are firm when it comes to Palestine and Israel, it's worth a read for a high level review of Jewish History.
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I believe all people should be free to live their lives as authentically as possible - as long as it does not harm anyone else. From the comfort of my home that is not in any threat of being bombed, I believe in the pain of both Palestinians and Israelis. There is, however, repetitive behavior that eludes me in discussions about the war between these two states. It is that Hamas (terrorist org that believes they are protecting the rights of Palestinians) is the only one murdering children and civilians. When Israel's actions are defended, the brutality they are also engaging in is conveniently excused. It is "self defense."
Noa Tishby spends a vast majority avoiding this topic - until chapter 29 where she faces it head on. Up until this point, it was difficult for me to earnestly consider her arguments. Once that was out of the way, I was on board. I do believe this was deliberate. Tishby mentions that Jews are punished for their government's policies and that not all people are their govt. The same is not true for, say, Americans. Many Americans (and globally) do not agree with all of the American govt's actions/policies yet they are not calling for the dismantling of the country, like they are of Israel. I believe the delayed recognition of the atrocious of the Israeli govt was to reveal some underlying prejudice against Jews. I'm not sure it was the right choice.
Overall - Everyone's story is valid. We are also all a villain in someone else's story. Even if your beliefs are firm when it comes to Palestine and Israel, it's worth a read for a high level review of Jewish History.