Another reason to say you’re one of the very most valued voices on Substack. To each of your points I can only say yes.
It’s refreshing to read something well reasoned on this difficult subject that doesn’t contain f-bombs, kneejerk accusations of antisemitism or Islamophobia, etc. And it’s sad that acting like a grown up is out of the ordinary.
I like this "....default to our factory setting of us against them." This reminds me of the comments of writer Zadie Smith in an interview with Terry Gross is whch she discussed "mixed feelings." She said, "But I live in mixed feelings & they don't agonize me. Children need one idea. But we are adults & we can hold more than one idea at a time."
The more we are personally and emotionally involved, the harder it is to admit that the "other side" might be partly right. The "middle ground" falls away, and a chasm opens between Us and Them.
In a shul "listening session", a member talked about a relative who was still a Hamas captive, and how unsafe he felt when a visitor spoke about Israel commiting genocide in Gaza. I told him, later, that knowing his personal situation gave me an understanding of how he felt, tha
t I didn't have before.
Now I'm conflicted -- because I think that the State of Israel probably _is_ committing genocide (see Bartov's NYTimes column), and it should be pressured to stop -- but I understand why it's not wise to say that, to a general shul audience. (I'm pretty sure that S of I is violating 4th Geneva Convention -- no "intent" needed, there.)
So is it inevitable that we split into two shuls? Or can broaden our minds (and Overton windows) to really talk with each other?
Presumably everyone in shul heard the same story you did. Did it affect other people's perspectives? I think firsthand experience and feelings can go a long way toward building empathy.
Another reason to say you’re one of the very most valued voices on Substack. To each of your points I can only say yes.
It’s refreshing to read something well reasoned on this difficult subject that doesn’t contain f-bombs, kneejerk accusations of antisemitism or Islamophobia, etc. And it’s sad that acting like a grown up is out of the ordinary.
Please don’t stop here.
I think this is the best post I've read of yours so far--I related to every part of it. Thank you :)
I like this "....default to our factory setting of us against them." This reminds me of the comments of writer Zadie Smith in an interview with Terry Gross is whch she discussed "mixed feelings." She said, "But I live in mixed feelings & they don't agonize me. Children need one idea. But we are adults & we can hold more than one idea at a time."
The more we are personally and emotionally involved, the harder it is to admit that the "other side" might be partly right. The "middle ground" falls away, and a chasm opens between Us and Them.
Yes, to all. Thank you.
In a shul "listening session", a member talked about a relative who was still a Hamas captive, and how unsafe he felt when a visitor spoke about Israel commiting genocide in Gaza. I told him, later, that knowing his personal situation gave me an understanding of how he felt, tha
t I didn't have before.
Now I'm conflicted -- because I think that the State of Israel probably _is_ committing genocide (see Bartov's NYTimes column), and it should be pressured to stop -- but I understand why it's not wise to say that, to a general shul audience. (I'm pretty sure that S of I is violating 4th Geneva Convention -- no "intent" needed, there.)
So is it inevitable that we split into two shuls? Or can broaden our minds (and Overton windows) to really talk with each other?
. Charles
Presumably everyone in shul heard the same story you did. Did it affect other people's perspectives? I think firsthand experience and feelings can go a long way toward building empathy.
Thank you for those thoughtful honest introspective piece. You speak for me and what I’m feeling. And experiencing and i cant and wont stop engaging.
Agreed. Well said!! Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your perspective, an important one during these dark days.
“Our brains default to their factory settings“
Great line. True. I’ll use it.