Jew-Hating Jew

Controversial topic, I know.

But I recently had a conversation with a very close Jewish friend who I love dearly. I was expressing my horror at Israel's actions recently. Without a beat this friend accused me not only of antisemitism, but of denying my own faith (I was raised Jewish and definitely identify as culturally Jewish)

This isn't the first time this has happened. Most of the people I speak to, particularly Americans, cringe at even the slightest criticism of Israel. And to be honest, I get it. Jews have be displaced basically since their inception. With the Holocaust it was almost a last-straw effect, where the world seemed to pay attention and Israel became a top priority.

I understand this, and I do believe that Israel should exist. But not at the expense of human life.

I believe the people running Israel are not the same as the Israeli people. I was in Hebrew class last year, and some of my classmates were literally yelling about the Gaza strip, outraged at Israel was even considering giving it back. My teacher, a small Israeli woman who had lived her whole there, silenced the class with a look. She told us solemnly that she believed Israel should give up Gaza. The death isn't worth it, she explained, obviously recalling memories of her time in the army.

I think we need to listen to more voices like hers. We need to believe in human compassion. I am not a jew-hating jew because I criticize Israel. Quite the opposite actually. I love my people, and I do not want them to make the sort of terrible mistakes that have been occurring.

Maybe if I speak up, others will as well, and something positive can change.

I welcome comments or questions.

Don't tell me I'm beautiful

After a discussion with an amazing femme friend;

How many times does this happen to you: You get ready in the morning, put on a cute outfit, do your hair, and stroll outside. Maybe you're heading to class or some other place. Then someone decides to yell something stupid at you. "Hey baby" or "Hey Sexy" or "What's up mama?"

Most of us don't know how to react. It sort of stops you in your tracks. You take at look at them, seeing their smirks, as if they know you can't do anything about it. Most of us just walk faster away, hoping they don't follow.

I was talking to a close friend of mine, and we were wondering how cat-calling is still around. You'd think by the laws of Darwin that such stupidity would have rendered these idiots totally virginal for life. But somehow they manage to mate again and again, so even now, in 2010, cat-calls are alive and well. You have to ask yourself, how often does such idiocy work? How many times after hearing the eloquent "What up sexy" does a woman turn on her heels, run over to them, thrusting her number in their faces? Has a cat-call ever produced a night in bed, let alone a relationship?

The biggest frustration is how cat-calling can take all of the power out of a person. You can get ready in the morning and feel amazing. You look in the mirror and feel totally powerful. But with just a few words you can feel completely defensless.

Well, for all you cat-callers out there, I have some news for you. I know I look good, but I do NOT need you to tell me. I did NOT put on this outfit for you. I will NEVER sleep with you, date you, or even give you the time of day.

I suggest you tell that to anyone who feels they need to call you out on the sidewalk.

So don't tell me I'm beautiful. I already know that much.

First and Foremost

What this is not:

This is not a blog.

Well, it's sort of a blog.

But it's more a collection of rantings and queries from someone with too much on their mind.

It's also not easy. I don't usually write down what I think. But this will be a welcomed challenge.



What this is:

Too long already. I'll just jump right in.