You can see the Israeli government-paid ad that says that intermarried Jews in the United States are "lost" here. Look at the poor Feldman’s and Fine’s and Jacobs’s pictured in the ads, most of them young men.
This could be a big story, if the media would unblinker itself. The ad encapsulates the problem with a state that is tied so directly to ethnicity. It has to ethnically cleanse Jerusalem. It has to have grossly-discriminatory immigration policies. It has to have separate roadways. And now it has to proselytize the race in other countries like Mississippi Governor Theodore Bilbo preaching against the "mongrelization" of the white race.
It’s surely offensive to people like– say, Dennis Ross, or Andrea Koppel, or Arthur Sulzberger Jr, or descendants of the late Richard Hofstadter — all the product of intermarriage. Is any US tax money paying for this?
Dana Goldstein: "On a more personal note, this policing of personal lives — the guilt attached to the circumstance of loving someone who is not Jewish — has always been one of the elements that pushed me away from organized Judaism, after being raised in a conservative shul. This ad is an embarrassing misstep, and sure to alienate many of the Jews it is intended to reach."
I commented on this advertisement at JSF, but inadvertantly deleted the text. In any event, this is a particularly racist piece of sh*t, the subtext of the ‘Lost’ or ‘Missing’ posters (in the States at least) being that someone did something violent, even perverted, to ‘lost’ or ‘missing’, typically a woman or child. In other words, the creators of the advertisement have, in a fashion, absolved individual Jews of the responsibilty for their decision to break from their choseness, and have slyly intimated that someone, presumably a non-Jew, committed some unspeakable act upon the ‘Lost’. “We understand”, the ad makers say, “it’s not your fault. Come back and all is foregiven.” The mind that came up with this trash is staggeringly, breathtakingly psychotic.
pretty grim stuff. The poster children are the ‘victims’.
It’s sure offensive to me, as I guess I am one of those who has kidnapped (abducted? stolen?) a precious young woman from her rightful home among the Chosen. At my own wedding (Jewish ritual, no less) I heard a whisper of ‘Silent Holocaust’ and can only assume that I was the Silent Holocauster party being mentioned. By that term they mean the children that my wife and I are bastardized filthy mongrels undeserving of their place among the elect. Nice.
Offensive? Really? You think?
I thought the ad captures the essence of a post apocalyptic place void of people. There was no hope in the ad and only shows gloom. Makes you want to go out and marry one of your own, and vacation in Israel. I know I got that feeling when I saw the video.
It used to be that “assimilated” was a scary word for Jews who were afraid that their children were “marrying out” and would lose their Jewishness or, worse, raise little golden-haired Lutherans. But this is not the point of the MASA commercial.
MASA’s idea of “abducted” is not an estrangement from Judaism, but from Zionism.
Only by creating a healthy relationship with Israel — so says MASA — will these poor kids be saved from going astray. This has nothing to do with Jewishness but everything to do with acquiring more candidates for aliyah or fodder for the IDF.
I’ve often thought that American Jews do not really understand what is going on in Israel and if they did support for Israel would evaporate.
These adds show the reverse — Israelis really do not understand what is going on in America. I think the appropriate response is not outrage but laughter. This a joke. Let them continue with this comedy unimpeded for it will help educate Americans what is going on in Israel.
Total obsession with hereditary genetics and at war with countries of clans who can be sure of their ancestry (Afghanistan, Iraq. Palestinians etc).
It’s a con.
Reminiscent of “Feeling the Hate” citizenry, and breeding a few “self haters”.
Maybe they will win? And conquer Iran too. It’s increasingly obvious that it is funded by illgotten gains. Creating a cocoon around the vassals.
As a “goyim” that “abducted” my Jewish bride, I’m deeply offended by this David-Duke-in-reverse piece of Semitic-supremacy. Howard Stern’s radio show once featured a white supremacist from down South whose rallying cry was “Wake up, white people.” The white supremacist was especially offended by intermarriage of the races, and Howard’s show held him up as the out-of-touch buffoon he was.
This is state-sanctioned bigotry, and a window into the state of mind of the “Jewish state.” As Phil asks, how are my tax dollars involved in this insidious, shocking and racist campaign?
Is anyone surprised? Israel needs an unassimilated Jewry to justify its existence. What would happen if all American Jews followed the footsteps of Irish, German and Italian immigrants and became full Americans (as opposed to the hyphenated kind)?
More offensive considering the traditional Jewish support for open immigration in the U.S.
I don’t think that these individuals that want to portray us as lost have any idea how disenchanted and disgusted we are, to the point that we will do anything possible to stop this genocidal process done in our name. By producing garbage like this it does nothing further alienate what these individuals think is their future – there is no future as long as this abominable course is taken. It does not matter how many posters you make, or what activities you try to produce, their insistence of doing these things “for us” just makes us furious. Soon these genocidal maniacs will be all alone, a very small group, completely isolated from humanity.
Lest you want to say I am being too selective, the same goes for this course in any nation. I am speaking out on issues closer to home, but will raise my voice loud enough for the whole world to hear. All of the racism, all of the genocide, all of the wars of choice, all of the imperialism has and is going to be rejected, because we refuse to make this the future or to receive your burnt offering at such a high human cost. We will not be sacrificed on the alter of your delusion.
I HAVE SEEN THE WRITING ON THE WALL
As a descendent of a Finno-Urgrian invader of Northern Europe (now recognized as Finns, Estonians and Hungarians) I declare that I took as my wife a Galiciana Jew. It is my right based on my ancestor’s military ability. Not to mention that she was in love with me and I with her. Whatever.
In any case if the Israeli government now wants to interfere with our arrangement then I must object. I realize that the current Israeli government has a monoply on military violence in its own region of dominion. So if you, Israel, objects to my marriage, I propose a that we resolve this dipute using the violence you are so familiar with. But I insist on a few rules. First no gun fire. Second no grenades. Third objective referees. And finallyl both myself and my wife can confront you in battle with base ball bats. Let the battle proceed.
Well Syvänen we Finno-Ugrian tribes once “owned” most of European Russia, not only the places on which we now have to “exist” and pushed to by the “bad” Slavic tribes. There still exist quite large Finno-Ugrian tribes in Russia.
Maybe we should “learn” from Israelis and declare that Moscow and St. Petersburg actually belong to us. With the case of St. Petersburg the ownership issue is easy to prove without an ancient religious book. Tsar Peter the Great built it on the swamps inhabited by the Ingrians. With Moscow’s ownership we need a bit more creative history interpretation. One theory suggests that the source of the name Moscow is an ancient Finnic language, in which it means “dark” and “turbid”. :)
SimoHurtta
Thank you for coming forth and recognizing that we deserve as much recognisition as a people as do the other Euopreans. As a Finn I am very sensitive to these issues.
Syvänen should we build an illegal settlement near St Peterburg or even in Moscow? Before that we must naturally attend to an intensive course arranged by Israeli settlers. Though I suppose that Putin’s Slavic “Palestinians” would not welcome us and the local “PA troops” would kick us out in a millisecond. So we will have to continue our diaspora from our promised lands. But to Kalevala must be fast added that Ukko main god promised us everything west of Ural mountain chain. To keep future options open. :)
I have a friend who’s a Mordwin. I think she’s one of yours, and there are about a million of them in central Russia. Would you like me to have a word?
In any case if the Israeli government now wants to interfere with our arrangement then I must object.
The responses in this context are really hilarious. Best to your woman, syvanen.
It seems to be an issue that has quite a bit affinity to comedy
I am not fluent in Hebrew but I did take a 6-month Ulpan course some 25 years ago. But to be fair and as far as I can make out the video doesn’t explicitly discuss mixed marriages. I can’t appreciate the nuances in the Hebrew language but as far as I can understand it only deplores young Jews being “mitbulelim”, that is assimilated, and therefore “being lost to us”.
Goran, I believe the issue is the “50 percent” figure that occurs visually on the screen. That number refers to percentage of US Jews that marry non-Jews. Thus, when the ad talks about “assimilation”, that intermarriage is what they are calling “lost to us”.
I don’t know what Masa has planned for the real campaign out in the diaspora trenches, but this ad is obviously directed at Israelis – to drive home an ideological message, not to get them to call up cousin Sarah’s boy Jack. The message is that Zionism is the only valid form of Judaism. Without it, there is nothing but the spectre of disappearing off the face of the earth (nationally of course – no one actually gives a damn about the poor “lost” Jews and their wellbeing). The obvious conclusion is that Israelis must support their government’s siege-mentality mad dog policies, because the alternative is annihilation of one form or another, and we can’t afford to take any chances. “Sponsered by the Prime Minister’s Office”.
Are you lost?
Are your children going to be brought up Jewish? (No children).
There is a dilemma associated with the question for aspiring self-affirming Jews. That is that among self-affirming Jews there are many that ignore the actual commandments, especially the moral ones, in favor of the trappings of association.
And, in the first generation of those that choose to think freely, the adherence to Jewish fundamental ethical principles in particular, are more present in questioning, than in trivial rote adherence.
And, those Jewish values do get communicated to children, that take in primary criteria of living from their first teachers, their parents.
But, over time the values get diluted, assimilated. Ethics morphes to politics, and then dissolves further.
In contrast, with the permanent definition of specifically ethical principles that individuals are responsible to bring to the world, even if an individual or community is distracted from that, they return.
I have more trust in assimilating into Jewish culture, that includes a large community that does actively discuss ethics in its collective (political) expression, than in assimilating into the gamut of solely political religion.
Its not a curse not to remain Jewish. It is a blessing, a blessing to the world, to keep a community that does and practices the commandments, even the uncomfortable ones.
Citizen, RW asks the question because he is lost, he just does not know it.
“Are you lost?”
No. I am me.
“Are your children going to be brought up Jewish? (No children).”
My children have been brought up to make their own decisions, including regarding choice of religion, if any. They were brought up to weigh the assumptions/conceits of all religions, their practical histories, and the pros and cons of their beliefs. True, Phil has no children. What do you mean by being “brought up Jewish? ” Is that somehow different than how Phil was brought up? How so? Do you think Phil is an apostate Jew? If so, why?
“There is a dilemma associated with the question for aspiring self-affirming Jews. That is that among self-affirming Jews there are many that ignore the actual commandments, especially the moral ones, in favor of the trappings of association.”
Isn’t that true no matter the religion? What actual commandments, especially the moral ones, does Phil ignore? I think most regulars on this blog would say Phil is very moral, and his ethical considerations seem very obvious. You disagree? Why so?
“And, in the first generation of those that choose to think freely, the adherence to Jewish fundamental ethical principles in particular, are more present in questioning, than in trivial rote adherence.”
Many of us regulars here will agree that Phil is much more concerned with fundamental ethical principles than any trivial rote adherence to any religious belief.
Is that what you are saying?
“And, those Jewish values do get communicated to children, that take in primary criteria of living from their first teachers, their parents.”
Which Jewish values differ from general ethical principles and humanistic values?
Where, if anywhere, has Phil crossed the line separating Jewish from non-Jewish
ethical principles?
“But, over time the values get diluted, assimilated. Ethics morphes to politics, and then dissolves further.”
What does this mean? Jewish values get diluted, assimilated?
If you look at the concept of the melting pot, and the historical push for it among
Jewish Americans, how does your stance differ? You say Jewish values get assimilated-how is that a bad thing for anyone? How is it a dilution of Jewish values? How do Jewish values differ from American values? Do ethics mean anything outside the
context of politics? You imply there is a separation of the two–where and when?
And how so “dissolve further?” If you limit yourself to Jewish ethics, how do they
differ from universal ethics?
“In contrast, with the permanent definition of specifically ethical principles that individuals are responsible to bring to the world, even if an individual or community is distracted from that, they return.”
Which “specifically ethical principles” are you talking about? And how do they differ
from universal ethical principles?
“I have more trust in assimilating into Jewish culture, that includes a large community that does actively discuss ethics in its collective (political) expression, than in assimilating into the gamut of solely political religion.”
Please translate. Do you mean you trust discussion of ethics in the context of politics
only if you know the discussion is only among the Jewish collective? What is “solely political religion”? You mean discussion amongst only secular people?
“Its not a curse not to remain Jewish. It is a blessing, a blessing to the world, to keep a community that does and practices the commandments, even the uncomfortable ones.”
You mean it’s not a curse to not believe basic Jewish biblical narrative or to think
it’s a handicap to humanitarian solutions? You mean it’s a blessing to everyone in the world to adhere to a Jewish community of your definition? The commandments are
believed by many non-Jews, who also often try to follow them. Or do you mean the
600 plus Jewish commandments, and a particular version of those? How are those
a blessing to the world? Please explain.
Citizen,
I hope Phil reads my posts more concisely than you.
You seek to pose all of my comments as unappreciative opposition. That is the furthest from the case. I regard questioning as a means to understand, and around questions of Judaism as a means to dive deep into the meaning and practices that Jewish life offers.
So, when Phil questions for the purpose of living a Jewish life, or even an ethical life (that is a Jewish one), then that is in ways deeper than those that merely practice by rote.
When Phil questions for the purpose of some resentment, or dismissal, or contempt for Jewish ethical life (what his life was constructed of), then he himself has gone to opposition, and not inquiry. And, that is a meaning of the term “self-hating Jew”. It is based on the concept that Torah is taught from parent to child intimately, in words, but even more not in words, but by behavior.
When Phil intermarries and doesn’t have children by choice, then Phil has made a choice that Jewish life is not important to be carried on, in the same intimate way that Jewish life was carried on and conveyed to him by his parents.
Its too late now for that. Its not a horrible choice, but the rationalization that others that make different choices, and VALUE differently than he, are corrupt in some way, is just insulting, unethical.
To infer a judgement at all and apply political significance to every word, every nuance, is a gambling vanity.
If Phil has a sincere ethical commitment, then he will restrain from insulting at all, and most certainly in gambling and intruding into others’ lives.
He is not an immature 25 year-old, that has justification for being offended by others’ personal or community commitments. He’s 54. He’s lived. His comprehensive ethical commitments by this point in his life, should be stronger than his irritation.
Whil Phil intermarried he and his wife made a choice. When he and his wife choose not to have
children they have made another mutual choice; and that’s a choice not limited to Jewish life as not important to carry on. I take it you are about Phil’s age. Why do you
insult him and his wife? Why do you constantly question his ethical commitment? Who’s the immature one after all? How many children do you have? How’d you like
it if someone questioned your maturity and ethical sincerity because you did not have
more?
Obviously there are those who would so question your authenticity, pure humanity, and
community commitments. Maybe even your own son does so? Certainly many on this blog have done so.
Now, why don’t you address with specifics the quote from Dana Goldstein? Say something less cramped and peevish; actually address Dana’s POV, for instance.
And remember, if there were no gentiles there’d be no jews.
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