Shabbat Shalom!

It appears that every Jew in the world is expected to answer for Israel, and your host is no exception. So-called “progressives” have joined the “Free Palestine” movement, chanting “From the River to the Sea,” though most couldn’t say which river or sea. Few of these privileged Westerners have been to the Middle East or studied its complex history. They appear uninterested beyond slogans and what they consume on TikTok. They care more about virtue signaling than being virtuous.

Though I am a lifelong Democrat, my views don’t precisely align with some members of my party. Fine by me - life is more interesting with different points of view. It’s how we learn! Others prefer social media echo chambers where their opinions are reinforced, never challenged. Like most Jews, October 7 revealed that I had fewer friends that my social media accounts before that unimaginable day had suggested. The silence was deafening.

The haters are committed to misunderstanding me. I’d prefer to ignore them, but they leave defamatory reviews and attempt to tank my new podcast’s ratings. Please bear with me while I address their ugly lies in this episode.

It is possible to simultaneously hold multiple truths. I am a proud Jew who loves Israel (deep breaths, haters!). Pure evil exists in the world. It was unleashed on Israel on October 7. None of what happened that day was “resistance.” Israel did not deserve it. The world should have forced Hamas to return all the hostages on October 8. They all need to come home now.

I don’t support Israel’s current government and want the war in Gaza to end. Judaism’s teaching that every life is a universe applies to everyone. War is abominable. We need better ways to solve problems that don’t involve killing or maiming innocents. I believe if women held more positions of power, we would find them.

As a mother who never stops grieving for her late daughter, I would not wish my circumstances on anyone. When I lay my head down tonight, I will pray the same prayer that I pray every night. Please let my child feel my love, wherever she is now. Please bring peace and comfort to all who are suffering. May no more universes be extinguished.

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