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A View From Here
Troy asked me some time ago to contribute some perspective on the current situation here in Israel, where I’ve been living for the past 13 years. For weeks, I’ve been unable to write anything (a first for me during Israel’s crises). I haven’t been able to get into the cool, dispassionate head I need to be in to present you with any kind of cogent analysis. I’ve always tried to maintain some baseline standard of composure when discussing the lunatic hell of this endless war. I think that ship might have sailed, at least for the time being.
So why am I back, you ask? Well, I’ll be honest. We are alone out here, more and more so every day, and I’m finding our isolation harder and harder to tolerate. It might be a little unseemly, I guess, but I can’t resist reaching out to you — not in the spirit of geopolitical analysis and the plucky fisking of media talking points, but out of an increasingly desperate need simply to communicate, to send a flare out to a part of the world that’s still relatively normal. I need you to understand our reality here.
On the surface, our world is strikingly similar to the world you live in. Anyone who has visited Israel can tell you this is a thoroughly first-world environment. Now superimpose the rest of our reality onto that physical world: the air raid sirens, the whisking of the kids into the shelter, the daily funerals of the young heroes who put their bodies between our children and the monsters, the fathers’ knees buckling while they try to choke out the Kaddish over their fallen sons, the hollow-eyed mothers, the sobbing children, the tableaux of soldiers weeping on each other’s shoulders as they bury their dead.
Most of the horrors of this go-round are sadly familiar, but there is a new development this time around that has kicked all of this into a whole new realm of nightmare. That’s the network of tunnels, as vast and complex as a subway system, dug under the very ground on which Israelis walk. The soldiers braving and destroying these tunnels are discovering not only vast supplies of machine guns and ammunition and grenades, but also stores of handcuffs and tranquilizers. Consider the reality of that for a moment. Not only are our people meant to be mown down in large numbers, but we are also intended to be dragged down, alive, into the darkness.
Nothing about any of this is theoretical. Heavily armed men have already come up out of the ground inside our territory — disguised in IDF uniforms, a further nauseating touch — and have engaged and killed our soldiers, 18- and 19- and 20-year-olds who died preventing vastly greater carnage within the kibbutzim. A close school friend of my 11-year-old son does not know his uncle because he was shot to death by a Palestinian terrorist, and this same child’s first cousin just came back from Gaza with grave head injuries. One of the three teenaged boys snatched and murdered by Palestinian terrorists on their way home from school earlier this summer was the nephew of a friend of ours. The wedding of our friend’s daughter coincided with the shiva (the mourning period). The sanctified name of the murdered boy was invoked under the chupah (the wedding canopy). Can you conceive of this? It is close; it is personal. This is the reality of our lives here.
I am in the challenging position of having to maintain a chipper front for my three young children while a) finding some language with which to explain the war to them; b) pretending everything is normal; and c) pretending everything will eventually be okay. I do not believe everything will be okay. It requires a monumental effort to manufacture an optimistic front. Now, don’t get me wrong: this is absolutely not to say I have lost faith in our army. Quite the opposite: I could not possibly have greater faith in our army, and I thank God for our soldiers every day. The trouble is that our very acts of self-defense are automatically read by most of the world as offense, so anything we do to protect ourselves — anything at all, right down to building bomb shelters for our civilians — is evidence of our aggression. The world is filled with outrage that so few of us are dead. How dare you protect yourselves, Jews? How dare you not die in larger numbers?
Our enemies try to kill us while hiding behind the bodies of their own children, and we are heaped with opprobrium when those children are killed in the crossfire. Does anyone think we are not filled with anguish over dead Gazan civilians? Does anyone believe we want to kill a single Gazan child? The only option we are to be permitted is not to respond at all: to turn the other cheek, to let them savage us with impunity and then bare our throats for the final slaughter. There has never in the history of human warfare been an army as conscientious about avoiding civilian casualties as the IDF, but facts don’t matter. Jews are fighting back, and that is not to be tolerated.
And so we are vilified. I respond very carefully to an old high school friend on Facebook who has shared an article by a Hamas apologist, pointing out that the piece is a fact-free piece of Hamas propaganda written specifically to hoodwink well-intentioned people like him. He responds with kindness, but then someone else pops up to accuse me of “shaming” — of being someone who insists — how backward! — that there is any such thing as wrong and right. There is the ultimately trivial but intensely depressing litany of celebrities who are cheerfully spitting in the face of every Jew who ever admired them (Mark Ruffalo, Mia Farrow, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Elvis Costello, Roger Waters, Jon Stewart, Rihanna, Whoopi Goldberg, Ryan Gosling, Eddie Vedder, John Cusack, the list goes on). Hamas hanged some Palestinian civilians from cranes in Gaza this past weekend. ISIS is literally crucifying their enemies. In Syria they slaughter children by the dozen and throw their bodies in the street to rot as a warning to others. And Bar Refaeli and Gal Gadot are denounced as genocidal baby-killers for tweeting their love and concern for their own country.
Suck it up. I know. That’s not important. But layer that festering hate on top of the demonstrations, the throngs of Israel-bashers marching through Berlin, London, Stockholm, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam, Madrid, Ottawa. Luxembourg. Costa Rica. Mexico. The Hague. Limpopo. Manchester. Capetown. Rotterdam. Auckland. Sao Paolo. Santiago. Atlanta. Houston. Boston. Portland. Philadelphia. Chicago. If you pluck individuals out of these demonstrations and ask them their motivations — I’m talking about civilized people, mind you, not the ones screaming “Gas the Jews” and doing the Nazi salute — most of them will offer some variant of “killing children is not the answer” or “civilians are not legitimate targets.” Unless they are Jews, that is. That is as it should be.
I take this personally. The crux of the matter apparently is that this country was born in sin (so says the world), and everyone in it, down to the most innocent child, is therefore a sinner. Anything done to us, no matter how savage or cynical, is justified by our original sin, and anything we do to fend off the blows is morally repugnant. How are we supposed to battle this? How am I supposed to protect my children when this is what much of the world believes about them?
The mounting crises and disasters of this summer have left me feeling underwater, as though I’m watching the world go about its business but am somehow disconnected from everything. It feels a little like what I imagine it’s like to discover you have a terminal disease. The whole world is chattering away, gabble gabble gabble, but no one is saying or hearing anything important, and they’re certainly not listening to anyone like me. And why should they? It doesn’t matter what we say or do; it doesn’t matter what the truth is. It doesn’t matter what will happen the next day if God forbid the monsters win in Gaza. Everyone shrugs when “militants” smash Buddhist temples; they’ll shrug (probably cheer) when they burn down the synagogues. They look away when they tear the crosses from the ancient churches of Mosul; they’ll shrug some more when they come for the Caravaggios.
My heart aches. This wretched, beautiful, forsaken little country is the lamb of God. We have been chosen to be heaped with blame and loathing and then chased off the cliff, so that we might die for everyone else’s sins — or at least make everyone else feel a little better about their world, until the monsters start coming in their direction. It’s extremely odd to know that your own death, the death of your own children and your whole nation along with them, will imbue vast swaths of humanity with a glow of warm satisfaction. We have the temerity to exist at all, so we have it coming.
Published in General
Obama did not win by impressive margins. Romney won by popular vote and thousands of votes for Obama were fraudulent. Some counties were 110% for Obama over the registered voters. There are voters being tried and convicted for voting multiple times but not reported by MSM, and of course not changing the course of action getting that POS our of OUR White House.
It’s often been said that if the US were under this kind of attack we would obliterate our enemy without hesitation. It seems that the Israelis are made of sterner stuff.
God Bless You and God Bless Israel
Unfortunately, I wish the opposite for our media which gives the appearance of the US as being against Israel, I dont believe that. Media has lost it’s soul, no point in listening to a depraved person . Be strong, your words make us stronger.
With all due respect to one of my favorite members, this is factually incorrect. The numbers were:
Popular:
Obama- 65, 915, 796
Romney- 60, 933, 500
Electoral:
Obama- 332
Romney- 206
An old college friend of mine, a former Navy Seal, once told me that, though the U.S. has might because of its size, no military can compare to the IDF. I believed him then, I believe him now, and everything I read, even the vile poison streaming out of many media outlets, confirms me in that belief.
As long as the IDF lives, as long as Israel remains true to itself and and its culture of life, I hope. Hamas must and will be destroyed. I have faith in Israel, in Netanyahu, in you and in your family, and all of your fellow citizens who speak the truth.
Coraggio, as they say here in Italy. Siamo con te.
Judith, I have missed you here on our little website. When I am up early for work I could count on a post from Penelope to go with my cup of coffee before most of the east coast wakes up! Remember there is a different standard here than what I imagine is typical in writing for a website or news organization. We do not require dispassionate analysis from you. There are a bunch of people here you haven’t actually met that want to know that you and yours are ok. We are happy to hear from Judith the “mom” instead of Judith the pundit sometimes if you need to get outside the media bubble.
One thing you can tell your kids is that Americans are on your side. Politicians, journalists and god forbid actors (shudder) do NOT speak for us. No I don’t live in Berkeley or Boston but I am telling you in no way is Israel alone. I would never tell you to “suck it up” but try not to let a bunch of loudmouth jerks make you feel isolated. The American people, more than anywhere in the world, believe in the principle of self defense.
I agree with Troy this is the most moving commentary I have ever read on Ricochet, and my heart goes out to you and your countrymen. I am of a certain age and a military veteran, so I have possibly a pale pastel idea of the rage and injustice you must feel at “world opinion.” I know that of the 50,000+ Americans that died in Viet Nam at least 10,000 gave their lives because of our acts to avoid civilian casualties. Read John McCain’s autobiography and his description of why his plane was shot down for just one example. We too dropped leaflets and did everything feasible to avoid civilian casualties – the Viet Cong said if you leave we will punish you. Yet what is the world’s image of America’s experience in that country? The Ride of the Valkyries scene in Apocalypse Now; psychopaths napalming toddlers for surfing rights. The only answer I can give you is don’t lose heart, and don’t lose this war. God bless you.
@Kay of MT: I posted those numbers only because I feel utterly helpless and frustrated by an administration that has refused to come to the aid of our allies. I also firmly believe that the American electorate should take personal responsibility for Obama’s negligence.
Shalom Chaverim.
Whoops! Just looked at a map and discovered Gaza has a much long border with Israel than I thought. So stopping all the tunnel building could also be harder than I thought. Major bummer.
Thanks, Troy for encouraging Judith to reach out. The result speaks for itself.
Judith, words fail in the face of your situation, but prayers do not. May God grant the Levy family and all the families of that tormented, precious land the strength to endure, the faith to believe and the hope to triumph.
We’re here, and we aren’t going anywhere.
Judith,
Continued prayers to you and your family that you will remain safe and your resolve strong. I know that it looks as though that so many people (and nations) have forsaken Israel, but that’s just the media and it’s Hollywood lackeys (or maybe it’s the other way around) and they don’t speak for most of America.
Please know that your Ricochet family remains firmly behind you and Israel and we pray that you persevere through this time and those (unfortunately) that will follow.
Some dark humor:
Judith,
I read a book about the establishment of Israel when I was in high school in the 1960s. I have loved Israel ever since. It breaks my heart what you are all going through, and I pray for your country every day. Ultimately, God wins. We hold onto that. Blessings.
Judith, I am sitting here at my computer with tears in my eyes. I will certainly follow iWc’s advice and post your essay on my own blog, RushBabe49.com.
Please know that everyone here at Ricochet is adamantly behind and supportive of Israel, and we wish the IDF total victory over their barbarous enemies. Since “world opinion” is against you whatever you do, you might as well give the enemy exactly what he deserves.
Lastly, I have always felt that the Jews are the conscience of Humanity. You will know when mankind is well and truly doomed: when the last Jew is gone. Prayers for you, always.
It’s okay, I got my figures from another site and didn’t fact check, so I bow to your superior knowledge. I usually try not to do that. See what emotion does to ya? It addles your thinking powers. Most of my family and ex-in laws’ family voted for that piece of slime, and bundled lots of money for him, and even now cannot admit it was a big mistake. I can’t make up my mind whether to cry or curse or both.
Judith I am grateful yet sad to read your accounting of life as it really is for you in Israel right now. I echo those who have affirmed that you are not alone in the battle for truth and support of those who stand with Israel.
Don’t listen to the mainstream media. Just come here. :)
Judith,
I just want to echo what Mona Charen said.
Also, I’m praying for you and your country. Specifically, I’m praying that the people of Israel ignore the anti-Israel propaganda take away from their enemies the ability to do this again anytime soon.
Everyone, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and for your prayers. It is more heartening than I can say to hear such a united chorus of understanding and support. Thank you!
And Troy, my goodness… I don’t know what to say. Thank you.
Judith, I may as well write it here rather than sending you a note directly, since you mentioned this God-awful possibility on the podcast and everyone who listened will understand the significance of this news and many will hear about this today. For those who haven’t heard yet, the IDF says a soldier’s been captured. This is, as Judith explained, the nightmare scenario, and on the podcast she explains why. So I’m sending extra love today.
By the way, if you get an e-mail from my Pop, I didn’t put him up to that: I sent him your post, and he called to talk to me about it. He wondered out loud if he should write, and said, “She probably doesn’t want to hear from me.” I disabused him of that idea. But it was evidence of what I said the other day, to the effect that it may not be that people don’t care; they’re just not sure what to say, or whether it would be welcome. It’s a bit, I think, like the clumsiness of people who think they shouldn’t bring up your recently-deceased relative because it might “remind you of it.” People often aren’t good with negative emotions and sadness, and can truly convince themselves that all that stands between a grieving or frightened person’s “remembering” the problem and peace of mind is their bringing it up. This can be compounded when people feel vaguely guilty that their life is okay while yours isn’t. So I’d read the silence of friends and acquaintances more in terms of their being unsure what on earth to say, and unfamiliar with this kind of pain, than in terms of outright hostility to you and your family and country. (Not to say that doesn’t exist, of course. But probably not among many of your friends.)
CNN is even having a hard time blaming Israel with this one, although they had to comment that “Israel responded with a vengeance.”
Judith,
God bless and hold you and your family and all of your compatriots. You are fighting the war we have walked away from. I am embarrassed by the behavior of my government and many of my fellow citizens. I can only offer my prayers and my certainty that in the end the good and the righteous will prevail. I stand with you and all who stand against the forces of barbarism.
Judith,
The Israeli people, your leaders and military are in our prayers every day. Henceforth, I will remember to mention you and yours by name.
Judith, it has taken me two days after reading your letter to respond. It was gut wrenching. I could feel the pain and the loneliness and hurt you are experiencing from so deep within your soul. Why do these people hate us? We gave them the land, we provide them with food and energy, we heel them in our hospitals…and we would do more, if they would only allow us. Instead they wish from the depths of their beings to destroy us. It is so totally apparent by all that they do, say and write that their dying breath will be filled with hatred for us. Ok, so maybe it is not every one of the Palestinians, just like it is not every one of the Muslims that is a radical. But who amongst them brings a voice of peace for the world? Who amongst them would stop a Hamas fighter from killing an Israeli child? Unfortunately, there are very few. The Jews of this world cannot depend on the goodwill of others. We cannot allow the trains to be loaded once more. You, my dear, have chosen to live in the eye of the storm. Peace and love.
May the Creator hold you in His hands. May He and His armies join you as you fight to protect your children and yourselves.
You are not alone.
Judith, don’t worry about opinion, just finish Hamas. Destroy them to powder. Don’t stop until it’s done. I think the ineptitude of our American administration has given Israel cover to go far in this. Still my prayers are with you and your country.
Amazing post. Know that along with the marching wackos there are a helluva lot of Americans who will never stop supporting Israel’s efforts against Hamas.
A very powerful post . . .
How do we get the Israel-haters to walk a mile in Jewish shoes? Do these modern day anti-Semites really hate Israel, or are they behaving so because everyone else is – you know, following the trendy herd? It really is sickening how they can fail to understand the true nature of the enemy, and its lack of even the slightest respect for human life.