I have read the piece in its entirety. I commend your ambitious undertaking. The historical persecution of the Jews is certainly complicated, and you have woven a thread, though jumping around quite a bit with the dates and geography. I am a Jew who aligns myself with the 20% of Israeli Jews who thoroughly disagree with the government's treatment of Palestinians. Your description of modern Israel only vaguely alludes to such disagreement, and includes none of the reasons for it. (This week is the Palestinian commemoration of the Nakba, as well as the Israeli celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel, the latter only perhaps having inspired your writing at this time.) You have failed to give any information about the criticism of Israeli policy by the Jewish Left or the United Nations. Whether you agree with these criticisms, they are widely held, and deserving of examination in your account. Perhaps read some of Michael Lerner's writings (editor of Tikkun Magazine), or watch the amazing movie "Waltz With Bashir." I hope you can amend your account to create a piece less one sided. (And approach the taste of matzah unencumbered by ancient disinformation.)
Joan, I struggled to make the article more balanced, and thought I had alluded to the nature of the conflict. I spent hours in rewrite, but it never seems sufficient. I will attempt to obtain more information about the catastrophe from you and others. We are attempting to sell our house and move out of state, so I will be fairly silent, less prolific with my writing.
I have read the piece in its entirety. I commend your ambitious undertaking. The historical persecution of the Jews is certainly complicated, and you have woven a thread, though jumping around quite a bit with the dates and geography. I am a Jew who aligns myself with the 20% of Israeli Jews who thoroughly disagree with the government's treatment of Palestinians. Your description of modern Israel only vaguely alludes to such disagreement, and includes none of the reasons for it. (This week is the Palestinian commemoration of the Nakba, as well as the Israeli celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel, the latter only perhaps having inspired your writing at this time.) You have failed to give any information about the criticism of Israeli policy by the Jewish Left or the United Nations. Whether you agree with these criticisms, they are widely held, and deserving of examination in your account. Perhaps read some of Michael Lerner's writings (editor of Tikkun Magazine), or watch the amazing movie "Waltz With Bashir." I hope you can amend your account to create a piece less one sided. (And approach the taste of matzah unencumbered by ancient disinformation.)
Joan, I struggled to make the article more balanced, and thought I had alluded to the nature of the conflict. I spent hours in rewrite, but it never seems sufficient. I will attempt to obtain more information about the catastrophe from you and others. We are attempting to sell our house and move out of state, so I will be fairly silent, less prolific with my writing.