Between brunch, tefillin, and fifty thousand proud marchers, I found something social media rarely permits: nuance, coexistence, and a community refusing to disappear.
Right now, “Israel” and “American Jewish identity” are not the same thing. If it were Jewish Pride Day, doubtless the mayor would have made an appearance. A show of support for Israel (and by association Netanyahu)condones some pretty bad behaviors perpetrated in the name of the Israeli people. The world does not blame you, or me, for the horrors of Trumpism, but I don’t know that they would embrace “United States Day”.
That was my thoughts exactly. Right now people around the world think that "Americans" have lost their damn minds by electing a psychopathic idiot conman president for a second time. The people who we are killing in Iran or elsewhere around the world don't distinguish between Americans who did and did not vote for the Orange Menace. I agree with you that had it been simply a Jewish Pride Parade, Mamdani would have shown up. However the parade was celebrating a country called Israel, and this country is currently involved with what really looks to me like a genocide against people that look an awful lot like him. I wouldn't go to a parade celebrating Israel either.
Jennifer you fail to understand that Israel and it's citizens should not be held liable for the warmonger Netanyahu the same way we as American citizens should not be blamed or hated on for Trump's white supremist warmongering beliefs and policies.
Yes, there are millions of Israelis and Americans who voted against these criminals, but there were still millions that did. They are our elected leaders, and as much as it sucks, we're all being held accountable for their actions. The same way that we're not differentiating when we strike Iran.
Do our missiles pause before striking a target in Iran and announce EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT SUPPORT THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION PLEASE VACATE THE PREMISES BEFORE WE BLOW IT UP!! Of course not. Do Israeli bombs somehow skirt around those that do not support Hamas? Of course not.
I have never voted for Donald Trump nor can I fathom how anyone else could. Yet, I am not naive enough to think that the rest of the world is going to differentiate between the "good Americans" and the "bad" ones. Just like I know that there are plenty of good Israelis, many of which have been protesting the treatment of the Palestinians. Yet, I still cannot support "Israel" right now for how they have been treating many innocent people.
I agree, M. Shama. The populations of entire countries should not be held responsible for the psychotic leaders who supposedly represent them to the world. Yes, electing such dreadful people is a tragic mistake, too often repeated but the taint should not spread to those who do not support these criminals. That’s like throwing out the baby with the bathwater. Instead, those who still have their heads on straight, should work together to oust these terrible people from their seats of power.
Thank you for so eloquently stating what many of us feel. I fully support that the country of Israel has a right to exist and that its people should be free of discrimination and violence because of their faith However, I abhor the government led by the war criminal Netanyahu. True peace will never be attained until he is either ousted or leaves the earth through natural means.
I have worked for many many major corporations in my very long career. The 2 very best, based on pay, benefits and employee respect were headed at the top by names Mandell and Cohen.
I don't know if, as Michael stated, Mamdani "refused" to attend, or simply did not attend, as Katherine states. Given the eagerness of angry people with guns to make a "statement" of another kind, I imagine perhaps Mamdani's security detail indicated it would be unwise for him to be present. I'm not saying anyone participating in the event would do anything wrong, but in this country we have far too many nuts with guns who want to make a name for themselves by assassinating someone. Sad reality in the US.
Yes, showing up for one another is key to peace. And New your City is a microcosm of the world. If New York City can make human life work, than so can the world. Hats off to NYC!
It's not the Jewish people that are the problem. Bebe Nuts N Yahu is the problem. The genocidal maniac that wants to control all of Gaza, Beirut, Lebanon, the West Bank. Everyone wants to live their lives in peace, but the war mongers will NEVER allow that to happen.
Al Jazeera: //Residents flee Beirut’s southern suburbs as Israel orders strikes
Videos show gridlocked traffic in the southern suburbs of Beirut as residents rushed to evacuate the Dahiyeh area following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order that the military strike neighbourhoods associated with Hezbollah.//
My nephew moved to Israel 10 years ago, served in the army and now is a reservist in Lebanon leaving his wife and 2 babies at home. He doesn't have a choice in being stationed there other than going AWOL and then being thrown in prison. Those that serve in the IDF do not get to choose whether they agree with Netanyahu policies or they don't. I wish people would stop hating on Israeli citizens and focus their hatred on their criminal regime.
I saw protestors in the streets within the last week. Just do a search for : “protests against Netanyahu.” Any of those words should give you articles.
You are correct. The latest I found was in April. And, maybe they aren’t allowed to report on protests? I know when I post on Instagram under Netanyahu’s profile, and call him a war criminal, his “cult” attacks me.
Most of those up to age 40 including men and women are either active in the army or reservists and the rest of the Israelis have to pick up the slack for those serving.
Michael appreciate your voicing your support of Israel!! These days it's a rare combination being a Democrat and supporting Israel. Lately online Zionism is a very hated concept. Many and including a majority of Gen Zs have outspoken animosity towards Israel. I have many friends that are not Jewish and are liberal and we see eye to eye on so many issues except when it comes to Israel. Then I have my family and other friends that support Israel's right to exist but are full MAGAs. It's a rare bird to be a Democrat that understands Jews need a country where they feel safe practicing their religion without being constantly attacked on all sides. But that does not mean you support Netanyahu and his nefarious policies. Btw I heard you say you went to HAFTA in Lawrence? I went to Magen David Yeshiva on Bay Parkway. Yeah Brooklyn 👍👍
It is my belief that we can solve this problem of separate states for both Palestine and Israel. As human beings, G-d gave all of us Grace; the ability to love, forgive, and accept those whom we consider so "different" from us. In reality, we are all so much more similar than we are different. It would be in our best interests to concentrate on those similarities.
We have learned that any country can have leaders who are nuts. And ours got connected to the one in Israel. The decent people can still have a parade. We will have a July 4th celebration in spite of Trump.
I'm from California and I happened to be in Manhattan (the first and only time) when the 2012 Parade was happening. It was, as you said, joyful and fun. As an American, I embrace all the various communities and ethnic identities that define our country. I got a taste of it all on that trip. I had a cannoli in Little Italy, Dim Sum in China Town, a gigantic pastrami at Katz's Deli, and a slice at Joe's Pizza. American is not a race, it is a people. We have lost our way recently. Our leadership has failed us. I think we are starting to find our way back having learned a hard lesson. I think Mamdani should have attended. I think there should be a two state solution to the Israel, Palestinian ancient grievance. I doubt I'll live to see it since I'm now in my mid-80's, but I'll hold onto hope anyway.
Thank you for this beautiful, personal and "human" article. I completely love the interaction you had with the young man leading to "The Second Most Famous Cohen".
I appreciate the nearly "non political" focus, but instead you bring the human side of people celebrating who they "are". Your description of the people and surroundings brings a peaceful and joyous view to mind.
In my opinion, it sounds like you had a wonderful ending to an almond flour, banana pancake breakfast with your wife.
He said he wouldn’t attend during his campaign. This shouldn’t be a surprise. Many of the names that showed up all take money from AIPAC so they played their part. This is a hot button topic in the upcoming midterms. Many democrats are not supporting a candidate if they take money from AIPAC. The polls show the majority of Israelis love Trump. Explain that one to me. And someone from nyc tell me if the Jewish people supported Mamdani’s campaign? I honestly don’t know.
Your message really touched me deeply this morning. We should all show up - aren’t we the (almost) 250 year old UNITED states? I agree with your sentiment about Mandami not showing up - most politicians are extremely narcissistic and he’s right there at the head of the class.
As I noted above, there may have been a safety/security issue and Mamdani is well-hated (for no good reason) by angry people with firearms. Let's not jump to conclusions about his absence.
Right now, “Israel” and “American Jewish identity” are not the same thing. If it were Jewish Pride Day, doubtless the mayor would have made an appearance. A show of support for Israel (and by association Netanyahu)condones some pretty bad behaviors perpetrated in the name of the Israeli people. The world does not blame you, or me, for the horrors of Trumpism, but I don’t know that they would embrace “United States Day”.
That was my thoughts exactly. Right now people around the world think that "Americans" have lost their damn minds by electing a psychopathic idiot conman president for a second time. The people who we are killing in Iran or elsewhere around the world don't distinguish between Americans who did and did not vote for the Orange Menace. I agree with you that had it been simply a Jewish Pride Parade, Mamdani would have shown up. However the parade was celebrating a country called Israel, and this country is currently involved with what really looks to me like a genocide against people that look an awful lot like him. I wouldn't go to a parade celebrating Israel either.
Jennifer you fail to understand that Israel and it's citizens should not be held liable for the warmonger Netanyahu the same way we as American citizens should not be blamed or hated on for Trump's white supremist warmongering beliefs and policies.
I fail to understand nothing.
Yes, there are millions of Israelis and Americans who voted against these criminals, but there were still millions that did. They are our elected leaders, and as much as it sucks, we're all being held accountable for their actions. The same way that we're not differentiating when we strike Iran.
Do our missiles pause before striking a target in Iran and announce EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT SUPPORT THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION PLEASE VACATE THE PREMISES BEFORE WE BLOW IT UP!! Of course not. Do Israeli bombs somehow skirt around those that do not support Hamas? Of course not.
I have never voted for Donald Trump nor can I fathom how anyone else could. Yet, I am not naive enough to think that the rest of the world is going to differentiate between the "good Americans" and the "bad" ones. Just like I know that there are plenty of good Israelis, many of which have been protesting the treatment of the Palestinians. Yet, I still cannot support "Israel" right now for how they have been treating many innocent people.
I agree, M. Shama. The populations of entire countries should not be held responsible for the psychotic leaders who supposedly represent them to the world. Yes, electing such dreadful people is a tragic mistake, too often repeated but the taint should not spread to those who do not support these criminals. That’s like throwing out the baby with the bathwater. Instead, those who still have their heads on straight, should work together to oust these terrible people from their seats of power.
Thank you for so eloquently stating what many of us feel. I fully support that the country of Israel has a right to exist and that its people should be free of discrimination and violence because of their faith However, I abhor the government led by the war criminal Netanyahu. True peace will never be attained until he is either ousted or leaves the earth through natural means.
Great perspective CE
Oh I don't know... when I hear 'Cohen', I always think Leonard...
I have worked for many many major corporations in my very long career. The 2 very best, based on pay, benefits and employee respect were headed at the top by names Mandell and Cohen.
I am disappointed Mandami did not make an appearance.
I don't know if, as Michael stated, Mamdani "refused" to attend, or simply did not attend, as Katherine states. Given the eagerness of angry people with guns to make a "statement" of another kind, I imagine perhaps Mamdani's security detail indicated it would be unwise for him to be present. I'm not saying anyone participating in the event would do anything wrong, but in this country we have far too many nuts with guns who want to make a name for themselves by assassinating someone. Sad reality in the US.
Yes, showing up for one another is key to peace. And New your City is a microcosm of the world. If New York City can make human life work, than so can the world. Hats off to NYC!
I thought Leonard Cohen was the most famous Cohen.
It's not the Jewish people that are the problem. Bebe Nuts N Yahu is the problem. The genocidal maniac that wants to control all of Gaza, Beirut, Lebanon, the West Bank. Everyone wants to live their lives in peace, but the war mongers will NEVER allow that to happen.
Al Jazeera: //Residents flee Beirut’s southern suburbs as Israel orders strikes
Videos show gridlocked traffic in the southern suburbs of Beirut as residents rushed to evacuate the Dahiyeh area following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order that the military strike neighbourhoods associated with Hezbollah.//
My nephew moved to Israel 10 years ago, served in the army and now is a reservist in Lebanon leaving his wife and 2 babies at home. He doesn't have a choice in being stationed there other than going AWOL and then being thrown in prison. Those that serve in the IDF do not get to choose whether they agree with Netanyahu policies or they don't. I wish people would stop hating on Israeli citizens and focus their hatred on their criminal regime.
Same thing with the US military. They go where they are told to go.
I don't see reports of Israelis out on the streets protesting Netanyahu et al. I assume they are there somewhere. Where to find?
I saw protestors in the streets within the last week. Just do a search for : “protests against Netanyahu.” Any of those words should give you articles.
The stuff I could find wasn't very recent.
This protest is against the military draft. I hope you can open it.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-jerusalem-netanyahu-ultraorthodox-military-14cd1975c831d22f35720a10ddc1cf28
You are correct. The latest I found was in April. And, maybe they aren’t allowed to report on protests? I know when I post on Instagram under Netanyahu’s profile, and call him a war criminal, his “cult” attacks me.
Let me see if I can find something. I’m on the phone, and don’t have good luck with copy/paste.
Most of those up to age 40 including men and women are either active in the army or reservists and the rest of the Israelis have to pick up the slack for those serving.
"We want peace. We just don't know how to get there." Really? How about treating Palestinians the same way you would like to be treated, for a start.
Michael appreciate your voicing your support of Israel!! These days it's a rare combination being a Democrat and supporting Israel. Lately online Zionism is a very hated concept. Many and including a majority of Gen Zs have outspoken animosity towards Israel. I have many friends that are not Jewish and are liberal and we see eye to eye on so many issues except when it comes to Israel. Then I have my family and other friends that support Israel's right to exist but are full MAGAs. It's a rare bird to be a Democrat that understands Jews need a country where they feel safe practicing their religion without being constantly attacked on all sides. But that does not mean you support Netanyahu and his nefarious policies. Btw I heard you say you went to HAFTA in Lawrence? I went to Magen David Yeshiva on Bay Parkway. Yeah Brooklyn 👍👍
It is my belief that we can solve this problem of separate states for both Palestine and Israel. As human beings, G-d gave all of us Grace; the ability to love, forgive, and accept those whom we consider so "different" from us. In reality, we are all so much more similar than we are different. It would be in our best interests to concentrate on those similarities.
We have learned that any country can have leaders who are nuts. And ours got connected to the one in Israel. The decent people can still have a parade. We will have a July 4th celebration in spite of Trump.
I'm from California and I happened to be in Manhattan (the first and only time) when the 2012 Parade was happening. It was, as you said, joyful and fun. As an American, I embrace all the various communities and ethnic identities that define our country. I got a taste of it all on that trip. I had a cannoli in Little Italy, Dim Sum in China Town, a gigantic pastrami at Katz's Deli, and a slice at Joe's Pizza. American is not a race, it is a people. We have lost our way recently. Our leadership has failed us. I think we are starting to find our way back having learned a hard lesson. I think Mamdani should have attended. I think there should be a two state solution to the Israel, Palestinian ancient grievance. I doubt I'll live to see it since I'm now in my mid-80's, but I'll hold onto hope anyway.
Michael
Thank you for this beautiful, personal and "human" article. I completely love the interaction you had with the young man leading to "The Second Most Famous Cohen".
I appreciate the nearly "non political" focus, but instead you bring the human side of people celebrating who they "are". Your description of the people and surroundings brings a peaceful and joyous view to mind.
In my opinion, it sounds like you had a wonderful ending to an almond flour, banana pancake breakfast with your wife.
Liked your column. Wish these people and their sentiments were in charge.
He said he wouldn’t attend during his campaign. This shouldn’t be a surprise. Many of the names that showed up all take money from AIPAC so they played their part. This is a hot button topic in the upcoming midterms. Many democrats are not supporting a candidate if they take money from AIPAC. The polls show the majority of Israelis love Trump. Explain that one to me. And someone from nyc tell me if the Jewish people supported Mamdani’s campaign? I honestly don’t know.
Your message really touched me deeply this morning. We should all show up - aren’t we the (almost) 250 year old UNITED states? I agree with your sentiment about Mandami not showing up - most politicians are extremely narcissistic and he’s right there at the head of the class.
As I noted above, there may have been a safety/security issue and Mamdani is well-hated (for no good reason) by angry people with firearms. Let's not jump to conclusions about his absence.
Good insights and a powerful message.