Friday, November 17, 2023

In defense of Yisrael. In defense of Hasbara.

Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, some have accused me of propagating Hasbara. To be honest, I was unfamiliar with the term and had to research it. Hasbara, a Hebrew term lacking a direct English equivalent, is often translated as "explanation." It denotes an Israeli government outreach initiative aimed at educating other nations about Israel.

While some characterize it as propaganda designed to bolster a positive image of Israel, an in-depth analysis of the term itself provides additional insight. The prefix "ha," akin to the English definite article "the," categorizes it as a noun. The following "samech" character symbolizes a protective circle around Israel and the Jewish people (Yisrael). Lastly, "bara" means "to make." In concert, Hasbara can be interpreted as the act of providing explanations in defense of Yisrael.

So... am I a Hasbara agent? The question emerges from a considerable amount of time spent countering spurious narratives that have historically fueled a desire to wipe the Jewish people from the face of the Earth. My efforts extend to unveiling the contemporary echoes of Nazi remnants, elucidating their sinister agenda to "lead the white nations in a final crusade against the semite-led untermenschen." My commitment is also evident in defending Israel and Jews against fallacious narratives poised to incite a global Infifada against them.

I ardently advocate for the survival of the Jewish people... my people... confronting rhetoric and influence campaigns aimed at bringing about our demise.

Despite my lack of association with the Israeli government and not being an Israeli citizen, I find myself investing substantial energy in presenting others with factual, historically accurate information concerning Israel, countering myths that propagate the notion that Israel and Yisrael lack a rightful existence. Does this affiliation with the cause make me a de facto Hasbara agent? Perhaps. And, you know what? I'm cool with that.

Hasbara is not a dirty word.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

A Journey of Intellectual Evolution: Navigating Perspectives Amidst Digital Deluge

In the relentless deluge of digital provocations orchestrated by persistent trolls saturating my X-threads with screencaps of my historical Tweets, one might wonder if their incessant efforts aim at nothing more than attempting to embarrass me. A futile endeavor, I might add, for I harbor no shame in admitting the evolution of my perspectives.

Take, for instance, my initial support for the so-called "moderate rebels" in Syria. It was a position held until the harsh light of reality prompted me to embark on a more discerning journey of research. Alas, the elusive nature of these moderates became apparent, leading me to a sobering realization that perhaps the portrayal of Bashar al-Assad wasn't as uniformly malevolent as some narratives insisted.

Similarly, my endorsement of the Euromaidan movement underwent a metamorphosis upon closer inspection. The narrative peddled by Russia about Ukrainian Nazis wasn't easily dismissed. The ensuing research painted a more nuanced picture, challenging the prevailing notion of Russia as an unmitigated villain in the geopolitical theater.

And then there's the BDS Movement, initially embraced until the cacophony of claims from Israel about Hamas couldn't be ignored. Once again, a rigorous exploration of the facts revealed a narrative not wholly aligned with the prevailing condemnation of Zionism.

Yet, amid this evolution of thought, there's no trace of shame. On the contrary, there's a sense of pride in the ability to change, a testament to the capacity for growth and learning. In stark contrast, my detractors, who've doggedly pursued me over the years, seem gripped by an unyielding fear that my evolving views might catalyze a broader transformation among those who read my rants.

Let the trolls spam my threads with their recycled ammunition, but let it be known: the attempt to shame me into silence is futile. For in my embrace of intellectual curiosity, I stand resolute – a testament to the enduring power of independent thinking in the face of the digital mob's tyranny.