Hey, I just wanted to thank you for your awesome podcast and the work you’ve put into it. I am patrilineally Jewish but never knew or cared much about that side of my identity, until I experienced firsthand antisemitism on my campus after October 7th, which pushed me to start learning. Your podcast, Sam Aronow’s videos, and Henry Abramson’s videos have been indispensable for helping me catch up on the last 20 years of what I’ve missed. I’m also a political science student, and your discussion about working in DC and international relations have been extremely insightful! I don’t know if you’ll see this, but I wanted to give you a genuine thank you for your excellent articles and podcast!
Hi Aiden! Great to hear from you, so glad you are finding the podcast meaningful. Tough times on campus these days. I remember from back when I had to deal with the Second Intifada.
Would love to know what school you're at and some specifics of your experience. Hit me up anytime at jewoughtaknowpodcast@gmail.com. Happy to chat PoliSci as well :). All the best!
Your comments about this form of warfare are very compelling, Jason. I’m wondering if you think that1) “the total defeat of Hamas” is possible (Beinart says not) and 2) what toll on the civilian population of Gaza you envision “total defeat” would entail?
I am still struggling with the ethics of another massacre of civilians to avenge the prior one on Oct 10. Any help from relevant Jewish ethical teachings would be very appreciated.
Hi Marjorie! 1) Given enough time Israel can defeat Hamas militarily -- that is, ensuring Hamas is no longer in power, no longer able to attack Israel, and cannot rebuild its forces. Israel cannot defeat the radical ideology behind Hamas, only Palestinians can do that. Nor can Israel ensure that an alternative political entity rises in Gaza -- that's also going to take Palestinians but most of all the rest of the world: USA, Europe, moderate Arab countries working together.
As for 2), it's an impossible question. Hamas has specifically designed this war to be as devastating to civilians as possible. Hamas is also in a position to end the war immediately by returning the hostages and surrendering. Every civilian death in any context is a tragedy -- yet also has to be weighed against the expected future harm to civilians if Hamas remains in power and, as it promises, carries out more October 7ths.
I wouldn't describe Israel's campaign as "revenge." It's a defensive war to eliminate Hamas and rescue the hostages. Israel does not target civilians, though, again, it is inevitable that civilians get killed. In the meantime, Israel has pulled most of its forces out of Gaza and, at the moment, does not appear to be gearing up for an invasion of Rafah, Hamas' last stronghold.
I maintain that there is no possibility of a better future for Palestinians with Hamas still in power. So that has to be considered as well. Here's hoping this war ends as soon as possible.
Hey, I just wanted to thank you for your awesome podcast and the work you’ve put into it. I am patrilineally Jewish but never knew or cared much about that side of my identity, until I experienced firsthand antisemitism on my campus after October 7th, which pushed me to start learning. Your podcast, Sam Aronow’s videos, and Henry Abramson’s videos have been indispensable for helping me catch up on the last 20 years of what I’ve missed. I’m also a political science student, and your discussion about working in DC and international relations have been extremely insightful! I don’t know if you’ll see this, but I wanted to give you a genuine thank you for your excellent articles and podcast!
Hi Aiden! Great to hear from you, so glad you are finding the podcast meaningful. Tough times on campus these days. I remember from back when I had to deal with the Second Intifada.
Would love to know what school you're at and some specifics of your experience. Hit me up anytime at jewoughtaknowpodcast@gmail.com. Happy to chat PoliSci as well :). All the best!
Your comments about this form of warfare are very compelling, Jason. I’m wondering if you think that1) “the total defeat of Hamas” is possible (Beinart says not) and 2) what toll on the civilian population of Gaza you envision “total defeat” would entail?
I am still struggling with the ethics of another massacre of civilians to avenge the prior one on Oct 10. Any help from relevant Jewish ethical teachings would be very appreciated.
Hi Marjorie! 1) Given enough time Israel can defeat Hamas militarily -- that is, ensuring Hamas is no longer in power, no longer able to attack Israel, and cannot rebuild its forces. Israel cannot defeat the radical ideology behind Hamas, only Palestinians can do that. Nor can Israel ensure that an alternative political entity rises in Gaza -- that's also going to take Palestinians but most of all the rest of the world: USA, Europe, moderate Arab countries working together.
As for 2), it's an impossible question. Hamas has specifically designed this war to be as devastating to civilians as possible. Hamas is also in a position to end the war immediately by returning the hostages and surrendering. Every civilian death in any context is a tragedy -- yet also has to be weighed against the expected future harm to civilians if Hamas remains in power and, as it promises, carries out more October 7ths.
I wouldn't describe Israel's campaign as "revenge." It's a defensive war to eliminate Hamas and rescue the hostages. Israel does not target civilians, though, again, it is inevitable that civilians get killed. In the meantime, Israel has pulled most of its forces out of Gaza and, at the moment, does not appear to be gearing up for an invasion of Rafah, Hamas' last stronghold.
I maintain that there is no possibility of a better future for Palestinians with Hamas still in power. So that has to be considered as well. Here's hoping this war ends as soon as possible.