Josh, there is so much evidence of Jewish life in the Land. My favorite: This Ottoman document I found in the Ottoman Archives, dating back to 1584, that tries to explain why there were so many Jews and synagogues in the Galilee town of Safed.
RE: Some Random Thoughts About Iran and the Middle East
I think many Americans have a very simplistic understanding of the Middle East, one that is seen through the prism of American broadcast news.
It’s way more complex than that. In light of the ongoing actions in Iran, I thought I would share some impressions I have formed through the years, from living in/traveling across the Middle East, from being involved in US wars in the Middle East and from making friends with professional Persian-Americans in the law and in medicine.
Much of what follows are my opinions only, so take them with a grain of salt. (I’m sure there will be some “scholars” to jump in and tell me I’m wrong.)
Here goes:
1. Iranians generally practice Shia Islam and Gulf Arabs generally practice Sunni Islam. Think of it like the difference between Catholics and Protestants. Except with RPGs, 1960s Northern Ireland style.
2. Iranians are not Arabs. They are Persian. Genetically and culturally they are completely different groups of people.
3. The Gulf Arab countries are scared of Iran. I remember serving in Kuwait between wars with Iraq. I worked closely with the Kuwaiti military and government. Saddam and Iraq were still a threat. I recall that so many times a Kuwaiti official would tell me “We’re not really scared of Saddam attacking again. We’re scared of Iran.” They would say it in hushed tones, like “Don’t tell anybody.”
4. In America, we have become accustomed to thinking that the Middle East and Central Asia are populated solely by violent, illiterate goat herders. But Persia is an ancient civilization, with a true emphasis on advanced education. Persian-Americans are by and large professionals—doctors, lawyers, business owners, investors. They are patriotic Americans. Unlike Somalis in the US and Pakistanis in the UK, they did not come here to refuse to assimilate and impose 7th Century tyranny on our Constitutional Republic. These are people who love America and the opportunities it presents. The mullahs do not speak for the average Iranian, and the people we are trying to set free in Iran are far more like those Persian-American patriots than they are like some bacha-bazi practicing Afghani savage.
5. The general populations of the Gulf Arab states tend to have horribly propagandistic, antisemitic views of Israel snatched straight out of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Their leaders actually encourage this as a means of maintaining power. But at the same time, those leaders in places like Saudi Arabia and the UAE know that it is in their best interests to establish peaceful, full relations with Israel. Wealth and stability can occur by finally putting the Israeli/Arab conflict fully to rest. This is the reality of The Abraham Accords.
6. Iran is the leading sponsor of terrorism in the world, and especially in the Middle East. Without the Iranian mullahs, there would be no Hezbollah and no Hamas, and the endless Israeli/Palestinian conflict would gradually end, because the guys arming the Palestinians would no longer exist.
7. But those Iranian-sponsored wars against Israel are so very real, and the Iranians have been expert in using those wars to ensure Israel enjoys popular disdain. So long as Israel and the Palestinians are in armed conflict, the Gulf Arab countries cannot fully make peace with Israel.
So do the math. With the mullahs taken out, Iran can become Persia again—an educated, advanced member of the family of nations. The funding for terror groups dries up, and suddenly peace between Israel and the Palestinians becomes possible. With the Israeli/Palestinian conflict behind them, the Gulf Arab states can become true partners with Israel, and the worst forms of ongoing regional conflict become ancient history.
Basically, given these cultural, historical and regional realities, a liberalized, peace-loving Iran will bring about Peace in the Middle East.
Thanks to Donald Trump and the American military.🇺🇸
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Like I said, most of this is my opinion only. But if my opinion is right…. we’re entering a Golden Age.
In just six days, Israel has changed the Middle East forever.
We’re witnessing what I believe is the most stunning and masterful military and intelligence campaign in history. And while most people surely realize that Israel’s successes are impressive, I’m not sure the moment is properly understood or appreciated. So, let me try and put things in perspective.
Israel, a country roughly 22,000 square kilometres in size, with a population of approximately 10 million, has completely dismantled Iran – a country that is 1.6 million square kilometres in size and that has a population of 90 million. If we’re talking land – that’s 72 times the size of Israel – and nearly 10 times the population. This is mind-boggling. If we look at land mass, it would be like Cuba taking out the United States.
If we focus on population, think about Maine overwhelming Pennsylvania. Then take into account that there’s about 1500 kilometres between the two countries, with Israel carrying out strikes at least 2300 kilometres away, depending on how far into Iran they’ve travelled. Again – unbelievable.
But this isn’t all about successes. What we’re seeing is also the result of the greatest political and strategic miscalculation in history – October 7th.
In 600 days, Hamas has been decimated, Hezbollah is in tatters, the Assad regime has fallen, and the IDF controls the skies of Iran – regime officials are running for their lives. Yahya Sinwar, Hassan Nasrallah, Ismail Haniyeh, Ibrahim Aqil, Fuad Shukr, Mohammad Deif, Marwan Issa, Hossein Salami, and countless others have been eliminated. Because of unchecked hubris throughout much of the Arab world, chronic and blinding fanaticism, deep delusion, and a complete denial of Jewish and Israeli resolve, our enemies have suffered a catastrophic collapse.
I raise these points to underscore the gravity of what’s happening right now. Take it in, be in awe, and understand that the world will never be the same – and that’s a good thing.
Next time someone tells you the Jews "stole" Palestinian land, remember and use what you learn in this clip from the brilliant @EinatWilf .
#StandWithIsrael#PalestinianLies
This Jewish cemetery (Mnt Olives) in Israel has burials dating back over 3,000 years (1000 BC)—times of King David and the early Israelite monarchy; tombs of biblical figures like the prophet Zechariah, making it a sacred burial ground for Jews since at least the Iron Age. So, are ethnic Jews indigenous to Israel?
Just when you thought they couldn't go any lower, Hamas did this 👇
They brought two hostages to WATCH other hostages being released and filmed their reaction
The hostages are Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa
@NYJetsTFMedia I’m down. Best option as a flyer this year. If it works we’re set for years. If not, better QB draft class next year. What’s wrong with bringing in our WR1’s favorite QB who has legs too and a 10:1 TD-INT ratio last season.
Well, there it is. What people like me have been saying for 16 months. Al Jazeera is the propaganda wing of Hamas.
This should be enough to get Al Jazeera banned in the UK, as it is in many Arab states, including the West Bank (where it was banned by the Palestinian Authority).
But it won’t, because London is swimming in Qatari cash.
I’ll tell you what it does mean, though: every UK and Western commentator who regularly pops up on Al Jazeera to give commentary on the Gaza war is complicit with Hamas. They should hang their heads in shame, and apologise. Shameful lack of morals.
“These documents expose direct communication between senior Hamas officials in Gaza and Al Jazeera producers.”
(Link below. X wouldn’t let me post it.)
SHOCK VIDEO: JABALIA — GAZA.
Refugees from GAZA's top Hamas stronghold stream out of the destroyed city by the 100s cursing the name of Sinwar, saying Hamas has destroyed their lives.
▪️ Hamas is the Nakba.
▪️ Hamas destroyed our lives, the lives of our children.
▪️ Hamas are terrorists.
▪️ Sinwar must burn in his grave.
▪️ Hamas has destroyed GAZA, we lost everything.
▪️ Hamas stole all the food, we have no water.
▪️ GAZA surrenders - destr*y Hamas.
▪️ Butcher them, we want Israel to come rule here.
Al Jazeera has fooled the world.. For months they have edited out the truth.
📺 N12 News
🚨BREAKING: New testimony from the horrifying pogrom in Amsterdam the other night.
Yaheli, a 14-year-old Jewish boy, along with his grandfather, ran in fear for their lives as they were chased down in Amsterdam after the soccer game.
While fleeing, they picked up a couple of sticks from the ground for self-defense.
Suddenly, two Dutch police cars arrived and stopped nearby. The officers immediately became aggressive without allowing them to explain that they were holding the sticks for self-defense.
The Dutch police ordered them to lie on the ground, then started kicking them, including the 14-year-old boy.
Afterwards, they were put into a police car to be driven to their hotel, where they noticed "Free Palestine" stickers inside the vehicle.
The Dutch police knew they were Jewish, which is why they were aggressive, attacked them, and kicked them on the ground.
They were aware of what had been going on all along.
Seals broken on ALL 13 tabulators at Milwaukee Center Count! Claim: door was not closed properly, yeah right...on all 13 tabulators?
HUGE questions abound: Jenna Rae of TMJ4 News said they began counting mail-in ballots at 8:45am. What? State law permits ballot processing to begin at 7am. Second source said they began at 8:39am.
What is going on Paulina Gutierrez? She is the city election clerk, and she is a disaster! #Milwaukee What say you Mayor Cavalier Johnson? @MKEmayor
TMJ4 News says from 8:45am until 4:45pm they only ran 31,000 through the 13 tabulators. What the heck?
They have many high speed tabulators, the DS950 model runs 280 ballots per minute (and yes have to account for feeding in times, etc., but still).
31,000 divided by 280/min = 111 minutes, or 1.85 hours. From 8:45am plus 1.85 hours = 10:36am
Paulina had 12 other tabulators. She could have had 31,000 ballots fed in within 20 to 30 minutes, yet it took her until 4:45pm. Eight hours!!!
This is by design citizens, she is delaying just like they did in 2020. See 5 tweets below for details, photos.
Three tabulators they are using credit cards to flatten the ballots.
Our TeamWISCONSIN is there, inside and out, while 14 (yes 14) RNC attorneys are sitting in a room watching the news. Not going to the Central Count in Milwaukee. Unbelievable! Gutierrez: