Who’d have thought, in this time of crisis, lies and propaganda, that it might be the Jerusalem Post that showed us an ethical direction?
And, on another matter of ethics – the Jerusalem Post, again.
I’m pretty used to the pro-Zionist propaganda that spills out from the Israeli media, the American media, and the Australian media.
I don’t know if it’s Hannukah, Christmas, or what, but in the usual cacophony of news and opinion, – that normally unfashionable subject of ethics is now standing out.
The Jerusalem Post spelt out its horror at the new, and murderous symbolism, of the lapel image now worn by ultranationalist Israeli politicians. Closely resembling the previous symbol, which called for the return of the Israeli hostages, their new symbol calls for continued killing of Palestinians, as the lapel image morphs from a ribbon into a noose.
A golden noose around Israel’s soul – says the paper:
“The golden noose goes far beyond poor taste. It represents a theology of death, a reverence for vengeance that distorts the face of Judaism and deals a severe blow to Israeli society.”
“Jews around the world would be hard-pressed to defend and embrace the Jewish state.”
And indeed, this noose-wearing thing might backfire – as Jews in Israel and beyond reflect on the ethics of the Netanyahu government’s war on Palestinians.
Almost simultaneously, came the news of the massacre of Jews at Bondi Beach. The mainstream corporate news outlets have, predictably, latched on to this, to engender more vengefulness and hatred, and to blame Australia’s Prime Minister for his support of Palestinian state rights.
There is much coverage and genuine concern for the victims of this cruel outrage and their families. In amongst this, some sentimental coverage of the brave man who tackled an armed killer. As the ABC pointed out, media coverage treated this man as an oddity – as being a Muslim, one would not expect such decency – a media attitude that is subtly Islamophobic.
The Jerusalem Post reported that:
“Ahmed al-Ahmed a 43-year-old Sydney fruit shop owner and father of two, moved toward the attacker, wrapped him from behind, wrestled away the long gun, and forced the shooter to retreat. He was shot and hospitalized, but his split-second decision is widely credited with preventing even greater carnage.”
And commented, “There is something profoundly Hanukkah about that moment.”
The Post goes on to reflect on those non-Jews of history, who risked everything to save Jews, Raoul Wallenberg. Oskar Schindler. Chiune Sugihara and more:
“These stories are not only about the Holocaust, but they are also about moral clarity under pressure, the choice to see a fellow human being and refuse to look away.”
This man’s courage and generosity of spirit has impressed people world-wide, and his actions have been praised in the media, cutting through the general tone of anger and hatred
The author, ZVIKA KLEIN, reminds that Hannukah means “a demand that human beings choose decency over cruelty.”
Which is pretty much what Christmas is supposed to mean, too.
While the merchants of hate, revenge, and political opportunism hold sway in the corporate media, voices for compassion and decency are being heard too. These are hopes to cling to, for the coming year, and bring some positive meaning to Hannukah and Christmas.
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It seems to be unknown, or irrelevant, or callously overlooked crime, or, just racist, that one criminal horrible day in Bondi is dwarfed by c. 700 similar days in Gaza. Israel is the product of murder and theft. There was a legal Palestine up to May 1948. Western world criminal filth remains…No god, no chosen race, no promised land, just superstition. All triumphal, idiotic racism is uncivilised disgraceful savagery.
Friendly reminder: “The first Zionist targeted assassination was of the Orthodox Jewish peace negotiator, Jaacob Israel De Haan, in 1924.” https://lenabloch.medium.com/the-first-zionist-targeted-assassination-was-of-the-orthodox-jewish-peace-negotiator-jaacob-israel-de5b0eb7844b
My thanks to Phil Pryor and Max Gross, for adding what needs to be said. Yes, Phil, I and so many others are aware of the enormous contrast between the huge and outraged media coverage of the Bondi massacre of 15 people and the perfunctory media coverage of the 70,117 people, including 20,000 children, massacred in Gaza.
And yes, Max. I didn’t know of that 1924 Zionist targeted assassination – but it shows that this murderous philosophy is deep-rooted. The injustice of establishing the “Jewish State” on Arab land is clear. But not all of the Jews who moved there in desperation from 1948, nor the Jews who now live there really had much choice. If the good decent Jews don’t get a chance for a future that’s respectful and fair for Palestinians and themselves, – I think it’s a grim future for them, and for all of us.
There seems to be competing tensions pulling this way and that to establish a position in regard to this tragedy, but it could be that the actions of Ahmed Ahmed will become the defining image that touches every aspect.
The image that covers every aspect.
That pushes all else into the background.
The suffering of those directly affected has been weaponised by those who care nothing for the suffering.
But Ahmed Ahmed’s actions stand alone.
Alone and untouchable.
Maybe good will triumph over evil, after all.
How wonderful that would be.
I have no enmity for the majority of people in Israel, but I do for the rabid, religious, nationalist, hatred laden and power hungry fanatics that are supposed to be the leaders of the country and those that back them.
There is still good reporting in Israel including Haaretz which is like The Age & SMH, of a generation ago ie. not afraid of calling out power, corruption and opportunism of Netanyahu.
Haaretz has accused Netanyahu of not just using Israeli hostages of Hamas, he doesn’t care…..
Further, much complexity is lost in local MSM & indie media for ideological reasons and/or deferring to US filtering and analysis.
For example, avoiding European analysis on Russia’s Ukraine invasion in preference to US faux anti-imperialist tankies of the left (sharing talking points with Fox News, Farage et al?).
Also the Times of Israel can cut through accepted narratives:
The Times of Israel Novembeer 2018 “Why Russia and Hamas Are Growing Closer“
Hamas leader invited to Moscow as Russia seeks greater Mideast involvement. Invitation comes days after Russia reissues offer to mediate between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Times of Israel March 2019 “Netanyahu touts friendship with Putin in new billboard”
Targeting Israeli-Russian voters, Likud hangs massive picture of PM alongside Russian president, with the slogan ‘Netanyahu: In a league of his own’ (the other side of the building features Trump).
Ethnic Russians or emigrés now make up over 20% of Israel’s population and post October 7 Netanyahu accepted condolences from Putin, but not Ukraine’s Zelensky who is Jewish heritage; very selective?
Yes, to support palestinians goes not support hamas for murdering women and children and to condemn israel for the same actions, is not being antisemitic.
ps
In the 90s we killed 125 women a year and this century we’ve killed about 100 women a year.
The society’s and media’s interest? Perhaps ‘blase’???
I’ll leave it to John Menadue to comment here….and yes it’s both Government and MSM that are complicit.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2024/02/how-the-australian-government-has-betrayed-the-nation/
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2024/06/how-governments-hide-their-activities/
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2024/06/hypocrisy-and-deceit-down-under-australia-is-a-zionist-stronghold/
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2024/08/the-americanisation-of-australia-how-were-rapidly-losing-our-cultural-sovereignty/
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2024/07/the-night-wont-end-bidens-war-on-gaza/
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/06/media-shortcomings-in-covering-terrorist-netanyahus-daily-gaza-mass-murders/
And we wonder at why stuff keeps happening to innocent people. I am not being anti semitic here. I am being Anti Israel Government and its ideaology.