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| New York Times columnist, Tom Friedman (Ha'aretz) |
That he is an ignoramus is plainly evident by his complete lack of Mitzvah observance. Unless the lack of observance is intentional. Which makes it even worse
As is the case with senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, other then Tikun Olam he wouldn’t know an authentic Jewish value if it hit him in the face.
What is so troubling about Friedman is that his open identity as a Jew gives his left leaning opinions on Israel - Jewish gravitas. Thus giving him immunity from being called an antisemite.
His ‘keen perceptions’ of the realities of the Middle East is, however, done with a jaundiced eye. And taken as gospel by the left leaning media, the left leaning Democratic party. And the current president of the United States.
It is no small wonder therefore, that he is called the Biden whisperer. It also helps to explain why the president and Senate majority leader have been talking about a two state solution as the only viable option for the two peoples to live in peace. Which anybody with a half a brain would realize is a complete absurdity at this point in time. And probably for generations to come as things stand now.
A particularly ugly comment is what he said about Israel’s current leaders:
'I would not let this Israeli cabinet be waiters at my grandson's bar mitzvah,'
As if he has a clue about what becoming a Bar Mitzvah really means. My guess is that his grandson’s ‘Bar Mitzvah’ will have little if anything to do with actually observing Mitzvos - if it is anything like they typical Conservative Jewish Bar Mitzvah party But I digress.
Friedman is about as much of a Jew of Chuck Schumer. Their views should not necessarily be considered valid expressions of Jewish values.
Ordinarily, I wouldn’t care what some ignorant Jewish journalist says about Israel. But Friedman has been given near icon status with respect to his views on Israel. He is seen as a font of wisdom on the subject. So when he expresses an opinion, it is considered near gospel by the left. A left that includes the President. As noted in Haaretz - Friedman has been called the Biden Whisperer.
It’s not that everything he says is wrong. On the contrary. In many ways he makes some salient points: Such as the following:
(If) Israel was to partner with the Palestinian Authority "to form two states for two nations, it could solve three of its current problems: changing the narrative, changing the Gaza options, and cementing a regional alliance with its Arab allies.
That is very true. But it would be suicide if they were to create a Palestinian state in partnership with the PA. What happened in Gaza will almost certainly happen in the new Palestinian state. They will overrun by Jihadist groups with the same agenda as Hamas. With Iran right beside them leading the charge.
This is why Friedman’s constant refrain about a 2 state solution is so stupid. He ought to know better – if he is the ‘expert’ he thinks he is… that the left thinks he is… that the mainstream media thinks he is... that the President Biden thinks he is.
Friedman says that Netanyahu is the worst leader in Israel’s history. Maybe even in all of Jewish history. I know a lot of my friends on the left strongly agree with him.
While I agree that the coalition Netanyahu formed with right wing extremists was not good for the country, to say he is the worst leader in Israel’s history casts Israeli voters into being the worst electorate in Israel’s history. And Israel as the worst country in the developed world.
It’s not like Netanyahu is a one term prime minister. He is the longest serving prime minister in Israel’s history. If he is so terrible, how could that have possibly happened? How could he have possibly become the prime mister for so long?
The answer is that he was elected and re-elected because he did a lot for his country. Changing it from a socialist economy into a free-market economy. Israel’s economy has boomed as a result. It is one of he most stable economies in the world. All of which happened under Netanyahu’s watch. If that’s that's worst, I’ll take it..
Of course if you are a leftist you will say that all that is overridden by his arrogance, his egregious conduct of the war, his disagreement with the current administration and by what happened on October 7th under his watch. But I would strongly disagree. Israel would not have the strong economy it has today if not for Netanyahu.
Fortunately the Friedmans of the world will likely disappear.in a few short generations. While it is a terrible tragedy to see what is happening to the bulk of American Jewry, with respect to this guy, I say good riddance.
