I think one big question that's lingering - maybe the not the first question, but an unshakeable one nonetheless - is now that Israel has proven it's capability for surgical precision strikes that minimize casualties, how can they justify Gaza?
Thank you for this post. I wish for the best for all of Israel, and for a speedy and decisive defeat of Iran, which hopefully will soon have a new regime interested in peaceful coexistence rather than promotion of terrorism.
It seems trivial to mention at a time like this, but since you brought it up. . . . I'm not much of a musical fan, and never appreciated Fiddler until after I'd read Sholem Aleichem's actual Tevye stories (in English translation). Hillel Halkin's translation is amazing, with detailed footnotes citing and explaining Tevye's frequent biblical and Talmudic (mis)quotations. It speaks volumes about Sholem Aleichem's own depth of knowledge that he was able to imbue the stories with so much of it--eg, not merely quoting Torah, but also ironically (deliberately or accidentally???) misquoting it. Paradoxically, Tevye, who is portrayed as relatively simple and unlearned, would actually be extremely Jewishly literate by the standards of most present-day assimilated/secular Jews. Prof Ruth Wisse has a great online mini-course on the original stories, including some contrasts with the Americanized Fiddler versions (via Tikvah Fund website), from which I learned a great deal. Might make for some good reading/watching while sitting in the shelters and safe rooms.
I always appreciate your perspectives.
Two times you mistakenly refer to "Iraq" instead of "Iran".
Ouch! Fixing now. Thanks.
I think one big question that's lingering - maybe the not the first question, but an unshakeable one nonetheless - is now that Israel has proven it's capability for surgical precision strikes that minimize casualties, how can they justify Gaza?
That was so well written. Thank you Russ, really enjoyed reading that.
Thank you for posting. Be safe.
Thank you for this. Voiced a lot of what I as a Jewish American have been thinking.
The Israeli perspective on Netanyahu particularly interesting.
My eyes start to well up with a mixture of pride and fear as I read this and think about the quotidian, mundane bravery of the Israeli people.
Thank you for this post. I wish for the best for all of Israel, and for a speedy and decisive defeat of Iran, which hopefully will soon have a new regime interested in peaceful coexistence rather than promotion of terrorism.
It seems trivial to mention at a time like this, but since you brought it up. . . . I'm not much of a musical fan, and never appreciated Fiddler until after I'd read Sholem Aleichem's actual Tevye stories (in English translation). Hillel Halkin's translation is amazing, with detailed footnotes citing and explaining Tevye's frequent biblical and Talmudic (mis)quotations. It speaks volumes about Sholem Aleichem's own depth of knowledge that he was able to imbue the stories with so much of it--eg, not merely quoting Torah, but also ironically (deliberately or accidentally???) misquoting it. Paradoxically, Tevye, who is portrayed as relatively simple and unlearned, would actually be extremely Jewishly literate by the standards of most present-day assimilated/secular Jews. Prof Ruth Wisse has a great online mini-course on the original stories, including some contrasts with the Americanized Fiddler versions (via Tikvah Fund website), from which I learned a great deal. Might make for some good reading/watching while sitting in the shelters and safe rooms.
Wishing you safety and a Shabbat shalom.
Russ, Thank you for your Illuminating and moving insights and for articulating a path forward. Many of your friends here have seen this.
Thanks for sharing Russ. I am a long time listener of EconTalk.
I am seeing lots of videos online supposedly showing Iron dome failing to catch Iran’s counterattacks. Hope it’s not true. Stay safe.
Stay safe.
What brand of Scotch will you ask for?
DroneIrangie