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Cake day: September 12th, 2023

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  • Zionism is an imperialist mindset in that it promotes that members of its in-group (Notably other Zionists, not all Jews, you can see this socially in the Zionist attitudes towards Diaspora and anti-Zionist Jews and institutionally in Israeli treatment of Beta Israel) have this “master of the universe” status. This isn’t inherent to Judaism, but Zionism hides behind the skirt of Judaism to justify, legitimize and protect itself from criticism unduly.

    Thankfully, attitudes among the American Diaspora are shifting. A recent AP poll indicates that 30% of American Jewish adults agree that Israel is committing genocide while 49% do not. The poll wasn’t about support for Israel, but I would like to think people who think Israel is committing genocide do not support Israel and I would hazard that not all of the remaining 70% support Israel, though it is likely that at least 49% or around there do.

    While Israel’s actions have been extremely polarizing in the past, let me tell you that attitudes among the Jewish kitchen table and the tone and topics regarding Israel have changed drastically over the past thirty years. More and more, I hear other Jews vehemently denounce Israel during holidays, to the extent of changing traditions and rituals to not include its name. It’s difficult to communicate just how large of an indicator that is, culturally. I’ve even seen people who do support Israel bite their tongue instead of bringing up a conflicting opinion. This is also a large cultural indicator of change in a cultural where spirited debate is common over even frivolous things.

    Attitudes are changing. And it’s because of responses like Coleman’s that the American Diaspora is rejecting imperialism falsely done in their name. Or perhaps attitudes like Coleman’s are a sign of desperation as support wanes.