I have shied away from addressing the situation in Ferguson, Missouri partially out of lack of information and partially out of focus on what it is I’ve been attempting to accomplish with my articles. It was not till I felt a connection with what is happening there to the bigger global picture that I felt compelled to write about it.
Let me start by saying that the death of a young man of 18 at the hands of police officers is always a tragedy. Whether you make the argument that he was an unarmed teenager shot merely because he was black and on the streets or whether you make the argument he was involved in illegal activities and put himself into that situation, his death is a tragedy. However, despite the tragedy, the behavior of both parties since the events took place ironically magnify the morality that still exists in the United States in comparison to the global atrocities we need to fight.
The harshest reactions to this post will come from two opposing sides of the spectrum. Since I anticipate that, I will address them both in this piece. One side will say that this is another example of the injustice a young black man consistently has to face. They will say that there are too many out there, be it the average citizen or the law enforcement official that see a young black man and suspect him to be a criminal merely because he is black. The other side will say that the behavior of young black men has created this environment and that if the crime level in that demographic was not so high that people would not react that way.
Everyone who knows me well knows that my opinions are never determined by the color of one’s skin. They also know that I am a supporter of the police. That doesn’t mean I don’t recognize that there are both people of color and police officers that commit crimes. I say this because other than saying that Michael Brown should not have been killed, I am not using this platform to analyze the more detailed rights and wrongs of what took place here. The point to this piece is to bring attention to the relative greatness of our society.
This is where the critics on both sides are shaking their hands and wagging their fingers at me. “Tell that to Michael Brown’s mother”, one might say. “Try being a cop and never knowing if someone is going to pull out a gun and shoot you”, another might say. I’m not saying either is wrong nor am I ignoring the problems that do exist in this country, what I am doing is making a larger point. Other than the looters and rioters on one side and the racists on the other, this case has magnified the way Americans deal with issues. They scream and shout and protest, go on TV, look to their political leaders, have investigations and most of all, pursue justice. They don’t always enact justice, but the pursuit is allowed, not stifled for the most part, and not met with government sanctioned resistance. Yes there are still glaring flaws, and yes both young black men and police officers still have to endure unfair behaviors, but when push comes to shove we still see a society where people are relatively free to express their grievances, and that all that most decent people want is justice.
It’s far from perfect, but it still needs to be recognized and appreciated. Even by those getting the worst of it. Because in so many other places it would be, and is a lot worse.
HOW TO BUY THE BOOK
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
Leave a comment | tags: Americans, Ferguson, Michael Brown, Missouri, protests, TV, unarmed teenager | posted in Uncategorized
There was once an unwritten rule in war-torn regions of the world that journalists were left alone due to their understood neutrality. Those days are over as evident in this horrific story of the beheading of America journalist James Foley. First and foremost it is an awful story and our hearts go out to his family.
What this incident does is bring up an important and meaningful question. Paraphrasing the term used when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, I ask this question. At what point will the sleeping giant wake up? In this case the sleeping giant consists of a lot more than just the United States of America. All of these European countries attempting to appease their radical Muslim elements, entertainers from all over the globe making excuses for the bad behavior, frightened politicians, and most significantly now the media, need to wake up before it is too late. How much more do they need to see they’ve taken the wrong side? The time will come when the damage these people do will not be localized and will not be limited to small numbers. When that time comes their force will be too powerful to stop.
Maybe these types of actions will be what it takes to wake people up. Or maybe people will just continue to hide under the covers pretending to sleep, hoping the murderer invading their home will leave them alone. It doesn’t work that way. He came to kill. Our one best hope is that the brazen evil will make enough people mad giving them the resolve to take the actions necessary to stop it. It may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it far outweighs the other option.
HOW TO BUY THE BOOK
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
Leave a comment | tags: American journalist, European, James Foley, Japan, liberal, Muslim, Pearl Harbor, United States | posted in Uncategorized
In light of all the comments I’ve received recently, some attacking my comments, many supporting them, I’ve decided to make a post reviewing my observations of what I perceive as some of those things offensive to those not sharing my sensitivities and drawing a comparison or similarity to mine when applicable. At least inasmuch as I am not offended by the same things that they are, even if they are offended by the same things that offend me. Confused? So am I. If the “you” I refer to is not you, don’t worry. I clearly don’t mean you. This piece is for those occasionally or commonly directing their passions in different directions than I do.
WHAT OFFENDS YOU
Israel’s actions in Gaza
Benjamin Netanyahu
When you perceive someone as insulting towards George Clooney
Someone drawing a connection between a high-profile woman and her high-profile future husband in regard to her anti-Israel statements
Someone using Russell Brand’s addiction problems as a means to ridicule him
Blanket anti-Muslim sentiment
Someone insulting the famous people you worship
A one-sided approach to the Israeli-Palestinian problem
Jews invoking the memory of the Holocaust to use it as justification for actions and attitudes today
Pictures representing Palestinian children as terrorists
WHAT OFFENDS ME
Hamas training Palestinian children to be terrorists
Using injured or dead children as a media ploy against Israel
Jewish people defending George Clooney with more vigor than they defend Benjamin Netanyahu
Terrorism
Jewish families being blown up in Pizza places
The United Nations
Russell Brand’s remake of Arthur
People blatantly ignoring the truth to suit their argument against Israel
Jewish people who distance themselves from Israel
Anti-Semitism
This post is a very general post. It does not target specific people. Some of you fall partially into a category, some completely, some not at all. This is how I feel. I have approved every comment made in my blog in an effort to not stifle opinions, regardless of how offensive they may be to me and others. However, in turn, I have no intention of remaining silent about those issues that I find offensive and feel are damaging to our future and in many cases I know that what offends me, offends you as well. In the meantime I hope you continue to enjoy the read.
HOW TO BUY THE BOOK
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
1 Comment | tags: anti-Muslim, anti-Semitism, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza, George Clooney, Holocaust, Israel, Israeli, Jews, Palestinian, Russell Brand, terrorism | posted in Uncategorized
Dear Russell,
Before writing you this letter I did a little research on you. Although no one, including myself ever thought you had it all together, I never realized how messed up you truly are. ADHD, bi-polar, substance abuse, and bulimia? Your accomplishments are astounding. I guess that is what qualifies you as an expert in Middle Eastern affairs.
I’ve listened to your delusional rants and since you won’t stop talking I finally felt compelled to address you. I guess when your biggest problem in life is should I fall off the wagon this week or next week and what movie should I suck in next, it is hard to relate to what is it like to live under the constant threat of terror attacks and missiles. I normally make an argument in favor of my position when writing one of these letters, but for the most part I will make an exception in your case. The reason being is that I am on to you. This isn’t about your concern for the people of Gaza. Those who care about the people of Gaza focus on their plight rather than regurgitate the usual nonsensical anti-Israel propaganda they picked up in Hamas for Dummies. As you can see, despite the fact that I am Jewish and a Zionist, I am not actually heartless. I don’t attack those who legitimately care about the safety of innocent people. But that’s not you. What this is about Russ, may I call you Russ? No? Good. What this is about Russ is your need for attention and purpose in life. You sit and ramble from some dumb couch all cozy and comfortable, speaking about matters that are life and death for the people you speak about, but all you are really doing is looking for a way for an addict to feel important and some satirical way for you to promote yourself and some stupid home based show you think matters to people. You appeal to idiots, because quite frankly you are one.
You are also a coward. I say that because if you were so concerned about human rights violations and had any integrity at all you’d be going after ISIS, not Israel. But you know, as do so many other cowards like yourself, that the worst you have to face when going after Israel and the Jews are economic consequences and letters like this. If you went after Hamas or ISIS you might actually get hurt, and then you wouldn’t be able to sit on your couch chuckling like a manic moron waiting for the pills to take effect.
Russ, I’m the son of Holocaust survivors. That means my parents were not among the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis, but that they did live through that horrific time. I know people such as yourself tend to shake their heads when we bring that up, saying things like, “there goes a Jew whining about the Holocaust again”, but I genuinely don’t care if you like it or not. What I do care about is the approach you take that if successful would contribute to the possibility of another Holocaust. Of course you don’t see that because frankly, you don’t want to. If your attempt at intelligent and original thought went beyond some big words most of your followers don’t even understand, you might see the Trewth, and then the Trews might have some credibility. Now all you are doing is establishing another anti-Israel and anti-Semitic platform with no basis in fact and honesty.
I don’t usually say this to an addict, but I think you need to go full throttle back into the drugs and alcohol man. Chances are you’d do a lot less harm than you are now. You’d like it more too. After all, if you don’t know what you’re talking about anyway, you might as well do it under the influence.
Sincerely,
David Groen
HOW TO BUY THE BOOK
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
30 Comments | tags: 6 million Jews, ADHD, bi-polar, bulimia, Gaza, Hamas, Hamas for Dummies, Holocaust, Holocaust survivors, ISIS, Israel, Jewish, Jews, Middle Eastern, Russell Brand, substance abuse, The Trews, Zionist | posted in Uncategorized
The great Golda Meir one said, “Peace will come when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us.” Sadly I believe we are further away from that being a reality today than any other time since that incredibly poignant statement. As sad as it may be that they hate us even more now than they did then, is the fact that in their actions they appear to love their children even less.
Despite the impression some may have from reading my posts, I am both a hopeless romantic and a softy. I am not a hardened bitter person. I not only believe in love, I have always accepted it in my life. It doesn’t matter what kind of love either, be it in romance or the type you have for good friends and family. I am a fan of love, think its important that it exists in everyone’s life, and feel it needs to be one of the core values present for any individual and in any family or community.
So last night I had a revelation. With the exception of one thing, the members of Hamas and their terrorist buddies never speak of the love for anything. They certainly hate a lot, especially anything Jewish or American, but love is hardly ever mentioned. The one thing they do proudly and openly love, is, of all things, death.
As so much of the world chooses to blame Israel for the plight of these poor children in Gaza, even with the tragedy of those killed in this recent war, the larger tragedy is the life being given to these children by those who should love them. I am by no means presuming to say that Palestinian mothers don’t love their children, but in allowing Hamas to rule and to educate their children on the path their life should follow, they are not manifesting their love correctly. They are giving their children over to a regime that proudly states, “We love Death for Allah like Israelis love life.”
There’s a genocide going on in Gaza alright, but it’s being committed from within and by the same people using the term to generate hate against Israel and the Jews.
Golda Meir’s words were wonderful, wise and correct. Even with that said, it would be a good start if they loved their children more than death. They need to work on that before they work on not hating us. Until that happens there won’t be much improvement for anyone’s situation, either in Israel or in Gaza.
HOW TO BUY THE BOOK
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
1 Comment | tags: Allah, American, Arabs, Gaza, genocide, Golda Meir, Hamas, Israel, Jewish, Jews, love, Palestinian, Peace | posted in Uncategorized
Some of you already know the background, but for those of you that have only started reading my work recently I wanted to give you a brief explanation of why my blog is called “Holland’s Heroes”. In short, I am here today because of Dutch heroes. My parents, Rabbi Nardus Groen of blessed memory and my mother Sipora Groen, were both Holocaust survivors from Holland. As I cover in the book “Jew Face: A story of Love and Heroism in Nazi-Occupied Holland”, their actions during the Nazi-occupation of Holland were nothing short of heroic. Originally set up to promote the book, Holland’s Heroes has developed into something far more important, an avenue from which to promote the truth, defend Israel and the Jewish people, and a platform from which to join forces with all those of all faiths that want a safe and decent future.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK.
My mother showed incredible courage in some of the most dire situations including sleeping in an underground room for 16 months knowing at any time she could be discovered and killed. My father was instrumental in saving the lives of many, including my mother. He escaped the grasp of the Nazis four times including one remarkable escape from the Hollandse Schouwberg, Amsterdam’s equivalent at the time to Carnegie Hall in New York City. The people who provided my mother a home for 16 months, Lubertus & Geeske te Kiefte, did so knowing that if they were to be caught, their entire family would be killed. Despite the grave dangers, they not only gave my mother shelter, they gave her a warm and friendly home. It hardly gets more heroic than that. And there were so many others, Jew and non-Jew alike that showed such bravery in such difficult times it is almost impossible to comprehend.
So very simply put, I am here today and able to write for you because of heroes from the small nation of Holland. I’m aware of the problems facing the Jewish community of Holland today and knowing the rich history of Judaism in the country and my own personal connection it is even more heartbreaking for me than what is happening in other parts of Europe. None of that negates the fact that Holland’s Heroes are the reason I am here today, and for that I will always be grateful and proudly call my blog Holland’s Heroes.
HOW TO BUY THE BOOK
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
Leave a comment | tags: Carnegie Hall, Dutch, Europe, Holland, Holland's Heroes, Hollandse Schouwburg, Israel, Jew Face, Jewish people, Judaism, Lubertus & Geeske te Kiefte, Nazi, New York City, Rabbi Nardus Groen, Sipora Groen | posted in Uncategorized
Dear Mr. President,
Please allow me to start by saying that I write this letter to you with the utmost respect for the office you hold and will therefore address you accordingly. However, as a citizen of the United States and as a Jewish American exercising my right to free speech I intend to speak on some issues I find both concerning and disappointing.
I am by no means your usual critic. I am a Democrat and a social Liberal who voted for you twice. I’ve defended your performance and I’ve verbally attacked those I have felt were opposed to your presidency for inappropriate reasons. I have been aware and willing to speak out against those whose criticism seemed to be a smokescreen for racial bias caused by the color of your skin or your middle name. I have recognized that you have encountered serious opposition from the House of Representatives and Senate often making your job more difficult than it would normally be. I say all this to emphasize that I, as a citizen and a supporter, have been more than fair in my personal judgments. So with that in mind you will understand that this is not a letter from a Conservative Republican that would have found very little favor in your performance, nor is it from a racist that would have found none at all. This is a letter from someone who has been somewhat of a supporter and defender of you and your efforts over the past 6 years.
Even as I write this letter I hold out hope that the issues I find disturbing do not tell the whole story and that you are doing things behind the scenes that would explain their logic and benefit, and that I, as someone with no understanding of the inner working of politics would have no way of knowing what actually is the true reality. I accept that as a possibility, but with the information that I do have available and with my somewhat limited understanding, I will share with you my major concerns, specifically with your administration’s foreign policy.
My biggest concern has been with the administration’s approach towards Islamic extremism. I understand and will not question your acknowledgment of people of all faiths. It is a commendable sentiment and in a perfect world people of all faiths can live side by side with dignity and respect. However, as you are fully aware, not everyone in the world is pursuing that same utopia. I do not think for one second that you are not aware of the threat ISIS and other terrorist organizations pose to the free world, but as a citizen observing your actions or inaction toward their development and growth, I respectfully question your strategy. I can understand your reluctance to engage in military conflict unless completely necessary, what I am questioning, as are many other Americans, is at what point do you actually deem it necessary? The humanitarian mission recently carried out in Iraq was a commendable one and it was easy to see the necessity there, but at what point is action taken to eliminate a serious threat to America and its allies? ISIS has taken over land, weapons, and large sums of cash with what appears to be little to no resistance. I understand not getting involved in the internal problems of other countries, but it seems abundantly clear that ISIS is not merely a problem that will remain isolated to the region. Are we to wait until they do attack us on American soil? I am sure you feel as we all do, that waiting for that to happen is unacceptable. I just don’t see what is being done to prevent that.
There are those on the far right that not only question your tactics in dealing with Muslim extremism, but your motives as well. I am under the assumption and belief that you mean to do what is best for the country even if I question your methods. This is what baffles me most about your dealings with Israel. I am not alone in feeling at least some degree of abandonment and betrayal towards Israel and the Jewish people. I recognize some of the support you have given to Israel, particularly in the funding of Iron Dome, but some of the actions taken by the administration as well as some of the statements made, have been anything but positive. I have often said, in an attempt to be fair and objective, that the Jewish people need to understand that you were elected President of the United States, not Prime Minister of Israel. But knowing that as I do, I am baffled that you would not put your complete support behind Israel, the country most likely to fight an enemy not only committed to its destruction, but to America’s destruction as well.
Mr. President, I know that compared to the ocean that is your set of accomplishments in life I am a mere drop of water. I also know that I do not match up to you intellectually. That being said I am still an American with a voice and an opinion that is shared by many other Americans. Our opinion deserves to be considered. As a Jew who has lost a significant degree of faith in your friendship towards the Jewish people, I ask you to recognize Israel’s need for support in combating not only its enemy, but America’s as well. Most of all, I ask you to tell us how you intend to keep us and future generations safe from enemies that appear to be growing with little resistance.
Sincerely,
David Groen
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
5 Comments | tags: American, Conservative, Democrat, house of representatives, Iron Dome, ISIS, Islamic extrimism, Israel, Jewish, Jewish people, liberal, Muslim, president, Prime Minister of Israel, Republican, senate, United States | posted in Uncategorized
The most recent piece of bad news regarding the relationship between the United States and Israel is troubling regardless of which way it is spun. It seems when presented with the choice of once again appearing incompetent on foreign affairs or publicly appearing at odds with Israel, the current administration prefers the latter, but in truth it is clearly both.
The worst thing about this story requires a moment of total objectivity, which means I will look at this as the American that I am without any consideration for my love of Israel and the Jewish people. Unless I read this wrong, and I pray to God that I did, the White House and State Department were blindsided by the transfer of weapons to Israel on the authority of the Pentagon and stated that the White House and State Department need to be consulted before any future transfer of weapons takes place. The idea that the administration does not know what the Pentagon is doing scares me silly. That degree of incompetence is ominous at best and proves we are anything but safe.
On a more subjective note, as a Jew and a staunch supporter of Israel I am tired of this administration’s technique of taking one step forward and two steps back when it comes to its relationship with Israel. Yes they have done some positive things for Israel, but this recent turn of events is one more example of an administration that seems to be doing everything it can to damage a relationship that past administrations not only appreciated, but understood the importance of, and in doing so is empowering the wrong people. It’s not only bad for Israel, but bad for America and the entire Western World.
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
Leave a comment | tags: American, Hagel, Israel, Jew, Jewish people, Kerry, Obama, Pentagon, State Department, United States, Western World, White House | posted in Uncategorized
When speaking of the greatness of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, otherwise known as Maimonides, it is often said, “from Moses to Moses, there was none like Moses.” This of course speaks to the importance and greatness of Moses in the Bible, the prophet that lead the Children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, and generations later the great impact Maimonides had in his and future generations as a Rabbi, philosopher and physician.
In June of 1976 the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hijacked an Air France plane en route to Paris from Tel-Aviv and forced it to land in Entebbe, Uganda. With the support of the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, the hijackers took hostages, separating the Jewish passengers from the non-Jewish passengers and held the Jewish passengers hostage at Entebbe Airport. A group of 100 commandos, lead by Yonatan Netanyahu freed every single hostage on July 4, 1976, going down in history as one of the most amazing rescue missions of all time. Sadly, Netanyahu, was killed during the mission. He will always be remembered fondly as a great hero.
38 years later, Yonatan Netanyahu’s brother Benjamin is Prime Minister of the State of Israel during one of its most challenging times. As is the case with any high-profile leader, Benjamin Netanyahu has his critics on both sides of the spectrum. There are those who feel he is too compromising, accusing him of not having the willingness or stomach to do what needs to be done to eliminate Israel’s threats regardless of collateral damage or civilian casualties. The other critics go as far as saying he is a war criminal, guilty of leading a genocide against the Palestinian people.
I personally think he is a great man, one whose performance in the wake of tremendous pressure both internally and externally has been nothing short of exemplary. His priority has been the safety and future security of the citizens of Israel. He has shown respect for world opinion by publicly clarifying and explaining Israel’s actions, something expected from no other country, possibly with the exception of the United States. He has displayed a calm leadership during chaotic times. He has shown strength, reason, intelligence, and the quality he is given the least credit for, compassion. I believe we are very lucky to have him.
From Netanyahu to Netanyahu, there is none like Netanyahu.
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
2 Comments | tags: Air France, Benjamin Netanyahu, Bible, Children of Israel, Egypt, Entebbe, Idi Amin, Israel, Jewish, Maimonides, Moses, Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Prime Minister, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, Tel-Aviv, Uganda, Yonatan Netanyahu | posted in Uncategorized
This post is a follow-up to my open letter to George Clooney. I’ve probably received more comments on this post than any other till now, possibly with the exception of my Lionel Messi post during the World Cup. It is fair to say that even though the greater percentage of the comments have been positive, this post has received more negative commentary than any I have ever written. And I find that quite fascinating.
First of all, I stand by the letter 100%. I believe it is justified to ask his views under the circumstances and even more justified to apply pressure when Jews are being unfairly targeted. What fascinates me is how this letter struck a nerve with so many people. There are those who may have disapproved because they felt the letter useless or disagreed with my tactics. I can respect that even if I don’t agree with that. But I believe that some who disapproved did so because I crossed the line. I attacked a movie star, and movie stars are meant to be honored, even worshipped. Each individual knows the truth about what makes them feel as they do, but some comments show that in attacking a matinée idol, I just went too far.
My response to that is as follows. I’ve been a fan of certain musicians and actors my entire life, but I will never allow my appreciation for their talents cloud my judgment. If they take stances that are bigoted, show bias against Israel and the Jewish people, or a disdain for the good people of the world, I will stop being a fan quicker than Hamas breaks a cease-fire. Sadly I can prove it. One of my favorite rock bands used to be Pink Floyd, and till a short while ago one of my favorite actors was Gary Oldman. The following links show you how my feelings change when you slander my people.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY RESPONSE TO ROGER WATERS OPEN LETTER
CLICK HERE TO READ MY COMMENTS ON GARY OLDMAN
The point is simple. Yes I am a fan of many musicians and actors, but before that I am a Jew, a Zionist, an American, and a human-being. What I am not, is a matinee idol worshipper.
CLICK TO JOIN “THE GLOBAL COALITION FOR ISRAEL” ON FACEBOOK
Follow Holland’s Heroes on Twitter @hollandsheroes
Leave a comment | tags: American, Gary Oldman, George Clooney, Hamas, idol worship, Jew, Jews, Lionel Messi, movie star, Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, World Cup, Zionist | posted in Uncategorized
I have shied away from addressing the situation in Ferguson, Missouri partially out of lack of information and partially out of focus on what it is I’ve been attempting to accomplish with my articles. It was not till I felt a connection with what is happening there to the bigger global picture that I felt compelled to write about it.
