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After my last article addressing the tragedy in Ottawa titled, Canadian shooting: What we know–and RATHER NOT know–a day later, someone in social media responded to me with the following statement: “David, again you hit the nail on its shank. You rather not know. It’s obvious you have a hate on for Muslims. If you actually look at the facts and circumstances of these two villains, they both had failing lives, they were unproductive, dissatisfied with life and recent converts to something that gave them a chance to “check out”. Years ago it would have been the KKK, or the doomsday survivalists or the tea party. They didn’t want to give meaning to their lives, otherwise they would have become Buddhists, Sufis, humanists or any other altruistic belief system. They converted to something they knew would end their life. ISIS attracts psychopaths and losers. They confuse ISIS with Islam. We don’t use the KKK as the calling card for Christianity.”
Naturally out of respect for this individual I won’t use his name, and those who would be able to identify him possibly already saw it next to his name so I personally am not revealing it. I normally have no issue with criticism, however, I found the comment so disturbing that I felt compelled to address it further.
In addressing me he says. “It’s obvious you have a hate on for Muslims.” Yes of course. I’M the problem. On a day when a 3 month old Jewish baby gets run down by a Muslim and a young Canadian soldier doing nothing other than standing guard gets shot in the back by a Muslim, I am the one who is wrong for stating the fact that it was Muslims who did this. I am the problem because most of the military conflicts going on in the world involve Muslims. I have said it before and I will say it again. I know the majority of Muslims are not violent, but most of the violence taking place today involves Muslims in one way or another. I know there are Muslims who want no part of this, but I also know that not enough of them are stopping this from taking place. I know that just as Hitler wanted to do during the reign of Nazi Germany, there are people today that want every last Jew on the planet killed. Most of these people are Muslim.
“ISIS attracts psychopaths and losers. They confuse ISIS with Islam.” So does Hamas, Hezbollah, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, to name a few. We’re not talking hundreds of people here. We’re talking hundreds of thousands of people. Maybe he is right. Maybe they are all psychopaths and losers, but unfortunately they are also all Muslim. I don’t enjoy saying that, but it’s the truth. I know Muslims that I like and if I meet someone who is Muslim I don’t immediately assume the worst about them, but that doesn’t mean I am going to run from the truth.
As a son of Holocaust survivors I believe it is my responsibility to acknowledge danger where I feel it exists even if it means offending some people. To do otherwise would be like going back in time to 1938, knowing what is coming and worrying more about the good Germans than the large number either standing by while evil takes over or even worse, being part of the evil. I can’t and won’t remain silent. I owe it to the memory of the grandparents I never knew, the grandparents murdered by the “psychopaths and losers” of the last century. Today a large percentage of Muslims are not terrorists, but an overwhelming percentage of terrorists are Muslim. To deny this is not only stupid, it’s irresponsible and dangerous.
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1 Comment | tags: Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, Bok, Boko Haram, Buddhists, Canadian, Canadian Shooting, Christianity, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, Germans, Hamas, Hezbollah, Holocaust denial, Holocaust survivors, ISIS, Islam, Jew, KKK, Muslims, Nazi Germany, Sufis, terrorist | posted in Uncategorized
Dear Mr. Gates,
There is an excellent chance that you will never read this. It is my hope however, that at the very least, someone makes you aware of this letter, for in it I am showing appreciation for your actions and overall approach towards the world’s problems. What makes this so important and frankly somewhat personal, is that it is a lot more common for the famous of the world to gravitate towards the “popular” issues and nowadays that often means attacking Israel, something you clearly do not do. On the contrary, while others look for and often fabricate reasons to hate Israel, in this clip (CLICK HERE) you speak highly of Israel’s achievements in technology.
While so many are weighing in on Gaza, Israel, and the rise of ISIS, on your Twitter page you see more about Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ebola, and education. To be quite honest, I am just as guilty of this as anyone. Most of my letters and articles discuss Israel, Gaza, and the rise of terrorism. Like so many others out there, I am far too ignorant to what is happening in other parts of the world or the challenges facing us in the United States. That is why I am so grateful to you at this time. I have constantly sat here questioning where everyone is when there are true human rights violations and people who are suffering in tragically large numbers. I am not alone in feeling this way. As a Jew and a Zionist, I sit here wondering why people remain silent to the suffering of millions of people but open their mouths all of a sudden when Israel bombs Gaza in defense of their homeland. So today when I looked at your Twitter page and saw what you wrote about your trip to Ethiopia, your concern for the well-being of those in Rwanda, and the attention you gave to the rising danger of the Ebola virus, I couldn’t help but think, this man truly gets it. This really is a good man. (CLICK HERE FOR BILL GATES BLOG, GATENOTES)
You do not stop there. You are clearly focusing tremendously on education, something so critical to the future of America.
It must not be ignored that your “involvement” in issues also means that you provide tremendous amounts of resources providing substantial funds to help these causes. My point being, you are the furthest thing from all talk. You are doing many special things and providing so much for many of the most needy people of the world.
Mr. Gates, I am no one particularly important in the world’s big picture. I have somewhat of an audience, but it pales in comparison to many others and I am certainly a small fish in a very large ocean. As I said to start this letter, I don’t imagine you will ever see this, but to be honest, seeing all the good you are actually doing, I truly believe you have more important things to do with your time. I just wanted to say that this small fish appreciates your genuine efforts to make the world a better place and hopes that others who prefer to spend their time obsessed with what Israel does will spend more time worrying about the millions of people out there neglected even if it’s not as big or popular of a news story.
Wishing you continued strength and success in your efforts.
Sincerely,
David Groen
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Leave a comment | tags: America, Bill Gates, Ebola, Ethiopia, Gates Notes, Gaza, human rights violations, ISIS, Israel, Jew, Rwanda, terrorism, Twitter, United States, Zionist | posted in Uncategorized
Dear Mr. Eckford,
I am a Jewish activist and author living in New York who was made aware of your stance on the Canadian government’s approach towards Israel by one of my friends and followers on social media. As per his request I am reaching out to you in response to some of the comments you made on your radio show in Vancouver regarding the war and ongoing situation in Gaza. Albert Einstein once said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot.” Well as evidenced in your statements. you have the first part covered. You certainly know a little. However, if you knew a lot you might see this very differently. Then again, not knowing you and how you feel about Jews in general, I wonder if it would make much of a difference.
You’re not well-known at all in my neck of the woods and I am guessing not in many places outside Western Canada, but because of an uncommon twist to your statements I was intrigued enough to take a half an hour out of my time to write to you. The twist I’m referring to is that unlike so many others who speak out against Israel, you are actually aware and willing to admit the fact that Hamas wants to not only destroy Israel but murder every Jew worldwide. You are also correct in the statement you make about the people of Gaza being trapped. And as far as your comments stating that the only peaceful outcome to the situation is a 2 State solution, although it’s a debatable subject, one I no longer have much faith in, it is a reasonable opinion on your part.
And there you have it. I’ve just reviewed the small amount of knowledge you have and once again seen why Albert Einstein truly was a genius. For you went on to say that Israel’s actions were acts of barbarism. Disproportionate, disgusting, inhumane. That the people of Gaza are trapped, implying it is of Israel’s doing. In saying these things and leaving out some very important points either out of malice or ignorance, your knowledge becomes dangerous due to the fact that people listen to your show and believe they are learning truths from you. That is why I needed to write this letter.
You see Mr. Eckford, your Canadian government, as it so often does in so many instances, is indeed getting it right. Lead by one of the world’s great leaders Stephen Harper, the government of Canada realizes that by supporting Israel it is indeed supporting peace. Words like barbarism and eradication are not words to be thrown around irresponsibly. War is tragic no matter which way you look at it. That does not mean however that it is never necessary. You said the people of Gaza are trapped. That they are, but not by Israel, by Hamas. If you look at Israel’s track record with Egypt and Jordan, nations that once were at war with Israel as well, once they were willing to stop fighting Israel and peace was declared, there was a degree of normalization of relations between the countries. If you think that Israelis don’t dream of a Gaza where they could vacation rather than bomb, you know nothing about the mentality of the Jewish state. That dream is at least for now, destroyed by Hamas. They took the money provided to develop and build the territory and instead bought missiles and built terror tunnels. The poverty in Gaza is created by Hamas to perpetuate hate and frustration and the people are made to believe it is a result of Israeli occupation. But Israel neither does, nor do they want to occupy Gaza. Hamas teaches the children to be terrorists. They will do anything to destroy Israel, even destroy their own people. The difference is very clear. Israel does things they wish they did not have to do in order to provide safety and security to their people, not as you so irresponsibly said, to eradicate a people. Hamas does everything they do to eradicate Israel.
Benjamin Netanyahu once said, “if the Arabs put down their weapons there would be no more war. If Israel put down their weapons there would be no more Israel.” Israel did not bomb Gaza because, as you made it sound, they wanted to. They bombed Gaza because they were given no other choice. When Hezbollah does it in the north will you criticize Israel for fighting back then too? Assuming of course they are winning. Maybe if they are losing or suffering major casualties it will be just fine. It will be fair, proportionate, not as you called it “lopsided, disgusting, inhumane”. Does that imply if more Israelis had been killed it would have been humane? The only reason there was a disproportionate amount of deaths in the Gaza war Mr. Eckford was because Hamas was not successful in its attempts to kill tens of thousands of Jews. You, like so many others with a bias against Israel seem to be mad at Israel for not allowing themselves to take a beating. Well I am here to put you on notice Mr. Eckford. The Jewish people are not prepared to be victims any longer. Not victims of Hamas, Iran, and not of a DJ in Western Canada with a little bit of knowledge. I have a suggestion and a challenge. The suggestion is you raise the level of your knowledge before you speak about Israel again, and the challenge is, if you want, to invite me to debate you on your show. Or do you prefer to have no one challenge you when you impart what is merely a little bit of knowledge? I look forward to finding out.
Sincerely,
David Groen
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5 Comments | tags: Albert Einstein, BC, Canada, Canadian government, CKNW AM 980, Egypt, Gaza, Hamas, Hezbollah, Israel, Jew, Jordan, Mike Eckford, New York, Stephen Harper, The Shift, Vancouver, Western Canada | posted in Uncategorized
Dear Lady Gaga,
The reason I write to you today is very simple. I am an American Jew and a Zionist. I am also very active in blogging and in social media in providing whatever support I can for Israel and the Jewish people at a very difficult and scary time. I have attempted to reach a number of celebrities through my use of Open Letters. Most of these letters are letters in which I harshly criticize these “stars” for their very blatant anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic stance. To be quite frank with you it sometimes becomes a bit draining. It often feels like I am banging my head against a wall when I try to wake people up to how their political viewpoints and so-called humanitarian stances are really just prejudice against Jews. So thanks to you I have an opportunity for once to write a more pleasant letter, and seeing how I always have enjoyed your music and style anyway, I decided to take advantage of this opportunity.
In my last paragraph I referred to these people as “stars”, using quotation marks to make the point that many of these people are shells of their former celebrity selves with their careers on downturns. That is part of why I am so intrigued and grateful to you. You are still as true star. Your talent has not diminished, your fan base is still growing, and you never have and never will pander to a certain group because you have nothing better to do or nowhere else to achieve your fame. You are a real and genuine individual with real and genuine ideals. A large percentage of the people who read my work fall into the category of Conservative so I am sure they don’t agree with your stance on certain issues, but in this world where evil and hatred are gaining a strong foothold, I hope they recognize your actions in standing behind Israel are a shining light in a darkening world.
Don’t you find it interesting that the supporters of Israel like myself only get mad at those who hate Israel and the Jews while those on the other side get mad at you for not hating Israel? I would never be mad at you for showing compassion for anyone, as long as you continue your fair and clear-minded treatment of Israel and the Jewish people.
I also hope your actions wake up those who seem to have tolerance for everything other than the most free and democratic society in the Middle East. I don’t know if your enlightenment is based on studying and understanding issues or you were just “Born this way”, but whatever it is I thank you and hope you have the time of your life performing in Tel-Aviv.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
David Groen
P.S. When I write the nasty letters I try to find the ugliest pics of the people I write to, but in your case I picked this one because I think you look super cute.
D
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1 Comment | tags: American, anti-Semitic, anti-Zionist, Born this way, Conservative, Israel, Jew, Jewish people, Lady Gaga, Tel-Aviv, Zionist | posted in Uncategorized
I am here to announce to the world that it is now official. I am renouncing my Liberal status. Let me be clear that this is not a total overhaul of my views and opinions on all the social issues that could only label me as a Liberal. Those views have not changed. The reason for me renouncing my status is that I no longer wish to be associated with people making excuses for bad behaviors and for those who are tolerant of anti-Semitism masquerading as anti-Zionism.
I recently wrote 2 letters, one to George Clooney and another to Russell Brand. Although the vast majority appear to have enjoyed and agreed with the tone and content of the letters, I have received more criticism on these letters than on anything I’ve ever written. I don’t mind the criticism, on some levels I even like it. I don’t suppress opinions and generally don’t wish physical harm on anyone for having opinions that differ from mine. What I do have a problem with are people believing they are taking some sort of moral high ground by not criticizing anti-Semites or being so careful to not unfairly demand the opinion of those who could influence the thoughts of millions. I am convinced they take this approach because they either don’t truly understand how high the stakes are or because they are just too frightened to do otherwise. Either way it’s a mistake.
Let me break it down and explain something everyone needs to understand before it is too late. Yes I ridiculed Russell Brand. I insulted him, referenced his mental illness, and attacked his character more than I attacked his words. Although I stand by everything I said to him, let’s say for argument sake my letter was a despicable and unfair defamation of character. It’s still not even close to being as bad as what he is doing. Hamas has two things people need to be aware of when looking at the entire picture. First they have a charter that speaks of its commitment to driving every Jew out of Israel and its mission to kill every Jew alive. The second is a sponsor, Iran, with a large supply of weapons and a hatred for Israel, as well as a budding alliance with a rogue and nuclear North Korea. Hamas has stated that its conditions for a cessation of hostilities includes the opening of a port and lifting of the Naval blockade. If this would be done under Hamas leadership, it would put the very survival of the State of Israel in jeopardy. So when Russell Brand gets on his high horse and criticizes Israel for his actions, he is in essence saying that its survival means absolutely nothing to him. He is saying to me and to the world that it is perfectly acceptable to have North Korea ship nuclear weapons into Gaza. So now I ask those of you attacking my words and defending him, what is more offensive? One man insulting and ridiculing another or the other calling for actions that translate into millions of dead Jews?
I’m more concerned as to whether or not George Clooney, a man who potentially can influence millions feels as his anti-Semitic fiance does, than I am with whether or not someone thinks I am out of line for connecting her words to him. That misplaced use of Liberal ideals and so-called tolerance is unacceptable to me. As I’ve said many times, “Never Again” does not mean Never Again unless it insults George Clooney.
Listen to the words of someone who has called himself a Liberal till now and has done so without apology. Wake up and start realizing what is at stake here. I do not have any children of my own, but I have many children in my family who I hope will be able to live a happy and safe life. Too much tolerance for anti-Semitic behavior and too much concern for the feelings of people who aren’t helping us when they should is what truly offends me. They threaten the safety of all Jewish children and ultimately all children on the planet, including the very children they pretend to defend. If that doesn’t offend you more than a personal attack on an actor, I urge you to reexamine your values. Furthermore, this thought process that has people thinking my “nasty” letters somehow contribute to anti-Semitism is dangerously naive. One person even said that Amal Alamuddin, George Clooney’s fiance, gave us a gift by turning down a spot on the panel as though she did it for any other reason other than her own benefit. I am not going to thank an ant-Semite for something merely because they took one less action of hatred against Jews.
I used to believe that the ideal of Liberalism brought people together even when they disagreed on important issues. Maybe it does that on some levels, but when it becomes a tool with which to hold views that translate into serious harm for the Jewish people and the entire civilized world, not only do I want no part of it, I question why anyone else who loves a peaceful and secure world would.
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1 Comment | tags: Amal Alamuddin, anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, George Clooney, Hamas, Iran, Israel, Jew, Jewish, liberal, North Korea, Nuclear, nuclear weapons, Russell Brand | posted in Uncategorized
Dear Mr. Netanyahu,
I am certain as I write this letter there will be at least one moment when tears will come to my eyes. The things I want to say to you are so heartfelt and I believe shared by so many other Jewish people like myself, that I have no doubt I will have moments of intense emotion while saying them.
I wish to start with two very simple words. Thank you. I am the son of Holocaust survivors from Holland and my entire life I have understood the importance of the State of Israel, not only in Biblical terms, but in its role as a national guardian and protector of the Jewish people. Everything you do, each word you so carefully speak, and every life you so clearly cherish does honor to the memory of the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis. As I sit here in New York, I feel safer as a Jew knowing you are working as hard as one can work, and with as much competence as one individual can have, towards keeping Jews all over the word safe from today’s version of the Nazis.
I do not have the honor of knowing you personally, but as a Jew listening to you speak of your desire to bring peace and quiet to the people of Israel, and the importance you have always shown for Jewish life, you almost feel like family to me. It is natural and often justified for us to question the sincerity of politicians, but when you show anger or concern over harm done or threats made to the Jewish people, I never have the slightest doubt it is sincere.
I know you have critics. You are the Prime Minister of a country where people are allowed to disagree with you. I have no issue with those people because it is part of what makes Israel a great country. However, what it does do is give me an even better understanding of how difficult your job is. That coupled with pressure from the U.S. government and a world often working against you, the challenges you face on a regular basis are not to be envied. Yet through all of these issues you conduct yourself with a graceful and strong leadership we so desperately need to have not only in Israel but throughout the world today.
Mr. Netanyahu, you are a true leader of the Jewish people. You make so many of us feel safer during what is emerging as another dark time in our history. My mother who is 92 and lived in Holland during the Nazi occupation has told me this reminds her of 1938. I challenge her on that statement saying that today is different because we have the State of Israel. I would add that today is also different because of one other reason. We have Benjamin Netanyahu.
In case you’re wondering, my first tears started way back in the beginning when I said Thank You the first time, something none of us can do often enough.
May God continue to provide you with the strength, wisdom and courage you need to see our people through these troubled times.
With fondest regards,
David Groen
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Leave a comment | tags: 6 million Jews, Benjamin Netanyahu, Biblical, Holland, Holocaust, Jew, Jewish people, Nazis, Prime Minister, Sipora Groen, State of Israel, U.S. | posted in Uncategorized
Clearly I am not objective. I love Israel and hate Hamas. I believe Hamas is to blame for the deaths of not only Israelis but Palestinians as well. I believe Benjamin Netanyahu is a great man and Khaleed Meshaal is an evil man. I agree with Netanyahu when he says, “If the Arabs put down their weapons there would be no more war. If Israel put down her weapons, there would be no more Israel.” Clearly I am not objective.
I make no claims to be objective. However, despite my lack of objectivity I do seek the truth. So much so that I acknowledge that Israel has made mistakes and done some things they should not have done over the past 66 years. But there is no truth that justifies the attacks Israel has had to endure, be they violent attacks from terrorists or verbal attacks from anti-Semites. If presented with factual evidence of a certain truth, even one that opposes my views, I would address it honestly and make every attempt to be fair in my assessment. The question is, why won’t my enemies do the same?
It’s because the truth has no meaning to them. Most anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment is not based in truth. It’s either based in ideology or communal involvement. People like to be part of something. Even something motivated by hate. The ideology however is what drives everything. It drives terrorism, stirs up the masses, allows the leaders to make statements they know are not true, but justify with their beliefs. A friend once said to me, “people buy with emotion and justify it with logic.” Once the masses buy the bill of goods sold to them by the mini-dictators popping up all over the world, they search for the logic to back it up. For example, the number one lie being told is that Israel is committing genocide. Once that message is sold to the Muslim masses by the Imans, all they need now is a complicit al-Jazeera or CNN to show a man holding an injured or dead child in his hand in Gaza and the people have their “logic” to back up the sale.
Here’s the problem with that. When you use that method the truth is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is pushing your agenda. Even visual evidence won’t matter anymore. You passionately sell an ideal, even one of hate, show one image, maybe only make one ridiculous claim that can be used to back it up, and its sold. Russell Brand goes on a hateful diatribe against Israel on his online channel he calls the Trews, claiming it is True News, and people who like the movie star buy into it, even though he sits there and blatantly obstructs the truth from his listeners. Hamas sells the idea that Israel is indiscriminately bombing Gaza, targeting women and children, and those who have already bought into anti-Zionism and Jew hatred see a blown up building and they’ve seen enough. We could have a 10 page document and 100 pictures proving that Hamas put those innocents in harms way by using them as human shields and it would make no difference. They’ve already decided what they want to believe. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.
Do we combat this with lies of our own? I say no. But I do think we need to be a little less concerned about whether or not we are unfair to those allowing those lies to be spoken and should be spending less time defending those who only express an (anti-Semitic) opinion. Tolerance is a very charitable trait, particularly in war time, and as we all know charity starts at home.
As I responded in social media when someone criticized my letter to George Clooney, “Never Again” does not mean Never Again unless we insult George Clooney. Never Again means recognizing the signs and doing all we can to prevent it. I believe the truth is always the right way, but being tolerant at our own expense is not.
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Leave a comment | tags: Al Jazeera, anti-Israel, anti-Semites, anti-Zionism, Benjamin Netanyahu, CNN, Gaza, genocide, George Clooney, Hamas, Imans, Israel, Israelis, Jew, Khaleed Meshaal, Muslim, Never Again, Palestinians, Russell Brand, The Trews | 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.
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Leave a comment | tags: American, Hagel, Israel, Jew, Jewish people, Kerry, Obama, Pentagon, State Department, United States, Western World, White House | 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.
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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
Dear Mr. Clooney,
I am writing this letter to you because I feel it is extremely important that you become fully aware of the impact your fiance’s carefully chosen words have had on the Jewish community. I also wish to ask you some questions so that people know where you stand regarding Israel and the Jewish people.
The words I am referring to, the words of your fiance, were part of a statement she made when turning down a place on the panel created to investigate Israel’s tactics in the most recent war against Hamas, which as you know is a terrorist organization. She said the following: “I am horrified by the situation in the occupied Gaza Strip, particularly the civilian casualties and strongly believe that there should be an independent investigation and accountability for crimes that have been committed.” I was greatly disappointed with her use of the term “occupied Gaza Strip”, which besides being totally inaccurate, also reveals a strong anti-Israel bias. Israel does not occupy Gaza, in fact it does not even want a presence there. It is only defending itself against a terrorist organization committed to its destruction. A terrorist organization that runs Gaza with such a strong hand it should actually be called the occupier. Her words also imply that Israel is guilty of crimes even though they are preceded with a call for an independent investigation. It sounds very much like she has already decided the outcome of that investigation.
One of the main reasons I am writing to you Mr. Clooney, is because there is a sentiment within the Jewish community that your movies should be boycotted based on Ms. Alamuddin’s stance and your close personal ties to her. In a discussion I had on social media someone specifically requested that I write this letter to you and do so with an open mind. Although I believe Israel and the Jewish people do not have much margin for error when it comes to tolerating any unmerited attacks, I will ask you some questions rather than accuse you of something I do not know to be fact. And as you read this, please understand that as a Jew and as a Zionist, I feel that fair treatment would have been sufficient from Ms. Alamuddin when assessing the situation in Gaza. Unfortunately that was not what we received.
The first question is a very direct one. Do you support your fiance’s anti-Israel stance? Normally I would not have a problem with someone in the entertainment industry being quiet about Israel and the recent war in Gaza. Quite frankly, with some of the incredulous political comments that come out of Hollywood, I sometimes prefer the entertainer that remains silent and non-political. Unfortunately your fiance has put you in the position where your response is not only relevant but required. And although you may look at this and say, “who does this guy think he is? I don’t owe him any answers”, the truth is you do owe the Jewish community answers. We have been supportive of your career and to some extent instrumental in your success. You do not owe me anything personally, but you do owe it to the Jewish people to show where you stand.
What I find ironic is that like so many other celebrities and politicians, your fiance has remained quiet about the atrocities taking place at the hands of ISIL. Although often referred to as ISIS or IS, I am purposely using the name ISIL, the name they use when referring to their wider regional ambitions, ambitions that very much include her native country of Lebanon. I understand that Ms. Alamuddin is Druze which makes her words now and lack of words earlier even harder for me to comprehend. Back in December, ISIL imposed Sharia Law on the Druze in the Syrian district of Idlib, forcing 30,000 of her fellow Druze into a life they did not choose, but one they needed to accept or face death. It baffles me that your fiance remained quiet regarding this direct persecution of people of her very own faith. And as a Druze, I would think she would not be so eager to indict Israel when Israel has not only allowed the Druze to live freely within its borders, it has helped them develop into an important group in Israeli society through service in the IDF and as politicians. What may be the most difficult thing for me to understand however, is how a woman whose family fled Lebanon during a Civil War very much started by groups similar in ideology to Hamas, would jump on the bandwagon against the one country willing to fight them. Let me add that I realize she is Lebanese, but she has also spent much of her life in Britain, and knowing the benefits of western civilization, why would she do the bidding of an organization fighting against everything western civilization stands for? It makes no sense to me and frankly, as an intelligent man it should make no sense to you as well.
It’s possible that in making her statement but refusing a spot on the panel your fiance felt she was diplomatically playing both sides of the fence. If that was her intention, her comments referring to Gaza as occupied and her statement of certainty that crimes were committed before an investigation even commences, makes it so that many in the Jewish community feels she lacks any degree of objectivity. It’s also possible that your involvement was to ask her to not be on the panel and that you thought by her turning down the position it would be enough to satisfy the pro-Israel lobby. I am here to tell you that if that is the case, it is not enough. I don’t expect everyone to express unconditional support for Israel, but when assessing this recent conflict, an unfair bias against Israel expresses a far more negative sentiment, not only towards Israel, but towards the Jewish people as a whole.
If you are not prepared to make a stand and show an objective fairness or if you remain silent and attempt to not get involved, you would deserve to lose Jewish support. Your inaction and silence would imply agreement on your part and as a Jew it would tell me that you have very little affection and respect for who we are. Under those circumstances, why should any of us spend our time or money on any of your projects? Personally I hope you do not remain silent because I have enjoyed your work, but the future and well-being of the State of Israel is far more important to me than your entertainment value.
So I ask you Mr. Clooney, are you going to do the right thing or the easy thing? I hope you understand the seriousness of this situation and seriously consider what you say or do moving forward. I suspect it may have an impact on your career.
Sincerely,
David Groen
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33 Comments | tags: Amal Alamuddin, anti-Israel, Civil War, Druze, Gaza, George Clooney, George Clooney's fiance, Hamas, Hollywood, IDF, Idlib, IS, ISIL, ISIS, Israel, Jew, Jewish, Lebanese Civil War, Lebanon, occupied Gaza strip, Sharia, Syria, Syrian, terrorist organization, Zionist | posted in Uncategorized
After my last article addressing the tragedy in Ottawa titled, Canadian shooting: What we know–and RATHER NOT know–a day later, someone in social media responded to me with the following statement: “David, again you hit the nail on its shank. You rather not know. It’s obvious you have a hate on for Muslims. If you actually look at the facts and circumstances of these two villains, they both had failing lives, they were unproductive, dissatisfied with life and recent converts to something that gave them a chance to “check out”. Years ago it would have been the KKK, or the doomsday survivalists or the tea party. They didn’t want to give meaning to their lives, otherwise they would have become Buddhists, Sufis, humanists or any other altruistic belief system. They converted to something they knew would end their life. ISIS attracts psychopaths and losers. They confuse ISIS with Islam. We don’t use the KKK as the calling card for Christianity.”
Holland's Heroes 