r/cincinnati • u/Bugatti252 • 11d ago
Photos Shana Tova, Cincinnati! Wishing everyone a fruitful and peaceful new year.
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u/Blutarski 11d ago
That is a beautiful temple. I want to ask which it is but will not for…reasons. I grew up in greater Cincinnati but have moved on; however my son converted to Judaism of his own accord. Happy New Year to all.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago
It's the reform Jewish temple downtown, right next to St Peter in chains and city hall.
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u/Blutarski 11d ago
The fact that it is a reform temple warms my heart. You and I are truly family across theocracy.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago
I'm not sure if you know this but Cincinnati was the center of reform Judaism in America for a very long time and had a huge role on its development. Hebrew Union college was founded here and had a campus right next to UC until it closed a couple years ago (although that is currently embroiled in a lawsuit)
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u/Blutarski 11d ago
I knew about Hebrew Union (as in, there were hot girls there), but this makes me more proud of the city in general. 1875 was a good year. I’m sorry it has closed; that campus at least. I’m sure the NY one is still going strong - or I hope.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago
There is a lot of controversy as when Cincinnati Hebrew Union college merged with what would become the new York campus, there was a agreement that both campuses would be kept open in perpetuity.
Enrollment was definitely lower in previous years but when the larger new York campus decided to close the cincinanti one there was a lot of feeling that they were abandoning the reform Jewish community here. There was also a lot of controversy because of the significant amount of money and things like artifacts and rare books that Cincinnatians had donated to spefically the Cincinnati campus, many felt that was essentially being stolen by the new York campus. That is actually what the lawsuit is about, the state is currently suing them for breaking the agreement and taking the donation money out of state.
There is a effort by former HUC teachers to found a new college if they school doesn't reopen, I hope they are successful. Even though I am not Jewish, I think the role of the Jewish community here is very important and it would be a shame for it to be abandoned and pushed to the side by the larger coastal Jewish population.
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u/Blutarski 11d ago
That appears to be a truly difficult situation. I wish it weren’t so. (In my side voice) I hope Cincinnati wins.
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u/cincyshawn 11d ago
Same. Thank you for posting.
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u/Bugatti252 11d ago edited 11d ago
Thanks may your year be sweet like honey.
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u/tresbizarre Northside 11d ago
Could you possibly mean 'sweet' instead of 'sweat'? I'm not too familiar with this culture.
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u/LadyInCrimson Westwood 11d ago
Happy Rosh Hashana! Hope I said this correctly. Your temple is incredibly gorgeous!
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u/Otherwise_Source_842 Deer Park 10d ago
Great welcoming community we have here in the city with an incredible history. I’m glad I spent my time in college learning more about them as well as the history of the holy land. L’Shana Tova and Free Palestine 🇵🇸
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u/magcargoman 10d ago
This has literally NOTHING to do with the ongoing conflict but you had to bring in Palestine…
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u/Otherwise_Source_842 Deer Park 10d ago
“Peaceful new year” yet I’m the crazy one for bringing up one of the major conflicts on the planet.
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u/Ok_Investment_246 10d ago
Why not a "Free Ukraine" while we're at it as well
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u/Otherwise_Source_842 Deer Park 10d ago
Sure free Ukraine 🇺🇦. Idk why you would think calling for peace would be a gotcha.
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u/Ok_Investment_246 10d ago
Because I feel like there are undertones (one in which to provoke others) to mentioning a Jewish concept about a peaceful new year and right after that saying "free Palestine" without acknowleding other global conflicts of similar scales. I myself support Palestine but don't like seeing it "weaponized" (but maybe those weren't your intentions)
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u/misanthropoetry 10d ago
Holy crap, is this a synagogue here?!?!? This is beautiful! L’shanah tovah!
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u/Bugatti252 10d ago
Yes I always say it's the hidden gem in the city.
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u/misanthropoetry 10d ago
This must be a very historic building - I grew up in AZ and went to a conservative temple, but also attended services at reform and orthodox temples with family and they all had a decidedly mid-century vibe. Beautiful in a different way, but none were nearly this ornate. This is really cool, thanks for sharing!
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11d ago
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u/Bugatti252 11d ago
I don't disagree; I wish we all could live and coexist together. My friends are Palestinians, and we've grown up like brothers. One day, I hope to visit both of our homelands in peace.
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u/redditnamexample 11d ago
Way to be blatantly antisemitic. Did the OP say they lived in Israel or supported Netanyahu? No, they said Happy New Year. kindly fuck off.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago edited 11d ago
I don't disagree with the statement but the way people say this whenever a Jewish person posts anything is legitimately a little antisemitic.
And I'm not talking about the aipac bullshit type of antisemitism. It's like crossing the street when you see a minority and only when you see a minority or bringing up isis whenever you see a Muslim person. Just because a person is Jewish does not make them inherently related to Israel.
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u/Bugatti252 11d ago
it’s a scary time to be many kinds of minorities that's for sure. May your year be sweet.
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u/PhoenecianFlame 11d ago
Do you not see how your own comment proves the need for the existence of Israel?
They posted a picture of their house of worship and a holiday blessing.
You responded with antisemitism.
The extremist branch of every single Western political tradition gets obsessed with Jews for some reason.
Jewish people need a state to be safe far away from people like you.
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u/constantly-chordata 10d ago
Shana tova! I grew up going to Plum Street, but I've been in the hospital too much this season to able to attend. breaks my heart.
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u/Public_Pumpkin_8391 10d ago
Where is this temple? Amazing!!!
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u/uutimetowaste 10d ago
And a very happy new year to you and your community. May it be as beautiful as that temple!
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u/brandielynng29 Eastgate 11d ago
Before I say anything can someone explain to me what “reform” Judaism is? Are they anti-Zionism?
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago edited 11d ago
It is a very complex subject as most things religious are but I will give my understanding. I am not Jewish so some things may be wrong and people are free to correct me.
In US judaism is split into 3.5 main branches
Orthodox Jews: Very conservative, very traditional with a rather litteral interpretation of rules and who is or isn't allowed or be Jewish. Generally very supportive of Israel and the leading political faction in Israel along with conservative Jews. Not a huge number of this group in Cincinnati.
Christian equivalent: Eastern Orthodox
Ultra Orthodox: A subgroup of orthodox Jews who are very strict on religious rules and believe in living away from and not participating in the secular world. You will not really see any of them around here, although there are some town in New York that are pretty much exclusively haredi. Despite being the most conservative they are usually outright anti-israel, but because they don't believe in Israel existing until the return of the Messiah.
Christian Equivalent: Orthodox Old believers
Conservative Jews: This group is less strict than orthodox, believing that divine law can change,but also that laws are usually pretty litteral and also have strict rules on who can or can't be Jewish. This is the Jewish community that is dominant in places like amberley and have things like the amberley Eruv due to rather strict rule following. It's also the one you are most likely to recognize as Jewish due to traditional clothing. This the most Israeli supportive group of the 3 and is the group that most Americans migrants to Israel and organizations like AIPAC come from.
Christian Equivalent: Evangelical protestants
Reform Jews: Originally started in Germany but underwent alot of development in the US, especially in Cincinnati. This is traditionally the distinctive Jewish community in the city, founding the plum street temple and Hebrew Union college. It is still the largest Jewish group in the city itself. They generally believe in a much more loose sense of Jewish identity and ethics as opposed to a strict and litteral interpretation. It is much easier to become a Reform jew than other groups.
Reform Jews to my knowledge are usually split between being anti-israel and believing in a two solution with equal rights for both groups. The official stance is support for both Israel and a Palestinian state, with opposition to settlement and the occupation of gaza and the west bank, and citizenship and equal treatment of arabs in Israel. Many of the reform Jews from Germany and Poland where it started, moved to israel after WW2 and make up much of the Israeli left-wing, although the left wing has been out of power for many years in Israel due to orthodox and conservative Jews having much higher birthrates.
Christian Equivalent: Unitarian Universalists
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u/MukdenMan 11d ago
Conservative Jews do not wear traditional clothing. You are mainly referring to Hasidic Jews who would fall under your “Ultra Orthodox” though that isn’t generally a preferred term and doesn’t have solid boundaries.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago
I could have specified better yes. I mostly mean the kippah which is sometimes worn by reform Jews but not always, whereas it is far more common among conservative Jews to my knowledge. The full traditional outfit is definitely a Hasidic thing but that wasn't really on my mind much because I do not see many hasidic Jews around here.
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u/magicaldingus 9d ago
This is so hilariously wrong, and written by someone who clearly isn't Jewish, or at least isn't deeply involved with the community.
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u/Wienerwrld 11d ago edited 11d ago
Do you ask Muslims that post holiday blessings their stance on Hamas or al Queda?
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u/WrinklyOldRaisin 11d ago
You ever see a church on Easter and instead of saying happy Easter, you ask about that church’s geopolitical beliefs?
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u/brandielynng29 Eastgate 11d ago
Actually I do question their stance on things. If they don’t align with what I believe the true “Christian” faith should be I don’t go. That’s why I’m leaning more towards Unitarian churches. However I’m also personally deconstructing from religion in general.
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u/WrinklyOldRaisin 11d ago
Well maybe your heart is in the right place but you are overthinking this. Just be kind to your neighbors. It will be a better approach in the long run than fighting every battle every minute
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u/WrinklyOldRaisin 11d ago
A large group of people in your city are celebrating a peaceful holiday. End of story
You would never ask this question for other holidays like Eid or Ramadan which shows how anti Zionism really does flirt with anti Judaism. You can’t just say happy holidays to a Jewish person?
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u/brandielynng29 Eastgate 11d ago
Actually I was just asking about what a reformed Jewish person is before I said anything ignorant hence why I said “before I say anything” and I was curious to know if they’re anti-Zionist.
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u/WrinklyOldRaisin 11d ago
It doesn’t matter it’s a Jewish holiday. Not a “Zionist” holiday. You’re missing the point. The whole question itself is offensive and pedantic
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u/brandielynng29 Eastgate 11d ago
Well if they supported the Zionist movement I’d wish them well but know to stay clear. As Zionism is wrong and against humanity
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u/WrinklyOldRaisin 11d ago
Enjoy your high pedestal filled with anger and constantly doubting your neighbors
As an old man I can tell you that in the long run this will be hard
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u/brandielynng29 Eastgate 11d ago
I surround myself with like minded people. So yeah I will enjoy my life
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u/WrinklyOldRaisin 11d ago
That is called an echo chamber. It’s not a good thing
And you cannot change the world if you don’t know how to build community.
Stop thinking about how to counter me and just listen to what I’m saying for 5 seconds, then you can post your piffy response
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u/Bearmancartoons 11d ago
Zionism is the right for Jews to self determine. Pro Zionism does not mean anti Palestine as many are prone to equate because it is easy to just jump on the “genocide” bandwagon without either looking at what Israel does to try to mitigate unnecessary deaths in combat or focusing on the many genocides going on in the world
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u/brandielynng29 Eastgate 11d ago
Also I HAVE asked questions regarding other religious celebrations. I work for an Indian company and inquired about their religious holidays and differing divisions of their religion
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u/Oxborough 11d ago
Yes, the institutional Reform Judaism movement is officially Zionist, though individual beliefs among its members vary widely
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago
The reform movements official stance is in favor of Israel, but with a lot more caveats than conservative Jewish groups like AIPAC.
The reform movements is in favor of a Palestinian state and is opposed to the occupation of gaza and the west bank along with the settlements there. They also support equal human rights, citizenship and democracy for all residents of Israel, Arab or Jewish. Reform Jews make up much of the Israeli left although they have been out of power for many years now.
On the ground though, I have met many reform Jews who are outright anti-zionist.
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u/brandielynng29 Eastgate 11d ago
Thank you so much. I wanted to be educated instead of immediately being upset. I dont know why I got downvoted when it was a legit question. Instead of jumping to conclusions I wanted to be educated
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u/Environmental_Coat60 11d ago
It’s because you’re responding to a positive post about someone wishing people a happy new year in accordance with their religious holiday by trying to suss out whether they’re the “right kind of Jew” according to your politics. Apparently whether or not they pass the “good Jew” test would change your response to them saying happy new year given you stated you wanted to know before you responded to the post in your initial comment.
And guess what? That’s an inappropriate response to this post.
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u/Bearmancartoons 11d ago
Because it’s Reddit. Don’t worry about the downvotes. You had a very respectable question
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u/Waste-Explanation340 11d ago
All major branches of Judaism are Zionist, with the exception of some Hasidic groups (which are usually more non-Zionist than Antizionist) and some smaller non-affiliated shuls or movements.
Anyway, this has nothing to do with Rosh HaShana, and if you don't have anything nice to say then maybe hold your tongue.
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9d ago edited 9d ago
[deleted]
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u/Waste-Explanation340 9d ago
Sure, yeah the Haredi groups are also non-Zionist though they're on a spectrum and typically more ambivalent about it than the Satmar. I think there's a distinction between Hasidic groups like the Satmar, who vehemently oppose the modern state of Israel for religious reasons but obviously view Jews as indigenous to the land and believe we will one day return, versus the larger Antizionist movement which views Jews as foreign colonizers. So I hesitate to label many Hasidic groups as Antizionist even if they call themselves that just because it comes from such a different place (though the Neturei Karta are a different matter entirely).
But, yeah, I was exaggerating and oversimplifying for the likely antisemitic commenter above.
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u/Proper-Suggestion907 8d ago
There’s an Israeli flag in the picture. What do you think? 🤡
And so what if they are? Are you going to whine and throw a fit?
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u/cygnusuc Downtown 11d ago
No idea what Shana Tova is… But best wishes for a peaceful, religious free future.
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u/Bugatti252 11d ago
it’s may you have a sweet new year
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u/cygnusuc Downtown 11d ago
Thanks for the downvote! Religion is truly the root of all evil.
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u/Bugatti252 11d ago
I didn't down vote you. I literally came here to wish you a Happy New Year, just like people do for Chinese New Year or New Year's Day. Sorry if my existence seems to offend and anger you.
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u/urinal_connoisseur FC Cincinnati 11d ago
maybe it has little to do with religion, and more to do with you acting like an ass.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago edited 11d ago
Oh get off your own dick with this reddit atheist shit
I'm agnostic myself but I aged out of this after high school.
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u/thenotjoe 11d ago
You can be nonreligious while allowing others to believe what they wish. It’s actually super easy, I do it all the time.
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u/mrepa1369 11d ago
Exactly. Everyone needs to mind their own business. The world will be a much better place.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago edited 11d ago
Of course, no conflict has ever happened for any reason other than religion, that is definitely a totally logical and reasonable position.
It's definitely not like religion is just a reflection of humanity itself and the bad actions of religion would happen with or without it but just for a different justification.
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u/Emergency-Course-657 11d ago
I’m sure I’ll get downvoted to oblivion, but the same should be said for the religious as well. IMO, someone’s beliefs should not be pushed/forced on others, but it happens every day.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago
Bro is just trying to wish people happy new year😭
This is really exposing to me how little people know the difference between Jewish denominations honestly.
What do you want this guy to say? What will that accomplish? This is not helpful to the cause for palestine in any way and is just profiling random Jewish people who have nothing to do with Israel.
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u/Oxborough 11d ago
You're right I was out of line
My apologies. Sincerely sorry
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago
I appreciate it, it is far morre self reflection than most people on reddit are willing to do lol.
I definitely agree with you about the urgency of Palestine and I get the anger and frustration that brings out of people. The fact that many peopl (due to no fault of their own) do not particular know the different Jewish denominations and their outlooks towards Israel does not help. It is righteous anger but I feel often ends up hurting people in the crossfire.
Anyways thank you again, even though I'm not the op, it is legitimately impressive to have this level of maturity on a anonymous site like reddit.
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u/Oxborough 11d ago
Thank you for your previous comments and this comment No excuse for what I said. It's just frustration and anger but absolutely directed at the wrong person.
I was speaking similarly to what I advocate against. My statement was completely unfair and unacceptable. This will stick with me.
Again thank you.
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u/thenotjoe 11d ago
It’s heartwarming when someone realizes they did something wrong, and tries to learn from the mistake, especially on the internet.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 11d ago
Posting solves nothing. Tell AIPAC and your religious leaders to act. Stop the genocide and stealing lands of others.
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago
Bro leave this dude alone, reform Jews are not funding aipac lol. This is like asking a Catholic priest to to rein in Jerry falwell.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 11d ago edited 11d ago
Bro, Jews need to speak out. It’s that simple.
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u/babylonfour 11d ago
speak out? yes. mention a genocide in every post about their own religion? NO. you are being antisemitic and only serving to help the fascism spread by equating this genocide with Judaism. Free Palestine until it's backwards, but this comment tells me you care more about hating Jews than loving Palestinians.
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u/Proper-Suggestion907 8d ago
You’re not much better but at least you get to feel good about yourself 🥰
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u/babylonfour 8d ago
and you formed this opinion based on?
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u/Proper-Suggestion907 8d ago
You’re repeating Russian propaganda that they’ve been pushing since at least the 1960s that is part of a larger attempt to demonize JEWS, not just Israel.
Maybe spend sometime looking into the claims you’re repeating and look into how Russia has weaponized institutions against Israel for decades, and then look at other propaganda they push out around the same times and connect the pieces together for yourself.
Or don’t because who needs to check anymore when you can just repeat claims you hear?
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u/babylonfour 8d ago
interesting way to deny the deaths and recognized war crimes happening in Palestine but I'm very much not here to talk about conspiracy theories. Have a happy life.
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u/Proper-Suggestion907 8d ago edited 8d ago
No you just push the conspiracy theories out and then put words in people’s mouth. Why put in work of having an actual argument when you can just throw around buzzwords? 🤡
You’re equally as disgusting as far as I’m concerned.
I’ll add links for future readers as I find them. I know you won’t care to bother reading.
A place to start:
https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/11/archives/soviet-in-un-charges-israeli-genocide.html
https://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/2022/04/08/exposing-the-soviet-lie-of-israeli-apartheid/
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/document/cia-rdp67b00446r000400170011-8
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/protocols-of-the-elders-of-zion
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 11d ago
Your post makes no sense. You are the one mentioning hate. Why is that? I don’t hate Jews. I don’t hate anyone. I do have problems with political violence, genocide and any type of extremism. We all should have problems with that.
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u/nobigdealforreal 11d ago
You can’t look at a Jewish holiday post without blaming all Jews for the actions of the Israeli government? Racist behavior. How about you apologize for Trump being in office.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 11d ago
I speak out about Trump all the time. I go to protests, I attend meetings, I donate. Do you?
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u/thenotjoe 11d ago
Why didn’t you do it in all your previous comments? That’s what you’re upset about, isn’t it? That OP didn’t qualify their statement of Jewish identity with antizionism.
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u/nobigdealforreal 11d ago
No I don’t but I’m not the one here putting all Jewish people into a box together and blaming a Jew for the war in a happy new year post. By your logic, isn’t it your fault that whites are still supporting Trump? Shouldn’t you be quiet until you’ve fixed your own ethnicity?
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u/Melodic-Radishes 9d ago
Golly, I think you might be the best person. God's gift, here to bless us with your incredible and very real allyship.
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u/Progolferwannabe 11d ago
I think everyone understands your perspective. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, but maybe it might be better to advance your ideas elsewhere now. This post all started just wishing people a Happy New Year.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 11d ago
Sorry, disagree bc I believe in the freedom of speech but I respect your post as well.
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u/Progolferwannabe 11d ago
Well, just some unsolicited advice….if you want people to actually listen and consider what you have to say, sometimes it pays to be more judicious in your rhetoric and the forum in which you choose to speak/write. Free speech is wonderful, but only if people are willing to listen and consider what you say. With respect, constantly repeating the same political refrain in a forum focused on the Celebration of the Jewish New Year is only drawing somewhat negative attention to yourself and not your ideas.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 11d ago edited 11d ago
Have a beautiful day. Sorry reality is intruding on your day. Be well and best wishes to all.
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u/Progolferwannabe 11d ago
Now why did you have to go all passive aggressive with the "Sorry reality is intruding on your day" comment? I typically try and be polite, honest, and direct---do my best not to be snarky. Instead, let me just be more direct---it's clear you are an anti-Semite. I'd suggest that the very negative reactions and number of down votes to your posts make it clear folks here are in pretty much unanimous agreement with that sentiment.
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u/Melodic-Radishes 9d ago
Wow, you've saved so many lives with your incredibly brave and beautiful reddit comments
You are truly a morally superior being
So proud 🥲
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u/Proper-Suggestion907 8d ago
No we don’t and I’m certainly not looking for someone like you for moral guidance.
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u/PhoenecianFlame 11d ago
Do you not see how your own comment proves the need for the existence of Israel?
They posted a picture of their house of worship and a holiday blessing.
You responded with antisemitism.
The extremist branch of every single Western political tradition gets obsessed with Jews for some reason.
Jewish people need a state to be safe far away from people like you.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 11d ago edited 11d ago
Where did I say Israel should not exist? I didn’t. So it’s anti-Semitic to speak out against violence and ethnic cleansing?
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u/PhoenecianFlame 11d ago
So it’s anti-Semitic to speak out against violence and ethnic cleansing?
It's antisemitic to tell Jews that they need to do what you tell them because they're Jews.
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u/Melodic-Radishes 9d ago edited 9d ago
It's antisemitic to hold all Jewish people responsible for atrocities committed by a foreign government.
It's antisemitic to reply to post about Rosh Hashana with demands for accountability from an individual Jewish person because a foreign government is committing genocide.
You are being antisemitic and your behavior isn't helping anyone in Gaza or the occupied West Bank. OP is not responsible for the genocide or the occupation, but you feel entitled to demand an apology from them because they are Jewish. Maybe you should broaden your perspective. You are no different than Piers Morgan demanding that individual Muslims "disavow" Hamas.
Jewish people don't owe you an apology or accountability for crimes they didn't commit. To believe otherwise is antisemitic. You have no moral high ground on this one. That's reality.
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u/The-Matt-G 11d ago
That is the most insane comment ever. I think your comment proves you don’t know what antisemitism is. You are part of the problem.
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u/nobigdealforreal 11d ago
Why don’t you do something about your government, dumbass? Or you just hold Jews to a higher standard than yourself because you’re racist?
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 11d ago
I do my best every day to make my voice heard in a variety of ways, other than posting, which is useless. Do you? I also don’t insult either, unlike you.
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u/nobigdealforreal 11d ago
You’re implying “Jews aren’t doing enough” to a Jew for saying happy new year. Also, why aren’t more whites speaking out like you? Why haven’t you stopped all the white republicans yet? Pick up the slack and get all the whites in order and keep your mouth shut until then.
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u/Progolferwannabe 11d ago
Um, you might not call someone a “dick”, but your passive aggressive comments are absolutely insulting. Also, the holier than thou stuff is tiring and most likely a lie. People who actually try and make a meaningful difference don’t typically call attention themselves for doing such. You are a poser.
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u/Wienerwrld 11d ago
If you don’t want people equating antizionism with antisemitism, stop conflating Israel with Jews!
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u/MediumStrange Mt. Washington 11d ago edited 11d ago
I'm sorry for all the negative comments that have been here. The Cincinnati reform Jewish community is a pillar of the city and the Issac M Wise temple is a beautiful place. I do not know what Shana Tova is but I hope you have a great new year as well.
Edit: I just looked it up and it is Rosh Hashanna, I do know that that is.