I'm sure it sums up the feelings of many philosemitic gentiles, and I know some of you are reading this right here and right now.
He really uniquely captured a certain frame of mind, and I think it's lovely.
Do read the whole thing.
I've read a lot of Mr. Nordingler's posts at NRO and this is probably one of my favourite things he has ever written. I would put this essay in a class of its own, it's basically an articulate checklist about "why Israel" and "why the Jews", "why care".
Well done.
"I think Israel is a great and admirable state."
"I think Zionism is a great and admirable movement."
I've read a lot of Mr. Nordingler's posts at NRO and this is probably one of my favourite things he has ever written. I would put this essay in a class of its own, it's basically an articulate checklist about "why Israel" and "why the Jews", "why care".
Well done.
"I think Israel is a great and admirable state."
"I think Zionism is a great and admirable movement."
"The revival of Hebrew alone is one of the more astonishing developments of modern times. But put Zionism to one side for a moment (and remember that this movement began in the 19th century). Israel was established a mere three years after the Holocaust. Three years after the ovens of Auschwitz and the rest stopped belching."
"Three years after two-thirds of European Jewry were murdered. Think of that: The Jews fought for and established their state — or reestablished it, if you like (given ancient Israel) — a mere three years after being subjected to genocide."
Furthermore:
"Some years ago, I attended a conference in Jordan on the Dead Sea. One day, at twilight, I stood on the shore and looked over at Israel. I thought of the teeming hatred against Israel, the annihilationist hatred. And I wanted to throw my arms around that country, somehow, in protection. I feel sure you understand."
Yes, I do. And so do many others.
"Three years after two-thirds of European Jewry were murdered. Think of that: The Jews fought for and established their state — or reestablished it, if you like (given ancient Israel) — a mere three years after being subjected to genocide."
Furthermore:
"Some years ago, I attended a conference in Jordan on the Dead Sea. One day, at twilight, I stood on the shore and looked over at Israel. I thought of the teeming hatred against Israel, the annihilationist hatred. And I wanted to throw my arms around that country, somehow, in protection. I feel sure you understand."
Yes, I do. And so do many others.
