dxp@pyuxhh.UUCP (D Peak) (09/20/84)
-->Exception must be taken to some overly simplistic views. To imagine
-->that loyalties to the various stated entities are always in harmony is
-->indeed most superficial and simplistic. Are the interests in American
-->culture and Jewish culture always in harmony? Are the interests in
-->American traditions always in harmony with Jewish traditions? Are
-->American interests always in harmony with Israel? Certainly not. Like it
-->or not, this country is becoming increasingly a Christian nation. Those
-->who blend in and adapt just don't have such a keen awareness of the
-->seriousness or scope of these problems. (I believe the other term for
-->blending in and adapting is called assimilation.)
-->
-->Lest the reader try a simplistic reply again, please note that the
-->questions listed are merely representative examples, and are in no way
-->intended as an exhaustive listing of the myriad permutations of potential
-->conflicts among the various interests vis-a-vis Israel, Jews and Judaism.
-->In the event such a conflict arises, where will you stand?
-->
From the text of this article it seems that the author is implying that
Jews have no choice if they wish to be viewed by their peers as Jews.The
implication that if a Jew does choose the "american" choice they are lending
support to the propagation of a "christian nation" and thereby devaluing the
jewish traditional for generations to come.
It looks to be as if their are two parts to this harmony/discord question.
The first is socio-political -
Being a citizen of the US implys a responsibilty to ones neighbour. Are
you suggesting that american Jews should ignore the responsibilities they
are required to perform in FAVOUR of responsibilities to Israel ?
Almost all non-native born americans have had to make some adjustments,
assimilated jews (god that sounds patronizing and I don't mean it that way)
are just following the normal path.
I don't see that an american jew has any choice in who they
support vis a vis US or Israel unless you're advocating "setting up" jews
as being potential traitors ?
The second is religous and tradition -
I'm afraid this holier than thou postulating by Yaqim Martillo kind of
reminds me of Fallwellian propaganda hype.
On the other hand I fully support anyone(especially Y.M.) for maintaining
traditional values of their heritage. Ones heritage is what got our (I mean
everyones) forebearers through in times gone by and it will help us and
our kids in the present and future. It should not be forgotten or diminished.
Times do change however and they are changing faster now than at any time in
the past. I understand the qualms of traditionalists but the harder they
adopt a hard line they more people they alienate.
--
Dave Peak (pyuxhh!dxp)
"Thank God I'm an atheist !!!"
- Dave Allen