The DC assassin is not a religious nutcase. Not a maladjusted outcast. Not a low-down vigilante.

[Beastly Boy]

He is a reasonably well-adjusted, well educated, gainfully employed, and otherwise unremarkable individual. Just like everybody else.

What set him apart is his affiliation with and participation in the increasingly conspicuous and influential culture of normalization of antisemitism under the banner of "free Palestine". The assassin's otherwise unremarkable and innocuous demeanor is what ties him to this culture - overt antisemitism is gaining acceptance in the mainstream of American society. People are no longer aware of their antisemitism and don't consider it as such.

The only thing that makes this assassin remarkable is his leap from normalizing antisemitism to normalizing violence against Jews - an entirely expected development which is likely to be emulated on a large scale.

This is is an ominous development. It is catastrophic to all American Jews, even those who consider themselves part of this movement without realizing the consequences of their participation.

Anyone who partakes, condones, excuses or remains oblivious to this movement is my sworn enemy. It is not a matter of ideology, it's a matter of self-preservation.

[tritsofme]

1. Thank you. Unfortunately this is a warning that will fall on deaf ears for many.

[Beastly Boy]

2. I am sure it will.

In which case these people shouldn't act surprised and outraged when I call them out.

[Bmoboy]

3. That is a lot of sworn enemies

[Beastly Boy]

5. You bet. The alternative is to fall to my sworn enemies without a fight.

[mcar]

4. The support for this terrorist here sickens me

[peggysue2]

24. There's support for these murders?

Appalling. But then, I've not understood the celebrity status of Luigi Mangione either, another murderer.

These most recent murders are laced with rank antisemitism making it all the worse.

There's something very dangerous running through the country when individuals think they're justified settling political scores at the end of a gun. I find it even worse that these particular homicides become celebrated, minimized, excused for whatever reason.

We're either a country of laws. Or we're not.

There's no in-between.

[Mountainguy]

26. Im sure some will consider him

A freedom fighter.

Mandela-esque they might say.

[yardwork]

39. That suggests a global war against Americans.

What if thousands of people around the world take it on themselves to start killing random Americans because of Trump's murderous behavior?

We are so quick to blame Israel when our own country's behavior is so much worse. His many people did the U.S. murder and torture since 2001 alone?

[Beastly Boy]

45. It's not just our own country

The overwhelming majority of world's worst countries get a pass.

[yardwork]

46. Yet the outrage remains laser-focused on just one country.

[mcar]

57. Yep. Gee, why could that be?

[yardwork]

157. Israel is not terrorizing the Global South.

That is a ridiculous statement.

[peggysue2]

43. I hope that's not the case, Mountainguy but . . .

I fear it may be in the present political climate.

If we start giving a nod to vigilante acts, to acts of terror regardless of the in-the-moment, personal justification, then those acts will ultimately define us.

And the rule of law? We'll be trading that for the rule of the jungle.

[mcar]

56. Good point, re Mangione

and yes, it's similar. People declaring they won't "shed any tears" for the murder victims, because they work for Israel.

Disgusting.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

102. There were, and notice I said were, a couple here who cheered the murder of these 2 wonderful people,

however, they've been shown the door.

[PCIntern]

149. Yes but

There are some others who patiently wait for the furor to calm, and then appear with a “reasoned” approach as to why this action was “understandable”, or words to that effect.

One of these vituperative individuals shows up here only when incendiary events occur in the I/P sector and assists in the later attempts to have a feeding-frenzy upon “Zionists”, meaning of course, Jews. Been watching this since I arrived here in 2004.

[rubbersole]

6. tsf planning a seaside resort on that land is pouring gasoline on this volatile situation.

None of this is good.

[Beastly Boy]

7. Likewise, none of it is relevant to my post.

[TheRickles]

8. Can you supply evidence that his actions come from anti-Jewish prejudice rather than opposition to Bibi

and his heinous policies in Gaza and the West Bank? As many have noted, it is possible to support Palestine (ie, via a two state solution) without being anti-Semitic.

[Quiet Em]

9. He murdered two people in cold blood and didn't show any remorse

A lovely young Jewish couple. He shot them in cold blood.

That is not support of Palestine or Palestinians. That's murder.

[Arazi]

10. He chose to terrorize and murder Jews at a Jewish museum

About as anti-Semitic as it gets

[yardwork]

11. Do I deserve to be gunned down? I am a U.S. citizen.

I am sure that many people around the globe are appalled by Trump's actions, which are resulting in the deaths of thousands.

Do I deserve to be gunned down? Would my assassination be an understandable response to Trump's policies?

[TheRickles]

14. He's a cold-blooded murderer, and that action can't be condoned.

But again, my question was whether the victims were targeted because they were employees of the Israeli government or because they were Jewish. Those two categories aren't identical, and many people are anti-Bibi without being anti-Semitic. This murderer may turn out to be viciously anti-Semitic, but I haven't yet seen the evidence for that.

[yardwork]

18. My question stands.

Am I the target of millions of people who are understandably upset about Trump's actions? Are you?

These two young people were gunned down while they left an event at a Jewish museum. There's no evidence that the killer targeted them specifically. He fired into a crowd of Jewish people, not all of whom are federal employees.

[Mossfern]

19. I doubt the shooter knew

where his victims were employed.

[Beastly Boy]

21. He didn't ask his victims where they worked or if they were Jewish. It didn't matter to him.

[Quiet Em]

22. He waited outside of a Jewish museum.

I think we can logically infer he murdered them because they were Jewish. It was not a random murder. He chose the Jewish museum for a reason.

[tritsofme]

25. Some folks just refuse to believe that anti-Semitism and Jew hatred exists. Even when they murder Jews in cold blood

for the crime of being Jewish, right in front of their face.

It is absolutely disgusting.

[EX500rider]

159. Yeah I posted this in another thread, the words "Pogrom" "Ghetto" & "Holocaust" all predate modern Israel nt

[sheshe2]

72. This was posted in the Jewish Group:

Last edited Thu May 22, 2025, 11:22 PM - Edit history (1)

Sarah, one of the victims/target:

Sarah Milgrim, 26, was a passionate peace activist.

She held a Master’s in International Studies from American University, and a second Master’s in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from the United Nations University for Peace.

At the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, she dedicated her work to building a future where Israelis and Palestinians could live side by side in peace and dignity.

She also volunteered with Tech2Peace, an organization that brings together young Israelis and Palestinians to foster dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation.

When Elias Rodriguez shot her, simply because she was Jewish, he murdered not just a bright young woman, but the very kind of person our world so desperately needs: someone working tirelessly to create a more peaceful, just, and shared future for all.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/122317299

Pretty clear the man didn’t care to know anything about the victim. She was trying to bring people together, both Palestinian and Jew, not rip them apart. He obviously knew nothing about her, he did in fact target her for being Jewish. Period.

[yardwork]

80. There it is.

[mcar]

97. She was working for peace

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220336275

[Beastly Boy]

20. Yes. He killed two American Jews and not Bibi.

[Maru Kitteh]

50. Are you fucking seriously asking that? Do you hear

Yourself right now?

He didn’t shoot Bibi did he? NO. He fucking killed Jews at a Jewish event in a Jewish location and you’re like “Maybe he wasn’t trying to be mean to Jews.”

Seriously. JFC.

[mcar]

61. It's mind boggling, Maru

[DaBronx]

113. Wow, this is a shocking question

Two people were murdered. They were clearly targeted. There are no good reasons to murder people and seeking some type of rational causation is pretty sick.

[JI7]

129. He went to a Jewish museum in the US and shot 2 people

[elleng]

12. 'normalization of antisemitism under the banner of "free Palestine"

doesn't sound 'normal' to me; I am Jewish, and want Palestine to be free too.

[Beastly Boy]

48. If you recognize antisemitism and don't engage in it under the banner of "free Palestine",

then obviously you are not among the people I am referring to.

[Towlie]

13. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..."

The very first provision of the First Amendment of our Bill of Rights establishes separation of church and state in the United States of America, and I believe we should embrace that same principle regarding other nations. Israel may call itself "the Jewish state" but that doesn't mean we have to recognize their asserted connection between their "church" and their state, such that criticism of one necessarily implies criticism of the other. One can object to acts committed by the state of Israel without being antisemitic.

[elleng]

15. One can object to acts committed by the state of Israel without being antisemitic.

[Beastly Boy]

60. Yes, one can object to acts committed by the state of Israel without being antisemitic. One can also

object to acts committed by the state of Israel and be antisemitic at the same time. One can be antisemitic and not object to acts committed by the state of Israel. Or one can be not antisemitic and not object to acts committed by the state of Israel. These are all choices one can make. One does not invalidate the others.

[Towlie]

92. True! Now you're starting to understand the flaw in your opening post.

[Beastly Boy]

93. Forgive my ignorance, but I don't. Could you give me a hint?

[Towlie]

96. You conceded that "one can object to acts committed by the state of Israel without being antisemitic."

And that's exactly my point! We're in agreement now so let's leave it at that.

[Beastly Boy]

106. That's exactly the kind of logic I refuted

You probably missed the last part of my post:
"These are all choices one can make. One does not invalidate the others.

Your logic calls for invalidating all choices but one. Yours.

[Cirsium]

154. Murder

The murder of two innocent people is not "object(ing) to acts committed by the state of Israel."

The murder of two innocent people because they are Jewish is the ultimate example of antisemitism.

"Their church" is an extremely ignorant comment.

[Beastly Boy]

55. Let me count the red herrings

Herring 1 - Bill of rights does not apply to Israel, or any other country

Herring 2 - Imposing our principles on other nations is not what I would call a good thing

Herring 3 - Israel is a sovereign state, and we recognize it as such. So does the vast majority of world's states

Herring 4 - Israel is a predominantly secular state.

Herring 5 - The concept of "church" is antithetical to contemporary Judaism, and therefore

Herring 6 - It is nonsensical to imply that criticism of the non-existent "church" is in any way connected with criticism of the state.

Finally, one can object to acts committed by the state of Israel without being antisemitic. One can also object to acts committed by the state of Israel and be antisemitic at the same time. One can be antisemitic and not object to acts committed by the state of Israel. Or one can be not antisemitic and not object to acts committed by the state of Israel. These are all choices one can make. One does not invalidate the others.

[mcar]

64. And as they try to throw all these red herrings,

let's not lose sight of the fact that 2 young people were murdered in cold blood yesterday by a terrorist.

[yardwork]

99. This makes no sense on any level.

We're talking about two people who were assassinated, apparently because they were Jewish.

We are not the ones who conflated the state of Israel with Judaism. Apparently the killer did so.

Is your post aimed at the killer? He's been arrested. You can probably send him a letter via his attorneys.

[cab67]

16. Speaking as one who draws a clear distinction between Judaism and Israel....

...I understand the fine line between criticizing the Israeli government or IDL and antisemitism.

My wife is Jewish. (Let's just say I attended Temple Beth Goyim as a kid.) Walking this tightrope around her family - being upset at what the Israeli military is doing right now while also acknowledging the need for Israel to defend itself and understanding the reason Israel exists in the first place - has been very tricky.

It's even harder for my wife. She has relatives in Israel, but she also agrees that some aspects of Israel's reaction to the Hamas attacks (which I fully acknowledge are the reason there's violence in Gaza right now) have been excessive. Both of us have come to accept that the whole situation, from a longer historical perspective, is highly complex.

Part of the problem, for people like us, is that it's sometimes very difficult to really express what we think in words without being accused of bigotry against Jewish people or Palestinian Arabs, depending on who one is talking to.

[yardwork]

36. It's not that difficult.

Many posters on DU today condemned the murder of two young people. Many of them - like me - noted our disagreement with Israeli policies and actions. Many of us managed to do this without stating or implying that Israeli citizens got what they deserved.

Some did not.

[AntiFascist]

53. I think it's also important to note that the event being held at the Jewish Museum...

was intended to bring together groups from various religions and provide aid to Gazans, if I'm correct about what the witnesses are reporting.

It should go without saying that this event was a very positive way to show support for Palestinians, as opposed to a senseless act of terrorism that can only damage the cause.

[yardwork]

67. One might conclude that the killer didn't want a peaceful solution.

One might conclude that the killer was disgusted at the thought of different people coming together to try to find a peaceful solution.

One might immediately think of members of the Klan who murdered Black and white activists who were working together for fairness and equality.

At least, that's why I think.

[Beastly Boy]

63. It's tough, but that's not what i am talking about

[cab67]

69. I understand that.

Nevertheless, any time I criticize Netanyahu, I get jumped on as a supposed antisemite who would evidently support the murderer in this case (which I unambiguously do not). Even here.

[Beastly Boy]

87. I will have to see the ways you criticize Netatanyahu to respond to you with any kind of objectivity

As I stated, there is a lot of antisemitism going on whose use has been normalized and thus not recognized by its users. This is not a comment on anything you said, just an acknowledgement that I wouldn't know WTF I am talking about.

[yardwork]

107. Gosh, I criticize Netanyahu a lot and I'm never called antisemitic.

Could you link to your posts about this?

The reason I ask is that I keep reading on DU the claim that "any criticism of Israel and Netanyahu gets called antisemitic." Not only am I not seeing that, my own posts criticizing Israel have never been called antisemitic.

So I'm wondering what a poster has to say on DU to get called antisemitic.

[cab67]

131. I stopped posting about it a while ago.

I ended up deleting my most recent post, which was shortly after the Hamas attack. I got really sick of being told I'm antisemitic, and decided to just get rid of the whole thing.

All I said was that a clear distinction can be made between Judaism and the modern nation-state of Israel. That's literally all I said.

I was addressing people claiming that Israel somehow "deserved" the attacks. This is clearly wrong, and Hamas absolutely triggered the current period of violence. I said so very explicitly. But I also pointed out that criticism of Israel doesn't amount to antisemitism. I suppose emotions might have been high at the time, which might have led some respondents to react more defensively than they otherwise might.

The most offensive comments were those who accused me of being the kind of bigot who claims they can't be racist because they have black friends when I pointed out that my wife and her entire family are Jewish, and that we're raising our daughter in the Jewish tradition. I was told to "stop gentile-splaining" the meaning of antisemitism, as though I'm somehow incapable of recognizing antisemitism when I see it.

I flagged a couple of comments for violating DU standards - in particular, those that directly questioned my integrity - but nothing was done about it. I almost left DU because of this.

Like I said, I deleted the whole conversation. And I really haven't posted about the subject since.

[yardwork]

135. I'm sorry that happened to you.

I think that at this time, on DU, it's quite reasonable to say one disagrees with Netanyahu's approach without being antisemitic.

[IronLionZion]

17. Not from another country

not going to be stopped by any border wall, travel ban, deportation, or racial profiling.

All American murderous hate.

[Andy Canuck]

23. It looks like to me

It looks like to me, the assassin targeted Israeli government employees (embassy staff) and not Jewish people in general. He may be deeply anti-semitic, but we don't know. I do know the continued siege on Gaza by the extremist government of Netanyahu is causing deep distress for many people around the world and in Israel. Some of those people may think killing Israeli government employees will make a statement. I don't think so, but people are getting desperate to do something to change the script in respect of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. I read today in the Wall Street Journal that 70% of Israelis want an end to the war.

I think he selected the people he killed not because they were Jews, but because they represented the Israeli government. Those are two different things entirely. Antis-emiticism is hatred, the shooting of Israeli government members is political.

Anti-semiticism is on the rise and I will fight it as best as I am able. But please don't confuse anti-semiticism with an act of desperation because of what has become a heinous war and siege on other human beings.

As more information comes out and he may prove to hate Jews, I will accept that without argument. There is no space for hatred. Or he may have acted out of political distress, or he may be completely insane.

[LymphocyteLover]

27. Yep. I don't condone killing but I can understand people acting out in response to what is happening to Gaza

because it is utterly monstrous what is happening there -- done in the name of Israel. There will be so much more terror because of the ongoing starvation of innocents in Gaza.

[yardwork]

32. Do I deserve to be gunned down?

What the U.S. is doing now is monstrous. Thousands of children are dying of starvation due to Trump's sudden defunding of USAID. Thousands of people are being kidnapped and sent to foreign prisons, with no due process. Many of them are children.

All over the world people are understandably appalled by these and other U.S. actions. I am an American citizen.

Would it be understandable if I am gunned down?

[LymphocyteLover]

34. You don't deserve it, of course not

Still I think you could "understand" someone being motivated to violence by clearly monstrous actions.

We are sadly in a terrible world where violence begets more violence.

[yardwork]

37. So if I am gunned down you will understand the killer's motivations?

Let's say I'm gunned down on the street this evening, along with my wife, by somebody from another country - let's say it's Ireland - who is appalled and disgusted by Trump's actions.

Is the whole world supposed to surround the killer, pat her on the back, and say they understand?

[TheRickles]

49. Understanding why someone takes a particular course of action is very different than condoning it. Very different.

[yardwork]

52. The word "understandable" implies agreement.

[TheRickles]

114. Not to me it doesn't. If we can understand what are the motivations behind horrible actions like this,

we might be able to prevent similar events by trying to ameliorate the underlying causes. Explaining and comprehending (ie, what I'm trying to do) are not the same as agreeing or approving (ie, what you seem to think I'm doing).

[yardwork]

115. My mistake.

[TheRickles]

118. I appreciate your acknowledgement of this.

[LymphocyteLover]

127. understanding motivations is different from understanding in a forgiving way. I meant the former.

I'm sorry if that was not clear.

[mcar]

100. How is this terrorist attack,

murdering 2 young people working for peace, understandable?

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220336275

[RobinA]

147. If We Can't Understand It

it's going to keep happening and we are powerless.

[JustAnotherGen]

152. I've always tried to understand

Why Robert Edward Chambliss, Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr., and Bobby Frank Cherry killed four little girls in Birmingham Alabama.

Now it makes sense. Integration and desegregation were monstrous acts to them so we should all try to understand it.

"JAG - What are you getting on about?"

I don't have to understand why someone murders two people or four people based on hatred bigotry.

Throw his ass in jail and let him contemplate what HE did in the name of hate in America. Those two young, bright people working towards peace and kindness to others were murdered in cold blood because of WHAT and WHO he perceived they were.

His perception was based on hatred of Jews. If it wasn't - he would have gone to Israel and assassinated Netanyahu.

He punched down - and that make any reasons he had for doing what he did other than an anti-Semitic rage unjustified.

[mcar]

68. So it's OK to murder random people outside a Jewish museum?

Got it.

Question: how does that help the people in Gaza?

[LymphocyteLover]

128. did I say it was OK?

[Mossfern]

79. Acting out on Jewish people in the US

because of Gaza?
Gee, what would one call that?

[cabotnn22]

94. i can't understand anyone wanting to murder two innocent people

sorry. i guess we're different.

[yardwork]

29. How would the killer know they were Israeli government employees?

He shot into a crowd of people leaving an event at a Jewish museum in the U.S.

How did he know the people he happened to kill were Israeli government employees?

[malaise]

31. Excellent post

I am against both genocide and Zionism. I am also again starving a population.
There are 58,000 plus dead Palestinians - children, women, men, young couples etc. Bibi and Donvict are stillintent on stealing the Palestinians’ homeland.
I rarely quote from any religious text but Matthew 7.5 is appropriate .

[Sympthsical]

65. You've also said Jews - not Israelis, but Jews globally - have "collective guilt"

So . . .

[malaise]

70. The silence re atrocities against the Palestinian people

speaks volumes. That said there are many progressive Jews -including some of my relatives and in laws.

[Sympthsical]

83. The idea of collective guilt of any race is literally Nazism

And one that has justified pogroms and genocide throughout history.

And it floors me to this day that it is an idea expressed so unapologetically not only in the 21st Century, but in an ostensibly liberal space.

But hey. You know the saying. "Believe them."

[malaise]

95. What is collective punishment? n/t

[mcar]

104. After 9/11, we criticized people on the right

for the idea of "collective guilt" vis a vis the Muslim community. Apparently, it's OK to lay that on Jews, though.

[Beastly Boy]

78. In the context of this thread, I was hoping to hear that you are against antisemitism.

[Mossfern]

85. me too

[malaise]

86. In th context of 58,000 dead Palestinians

I was hoping to see you condemning the atrocities against Palestinians. Matthew 7.5 says it all.

[Beastly Boy]

89. This is not the context of this thread.

If you want to put your post in a different context, I would suggest starting a different thread.

[lees1975]

103. How is that a different context?

They don't count?

[Beastly Boy]

112. The context of this thead has to do with normalizing antisemitism in the US and how the DC assassination plays into it.

Last edited Thu May 22, 2025, 07:54 PM - Edit history (1)

I can't believe I have to explain how deflecting to Gaza diverts from this context

[lees1975]

134. It doesn't divert. What's happening in Gaza is why those people were there in the first place.

[Mossfern]

136. That's not the topic of the thread.

n/t

[MarineCombatEngineer]

141. Excuse me, but what part of not the topic of this thread don't you understand?

It seems pretty clear to me, why not you?

[mcar]

108. 2 young people, working for peace, were murdered in cold blood

that is what this OP is about. There are, and have been, many OPs about the I/P conflict and you've made your position very clear.

This is about 2 young people murdered by a terrorist, while they were working to help people in Gaza - did you know that?

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220336275

[tritsofme]

98. I've rarely found explicit supporters of anti-Semitism who condemn anti-Semitic violence or acts of Jew hatred

Even cold blooded murder, in this case.

So such a response was totally expected here.

[Mossfern]

84. Are you against

the young couple who were killed?
They were at an event seeking to build bridges between the two peoples.

I don't understand the relevance of your post.

[malaise]

88. I hate all the deaths

generations have been wiped out with nary a word from many
Matthew 7.5 is my only response and I’m an atheist.

[Mossfern]

90. Very appropriate response

for your post too.

Would it kill you to condemn this particular act?
" I hate all deaths." is a cop out response.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

142. I noticed that that member just can't bring themselves to definitively condemn the murder of these 2 wonderful people,

very interesting, that says alot.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

111. So not one word about the heinous murders, yes, murders, of 2 innocent civilians by a "freedom fighter"

but lots of words about what's going on in Gaza?

[Bad Thoughts]

40. He stalked them?

Otherwise, how did he know who they were?

[yardwork]

47. He waited outside the Jewish museum and fired into the crowd as they left.

Plenty of news articles explain what happened.

[Bad Thoughts]

124. That was not the other poster's claim

If he targeted Israelis or Israeli embassy employees, he would have had to identify them prior to the event.

If he was waiting outside a Jewish museum, he was threatening Jews and those who associated therewith.

[yardwork]

125. WaPo article gives more details.

Gift article. No paywall. https://wapo.st/44Ovmlp

[mcar]

66. He murdered 2 young people in cold blood outside a Jewish museum

and yelled "free Palestine" after. I think that calls for condemnation, period, not analysis.

[RobinA]

146. See, That Attitude

is the problem. You can't PREVENT this stuff from happening if you don't know WHY it happened. It's like people who refuse to "understand" Hitler. They just want to say he was evil and that's the end of it. But if you don't understand what happened and fob it off to evil magic, you are just going to be surprised and powerless the next time it happens. [cough, cough]

[Beastly Boy]

73. The most generous benefit of doubt I can possibly give him

is that he was hoping to assassinate embassy staff.

Maybe he was hoping to assassinate people walking in and out of the Jewish museum.

Maybe he was hoping to assassinate anyone in close proximity to either location

Maybe he was hoping to assassinate anyone to get media attention

In every single instance, he was hoping to assassinate - to commit murder which bares no effect on his expressed wishes. And in the end, he didn't know whom he assassinated.

[Mossfern]

76. How do you know that he knew that these two particular people

were employed by the Israeli embassy? They were randomly shot at a Jewish venue. Not everyone there worked for Israel. The victims were advocates for peaceful solutions between Israelis and Palestinians.

He shouted about Palestine while murdering these two young people at a Jewish museum.
I believe you give him too much slack and feel uncomfortable about acknowledging a clearly antisemitic act.

[Oopsie Daisy]

28. Excellent analysis and conclusion.

Sadly, the excuse-making, justifications, explanations, rationalizations and other assorted defenses are only going to get worse. (It's not that hard to find. It's "in-your-face" every day. Anyone who spends any time online knows it's true.)

[DetlefK]

30. "Antisemitism" has been normalized because the word itself has been made meaningless.

What is Antisemitism?

Criticizing the policies of a government is antisemitic, I am told.

Criticizing settlers for brutalizing natives and stealing their possessions is antisemitic, I am told.

Calling for a targeted boycott against specific companies and vendors is antisemitic, I am told.



Antisemitism used to mean racial hatred against Jews, but nowadays the word has been turned into a meaningless catch-all term for a whole bunch of political opinions.

[yardwork]

33. You were told for your earlier post about these murders.

I don't know who is telling you the things you claim in this post, but I sure know what you were told in response to your post earlier today.

[yardwork]

62. Take a break from DU and look in your heart.

You openly stated on this board that you were perfectly fine with the assassination of two young people, just because they happen to be Israeli.

You were rightly taken to task for saying out loud what others here only hint at. Eventually your post was removed.

Instead of doubling down, my advice is to take a long walk and a break from DU.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

117. Oh, he's taking a break from DU,

a looonnnggg break.

[Oopsie Daisy]

126. 🤣😂🤣😂🥳🎉

[OilemFirchen]

71. You just don't know when to stop, do you?

Did you live more than fifty years with a survivor of Mauthausen? Was your father awarded a bronze star for being injured fighting for the Allies in WWII? Do you make your head a target by wearing a kippa? Is your house a target because of a mezuzah?

No?

Then fuck off yourself.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

120. Thank you.

[OilemFirchen]

122. yw

Looks like he ultimately did figure out a way to stop. Or, rather, we did, on his behalf. Good on us!

[MarineCombatEngineer]

123. Yep,

looks like EarlG emptied the garbage can.

[Cha]

130. Whew! I guess so he was

"Told".

Mahalo for your posts, yardwork.

[tritsofme]

35. This person posted earlier: "Honestly? I don't care that they died."

What a disgrace.

Can’t say I value such a person’s opinion on anti-Semitism (or anything for that matter) any more than what flushes down the toilet.

[Torchlight]

41. Flat earthers still refers to someone who believes the world is flat.

And anti-Semitism still refers to someone who is an anti-Semite. Look to the objective source rather than investing in what people tell you.

[OilemFirchen]

59. What a load of bullshit.

Creepy as fuck.

[DetlefK]

75. Is anything I said incorrect?

Well, what is YOUR definition of "Antisemitism"?

[OilemFirchen]

81. I have no idea what YOU have been told.

I have my suspicions about your circle of friends, but that's hardly relevant. None of what you suggested is true.

Fahrshteys?

[MarineCombatEngineer]

121. Well, bye.

[Cha]

132. No it is NOT "maningless, Detlet.

[RobinA]

150. I Took A Course

way back on the Middle East. It was taught by a rather bitter and very knowledgeable Jewish man who was specifically NOT a Zionist. This man had rather a lot to say about Jews who weren't Zionists being accused of being anti-Semitic and the negative effects on their lives if they were involved at all in the greater Jewish community. This was all news to me.

My whole point is that I don't think what you are complaining about is partcularly new, even though it is rather prevalent now, and not just among Jews. Name calling and labelmaking are having something of a revival at this point. I think a lot of mud-slinging that used to remain in-house as now gotten loose in the wider world and is growing in meaning beyond what was originally intended.

[FadedMullet]

38. One side conflates support for the Palestinians with terrorism and antisemitism, this this misguided man just....

......feeds that narrative.

[yardwork]

42. Some support for Palestinians IS terrorism and antisemitism.

This is just one example.

[tritsofme]

44. There's nothing to conflate. It's what happened. It's who these people are.

When they tell me, I believe them.

[FadedMullet]

51. Yardwork's post above uses the term "some support" and therefore avoids lumping everyone who supports.....

......Palestinians together with proponents of violence and haters of Jews. When you say "It's who these people are" that I see the conflation that I mentioned.

[yardwork]

58. Thanks for acknowledging my care to use "some."

However, I think the poster to whom you're responding was also clear in context. I think they are referring to people who do specific things, like gun down people leaving Jewish museums.

The fact is there are a lot of antisemitic actions right now, and many of them are being excused as pro-Palestinian protests.

[Dorian Gray]

119. The people who conflate the support for Palestinians with terrorism

are the terrorists who perpetrate terroristic acts in the visage of "freeing Palestine."

[RobinA]

151. Disagree

I was born in 1958 and started following news after the Kennedy assassination. Ever since I can remember "Palestinian" has been a synonym for "terrorist." At that age I pretty much believed that Palestinians were born terrorists who were just awful people at their core. Then at some point when I was older I saw a picture of a Palestinian refugee camp. Uhmmmmm.... There's something more to the story here. Ever since then I have paid attention, realizing that Palestinians are people too. Palestine and terrrorism have been equated for a very long time by many people. To the detriment of all involved.

[Dorian Gray]

158. I'm sorry you were raised to be suspicious of palestinians

I work amongst Palestinian refugees, and they're awesome people. Two of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn are Palestinian restaurants. I wasn't taught to hate or mistrust Palestinians, nor did I assume anyone I met who was born Palestinian was a terrorist.

The person who murdered two Israeli embassy workers was NOT Palestinian. But he was a terrorist who purported to do it for the betterment of Palestinians. Get the fuck out of here with that. What he did will not help one Palestinian person; it will hurt the cause more than help it.

The only terrorists are those who do violence.... in aid of nothing.

[Shellback Squid]

74. I agree, I wish the residents of Gaza would show a united front against Hamas, I have issue

with the Free Palestine movement at Hands Off rallies, the Free Palestine speakers NEVER criticize Hamas, NEVER!

[yardwork]

77. When residents of Gaza speak against Hamas they get murdered.

Hamas has control of Gaza and anybody who complains gets killed by Hamas.

[Nanjeanne]

82. Here you go

Palestinians in Gaza have once again taken to the streets in masses to protest the war and Hamas’ rule in the Strip. They are calling for an end to the unbearable reality at great personal risk. (1/3)

— Standing Together (@standing-together.bsky.social) 2025-05-22T13:02:38.104Z

Not only are they being bombed, starved and displaced by the Israeli military, they are living under an authoritarian regime that completely prohibits political protest. (2/3)

— Standing Together (@standing-together.bsky.social) 2025-05-22T13:02:38.105Z

We amplify their call for peace and stand with them in the struggle against this catastrophic reality, which is continuing because it benefits extremist regimes in both Israel and Gaza – and for a future of freedom, safety, and justice for all. (3/3)

— Standing Together (@standing-together.bsky.social) 2025-05-22T13:02:38.106Z

Although I think your desire for a “unified” anything is difficult and especially when you are starving, without homes, injured, sick and in fear of dying 24/7…

[cabotnn22]

91. Thank you!

[WillowTree]

101. Actually, "low-down vigilante" describes him pretty well, I think.

Killing two total strangers in cold blood just because they were coming out of a Jewish museum just because he doesn't like what other Jews are doing 6,000 miles away pretty much defines vigilantism. JMHO

[SheltieLover]

105. Unlike Mangioni's alleged victim, these 2 had no hand in bibi's genocide!

[Skittles]

110. sorry, did I miss the trial where Mangioni's victim was proved to be death case worthy?

oh that's right, there was no trial - because he was AMBUSHED AND SHOT IN THE BACK BY A GUN HUMPING PSYCHO KILLER

[Skittles]

109. he is a nutcase like Luigi

disgusting

[Dorian Gray]

116. 100% agree with you

NO MORE of this. This is not okay and I will not accept it if people excuse violence.

[WarGamer]

133. He's identical to LUIGI.

A hateful murdering asshole.

Anyone showing compassion for Luigi or the DC killer is no better than they are.

Both terrorists... using murder to send a political message.

If I were King of the planet... this cretin and Luigi would get matching gurneys in the Death Chamber.

[RobinA]

153. You Don't Consider

the death penalty to be "using murder to send a political message?" I sure do.

[BannonsLiver]

161. Edgy.

[Mosby]

137. The antisemitism is out of control

Anyone see this in the media?

Link to tweet

[noor]

138. "Responding to Tragedy with Reason, Not Generalization"

I understand your deep concern about the implications of antisemitism and the potential dangers it poses to Jewish communities. Antisemitism in any form is unacceptable and must be confronted without hesitation.

However, I think it's important to avoid painting entire movements or groups with a broad brush based on the actions of an individual. Supporting Palestinian rights or criticizing the policies of the Israeli government is not inherently antisemitic, and many Jewish individuals and organizations around the world make similar critiques out of a deep commitment to justice and human rights.

Equating calls for Palestinian freedom with antisemitism risks silencing legitimate political discourse and alienates allies in the fight against real hate. The line between speech and violence is critical, and conflating the two can lead us down a path of fear-driven reaction instead of thoughtful resolution.

We should absolutely condemn violence and hate, but we should do so with clarity and precision—not by labeling entire communities or political positions as enemies. Doing otherwise risks fueling division rather than fostering safety and understanding.

Let’s be vigilant, but also fair. Justice and security for one group should not come at the expense of justice and dignity for another.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

139. Welcome to DU. . . . nt

[Beastly Boy]

140. As a Jew, I've been the paint on the proverbial broad brush all my life.

I am used to antisemitism. I know the difference between it being merely humiliating and being threatening. My point is that I see antisemitism getting past being merely normalized and socially accepted and becoming a real, personal threat. The assassination that we all witnessed is an unmistakable sign of this process taking hold within our society.

Society. It IS entire movements and groups now. And the movements and the groups in question don't seem to be interested in fighting this virus from within. Antisemitism is not an infection anymore, it's an epidemic.And movements and groups are in deep denial.. The virus of antisemitism is being taken for granted and is barely paid attention to. It's past the time when we could control the spread of this virus by isolating individual haters. It is out in the open. I no longer have the luxury of identify individual bigots - antisemitism surrounds me. It's everywhere. Now my mission comes down to protecting myself from physical harm.

It is on the aforementioned movements and groups to take action if they object to being stereotyped. I know danger is coming from within them, and I have other things on my mind than figure out who among them is the real antisemite and who merely tolerates them. I have a family to protect.

[Mossfern]

143. I feel the same way ....

I've been wanting to rejoin my synagogue. What holds me back is the fear of attack. Many Jewish houses of worship have armed guards during Shabbat services - this is no joke or overreaction.

I don't wear any jewelry that might identify me as being Jewish.
This is no joke!

Yes, there is a marked rise of antisemitism - anyone who doesn't see it is weraing blinders. Home grown Jew haters use the Palestinian cause to excuse their behavior.

[Beastly Boy]

145. It's even worse in Europe.

It's been like this there for decades.

[JustAnotherGen]

160. I'm so sorry mossfern

I've been wanting to rejoin my synagogue. What holds me back is the fear of attack.

Those two sentences brought tears to my eyes.

People should be able to pray in America.

[marble falls]

144. Very good post, welcome to DU.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

155. Welcome to DU

[struggle4progress]

148. I regard "maladjusted" as an appropriate description of anyone who kills in order to make a point

Our second amendment has given us the hot lead pseudo-solution It's easy. You just get a gun and aim and shoot: blam blam blam!