This past Friday night, instead of having my usual guests for a festive Friday night dinner in my home, I had three compassionate Los Angeles Police Department officers standing in my kitchen explaining the difference between a “hate crime” and a “hate incident.” My family was the victim of the latter.
We were walking home in Los Angeles after a Friday night dinner at a friend’s house, dressed nicely for Shabbat, easily identifiable as a Jewish family. We waited for a light to change on a corner of a major intersection when a black Mercedes SUV pulled up alongside us. Four Middle-Eastern men in their 20s were in the car. The one in the back rolled down his window and yelled, “Free Palestine!”
I immediately turned to face them, knowing I was in danger, remembering the rabbi who was gunned down in Miami on his way to synagogue. This was the beginning of either a hate crime or a hate incident, but either way, hate was coming our way. We all know too well that “Free Palestine” means free Palestine from every Jew. As they chant “Free Palestine, from the river to the sea,” that doesn’t mean they want a two-state solution — they want Hitler’s Final Solution and a Jew-free Middle East.
Then this Arab young man opened the car door, stepped onto the street and yelled at me, my wife and four young children: “I hope your children die! Just like you are killing children in Gaza!”
We all stood silently in utter horror and fear.
Then he got back in the Mercedes and they drove off. We were in a state of complete shock. My 10-year-old daughter immediately started crying and couldn’t stop. She kept yelling, “I’m scared.” My 5-year-old daughter asked me why they want her to die. My other kids were too rattled to say anything.
I was stunned that I can no longer feel safe walking on Shabbat with my family in my city. I kept reading about all the anti-Semitism all over Europe, but here in these United States? That my innocent children had to be exposed to this level of anti-Semitism has shaken me to my core. These people weren’t just yelling “Jew bastard” as I’d experienced growing up in the Bronx; they were wishing my children dead, right to their angelic faces. This was beyond appalling.
I couldn’t believe that they were filled with such hatred and ignorance, and that someone could go as far as wishing my children dead and blaming me for the death of children in Gaza. Me?! I’ve been killing children in Gaza? I’m a comedian. The only killing I’m personally responsible for is the killing of the audiences I’ve performed for. And the only “bombing” I’m guilty of are those rare sets where I don’t quite connect with the crowd.
Like any good, moral person, I hate to see death and destruction anywhere. As we are taught in Proverbs, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.” I would have loved to have shared with them that I’m against war and the loss of innocent life. But they didn’t want to hear it. They wanted to spew hatred. I would’ve gladly had an intellectual discussion with them about the fact that all of humanity should join together against terrorists like Hamas and ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), who are slaughtering innocents, but they didn’t want to listen.
I would’ve been happy to debate them on the fact that Israel has a right to defend itself against a terrorist group who is firing a barrage of rockets at every citizen. Or that had Hamas accepted the first cease-fire, no children in Gaza would’ve been killed. Or about their firing from hospitals and schools and other densely populated areas in order to get the civilian casualty numbers higher, gaining Israel worldwide condemnation. That the leaders of Israel have called every innocent civilian death “a great tragedy,” while the leaders of Hamas consider every innocent civilian death “a great victory.”
Or that Gaza is no longer “occupied.” Or the fact that the definition of the word “occupation” doesn’t apply to a country that won land in defensive wars. Wars that were attempts at the total annihilation of Israel. Wars that were thrust upon them before any “blockades” or “settlements” or “occupation” or any of the other made-up words that are now used to justify killing Jews. Or that much of the suffering of the Palestinian people is a direct result of their elected leadership, just as the suffering of Arabs in most Middle-Eastern countries is at the hands of their oppressive regimes. That the Arabs who enjoy real freedom, including freedom to worship any sect of any religion, freedom to speak their minds, freedom to be gay, are the Israeli-Arabs living in Israel. Or simply educate them on the 3,000-year history of our people in our tiny homeland and our willingness and desire to live in peace with our Arab neighbors.
But they didn’t want a debate. They just wanted to hate. They wanted to terrorize my family and they did. But as I explained to my crying and visibly shaken kids as we walked home, “They said they wanted us dead — now imagine living in Israel where every day they don’t just say it, they actually attempt to kill all of the Israeli children, and tragically just today they murdered a 4-year-old Israeli boy with a Hamas rocket.” Not the most comforting words to young, rattled children, but now that their innocence was shattered, I felt that it was important for them to understand the reality of the world they are living in.
The LAPD officers who were dispatched to my house were extremely kind and compassionate. In fact, the first officer who showed up was Jewish and very comforting to my children. I, too, was comforted by him and by the knowledge that there were Jewish men and women protecting the citizens of Los Angeles. (At least more than the one Jewish officer I heard about in Malibu, at whom Mel Gibson directed his anti-Semitic tirade.) This officer really put my kids at ease and told them not to be scared. It also didn’t hurt that he told us that he and his wife enjoyed my work, especially when I’ve hosted the Chabad Telethon.
Then two more officers showed up to take the report. It was explained to us that it would’ve been a hate crime if they had said they were going to kill us, instead of merely hoping we got killed, which makes it a hate incident. Try explaining that differentiation to a 10-year-old girl who was just told to die.
I feel so sad that my children’s innocence was lost at that very moment. That they were unwillingly and instantaneously initiated into the “We Hate You Because of WHAT You Are” club. That they now know the harsh reality that just because they were born into a Jewish family they are targets and subject to death threats. That they can be blamed and scapegoated for things they have nothing to do with. That they are hated.
I can write a 50-page piece about where all the hatred comes from. There are too many reasons to point fingers at. The media, (I’m talking to you CNN, The New York Times, etc.), who instead of reporting on every single rocket fired into Israel, chooses to focus on every civilian casualty of this war, instigated and perpetuated by Hamas. Constantly providing the numbers of the dead, instead of the number, 11, which is the number of cease-fires Hamas has broken, thereby causing all of this death and destruction. Repeatedly displaying images of dead civilians without any of the context that many of the dead are terrorists and that any real civilian casualties were victims of Hamas’ double war crimes of firing rockets at innocent civilians while using their innocent civilians as human shields. Or that a number of casualties include civilians who were killed by errant Hamas rockets.
This is what fuels the fire and allows people to think they now have the right to wish death upon my children.
I can blame my fellow “comedian” Russell Brand who has the audacity to say that Hamas is firing “harmless’ rockets. Harmless?! Tell that to the family of the 4-year-old Israeli boy who was murdered by a “harmless” Hamas rocket.
The world is buying into this propaganda. They’re allowing the terrorists to win this media intifada. They are actually listening to celebrities like Javier Bardem and Roger Waters using the word “genocide” to describe Israel’s actions toward the Palestinian people, when the only genocide occurring in the Middle East is by folks in the Bashar Assad regime, which murdered 170,000 innocents, or in ISIS, which is murdering innocent Christians and others who are not of their beliefs. Oh yeah, and the attempted genocide of every Jew in Israel, a genocide that is codified in Hamas’ very own charter, one that has been stopped thanks to the Iron Dome and the destruction of the terror tunnels, which were built for an actual genocide.
I can go on and on about how all of the pro-Palestinian rallies have signs that say “Death to Jews” and praise Hitler, and why Jews everywhere are now targets of hate crimes, hate incidents, vandalism and murder. I could … but I have jokes to write. Because I’m trying to make the world a better place with laughter. Sadly, we now live in a world full of people who love to hate, more than they love to laugh.
Elon Gold is a comedian and actor who has appeared on The Tonight Show 10 times, starred in the FOX sitcom «Stacked» and has a stand-up special out on Netflix. Follow him on Twitter: @elongold.
This article had me laughing and learning! For additional insights, check out: EXPLORE NOW. Any thoughts?
Good article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this
is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers?
Thx 🙂 Escape rooms
I like this web site very much, Its a rattling nice position to read and receive info.!
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I found this during my hunt for something relating to this.
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Many thanks! Exactly where can I find the contact details for questions?
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me just as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read, however I genuinely thought you would probably have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.
I really like reading a post that can make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment.
You are so cool! I don’t believe I have read through a single thing like that before. So wonderful to discover another person with a few unique thoughts on this issue. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality.
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am experiencing issues with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting similar RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Deneme bonusu sayesinde hiç para yatırmadan büyük kazançlar sağladım!
You have made some good points there. I checked on the internet for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
Casino’nun sunduğu canlı bahis fırsatları futbol maçlarında ekstra heyecan ve kazanç sağlıyor.
I used to be able to find good information from your blog posts.
I like reading through an article that can make people think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment.
You’re so awesome! I do not suppose I’ve read something like that before. So wonderful to discover another person with original thoughts on this issue. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a little originality.
Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this web site.
Your style is unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this page.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should write more about this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but generally people don’t talk about these topics. To the next! Cheers!
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Many thanks for providing this info.
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes that will make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
You have made some really good points there. I checked on the web for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for supplying these details.
Excellent site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find excellent writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Hi there, There’s no doubt that your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, fantastic site!
Very good article. I absolutely love this website. Continue the good work!
Hello, I do believe your web site may be having internet browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, wonderful blog!
It’s difficult to find educated people about this subject, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Hi! I just wish to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you’ve got here on this post. I am coming back to your blog for more soon.
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get anything done.
Can I simply just say what a relief to discover somebody who genuinely knows what they are discussing on the internet. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people must look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular since you surely have the gift.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am encountering issues with your RSS. I don’t understand why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody having the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
It’s hard to find educated people on this topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Wonderful article! We are linking to this particularly great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
You made some good points there. I checked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the finest blogs on the net. I’m going to highly recommend this blog!
This web site really has all of the information and facts I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and also the rest of the site is also very good.
Excellent blog you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Hi there! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent information you have here on this post. I am returning to your site for more soon.
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, however I truly thought you would have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.
Excellent post. I’m facing some of these issues as well..
Hi there, I do think your web site could be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, great site.
Great site you have got here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who has been doing a little research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this topic here on your web site.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after going through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!
You’ve made some decent points there. I checked on the web for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
Good information. Lucky me I came across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve book-marked it for later.
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the advice.
Good day! I simply want to give you a big thumbs up for your great info you have right here on this post. I will be returning to your site for more soon.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be useful to read content from other authors and practice a little something from their sites.
This is the perfect blog for anyone who wishes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Excellent stuff, just excellent.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the site is extremely good.
Hi there! This post could not be written much better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I most certainly will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
This site certainly has all of the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
May I simply just say what a relief to find somebody that truly knows what they are discussing on the web. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people ought to look at this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular since you surely possess the gift.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be interesting to read content from other authors and practice something from their sites.
I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I am hoping to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal blog now 😉
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always interesting to read through content from other authors and use something from other websites.
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, but I really thought you’d have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something you could fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
I absolutely love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own personal blog and want to know where you got this from or what the theme is called. Thank you!
I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal website now 😉
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this during my search for something regarding this.
Very nice write-up. I absolutely love this website. Thanks!
Bu casino’nun sunduğu slot oyunlarında jackpot kazanmak gerçekten mümkün!
I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!
Yüksek bahislerle oynadığımda Jammin’ Jars slotunda devasa kazançlar elde ettim!
Bu bahis sitesinin sunduğu deneme bonusu ile bedava crash oyunları oynayarak büyük ödüller kazandım!
Casino’nun sunduğu turnuvalar ile ekstra ödüller kazanmak çok keyifli.
Aviator gibi crash oyunlarını deneme bonusu ile oynamak, büyük kazançlar sağlamak için harika bir yol!
Deneme bonusu ile ilk defa bahis yaparak kazandım, heyecan dolu bir deneyimdi!
Bu sitenin sunduğu deneme bonusu ile risksiz bahis yaparak oyunlara hemen başladım!
Introducing to you the most prestigious online entertainment address today. Visit now to experience now!
Slot oyunlarında büyük jackpotlar kazanmak bu casino’da gerçekten mümkün.
Right here is the right blog for everyone who hopes to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for a long time. Excellent stuff, just wonderful.
Bahis sitelerinde deneme bonusu almak yeni oyuncular için harika bir başlangıç fırsatı!
Bu casino’daki jackpot slot oyunları büyük ödüller sunuyor, herkes denemeli.
Casino’nun sunduğu promosyonlar futbol bahislerinde ekstra kazanç fırsatları sunuyor!
Casino’nun sunduğu turnuvalar ile slot oyunlarında ekstra kazançlar elde etmek çok eğlenceli.