Why Are People Dancing Around Some Unspoken Issue Regarding a Human Relations Commission Award?
April 30, 2024
Something scandalous appears to be going on with the choice of a Thong Hy Huynh Award by the Human Relations Commission. If you're looking for the answer, you won't find it here. But that's not because I'm dancing around the issue, it's because I honestly don't know what the issue is, and for some reason those who do know what it is only want to imply to the public that there's a issue, but they don't want to say what person they have an issue with, why, or give any details.
This article, i.e. blog post, of mine isn't about answering that question. It's about the act of publishing pieces that imply something without giving any details. This is actually worse that stating nothing at all, because it fuels rumors and causes those reading to speculate since few actual facts are given. One of these is found in an article in the Davis Enterprise, and the other is in a 'guest commentary' to the Davis Vanguard (the Davis Vanguard is a blog based in Davis that has banned several prominent Davis commenters and therefore has a nearly dead and very uninteresting comment section).
The Davis Enterprise article is titled "HRC gives feedback on proposed scope, holds public forum on recent hate incidents" and can found at: https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/hrc-gives-feedback-on-proposed-scope-holds-public-forum-on-recent-hate-incidents/article_0173dd80-0410-11ef-a67f-e7973bfe8807.html
The HRC also held a public forum on recent hate incidents in the Davis community. Several concerned citizens shared fears of feeling unsafe in town due to anti-Semitic and anti-Jewish acts . . . There was unease over one of the HRC’s chosen awardees for this year’s Thong Hy Huynh Award and an eagerness for the commission to reevaluate their decision . . . One resident shared that she has not felt safe in Davis since the council passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire. She asked that when it comes to giving awards to people that the commission look at not just the good someone has done but to look for the bad too.
The "bad" ??? There is a person who has done bad? What "bad" did they allegedly do, and who are they? Why is there a weird sandwich being created with Thong Huyhn Award bread, ceasefire meat, and "bad" cheese?
One would think that a guest contributor on the subject in another space by another author would clear this up. But surprisingly, it makes the mystery deeper and gives no further information. The Vanguard published a piece called, "Guest Commentary: Build Bridges, Not Barriers", a title which says nothing about the article's subject. This piece can be found at: https://www.davisvanguard.org/2024/04/guest-commentary-build-bridges-not-barriers/
The Davis Jewish Community is suffering.
The next logical step is explaining that suffering, and how to stop that suffering.
Over the course of two evenings this week, dozens of Jewish voices have pleaded with both the Davis City Council and Human Relations Commission (HRC) to do more to combat antisemitism in Davis. There is a genuine fear amongst community members. Families feel it on our streets, at our homes, and in our schools.
How one feels is real, and I have no doubt this fear is experienced by many Jewish people in Davis, and throughout the country and the world. But what do these people expect the five people known as the Davis City Council, plus a handful of volunteer commissioners, to do about it? They can't even fix the long, linear potholes on J Street. Maybe local governments can start an initiative with the world "Hate" in it, to magically dispose of haters by paying website companies to build a website, and sign companies to make signs. Oh, and a table at the Farmer's Market :-| Does any of this change the hearts of haters? Do haters even go to the Farmer's Market for redemption?
The Jewish community is looking for allies and looked to city leaders for … leadership. Sadly, they haven’t found either yet.
And you won't, ever. This isn't a slam of the City Council, it's a reality check. Us Jewish people need to take care of ourselves and garner natural allies, not force local government to 'proclaim' allieship. Also, this is the same City Council that just passed a so-called 'cease fire' resolution that wasn't exactly seen as pro-Jewish, unless you are an anti-Zionist Jew (which is thing, a very specific thing). Now, that last sentence was a slam on our City Council, because taking on that cease-fire embedded resolution was stupid. And if you/we, as Jewish people, truly feel the need to protect yourself in today's political climate -- since local government isn't actually able to do it -- buy a gun and learn how to use it.
The Davis City Council has a strong opportunity to bestow their prestigious Thong Hy Huynh award unto someone who has actually been building bridges amongst the Davis Community since October 7th – that of Leah Hibel.
Wait . . . What ? This whole build up was to recommend a specific person for a City award? How do the former sentences about fear in the community lead to nominating someone for an award, and what could this person winning that award possibly do to make Jews feel safer in Davis?
Leah has been a working with DJUSD leadership to address the more than three pages of reported antisemitic incidents in our schools. She has regularly been communicating with the Davis City Council and the HRC about actionable steps to make the Davis Community feel safe. And she has been a voice for compassion and empathy during this trying time.
I'm glad someone is doing this. Is there also someone doing this for Muslims/Arabs/Palestinians? If someone wants to work for their own 'team', and do 'good' for that 'team', fine. BUT --> I have no doubt that others, besides Jewish persons, have felt fear during these times as well. And just as I believe the non-anti-Zionist Jewish people in this town got hosed by a stupidly-implemented 'cease fire' addition to a outside-issues resolution by the City Council, I'd think granting an award to a person specifically looking to root out so-called antisemitism (racist-ish hatred and stereotypes directed at Jews) could be viewed as hosing the 'other team' -- and local government needs to stay the fuck out of this situation, except as to condemn and enforce against all forms of expressed hatred and violence.
Regardless of where you stand on the war unfolding 7,000 miles away, it is common sense that communities here must stick together.
It is? "Haters gonna hate" -- Taylor Swift. And I think she's right.
And yet, antisemitic vandalism can be found anywhere on a wall in Davis now.
"anywhere on a wall in Davis now" ? I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I' guessing it means it can be seen on walls all over Davis? I live near several common graffiti walls, and I've never seen antisemitic vandalism. I know that some incidents have occurred as read about in our local paper -- though one of them I didn't feel was literally hateful towards Jews, but was vandalism (spray paint) with a political statement on Israel. This is why I always demand that the actual words be reported so we can always decide for ourselves what words constitute hate, not assume what is hatred because another person has the power to make the judgement and 'report' their judgement rather than the facts.
The list of swastika drawings and antisemitic threats within DJUSD is pages long.
It is? Why is this the first I am hearing about this? This should be reported on, specifically and by incident, by our local (and ever-shrinking number of publication days) newspaper, and/or our city. And same for incidents involving the 'other team'. Is this being reported somewhere and I just didn't know about it ?
And there is a 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title 6, case unfolding at UC Davis this very moment.
Yeah, I read about the complaints. At least one of them is unfounded (I won't get into it as that's not the point here). On the other hand, the hateful/career-suicidal professor clearly was expressing hatred/threats towards Jewish people on social media. And although I'd also like to know what happened to that person, I'm not sure UC personnel law allows that. My point on the bogus item is that making a laundry list opens the Jewish community up to criticism by our enemies/detractors when items on that list turn out to be false, and giving them ammunition does not help the cause or the message.
The Davis Jewish Community is looking for allies.
Well, some of the 'Jewish Community' may be looking for allies. Me? I'll expect none and be happy with those that come, and I won't ever seek allieship from local government officials. Like I never asked those two local-government non-Jewish white guys to stand in photos at that carefully-crafted news conference -- looking solemn -- with that Davis Imam who called for the death of all Jewish persons worldwide. That's the kind of 'allieship' you might get from local government officials, fellow Jews, so be careful what you wish for. And how come that story never got national attention? That flummoxes me to this day.
But there are members of the Davis Jewish Community who aren't looking for allies, because they have already found them. They are Jewish Anti-Zionists, and the allies they found are called pro-Palestinian (some would say, and or be, pro-Hamas) protestors. If you doubt the part in parentheses, you may need to be reminded that someone at the City Council meetings on the 'cease fire' resolutions was wearing a shirt that read something close to 'Bless Our Martyrs'. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that t-shirt implies their support of Hamas. Please correct me in the comments if you have another interpretation.
There are many things we can agree on during this polarizing time.
Such as that there are many things, amongst Jews themselves, that we do not agree on. Polarizingly :-|
But there is no excuse for driving division and it should never be celebrated with a prestigious award, similar to what the Davis City Council is considering.
Wait . . . what? Wait . . . triple-WHAT? . . . 'no excuse for driving division' ? You're just bringing this up now? . . . that a City Council action is driving 'division' ? This is the first mention that division was being considered for driving, and being that it's your last sentence, there's no chance for the author to explain, y'know, what the f*ck they are talking about. I agree that 'division' shouldn't be 'celebrated', by award or otherwise. But how is the City Council driving division?
So I'm going to put a few dots together to speculate . . . possibly incorrectly since neither 'news source' is helping with details in the slightest . . . and only fueling speculation and implication, and just plain guessing. Let me also say that I believe awards are stupid and that government should never give out awards, because they tend to go to cronies and celebrate corruption. Having said that . . . I'm guessing that both news sources are describing the same person (by not describing them). Let's call them 'The Alleged Divider' or TAD. I'm guessing TAD is perceived to be either on Team Pro-Palestinian or Team Anti-Zionism or both, and that TAD is up for nomination for this Human Relations Commission award. I'm further guessing TAD took a stand or did something that a group of Jewish persons in Davis took issue with.
And now the straightforward questions:
- WHO is TAD? What is their NAME?
- WHAT actions did TAD do that one person described as "BAD"?
- WHY would TAD's receiving of an award be divisive to the Davis community?
- WHY would the nomination of Leah Hibel be 'less divisive'?
- WHY would the 'Jewish Community' feel 'safer' if Leah Hibel got the award?
- WHY won't anyone publicly report the WHO or the DETAILS? And if you just wanted to IMPLY, why not just say NOTHING instead? That would have kept me and others from ASKING QUESTIONS.
This isn't meant to be an article about the ISSUE so much as an article about an ISSUE WEIRDLY BEING NOT REPORTED like any other issue would.
My GOAL is to learn about the issue by having you, dear readers, fill in the details, so that I and we may better understand what I and we want to know: WHY IS EVERYONE DANCING AROUND THIS?
Hopefully, there will be a VERY LIVELY COMMENT SECTION! :-|
But as for expectations, I'll expect MORE DANCING AROUND, and be happy with anyone who dares stray from the dance floor.
So swing your partner 'round and 'round,
Dosey the doe,
Put one foot in and one foot out,
Hokey the poke :-|
See you "BELOW"
I would share what I know, but like you, I know nothing. My suspicions are basically the same as yours. Thanks for calling this out. My guess is that because of the mess they will have to skip the award this year.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | April 30, 2024 at 12:10 PM
I should be clearer. When I say "my suspicions are basically the same as yours," I meant to refer to where you said,
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | April 30, 2024 at 12:46 PM
Like I never asked those two local-government non-Jewish white guys to stand in photos at that carefully-crafted news conference -- looking solemn -- with that Davis Imam who called for the death of all Jewish persons worldwide. That's the kind of 'allieship' you might get from local government officials, fellow Jews, so be careful what you wish for. And how come that story never got national attention? That flummoxes me to this day.
The reason why is because Jewish people are "lumped in" with white people, for the most part. And white people can't be the victims of racism (or any other "ism" unless they meet some other criteria), so I'm told.
I lump in Jewish and white people together myself - and don't even think about it until someone brings it up. I apparently make such judgements based upon "appearances".
Several concerned citizens shared fears of feeling unsafe in town due to anti-Semitic and anti-Jewish acts .
Honestly, I don't believe they're "unsafe" in a community like Davis, at least. (See "lumped in with white people", above.) I do believe some don't like what is being said.
Let me also say that I believe awards are stupid and that government should never give out awards, because they tend to go to cronies and celebrate corruption.
Didn't the leader of the local food bank win some kind of award a few years ago, before he subsequently "separated" from that organization?
On the other hand, the hateful/career-suicidal professor clearly was expressing hatred/threats towards Jewish people on social media. And although I'd also like to know what happened to that person, I'm not sure UC personnel law allows that.
I'd like to know who that is, and what he/she said.
Something scandalous appears to be going on with the choice of a Thong Hy Huynh Award by the Human Resources Commission. If you're looking for the answer, you won't find it here.
I'm looking for an answer as to why anyone thinks that the "Human Resources Commission" should be taken seriously in the first place.
Posted by: Ron O | April 30, 2024 at 01:35 PM
Ron, here is an article that discusses the professor's Twitter post and gives a bit of context:
https://jweekly.com/2023/10/19/uc-davis-prof-tweets-threat-to-zionist-journalists-and-their-children/
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | April 30, 2024 at 02:47 PM
RM, does Jemma still have a position at UC Davis?
Posted by: Keith | April 30, 2024 at 02:56 PM
Thanks - I remember that, now. That is an actual threat, and sounds like a potential winner of the Human Resources Commission's "person of the year" award. (I tend to think of folks on that type of commission as more aligned with Palestinians, than Jews - as if that's the conflict in the first place.)
A quick search hasn't revealed the status of this assistant professor, but it appears that someone is "taking odds" on the chance that (she?) is permanently removed:
https://manifold.markets/Ernie/jemma-decristo-loses-her-position-a-83911c7eca37
Posted by: Ron O | April 30, 2024 at 03:02 PM
Keith, I don't know.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | April 30, 2024 at 03:31 PM
Just released: "4.30.24 Statement from the Mayor Regarding Antisemitism in Davis":
https://www.cityofdavis.org/Home/Components/News/News/8677
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | April 30, 2024 at 03:48 PM
Re: Retaining A Healthy skeptism and-being aware of your own confirmation bias i.e. we want to fit everything into a narrative.
I ran across this resolution of this widely report 2021 "hate incident." in LA. Dinners attacked by Protests of Israeli response to Gaza Missiles. i recall is as the most widely report incident of that period protests in summer of 2021.
This resolution of what seem to have actually happened from 2023 Jewish Forward.
headline: The mayor called it a ‘vicious, targeted antisemitic attack.’ So why did the men accused get sentenced to a museum visit?
from body: "...After speaking with the defense attorney and the district attorney’s office, and reading the court transcripts, I think I can help: What we all thought had happened was not what it seemed. The sentence was fair, maybe even a little harsh. And we American Jews need a better way of understanding what antisemitism is, and isn’t...."
https://forward.com/opinion/557568/los-angeles-jewish-diner-attack-sentence/
How can one know what is true based on today's headlines/blog post?
The best one can do it use the approach Mr. MIller suggests.
BUT Let us also admit our human frailty and lack of time: it is easier, faster, more comforting not to question our own prejudices.
Posted by: AlanH | April 30, 2024 at 03:49 PM
I should have said, "Human RELATIONS Commission". I'll fix it later.
Posted by: Alan C. Miller | April 30, 2024 at 04:00 PM
From Mayor's statement:
The City of Davis and all of our City Council members continue to condemn acts of violence and hate and we commit to working collaboratively with our community to respond to acts of antisemitism or any other hateful speech.
Seems like every day, some have to reminded that "hate speech" is legally-protected (and can be subjective). So, I'm not sure what he means by "respond to" it.
As an example, "From the River to the Sea" is not even hate speech. There's probably a lot of people who would prefer a different government in the U.S., as well. And would be glad to tell you that.
Of course, there have been violent uprisings against the government in what is now the U.S. - the first of which led to the creation of the U.S., itself. (Which we're told to be proud of.) The second (partial) attempt failed (the civil war). And some might say that the colonists (and later, "Americans") overthrew a bunch of semi-government entities as they displaced Native Americans and foreign holdings within what is now the U.S.
Even now, there's some individuals and organizations who periodically act-up against the U.S. government. (See Waco, Ruby Ridge, Oklahoma bombings, etc.)
Posted by: Ron O | April 30, 2024 at 04:25 PM
Alan H writes, "Let us also admit our human frailty and lack of time: it is easier, faster, more comforting not to question our own prejudices."
Yes, but let's not forget that that bias goes in both directions -- that in addition to people thinking that things are anti-semitic when they are not, people are often positive that something is NOT anti-semitic, even when they lack the relevant history, context, or experience to make that judgement. (And they might not be aware that there is relevant history, context, or experience).
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | April 30, 2024 at 10:56 PM
"Zionism = White Supremacy.. End the Settler Colony. The River to the Sea, Resist Until Victory" was the graffiti painted on the back of the building on H St between 2nd and 3rd. https://tinyurl.com/2dc39twt
The 'Enterprise says it's "anti-Semitic" - not e.g. "Police are investigating..."
Is it that simple?
It's not targeted at individuals. In it's a more or less general public area (not on a synagogue or the home of a Jew or Israel-supporter.) It's maybe one person and a spotter.
Most variations of Zionism do place European Jews as supreme, but they're only white because European supremes are white, but "white" is a kind of over-simplistic construct. I don't identify as "white"; some Ashkenazi Jews like me do. Who is correct?
"Settler Colony" is among other things an academic definition, and accepted by many. "The River to the Sea" can mean a lot of different things, depending on origin and intention. Israelis used it for their own purposes, Palestinians and their supporters do as well. For me and many others it means a free land for everyone who will respect it and its people and resources. Others operate less kind usage!
So then it's important to connect with "Resist Until Victory" -- this is not a technical description. It can mean a lot of things. For me and others it is narrowly about defeating the Israeli nation-state and replacing it with that free and kind place mentioned above.
It's clear that the graffiti was anti-Zionist and for me the only real issue is the sloppy (to be kind) use of the problmatic "white".
Adjacent articles mention swastikas. That's definitely antisemitic. But the graffiti on H St doesn't use the word "Jew" and I don't think they avoiding it to be careful -- it's not clear at all that Jews, per se, are a target. I would like to see more details about e.g. what happened at Davis HS.
I make no special claim to a better opinion than Alan M. or anyone else given my layered experiences, trauma, immediate family background, etc.
Posted by: Tuvia Ben Olam DBA Todd Edelman | April 30, 2024 at 11:33 PM
"Most variations of Zionism do place European Jews as supreme."
I don't think that's true at all. I think most variations of Zionism simply mean support for the existence of a state of Israel (which is different from supporting the Netanyahu government!!). I have never heard that meaning.
And I don't think Ashkenazi Jews are white either, or European. Of course, people can self-identify that way if they want, but white supremacists will see it differently regardless.
"From the River to the Sea" can mean "Kill all the Jews from the River to the Sea." (I guess that is the "less kind" meaning you refer to). The question is, do you keep using a phrase like that when you know that one of its common meanings is horrific? And what is "Victory"? Is it death of all the Jews, as Hamas has called for, with many Palestinians supporting Hamas?
As for "colonialism," if Jews were living in Israel when the state was founded (along with Arabs and Christians), is Israel a colonial state? I think that's a really unfounded claim.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 01, 2024 at 08:59 AM
I left a comment in the 'Vanguard...
https://www.davisvanguard.org/2024/04/guest-commentary-build-bridges-not-barriers/#comment-478856
Posted by: Tuvia ben Olam | May 02, 2024 at 04:32 AM
RM say: "Just released: "4.30.24 Statement from the Mayor Regarding Antisemitism in Davis": https://www.cityofdavis.org/Home/Components/News/News/8677"
So. There was a City statement against hatred directed at Jewish persons. Was there also a statement released against hatred directed at Muslim/Islamic/Palestinian persons? If not, why not? Why release a special statement for one group of people? Why call for a cease fire? Why not just express a prayer for peace? Why not just release a statement against hatred for ALL groups of people?
Singling out Jewish people doesn't help Jewish people, it makes us look specially singled out (chosen?) and that isn't a good thing. Good people have to stand up against all forms of racism and against haters (who are going to hate according to Swifty). This City statement is a milk-toast statement, yet ironically if anything harmful, and this isn't a milk-toast issue.
The problem everywhere is the entire 'antisemitism' thing is being debated because the language is being misused by both sides. Those protesting the war are saying they are criticizing Israeli policy, not Jewish persons, while some Jews are saying that the words are actually 'antisemitic'. It's important to recognize the difference between political speech and hate speech, and that we are going to have to accept some of this is grey in that it is interpreted differently by different people.
Literal Anti-Zionists, included Jewish Anti-Zionists, are creating an atmosphere that dehumanizes Jewish people. I have only to watch a few minutes of Katie Halper or Abby Martin. They have vitriol towards Israel that steeps into hatred. I could see it when on Katie Halper's show a few weeks ago those two and a Muslim woman were debunking the rape stories reported by the NY Times, and laughing about it. It was sick. They were doing the usual tactic or pointing out exceptions to prove the 'rule', but their laughing about it as they did considering the subject matter had me believing they were demented.
I have no space for those groups of Jewish people making this all harder for Jews everywhere but acting superior, dehumanizing Palestinians, taking orthodox religious stances that bowl over others, taking land in the West Bank, and most recently by violently attacking a pro-Palestine protest at UCLA. To all of you, but to that latter group at UCLA especially, I have one thought for you: FUCK YOU
You are making the world less safe for Jewish persons, and you are literally hurting people by attacking protestors. And free speech is the foundation principal, for everyone, for all of us. Even those we violently disagree with. But if you violently disagree with someone in America, peacefully give your point of view, do NOT violently attack them. Nothing good will come of your actions, you selfish masked fucks.
And how was zero law enforcement present for 3-1/2 hours when there was a violent attack underway? I was watching live and the reporter was like, "I've never seen violence like this and then the police simply not showing up for this long". Seems like they were told not to intervene, but didn't have a contingency for if one group started actually attacking the other violently. Isn't stopping violence supposedly kind of the point of law enforcement agencies? What the actual fuck.
As for WHITE-ness, I also do not consider myself "white", as with Todd and Roberta. That may flummox some of you, but you ain't Jewish, and aren't we all supposed to 'self identify' these days? And I don't. Identify as 'white'.
I believe this is rooted in early familiarity was the rantings of white supremacists back in the 60s. Their hatred was directed most at two groups: black people and Jewish people. Seemed to me I'm not a white person if white supremacists wanted to kill me.
Key here: for those not familiar, the term 'white supremacy' as used today, has not the same meaning as 'white supremacists' as us older folk know the term. If you want to know what the newer version does mean, ask someone who uses the term in this context, not me.
And as for my being 'white appearing', possibly, in your eyes -- have fun judging me. And be judged, yes lest ye be. I consider myself "olive appearing" due to the beautiful glowing hue of my skin.
Posted by: Alan C. Miller | May 02, 2024 at 07:59 AM
"I consider myself "olive appearing" due to the beautiful glowing hue of my skin."
Probably the source of many romance novels and "chick flicks", such as "Under the Tuscan Sun".
Color me "green" with jealousy. :-)
But it is interesting that many of the "allegations" against Jewish people are the same as those who are labeled as "white" (e.g., "privileged"). I've never understood how Hitler was able to "pin the blame" on Jewish people, or what exactly they were being blamed for. "Privilege", perhaps?
Asians are also increasingly viewed as "privileged", and may have surpassed white people in that regard.
And the only people with "red" skin are white people who burn, rather than tan. How's that for "privilege"? :-)
"Seemed to me I'm not a white person if white supremacists wanted to kill me."
I'm not sure that's the criteria. Though there is that slogan about how some "white" people who gathered in Charlottesville won't be "replaced".
Posted by: Ron "pasty-white - O" | May 02, 2024 at 08:30 AM
"The question is, do you keep using a phrase like that when you know that one of its common meanings is horrific?"
You do, if you want to bother people and garner a reaction from them. Which seems to be the goal of many protests, graffiti, bridge/road shutdowns, etc., these days.
(I don't think the goal is to actually gain support.)
Posted by: Ron O | May 02, 2024 at 08:33 AM
Seems to me that the "counter-protesters" are the ones who initiated the latest conflicts, by going to the protest with an intent to commit violence.
Would we refer to those people as "Jewish Supremacists"?
One of the videos appears to show a guy getting punched in the nose, and falling over.
I don't know what drives people to do such things against strangers, or to seek it out in the first place. Reminds me of road rage.
One of the things I'm increasingly-learning is that no one really has much influence over others' beliefs and attitudes - even among those you're personally connected to. Maybe it's best to just put forth your argument, and then let them be.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/ucla-protest-campus-encampment-gaza-19434589.php
Posted by: Ron O | May 02, 2024 at 09:21 AM
Alan asks an open question about whether 'Bless our martyrs' suggest support for Hamas. I can't say anything about the intentions or beliefs of the person who wore it, but the term itself comes from the Arabic Shahid and refers to anyone who died in the faith. When I visited Gaza, many years ago it referred to all those who died - civilians who may have had no political beliefs and those involved in resistance (military or otherwise). My understanding is that nowadays, everyone in Gaza who has died in Israel's war is called a martyr. So it certainly does not mean by itself support of Hamas.
There are similar misconceptions/misunderstandings about the word Intifada (literally 'shake off') and From the river to the sea, Palestine might be free. Both do not mean either support for violence or destruction of Jewish people. I was in Israel and the occupied territories when the principle tactic of the intifada was kids throwing pebbles at military jeeps and most of the rest of the protests were non-violent. Similarly, everyone I know who uses the slogan about Palestine being free mean equality of rights and freedom for everyone in that territory. Of course there are different interpretations and understandings of these slogans, just as there are different beliefs about tactics for ending occupation and these slogans encompass all of them. But let's not make assumptions without basis.
In the end this focus on language feels like a deliberate distraction from the unprecedented death toll and wholesale destruction of Gaza, all with US financial and military support. It's also critical as the writer suggests to keep a clear distinction between rhetoric that attacks Netanyahu, Israel and even Zionism and real anti-semitic racism which most often comes from the far-right. Blurring the two helps no-one
Posted by: Nick Buxton | May 03, 2024 at 09:59 AM
"I was in Israel and the occupied territories when the principle tactic of the intifada was kids throwing pebbles at military jeeps and most of the rest of the protests were non-violent."
"Pebbles"? And how did Fred, Wilma, or "Bam-Bam" feel about that?
"When I visited Gaza, many years ago it referred to all those who died - civilians who may have had no political beliefs and those involved in resistance (military or otherwise). My understanding is that nowadays, everyone in Gaza who has died in Israel's war is called a martyr. So it certainly does not mean by itself support of Hamas."
I"m thinking this definition could apply to many in Germany, Japan, or Italy in regard to WWII. Probably in regard to any war, for that matter.
Posted by: Ron O | May 03, 2024 at 01:42 PM
In case it's not obvious, my corny joke was intended to poke fun at the use of the word "pebbles" (instead of rocks and possibly other objects - which is how I'd describe what I've seen over the years/decades on the news).
Still no match for an army, regardless.
Posted by: Ron O | May 03, 2024 at 08:52 PM
Yes, but throwing 'pebbles' makes it sound so innocent and peaceful doesn't it? Word choice matters. Oh, and not mentioning the literal violence of terrorists is a choice, too. And those children throwing rocks are the new crop from which young terrorists are harvested.
Posted by: Alan C. Miller | May 05, 2024 at 12:59 PM
Well, so much for these articles in which I ask a question and get no answer. So I had to do the research myself (i.e., I 'googled it'), and although it doesn't answer my question, I did find from the Enterprise that three people are supposed to receive rewards this Tuesday, May 7th:
1) Pattie Fong is a volunteer co-lead of Currents, which is the quarterly newspaper serving Yolo & Sacramento AANHPI communities for decades. Most recently, she researched and collaborated with Yolo County Supervisor Frerichs to rescind the racist anti-Japanese American resolution covering Yolo County, and she co-led Day of Remembrance to provide education about Japanese internment camps.
2) Annie Louise Temple is a long-time Davis resident and a Jewish woman who is married to a Palestinian man. She has two children who are Jewish and Palestinian. This past year, driven by the atrocities faced by children, who could easily have been her own, she has bravely organized with other members of the Jewish community as well as the broader Davis community to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and advocate against both Islamophobia and antisemitism. Temple also was one of the organizers for an interfaith vigil where over 100 diverse Davis citizens ranging from Jewish community members, Muslims, Christians and others came together to share words of grief, pain and action. Temple's tireless efforts in support of social justice and diversity, ensuring that Davis residents of all faiths and ethnicities feel supported, safe and heard.
3) CJ Millican is [under 18 and] an upstanding student with undeniable character. His views on diversity allows for collaboration with others from different backgrounds and multiple perspectives. As the communications manager for the Black Student Union, he fosters connections within the club and as a member of the Davis community, he values himself as an inclusive and accepting person who does his best to acknowledge all others and encourage togetherness. Millican has unfortunately had firsthand experience with not being acknowledged for his humanness. Regarding social justice, he has a heart for all marginalized minorities and is hopeful that the leaders of our country will someday reflect its citizens more so than currently.
So call me telepathic, but I'm guessing the person who does "good and bad" things whom some from the Jewish community seem critical of would be "Bachelor #2". I'm hoping marrying a Palestinian and making Jewish-Palestinian babies wasn't judged as the "bad" thing she did. I'm guessing "she has bravely organized with other members of the Jewish community as well as the broader Davis community to call for a ceasefire in Gaza" is more likely what was considered "bad". While that doesn't sound "bad" as described, many members of the 'Jewish community' aren't on board with the 'ceasefire' narrative as supported by the pro-Palestine lobby such as those present in City Council chambers when the word 'ceasefire' was added back in to the resolution. Those members of the 'Jewish community' who support the 'ceasefire' add in are generally known as 'Anti-Zionists', and are often not appreciated by other members of the 'Jewish community'. I'm wondering who worded this description of Annie Louise Temple with 'ceasefire' and 'members of the Jewish community'. As written, it is 'accurate', yet is quite one-sided.
" and advocate against both Islamophobia and antisemitism."
Loaded words that distort their meaning. How about 'against racial hatred of Muslims and Jews' instead ?
"Temple's tireless efforts in support of social justice and diversity, ensuring that Davis residents of all faiths and ethnicities feel supported, safe and heard."
Apparently, some members of the 'Jewish community' don't feel 'supported, safe and heard' by her tireless efforts.
But I diguess. That's guessing and digressing at the same time. Because still, no one has explained what has 'some members of the Jewish community' upset with Annie Louise Temple as an award choice. So I guess it's her, and then guess what is upsetting people. Because neither the Enterprise report, nor the contributor to the Vanguard, explained WHO or WHY.
Two days to go . . .
Should be an 'entertaining' City Council meeting on Tuesday.
Posted by: Alan C. Miller | May 05, 2024 at 01:53 PM
So many good points, Mr. Miller. My favorite:
"Let me also say that I believe awards are stupid and that government should never give out awards, because they tend to go to cronies and celebrate corruption."
You now have me wondering if my chances of winning a 'Davis Citizen of the Year' award are not very good 😊
Posted by: Beth "Moms for Liberty, Yolo County" Bourne | May 05, 2024 at 04:39 PM
My guess is that they'll give the award to the librarian, and claim that he protected Davis from "hate speech".
Posted by: Ron "assigned at birth" O | May 05, 2024 at 05:47 PM
Maybe they can hire O.J. postmortem to find the *real* tire slasher.
Too soon? :-|
Posted by: Alan C. Miller | May 05, 2024 at 07:44 PM
"Maybe they can hire O.J. postmortem to find the *real* tire slasher.
Too soon? :-|"
Not too soon. OJ, the killer, deserves anything thrown his way, even in Hell.
I wonder if there is really anyone left who still believes he was innocent?
Well, I take that back, there might be a few in Davis...
Posted by: Keith | May 06, 2024 at 07:43 AM