Eve, I have sent your column to my Jewish relatives who are so embedded in their leftist ideas that they cannot see straight. I started sending them out before the election, and several have reported to me that they have subscribed. Your voice is important. It is even more important to our fellow Jews, who subscribed to the liberal religion before their own Jewishness.
What you endured would have cowed most hearts less stout than yours. You are a lioness. I just had a chat with a creator of a Jewish activist sticker campaign in NYC. We both agree that most American Jews are too incurious and too deep in the conditioning of galut appeasement to save themselves. Against this, you shine like a beacon, pointing the way.
For the past month or so, when I'm not deep in Substack I'm wading my way through Nevi'im (Prophets). I believe it's in Jeremiah (although it's probably also in Isaiah) that G-d rails at how the Jews have become too assimilated and accommodating to the Canaanite natives and the Assyrian and Babylonian hoards. G-d wipes out Israel altogether (hence 10 lost tribes) and most of Judea, leaving a small remnant of faithful to carry on. I've been thinking lately about this, how in every generation we have a massacre, and I think how like a farmer, in every generation G-d thins the Jews. Thinning makes the individuals in a planting stronger. I think, this is how G-d works, the principles that apply to one life form G-d generalizes to all life forms. I think of those Jews who repeat Hamas lies out of appeasement and I think, these will bring on the wrath, these will bring on the thinning.
*The* Jews won't survive. *Some* Jews will survive. Sometimes I think that the notion of Jews being a Chosen People may really be a thing, that because we are Chosen, we are thinned in every generation like a crop of carrots. And we are thinned because otherwise we would not grow deep and straight.
Do you know about the Eastern coyote? At the turn of the last century, wolves and coyotes were hunted mercilessly in the US. In the east, wolves were hunted to extinction, although they survive in the west, where they're still hunted with helicopters. When coyotes are culled, it turns out they have larger litters, so instead of making the coyote population smaller, culling actually makes it larger. Because a piece of territory can only support so many coyotes, that forced many western coyotes to migrate north and east. In the north, they interbred with wolves. In the east, they interbred with dogs. After a hundred years of this, the new breed of Eastern coyote had developed. Bigger and more savvy about the ways of humans than western coyotes. More agile and wily than wolves. In essence, persecution created in the Eastern coyote a super-breed. You will find Eastern coyotes in all major cities, in New York, in Boston, everywhere. You'll find them in suburbs, in your backyards. You find them in the country. They can live anywhere and everywhere.
Jews are like Eastern coyotes. The ones who are not culled are the smartest and toughest (and luckiest). Are you the work of a tough love G-d who forces you into the best version of yourself you can be? I think so. And those of us who want to survive? We have to become lions too. Or at least coyotes.
Demography is destiny. In the USA, there are six million Jews. In 100 years there will still be six, maybe seven million. 90% Dattim. Others are assimilating, fewer children, etc. Dying out, so to speak. Orthodox have 8+ kids. It’s a matter of math. Don’t @ me.
I've been saying something similar (although not as eloquently) for years, that those who hate us have actually made us stronger. Let's face it - not too many dumb or passive Jews came out of the Holocaust alive. The strong, smart and resilient Jews survived. Kind of the opposite of the movie, "Idiocracy." I wonder how many jihadists realize they're toughening up Israeli Jews and supporters, in a similar way?
There was a miniseries about Masada, which aired in 1981. If my memory is correct, there's a scene where Peter Strauss (playing the Jewish leader) tells Peter O'Toole (the Roman general leading the attack), "Would you like to know the secret to defeating the Jewish people? Just leave us alone." So the opposite must be true, and has proven to be true for thousands of years.
This response brought tears to my eyes. What a spot on metaphor for the Jews and while painful, the “thinning” makes sense. I recently learned about the Erev Rav. G-d has been warning us about the appeasers since Moses.
Your strong evocation of the combat you led in the past few years conjures up, I think, the oft quoted phrase from Friedrich Nietzsche: “Out of life's school of war - what doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.”
This exemplifies your big comeback Eve Barlow. Stay strong.
“We haven’t left the Democrats, the Democrats have left us,” said many wiser than me. And yet, the bombardment from the MSM clearly shows total lack of self awareness as they continue to double down on what failed them. Their nonstop vitriol is on full display. These people are the modern day Jacobins. Totally unaware that the ideology they are so sure is correct, so sure is inclusive, is not. The guillotines are there for them as well. They always are. They will see no quarter.
For what it's worth, I don't think America is a "racist country." I think human nature tends to racism, and governments and societies do better and worse pressing bigotry into the smallest space possible. I think our country has done a remarkable job of that given that we are a melting pot held together by the Constitution and not a particular racial or ethnic identity. I think one of the greatest sins of the progressive elite over the past few decades has been their doubling down on race with the object of gaining power, causing a lapse in our secular gains.
The left long ago lost faith in the working class as a huge disappointment. I find myself wondering whether their attempt to mobilize power through racial division will suffer disappointment because black and brown people are not voting according to instruction. Witness Michelle Obama's obnoxious and arrogant hectoring of black men.
Beautiful words as always, Eve. Eloquent, thoughtful, insightful while still deeply caring for a world that has hurt you so much. Proud of you, strong woman! 🙏
Eve, thank you for responding. I do want to tell you a funny thing. One of my California relatives has been reading your newsletter and having her husband read it. He said “I can’t believe I’m agreeing with this right Lady.“ I just cracked up when she said that. I said this is not right wing.
What you have been through— before Oct 7! And yet here you are, a “thought leader” with your inspiration, articulation and bad assery.
I do try to understand the logic of my fellow Jews who voted for Kamala. As long as we have mutual respect I’m good. There was a guest author on the Future of Jewish a few months ago who admitted to donating to BLM knowing they were anti semitic. While I appreciated his honesty I could not grasp this mentality. Sigh.
Eve, it is as if your personal trials and tribulations--and your overcoming them--prepared you for being one of the most powerful Jewish voices after Oct.7. May you see more blessings from that lonely stance you took against anti-Semitism, years ago and without hesitation, when taking such a stance could only bring harm to yourself.
Super pleased with Trump's appointments of Elise Stefanik, Marco Rubio, and Mike Waltz. Each a strong and consistent voice for Israel and against anti-semitism. Also appreciative of the diminished whining from some of my Trump hating friends as they acclimate to their new reality. Enjoying each day and praying this portends better things for Israel and Jews everywhere.
Eve, I have sent your column to my Jewish relatives who are so embedded in their leftist ideas that they cannot see straight. I started sending them out before the election, and several have reported to me that they have subscribed. Your voice is important. It is even more important to our fellow Jews, who subscribed to the liberal religion before their own Jewishness.
What you endured would have cowed most hearts less stout than yours. You are a lioness. I just had a chat with a creator of a Jewish activist sticker campaign in NYC. We both agree that most American Jews are too incurious and too deep in the conditioning of galut appeasement to save themselves. Against this, you shine like a beacon, pointing the way.
For the past month or so, when I'm not deep in Substack I'm wading my way through Nevi'im (Prophets). I believe it's in Jeremiah (although it's probably also in Isaiah) that G-d rails at how the Jews have become too assimilated and accommodating to the Canaanite natives and the Assyrian and Babylonian hoards. G-d wipes out Israel altogether (hence 10 lost tribes) and most of Judea, leaving a small remnant of faithful to carry on. I've been thinking lately about this, how in every generation we have a massacre, and I think how like a farmer, in every generation G-d thins the Jews. Thinning makes the individuals in a planting stronger. I think, this is how G-d works, the principles that apply to one life form G-d generalizes to all life forms. I think of those Jews who repeat Hamas lies out of appeasement and I think, these will bring on the wrath, these will bring on the thinning.
*The* Jews won't survive. *Some* Jews will survive. Sometimes I think that the notion of Jews being a Chosen People may really be a thing, that because we are Chosen, we are thinned in every generation like a crop of carrots. And we are thinned because otherwise we would not grow deep and straight.
Do you know about the Eastern coyote? At the turn of the last century, wolves and coyotes were hunted mercilessly in the US. In the east, wolves were hunted to extinction, although they survive in the west, where they're still hunted with helicopters. When coyotes are culled, it turns out they have larger litters, so instead of making the coyote population smaller, culling actually makes it larger. Because a piece of territory can only support so many coyotes, that forced many western coyotes to migrate north and east. In the north, they interbred with wolves. In the east, they interbred with dogs. After a hundred years of this, the new breed of Eastern coyote had developed. Bigger and more savvy about the ways of humans than western coyotes. More agile and wily than wolves. In essence, persecution created in the Eastern coyote a super-breed. You will find Eastern coyotes in all major cities, in New York, in Boston, everywhere. You'll find them in suburbs, in your backyards. You find them in the country. They can live anywhere and everywhere.
Jews are like Eastern coyotes. The ones who are not culled are the smartest and toughest (and luckiest). Are you the work of a tough love G-d who forces you into the best version of yourself you can be? I think so. And those of us who want to survive? We have to become lions too. Or at least coyotes.
So my next tattoo is a coyote? Sorted. Love this comment.
Demography is destiny. In the USA, there are six million Jews. In 100 years there will still be six, maybe seven million. 90% Dattim. Others are assimilating, fewer children, etc. Dying out, so to speak. Orthodox have 8+ kids. It’s a matter of math. Don’t @ me.
I've been saying something similar (although not as eloquently) for years, that those who hate us have actually made us stronger. Let's face it - not too many dumb or passive Jews came out of the Holocaust alive. The strong, smart and resilient Jews survived. Kind of the opposite of the movie, "Idiocracy." I wonder how many jihadists realize they're toughening up Israeli Jews and supporters, in a similar way?
There was a miniseries about Masada, which aired in 1981. If my memory is correct, there's a scene where Peter Strauss (playing the Jewish leader) tells Peter O'Toole (the Roman general leading the attack), "Would you like to know the secret to defeating the Jewish people? Just leave us alone." So the opposite must be true, and has proven to be true for thousands of years.
This response brought tears to my eyes. What a spot on metaphor for the Jews and while painful, the “thinning” makes sense. I recently learned about the Erev Rav. G-d has been warning us about the appeasers since Moses.
That was an interesting and thought provoking analogy, Shelah. Thank you for that!
Your strong evocation of the combat you led in the past few years conjures up, I think, the oft quoted phrase from Friedrich Nietzsche: “Out of life's school of war - what doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.”
This exemplifies your big comeback Eve Barlow. Stay strong.
And a great Kelly Clarkson song 🤣
Brilliant as always, Eve. And I'm so sorry for what you went through personally.
“We haven’t left the Democrats, the Democrats have left us,” said many wiser than me. And yet, the bombardment from the MSM clearly shows total lack of self awareness as they continue to double down on what failed them. Their nonstop vitriol is on full display. These people are the modern day Jacobins. Totally unaware that the ideology they are so sure is correct, so sure is inclusive, is not. The guillotines are there for them as well. They always are. They will see no quarter.
For what it's worth, I don't think America is a "racist country." I think human nature tends to racism, and governments and societies do better and worse pressing bigotry into the smallest space possible. I think our country has done a remarkable job of that given that we are a melting pot held together by the Constitution and not a particular racial or ethnic identity. I think one of the greatest sins of the progressive elite over the past few decades has been their doubling down on race with the object of gaining power, causing a lapse in our secular gains.
The left long ago lost faith in the working class as a huge disappointment. I find myself wondering whether their attempt to mobilize power through racial division will suffer disappointment because black and brown people are not voting according to instruction. Witness Michelle Obama's obnoxious and arrogant hectoring of black men.
Thank you. Again. For your words. And I'm so sorry, you had to go through all of that the past four years. Keep shining your light 💫
Beautiful words as always, Eve. Eloquent, thoughtful, insightful while still deeply caring for a world that has hurt you so much. Proud of you, strong woman! 🙏
Eve, thank you for responding. I do want to tell you a funny thing. One of my California relatives has been reading your newsletter and having her husband read it. He said “I can’t believe I’m agreeing with this right Lady.“ I just cracked up when she said that. I said this is not right wing.
Omg yeh no I’m the farthest from right wing.
I am a Jew.... thank you.
Eve, you are brilliant and eloquent, and your words are meaningful and powerful beyond belief. I hope you can feel how much we value you.
I feel it a great degree. Thank you.
What you have been through— before Oct 7! And yet here you are, a “thought leader” with your inspiration, articulation and bad assery.
I do try to understand the logic of my fellow Jews who voted for Kamala. As long as we have mutual respect I’m good. There was a guest author on the Future of Jewish a few months ago who admitted to donating to BLM knowing they were anti semitic. While I appreciated his honesty I could not grasp this mentality. Sigh.
Eve, it is as if your personal trials and tribulations--and your overcoming them--prepared you for being one of the most powerful Jewish voices after Oct.7. May you see more blessings from that lonely stance you took against anti-Semitism, years ago and without hesitation, when taking such a stance could only bring harm to yourself.
Eve you are incredible human being and a wonderful writer. I have also shared your column with many. Your words/strength give me hope.
Eve’s is the Substack I’ve shared the most and I think I now subscribe to 200. Oy.
Super pleased with Trump's appointments of Elise Stefanik, Marco Rubio, and Mike Waltz. Each a strong and consistent voice for Israel and against anti-semitism. Also appreciative of the diminished whining from some of my Trump hating friends as they acclimate to their new reality. Enjoying each day and praying this portends better things for Israel and Jews everywhere.
Oh it's stopped for you? Lucky you. It is only escalating for me lol.
Offer them some cheese with their whine, then walk away. You are dope, the bomb! Keep tickling those keys and let the words flow. Gratitude.
Thanks for sharing with us, Eve. Stay strong. We're with you.