A Jewish history month?

[FreedomAngel82]

I'm watching CSPAN1 and they're now done with Christmas and now making an amendment that January be the Jewish history month. Schultz is apart of the making of the amendment and I think Porter (Jon, R) is helping her. I think it's a good idea. You don't get too much history in school of the Jews.

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. It's the bone they're throwing to make up for the War on Christmas

"Christianity is the Official Religion of the US" bill.

[GatoLover]

43. I was watching C-SPAN and I have a question

Both the "Protect Christianity" and "Jewish History" resolutions were passed by a voice vote, then the sponsor demanded the yeas-and-neas, but instead of ordering a rollcall vote the resolutions were deferred. Does anybody know what that was about?

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. Then we need an Italian history month and all the rest...

[still_one]

6. two points, first point I agree there should NOT be a

religious or ethnic month

second point, I find it interesting that your feelings do NOT seem to be on the basis of the constitution seperation of church and state, but your dislike for Israel, which you equate automatically with the Jews in America, as though Jews have an alligence to Israel before the U.S.

YOU ARE WRONG!!!

[HysteryDiagnosis]

12. Like most people, you confuse the activity of a country's government

with its people. Bad move. I rail against the wrongs that governments do in their peoples' names... nothing more, nothing less. Would you like me to always say "The government of Israel"? I can. I will. I have no ill will for ANY ethnicity, but take it that way if you like.

Now... are these people at odds with Israelis?? Or are they at odds with the actions of their government... think about it.

Declaration of Israeli Reservists
A Refusal to Serve in the West Bank and Gaza
We, reserve combat officers and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, who were raised upon the principles of Zionism, sacrifice and giving to the people of Israel and to the State of Israel, who have always served in the front lines, and who were the first to carry out any mission, light or heavy, in order to protect the State of Israel and strengthen it.

We, combat officers and soldiers who have served the State of Israel for long weeks every year, in spite of the dear cost to our personal lives, have been on reserve duty all over the Occupied Territories, and were issued commands and directives that had nothing to do with the security of our country, and that had the sole purpose of perpetuating our control over the Palestinian people. We, whose eyes have seen the bloody toll this Occupation exacts from both sides.

We, who sensed how the commands issued to us in the Territories, destroy all the values we had absorbed while growing up in this country.

We, who understand now that the price of Occupation is the loss of IDF’s human character and the corruption of the entire Israeli society.

We, who know that the Territories are not Israel, and that all settlements are bound to be evacuated in the end.

We hereby declare that we shall not continue to fight this War of the Settlements.

We shall not continue to fight beyond the 1967 borders in order to dominate, expel, starve and humiliate an entire people.

We hereby declare that we shall continue serving in the Israel Defense Forces in any mission that serves Israel’s defense.

The missions of occupation and oppression do not serve this purpose-- and we shall take no part in them.

http://www.seruv.org.il/defaultEng.asp

[still_one]

13. YOU ARE THE ONE WHO BROUGHT UP THE LIBERTY

THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE JEWS IN AMERICA, THAT IS ISRAEL. The thread was about JEWS NOT ABOUT GOVERNMENTS

[HysteryDiagnosis]

16. My bad, will edit it out, and will not do it again, you are right, and I

was completely wrong.

[still_one]

19. cool, I appreciate the dialog

like I said I do not believe the United States government should be involved in dedicating any month for any religion or ethnic group

People forget that we were founded as a secular country

[HysteryDiagnosis]

20. True that.... true that, our nation has been hijacked and that's a

fact. We point fingers at other fundamentalist driven countries and fail to look in the mirror. This has gotten us to exactly where we are and it is not such a good place to be in... (where we have gotten ourselves). Peace. ;)

[FreedomAngel82]

23. So what about black history month??

Should that be done away with?

[still_one]

30. I don't agree with that either

and it is NOT because I have a problem with Africian Americans, or Chinese Americans, etc.

I just feel the government should NOT be involved

However, I am all for it being part of a school's ciriculum

[UncleSepp]

32. How do you get it on a public curriculum without gov't?

[still_one]

36. the diversity of people that comprise the United States

I need to consider this further

[Aretha]

17. The sad fact is that, as Dr. kink observed

"Anti-Zionism" is, more often then not, simply a cover for plain old anti-Semitism. Sad but true.

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

33. You might want to change that to Dr King :)

[UncleSepp]

34. Aww, I kinda like it that way :-)

I'd like to know about Dr. Kink's dream... whooo hoo!

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

38. LMAO! Very good!

[Aretha]

60. LOL!

Whoops! Only his friends called him that :) .

j/k

[Coastie for Truth]

63. Especially by Progressives

and on Progressive Web Sites.

[UncleSepp]

15. Right, because Jewish history = Israeli history

Get off it.

Yes, the attack on the Liberty by Israel was inexcusable. However, that wasn't what was in Emma Lazarus's mind when she wrote the inscription for the Statue of Liberty. Israeli politics really didn't mean a whole lot when Major Blumenberg rode into battle for the Union at Antietam. When Jacob Barsimon was defending his town and also pressing for full citizenship rights for Jews in New Amsterdam in 1654, I doubt he had Israeli affairs on his mind.

To the Hebrew Congregations in the cities of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston and Richmond:

Gentlemen,—The liberality of sentiment towards each other which marks every political and religious denomination of men in this country, stands unparalleled in the history of nations.

The affection of such a people is a treasure beyond the reach of calculation: and the repeated proofs which my fellow-citizens have given of their attachment to me, and approbation of my doings, form the purest source of my temporal felicity. The affectionate expressions of your address again excite my gratitude and receive my warmest acknowledgments.

The power and goodness of the Almighty were strongly manifested in the events of the late glorious revolution: and his kind interposition in our behalf, has been no less visible in the establishment of our present equal government. In war he directed the sword, and in peace he has ruled in our councils. My agency in both has been guided by the best intentions and a sense of the duty which I owe my country.

And as my exertions have hitherto been amply rewarded by the approbation of my fellow-citizens, I shall endeavour to deserve a continuance of it by my future conduct.

May the same temporal and eternal blessings which you implore for me, rest upon your congregations.

George Washington.
1790

[FreedomAngel82]

24. It would be like black history month but for Jewish Americans

It would help create education on all Jews have done in the country just like with black history month. And yes it doesn't have anything to do with Israel.

[Behind the Aegis]

45. good job!

:thumbsup:

[UncleSepp]

65. Thanks... I'm trying

Learning, and trying, and trying again... every time I look, I am overwhelmed by what I don't know and don't understand.

:hug:

[Behind the Aegis]

66. Well...

:hug: for you to, friend!

We all do the best we can. Some try harder than others. I am glad you keep trying (so do I)!

[Coastie for Truth]

62. October is Italian History Month in many communities of the US

and March 19 is Italian Heritage Day (Feast of Saint Joseph) along both Coasts.

The Cathedral for the local Diocese is Saint Joseph Cathedral -- and March 19 is Italian heritage and History Day locally.

[UncleSepp]

3. Sounds like a good idea

It seems that there's not a good concept of Jewish history in America particularly, of how long Jews have been a part of American life and what that life was like.

[FreedomAngel82]

4. Yes

Seems like a lot of people in the House according to Schultz are supporting it on both sides of the isle. And as Schultz pointed out hopefully with more education it will get rid of hate.

[Pirate Smile]

8. Well, I don't think there are any Jewish Republicans in the House.

I remember watching C-span one time when Steny Hoyer and one of the GOP leaders were discussing when the session was going to end.

It was a Friday and Hoyer said they wanted to end before dusk for their Jewish Reps. He said something like "Well, don't your Jewish members need, whoops, never mind" (paraphrasing).

The joke was that this wasn't a concern of the Republicans because they don't have any Jewish Republican Representatives.

[FreedomAngel82]

25. It's not about Jewish republicans

It's republicans in general supporting it. Of course all the neocons are very pro-Israel.

[UncleSepp]

31. Reading this thread, I wonder if this is sneaky

Propose Jewish history month... pass Jewish history month... get people pissed off at Jews for barging into American life and for having the American government by the ear enough to get such a librul|nonsecular bill passed. Yay, unity for everybody!

[GatoLover]

37. Jewish Republicans in the House

Actually, there is one. He's Eric Cantor (R-Virginia).

[Pirate Smile]

40. Ahhh. Thanks and Welcome to DU.

:hi:

[Tomee450]

44. It will take much

more than a history month to get rid of the hate. Black history month has been around for a long time and black people, it seems to me, are still deeply hated by millions of whites in this country. Some of the comments heard during Black History month are despicable and racist. Also, Katrina showed graphically what many people in this country think of black people. I heard some of the most vile comments about African Americans. I'm still glad there is a Black History month though since for hundreds of years blacks were kept out of the history books and our contributions to this society went unrecognized.

[tocqueville]

5. how about an Enlightment history month

showing how people left the Middle-Ages through two world-famous revolutions, the American and the French. Which resulted in tremendous advances in science, healthcare and prolounged human life with 50% ?

[UncleSepp]

67. Seems like the Enlightenment is taught in school already

Hence, no need for any special month.

[still_one]

7. sorry but I don't agree with it

seperation of church and state

[UncleSepp]

18. Jewish history shows exactly why that separation is important

If you look at how hard Jews had to fight to be accepted with the full rights and privileges of citizenship, in other words, at history, you'll see the best argument for that separation and for the equality of religious practice under the law.

[still_one]

28. I don't think the government should be involved

I agree that Jews had to fight hard to be accepted with full rights and priviledges of citizenship, I know from personal experience of my grandparents, but so did many ethnic groups, such as the Chinese, Africian Americans, etc.

Just my view, it won't buy me a cup of coffee

[UncleSepp]

29. If the gov't isn't involved, then how does the curriculum...

... get into public schools?

If the month isn't about public school curricula, what's it going to be about? Jewish History Month shoe sales?

[still_one]

35. LOL, " about the shoe sales"

I just don't like the government setting aside a month for group of people. We are a melting pot

I will have to consider your points further

[LSK]

9. they are on to nascar now - whooohooooo

and WTF!!??!!?

[still_one]

10. what, a NASCAR history month???

[LSK]

11. here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=4444347&mesg_id=4444347

[FreedomAngel82]

27. No

To congratulate a guy who won a race or something. Didn't they do something for Carrie Underwood or some other entertainer like that?

[ck4829]

14. I wish they would make Liberal Irish-Italian Muslim Month

Because that would be a month dedicated all 100% to me.

:D

[secretmouse]

26. We'll have to extend the year!

..'cos I'm going to be demanding a Scots-Irish-English-Dash-O-Spanish month..that should cover all my bases!:woohoo:

[secretmouse]

21. BWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

You have got to be joking?

[walldude]

41. If I were Jewish I might construe your reply to be

anti-semetic.

Oh wait I am a Jew! ;)

It makes no difference to me whether there is a "Jewish History Month" or any other kind of history month for that matter, if I want to learn something I will look it up, I don't need a special month to do it in....

[secretmouse]

42. How Interesting

Walldude...you say you're Jewish, but you can't spell Anti-Semitic? Oy Vey!

Relax, I'm not anti-semitic one little bit,quite the reverse actually, I just thought the idea was absurd, that's all..didn't you see my other post?

I'm learning very quickly that on this particular board, one has to be very very careful about what one says; everything is taken so literally!..or is it "Politicalcorrectitis"..the scourge of true debate?

[walldude]

46. Hey poor spelling has no reflection on a persons religion

I was just joshin with ya, hence the wink, I didn't think you were really anti-semitic. :D
I thought the idea was kind of dumb myself...

[FreedomAngel82]

54. It's more for schools I believe

To educate the kids on Jews like they do during black history month.

[ikojo]

22. Most people think Jewish history is only

the Holocaust and then all they see is suffering Jews. Very few people know that there were uprisings at the camps.

[still_one]

39. true, but most didn't even realize they were marching

into gas chambers, and most don't know about the capos either

That is why as far as the Jews are concerned it will be NEVER AGAIN

[fujiyama]

47. I'm not a big fan

of segmenting educational months for various ethnic and racial groups. I'd rather have a school curriculum that emphasises and teaches the accomplishments of all races throughout the year. Accomplishments by Jews, Blacks, and other groups shouldn't be tought during one particular month, but throughout. Jews and Blacks have played an integral part in US history and culture. I think it'd be impossible to explain all the influence the two groups (among others) have played on US history and culture. Hell, two months would barely be enough time to go over just the cultural impact of African American and Jewish entertainers in the twenties with just music alone.

[Behind the Aegis]

48. I agree with you in philosophy.

However, we both know that American history that is currently taught in the US is woefully lacking. So, until the curricula changes, the sad fact is, these type of "History" months do a great service, not only to the target group, but to others who would have never been exposed to the richness of American history.

[KharmaTrain]

49. As A Jew, I Hate The Idea

As a black friend says about Feburary being African-American month "hey, that's great, not only can they ignore and despise us in a condesending fashion, but they can exploit it for their own profit." And the blacks don't even get a full month...just 28 days. Figures. We play "feel-good" appreciation for one month and then treat them like shit the other 11.

Christians get the history of the Jews every time they open the Old Testament. Didn't seem to make too much of an impression. Whats a month gonna do?

[Behind the Aegis]

50. That's certainly one way to look at it.

I, however, see this as a good opportunity to add Jews to the richness of the American experience, as we are often left out of it in the books. While I certainly agree that this history should already be taught, we all know it is not. I said in another post, this is good for the target group because they get to feel apart of the American experience, and it is good for the non-target group because they are exposed to the reality that America is more than a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant nation and has always been culturally diverse, even if just for one month...better to be ignored 11 months, than 12.

[Colorado Blue]

51. I agree. I think it's important.

[KharmaTrain]

52. I Sure Consider Myself Part of The "American Experience"

At least that's what my tax accountant says.

I understand your OP and playing a bit of devil's advocate with you. I grew up as a child of the "Holocoust Generation"...growing up in a predominately Jewish area (I honestly don't remember knowing any xtians as a kid) and was always reminded that one couldn't trust the "gentiles". I also experienced both overt and benign anti-semitism and see it for the ignorance it is.

Unfortunately, attempting to "market" Judiasm...which is what a "Jewish month" would be...would be a feel-good thing for Jews, but would serve to point out the differences rather than the inclusiveness it appears you're looking to achieve. Truth be known, I don't wear my Judiasm overtly and I don't care if anyone knows or not or how they look at my faith. If they have a problem with Judiasm...that's just one of many...bets are they also feel the same about blacks, hispanics and probably Catholics (unless they are one).

The issue in this country that will always endure is tolerance and indifference. I'm sad to believe that we'll never have that "parity" where all are equal...the best we can work toward are laws that give the oppressed a form of redress and then to teach acceptance rather than try to cram the specifics down their throats. I don't care if the "goys" learn about the Exodus or Diaspera...or if they know what a shtetl is...all I care is that when I look at another person I just see a human being, not an "ism".

[Behind the Aegis]

53. Experiences.

I am a little younger than you, I am guessing. I had a radically different experience than you. I lived in places (as I do now) that didn't have a synagogue or a Jewish community to speak of. In 5th grade, a classmate threatened to blow my face off with a shotgun because I was a "Christ killer" (I had to have my parents explain that to me). Instead of being invited to teach people about Chanukkah, I was made to sit in the hallway during Christmas parties. So, I was very distrustful of non-Jewish people, even though my mother's half of the family is Christian (mostly Methodist). There were places my mother would hide her star of David necklace because it could have provoked an incident.

So, for me, special months are important. It allows for minorities to be included. It allows for people to explore cultures they might not be familiar with, or were afraid to explore because of stigma. And, although I know I will never see the day when people are treated as the one the race they are, human, I feel it is important to get the information out there.

As for a Jewish month, I don't think it should be about the religion (what is kosher, etc.) per se, but about the experiences of those who are Jewish and what they have had to, and continue to, endure, what they have accomplished, what challenges they face, and why the identity is important. I have spent the past 15 years doing diversity presentations on a number of groups and I have found the ones who get the most from it are the ones who never felt they had the opportunity to explore something outside of their own little world.

[FreedomAngel82]

55. So sad

I'm sorry about your awful experiences. :( :hug: I think that's what they're trying to do, or the impression I got the impression of. It's not about religion but about a community of people and their history in America.

[Behind the Aegis]

57. Thanks!

:)

As bad as they were, they did make me who I am. I also feel they made me more willing to learn about other minorities. I tend to agree with you that I believe it is not about the religion, but the community. The tapestry of our country is so rich, it only seems right that we should acknowledge that fact.

:hi:

[KharmaTrain]

56. It's Very Understandable...But

...as my late grandmother would say "they're gonna hate us anyway". I fought as much with the myopic Jewish mindset as I have with Christians...probably more.

I'm sorry to hear of your experiences and I've encountered my own. Several years ago, I worked at a radio station and almost lost my job as Program Director when some local, high-rolling fundie (and a big advertiser) found out there was a "Jew" running the local radio station. The owner didn't fire me, but he did prohibit me from working on his commercials...BFD, I not only refused to work on his account for the remainder of the time I was there, but helped develop a very successful campaign for his main competitor. Payback is a bitch.

While I grew up in predominately Jewish areas, I've lived, like you, in areas where we are the only Jewish family in the neighborhood. It's interesting that the people who've been the most interested in learning about Jews, as you suggest, are blacks. I have several black friends who I've invited to attend our synagogue and I've experienced being part of their AME and Southern Baptist services. I also have a Mormon friend that we have promised to do the same...we constantly play contrast/comparison between our faiths and experiences and when you get to that level, that's where real understanding kicks in. In essence, everyone is a minority...even the fundies feel that way.

Again, I'm playing Devil's advocate here...as I would love for all people to gain a greater understanding of one another and to accept differences rather than to exploit them.

I think our real problem is an American cultural mypoic view of the world and other cultures. Our corporate media attempts to define and stereotype them based upon some "American standard" that generally makes this country superior to all. For example, Liebermann equating Iraqi progress with people running around with cellphones....purely a myopic American attitude.

Cheers...

[Behind the Aegis]

58. The Devil's advocate...

Isn't it interesting that you do that? :) I grew up with the adage, "Two Jews, three opinions!" LOL! We are questioning bunch, aren't we?

Thank you for your sympathy. Like you though, I am sure you can appreciate that those experiences helped us become who we are today. What is important is that we share those experiences with others, even one another.

I agree that we should understand the differences of others without exploiting them. However, sometimes we have to take the bad with the good. We still have a racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic society. BUT, look how far we have come in 50 years. 20 years. 10 years. This past year! While American ethnocentrism is strong, there are still many who reject it or question it. Would that have happened just a few scant years ago?

We have along way to go to make the human experience better. It is our responsibility to lay bricks in that road, which was provided by those who came before us. One of those bricks needs to be, no, must, be that they (minorities) have led us to where we are! We can do this by having special months, until our human experience is more understanding.

:hi:

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

68. Don't do me any favors by having a month dedicated

to Jewish History. Jewish chick here.

This reminds me of a conversation I had w/ my freeper asshole boss yesterday. He was signing and I was stuffing "holiday" cards to go out yesterday. Earlier in the day, he had our office manager forward an email from him to us regarding our "end of year holiday bash." I'll post it here for your 'enjoyment':

___________requests the pleasure of your presence for liquids, pre eats and dinner on 29 December 2005 at 7 PM at ______Country Club....to be followed by dessert, coffee, more liquids, water..etc...at (the boss's house).

Dinner has been scheduled to be served at 7:45 PM and dessert will be when we feel like it....Dinner will be cooked to order based upon your selection that night from four or five of the Chef's entrees. Dessert will be courtesy of boss's wife's at his home! Bring your better half or find one and let us know how many so the dinner table can be set for us....Need a count by 20 Dec.

Look forward to enjoying the evening with you....Merry Christmas....yes, Merry Christmas (he underlines second Merry Christmas).

Note from me to DU: Wonderful. It's at a country club... to which I'm sure there are no Jewish, African-American or other minority groups allowed to join, at least not in the past, right?
_______________________________________________

Anyhow, he asks me, "How'd you like the email I sent?" I said, "Happy Hanukkah, ______!" I've been working for the guy for 6 1/2 years, and he knows I'm Jewish. He likes to tease me about the fact I'm Jewish (like somehow, he finds it quaint and shit). Whatever. I do my best to give him shit back, or at best, educate the moran. He starts saying how the country is going in the direction of political correctness, blahdeeblah. I say, "Well, ______, saying "Happy Holidays" is more inclusive. Some of our clients, for instance, _________________, don't celebrate Christmas. We don't want to exclude them, for instance." I said, "Look, enjoy your holiday. I'll enjoy mine, though it's a minor one that just happens to come this time of year." Then he goes, "Well, the Jewish merchants sure do profit this time of year," to which I reply, "Yeah, well you know, last time I checked, Walmart isn't owned by Jews!" He said, "Well that's a good point." I said, "People have to make a living." I said, "Where do you get your opinions?" He replied, "Life experience." I said, "Well you need to get out more...out of the area, especially."

I guess my point is, I don't know that having a month dedicated to Jewish history is going to change people's deep-seeded opinions. For me, I can only be the best Jew I can and try to lead a noble life.

Rant over.

[entanglement]

59. Waiting for all the right wingers to label this 'PC multicultural shit'

Hello Horowitz, Jonah, Rush!

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

69. See my post above.

[RagingInMiami]

61. What next?

Making December Christian History Month?

You're right about us not getting to much history in school about the Jews, but we get hardly any history about anything outside of George Washington and Abe Lincoln.

[RagingInMiami]

64. Say what you want

But "Jewish History Month" is very patronizing. Check out what Morgan Freeman has to say about "Black History Month".

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051215/ap_en_ce/people_morgan_freeman