Given the leaflet sent about world pride in Jerusalem?

Question

Today it was reported that a leaflet has been circulated throughout Israel in regards to World Pride 2006. It reads "Death to Sodomites" and encourages the murder of gays and also shows how to make molotov cocktails to throw at participants. Orthodox Jews appear to be responsible. How should we react? Should we not only condemn this provocation but also immidiately boycott all Israeli products and travel? What should mainstream Israelis do or say? I would like to hear from Jews both in and out of Israel. This is a serious concern especially given the treatment of Jews by others both in the past and currently. You would think they (meaning those who approve of this) would know better. It was not only Jews in camps.

As reported at Advocate.com today July 12, 2006

To rosends, if you look at what I said, I stated "it appears" to be orthodox jews. Secondly, I find it funny you speak of collective punishment given how Israel has collectively punished Palestinians for what some terrorists have done, not all Palestinians are terrorist are they? Be careful when you make such statements, they can be used against you.

Ok, I seem to be getting some responses although with rosends I seem to have toched a nerve, unfortunate, but an answer is an answer.

Answer 1

If true, it gives voice to the anti-Israeli faction that all Israelis are intolerant of those who do not subscribe to their beliefs.

Answer 2

You are just as much to blame when you lump all Orthodox Jews together in your assigning of guilt, and you practice collective punishment against an entire country becaus of the acts of a few.

I am an orthodox Jew who sees homosexuality as a private issue. Yes, it is against my beliefs and as such, don't expect to see me at your parade (I also wouldn't go to a heterosexual pride parade -- sexuality is private). But murder is unacceptable and encouraging it is against religious law.

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Actually, without giving any proof, you state "Orthodox Jews appear to be responsible" and then you look for reaction. You have taken some "appearance" and turned it into cause for response. Don't parse sentences and split hairs here -- you have jumped to conclusions and ned to weasel out. If I had said "gays appear to be responsible" you would not have let me off the hook by dint of the word "appear". Then, you generalize from orthodox jews (and if you knew about Orthodox jews, you'd know how strange a generalization that already is) to all Israelis and recommend a fiscal response to a social issue. How englightened you are. I guess you boycott all American products when gays are not allowed to march in the St. Patrick's day parade, or stop eating or buying anything from Texas when a homosexual man is killed by three Texans (well, it "appears" to be Texans).

As to the issue of collective punishment, please don't let your ignorance of Middle East politics get in the way of your oh, so righteous anger. First off, there are no palestinians until there is a sovereign state of palestine, which there isn't. Then please educate yourself about the difference between securing your borders and defending yourself against external threats (while protecting rights of citizens -- yes, there are many Israeli arabs, including those n the Parliament and on the Supreme Court) and blindly killing civilians in Sbarros and Discos...to say that israel is punishing "all" 'palestinians' is to create a fiction and then create fantasy around it to justify your bizarre train of thought.

Please don't make statements without basis in fact -- they can be used against you by someone who can give citation and proof for everything he has said ;)

Answer 3

I don't have a problem with folks expressing their sexuality, but it should be done in the proper place. (Try San Francisco, or Amsterdam, or even Tel Aviv).
Not Jerusalem. This is a religious and solemn place.
Religious Jews don't put their lifestyle in your face, why do it to them? It's an issue of basic respect for other people.

I would think the gay community would marvel at what a tolerant place Israel is. It's the only country in the region where someone can be openly gay without being murdered!
Next time try holding the gay pride parade in Riyadh... See how that goes over.

Answer 4

I think the people responsible should be punished, which is not the same as the entire country or group.

I wouldn't go out of fear for my life.