Avishay BSG (Ben-Sasson-Gordis)
@avishaybsg.bsky.social
Normative Theory of Civ-Mil especially under democratic backsliding | Liberalism Rekindled Postdoctoral Fellow @Hebrew U | Ruderman Scholar in Residence and Senior Researcher at the INSS | Napper extraordinaire | Kartofellophile
And their families in certain cases from what I understand
November 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
And their families in certain cases from what I understand
Yup yup. We know it's coming after all
November 11, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Yup yup. We know it's coming after all
You'll be there for the backlash
November 11, 2025 at 12:22 PM
You'll be there for the backlash
זה הדוברות שלהם.
November 11, 2025 at 10:29 AM
זה הדוברות שלהם.
I agree and I agree about the disgrace of the silent from the Israeli center in particular. OTOH many of us aren’t silent about it. And I chose objectionable as shorthand here. My view of the bill is extremely negative in many fronts.
November 11, 2025 at 8:22 AM
I agree and I agree about the disgrace of the silent from the Israeli center in particular. OTOH many of us aren’t silent about it. And I chose objectionable as shorthand here. My view of the bill is extremely negative in many fronts.
I’m happy (you know what I mean) to accept that. I’d rather work to have an Israel that doesn’t require that kind of double think. Btw, for many of us who are global liberals, the US often raises the same issue.
November 9, 2025 at 5:22 AM
I’m happy (you know what I mean) to accept that. I’d rather work to have an Israel that doesn’t require that kind of double think. Btw, for many of us who are global liberals, the US often raises the same issue.
Most American Jews, who at this point still identify as Zionists, criticized Israeli conduct in the war, object to the settlements, support a two state solution and supported a ceasefire.
November 9, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Most American Jews, who at this point still identify as Zionists, criticized Israeli conduct in the war, object to the settlements, support a two state solution and supported a ceasefire.
Or it leads to a sharp criticism of Israeli actions as it does for many Jewish leaders. I think both can and do happen
November 9, 2025 at 5:07 AM
Or it leads to a sharp criticism of Israeli actions as it does for many Jewish leaders. I think both can and do happen
Essentially, no. Contingently true to the point it may as well be, in my opinion is yes. And I agree (mutatis mutandis) for the Palestinians which is one more reason I support a Palestinian state.
November 9, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Essentially, no. Contingently true to the point it may as well be, in my opinion is yes. And I agree (mutatis mutandis) for the Palestinians which is one more reason I support a Palestinian state.
Great. I sign on to most of this which is why I’ve been in the political opposition in Israel for most of my adult life. But bringing it back to where we started, if that’s his position, then it’s no wonder why people for whom Israeli-Jewish connection is core part of identity won’t endorse him.
November 9, 2025 at 5:01 AM
Great. I sign on to most of this which is why I’ve been in the political opposition in Israel for most of my adult life. But bringing it back to where we started, if that’s his position, then it’s no wonder why people for whom Israeli-Jewish connection is core part of identity won’t endorse him.
The question here isn’t what is my first order preferred solution. It’s whether Mamdani’s position *to which he is entitled, and not because I say so on the internet, but because he’s a person*, is that he’s okay with a Jewish state under certain conditions, which some people care about.
November 9, 2025 at 4:57 AM
The question here isn’t what is my first order preferred solution. It’s whether Mamdani’s position *to which he is entitled, and not because I say so on the internet, but because he’s a person*, is that he’s okay with a Jewish state under certain conditions, which some people care about.
I don’t find anything wrong with it. I just don’t think it’s the equivalent of talking about accepting the idea of Israel as a national home for the Jewish people (w. equal rights for all citizens) alongside a Palestine, that at least in my book has no settler presence in it if they don’t want it.
November 9, 2025 at 4:55 AM
I don’t find anything wrong with it. I just don’t think it’s the equivalent of talking about accepting the idea of Israel as a national home for the Jewish people (w. equal rights for all citizens) alongside a Palestine, that at least in my book has no settler presence in it if they don’t want it.
Given Israeli naturalization laws (which should include a realistic non Jewish version) the distinction is not as sharp. And as I keep reiterating, as someone who works for equal treatment here, I also came to appreciate the historical significance Jewish people have a haven of last resort.
November 9, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Given Israeli naturalization laws (which should include a realistic non Jewish version) the distinction is not as sharp. And as I keep reiterating, as someone who works for equal treatment here, I also came to appreciate the historical significance Jewish people have a haven of last resort.
I assume the quote is what you say here verbatim. I didn’t look it up
November 9, 2025 at 4:44 AM
I assume the quote is what you say here verbatim. I didn’t look it up
The Israeli people elides the Jewish element here. Again, fair play for him, and too bad this became a major issue in the race, but I continue to understand why the assumption is that he doesn’t accept the notion.
November 9, 2025 at 4:44 AM
The Israeli people elides the Jewish element here. Again, fair play for him, and too bad this became a major issue in the race, but I continue to understand why the assumption is that he doesn’t accept the notion.
I think so too
November 9, 2025 at 4:42 AM
I think so too
And in this context, I’m inclined to interpret you posting this without comment as saying that since the two state solution is a lie then effectively there’s no room to voice actual political support for Israel is a Jewish state alongside Palestine. Have I misinterpreted your thoughts here?
November 9, 2025 at 4:41 AM
And in this context, I’m inclined to interpret you posting this without comment as saying that since the two state solution is a lie then effectively there’s no room to voice actual political support for Israel is a Jewish state alongside Palestine. Have I misinterpreted your thoughts here?
Thank you for this. I’m aware of Malley and elAgha’s view. I disagree that it can’t be done and actually dedicate a good bit of my time working to make it a reality and working toward an equal Israeli society.
November 9, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Thank you for this. I’m aware of Malley and elAgha’s view. I disagree that it can’t be done and actually dedicate a good bit of my time working to make it a reality and working toward an equal Israeli society.
Has he said that last sentence? I haven’t been able to find it in his words.
November 9, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Has he said that last sentence? I haven’t been able to find it in his words.
Assume I agree for the sake of conversation. And regardless, it’s a fair explanation for why M answers the way he does, but the price is that people are left legit thinking he rejects even the lib version of a Jewish state alongside a free Palestinian one.
November 9, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Assume I agree for the sake of conversation. And regardless, it’s a fair explanation for why M answers the way he does, but the price is that people are left legit thinking he rejects even the lib version of a Jewish state alongside a free Palestinian one.
Israel shouldn’t have become a major point in the mayoral race. But it did. And then every time he got asked about the Jewish state issue he opted for speaking about equality. Which again, is his right, but then no wonder people assume he’s not ok with even a liberal Jewish state vision.
November 9, 2025 at 4:27 AM
I don’t disagree
November 9, 2025 at 4:26 AM
I don’t disagree