Imagine a demonstration in Amsterdam against the devastating impact of terrorism and oppressive regimes in Africa—a continent grappling with unparalleled violence over the past decade. In 2023, the Sahel witnessed over 11,600 deaths, with 67% occurring in Burkina Faso, while Somalia recorded 7,643 fatalities fueled by al-Shabaab. Sudan’s conflict claimed over 9,000 lives, including 4,000 civilians, and displaced 5 million people. Millions more across the continent remain uprooted. Why is this crisis so often ignored? Is it because the West cannot be directly blamed, or because the perpetrators include jihadist groups, along with external influences from Russia and China?
Probably a mix of issues. West cannot be blamed, jihadist groups, lack of media coverage and everyone is busy going after Israel. But also think about China. Deep commercial interests prevent many from taking a stand against human rights abuses there (and China also plays an increasing role in Africa).
It seems obvious to me that Israel's leadership currently represents its own interests that are not necessarily the interests of all Jewish people worldwide. You have reported in this before. I can easily imagine a significant number of Jews are very defensive whether they support Benjamin Netanyahu or are opposed to his counter-offensive - - images of a past horrific relocation and holocaust of Jews loom large. Fear is a poison that begets systematic poison. Who and where are the Jewish propagandists to take charge of messages that can begin to paint a less defensive and more nuanced counter-messaging outcome?
Imagine a demonstration in Amsterdam against the devastating impact of terrorism and oppressive regimes in Africa—a continent grappling with unparalleled violence over the past decade. In 2023, the Sahel witnessed over 11,600 deaths, with 67% occurring in Burkina Faso, while Somalia recorded 7,643 fatalities fueled by al-Shabaab. Sudan’s conflict claimed over 9,000 lives, including 4,000 civilians, and displaced 5 million people. Millions more across the continent remain uprooted. Why is this crisis so often ignored? Is it because the West cannot be directly blamed, or because the perpetrators include jihadist groups, along with external influences from Russia and China?
Probably a mix of issues. West cannot be blamed, jihadist groups, lack of media coverage and everyone is busy going after Israel. But also think about China. Deep commercial interests prevent many from taking a stand against human rights abuses there (and China also plays an increasing role in Africa).
It seems obvious to me that Israel's leadership currently represents its own interests that are not necessarily the interests of all Jewish people worldwide. You have reported in this before. I can easily imagine a significant number of Jews are very defensive whether they support Benjamin Netanyahu or are opposed to his counter-offensive - - images of a past horrific relocation and holocaust of Jews loom large. Fear is a poison that begets systematic poison. Who and where are the Jewish propagandists to take charge of messages that can begin to paint a less defensive and more nuanced counter-messaging outcome?