(Test Version) Noa Tishby's Speech at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces on October 17. 2023 in NYC
Author: Noa Tishby
“Noa Tishby Speech | FIDF on Oct 17 in NYC.” Performance by Noa Tishby, YouTube, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, 17 Oct. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dZRvg13rp8. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.
“This is the most challenging speech I’ve ever delivered, but it’s time the world wakes up to what the Jewish community has been saying all along,” the actress wrote under the video of her speech at the FIDF conference.
The actress said from the podium: “Tonight, we come together and we mourn. We mourn the babies, the toddlers, the men, women and children, and the IDF soldiers slaughtered in the worst act of mass murder against our people since the Holocaust. But we do more than mourn. We hold our heads high, we stand together and we promise — we will defeat this evil. Yes, we are in shock, we are. But we should also not be surprised. What we have experienced on and since October 7 was, sadly, predictable. We warned against it.
There were two elements coming together in the horrific perfect storm of October 7. The first is the danger of radical Islam, or, more accurately, the radical Islamic nazism that is constantly lurking at Israel’s border. The second is the grooming, the ongoing grooming of Western civilization through universities, the media, and social media, so when the time came and the Islamic Nazis carried out the act of genocide, many in the West would celebrate it, justify it, and no longer tell the difference between good and evil.
We warned you. We warned of what “from the river to the sea Palestine will be free” looks like. We warned you of the dangers of that slogan being used for likes, shares and celebrity virtue signaling on TikTok and Instagram. On October 7, Hamas showed us what “from the river to the sea” really means. It means “itbach al Yahud” – “slaughter the Jews.”
In the last week, in Western cities and universities around the world we see the two chant side by side at gatherings where would be murderers rub shoulders with their Western useful idiots. Western progressives have been played. You have been played. Some got a wake up call but others have been so brainwashed, so brainwashed to dehumanize, vilify, and demonize Israelis. That for now, they are too far gone.
Now nothing’s new under the Sun. We’ve seen it for over three and a half thousand years of Jewish “lived experience”. It’s the generational trauma that we carry in our bones. That is our “Jewish privilege.” We warned that this disproportionate obsession with Israel, with dehumanization of Israelis, the “Zionists”, the IDF was nothing but the oldest hatred with new words. We warned where it would lead, and we are devastated to be proven right.
This demonization of Israel is not “progressive”, it’s not peaceful and it sure as heck won’t free Palestine. It is a modern-day blood libel calculated to incite, pave the way for, and then justify — a genocide.
Israel is one of the greatest stories ever told and its vilification is one of the greatest smear campaigns in the history of the world. This evil, this radical Islamic Nazism lurking on our borders has been waiting for the chance to exterminate our Jewish democratic nation-state. It looked the future in the eye, it saw a possibility of Israel at peace with the region, and it didn’t embrace it. It set out to exterminate it before it was even born.
But we have news for you: when we say Never Again, we mean it. When you tell us you want to kill us, we believe you. And when you set out to do it in the most horrific of ways, we will defeat you.
To the Palestinian people and all the nations we reach out a hand as good neighbors, but we need you to help us defeat this evil because, whether we call it Hamas, ISIS, the Taliban, or Hezbollah, that evil that sets out to destroy us will destroy you, too. We know that you understand it. You understand it better than the so-called activists on your campuses or the social media keyboard warriors on our Twitter feeds. And now is the time to act!
To Western universities and the progressive circles in which this massacre was celebrated, justified, or minimized — hang your heads. Stop telling yourselves and everybody else that you need to do the work, and do some work yourselves. Your unconscious biases against the Jewish people are showing, and your sleepwalking down the path paved by millennia of Jew-hatred.
Your BDS is a friendly face of a criminal enterprise and it’s time to go after it. It’s time that law-enforcements realize that your movement is inciting murder. Your so-called anti-Zionism is the same genocidal racist beliefs system. Anti-Zionism is antisemitism!
And when you find yourselves arguing over just how many babies were murdered, beheaded or burned because these babies were Jewish, ask yourselves why your Jewish quarters are empty. What happened in kibbutz Be’Eri, kibbutz Nir Oz, and the Supernova music festival was so sadistic, so barbaric and brutal that the word “terrorism” is too good to describe it.
But if you cannot even call it that, if you hide behind words like “militants”, “oh, it’s complicated”, “occupation”, “resistance” or “decolonization”, if you cannot uninevocally condemn rape, beheading, or torture of the innocent, and the kidnapping of grandmothers, some Holocaust survivors from their sick beds, that you are witless pawns of the propaganda machine you don’t even know you are being played by.
Today I am also going to practice some gratitude, moda ani. I am grateful that we, the Jewish people, have a strong state defending us, defended by a citizen army as ethical as any other force in history. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the families of Israelis and Americans held hostage by Hamas terrorists and demand they return the hostages now! Bring them home!
Above all I am grateful that for the generations to come, the Jewish people will still live, love, and thrive and reach out a hand to the world. And Hamas will be nothing but a footnote in history, just like those who tried to exterminate us before.
Am Yisrael Chai!” the actress summed up her emotional speech.
Noa Tishby is an Israeli actress, producer, model and singer, born in Tel Aviv in 1975. Noa received recognition at the age of 16, when she first loudly announced herself by playing the leading role in the popular musical “King David.” Tishby successfully combined her modeling and acting career and released an English-language album. In the early 2000s, she moved to Los Angeles, where she starred in many films (The Island; Ghosts of Girlfriends Past) and TV series (Charmed; Star Trek:Enterprise; CSI:Miami; Nip/Tuck).
Since 2011, Tishby has become an active advocate for Israel, founding the online pro-Israel advocacy organization Act for Israel that same year. She also created a group to help correct misinformation about the history, culture and policies of the Israeli government. In April 2021, Tishby released the book “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth,” in which she takes a pro-Israel stance and criticizes the anti-Semitic BDS movement, whose name stands for “boycott, divestment, sanctions.”
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I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)
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The emotional turmoil, fear, and despair reflected in the words of this actress resonate with my own unspoken feelings. Her strength and courage to voice these fears and realities are both inspiring and devastating. I particularly connect with her statement that she “mourns the babies, the toddlers, the men, women and children, and the IDF soldiers slaughtered in the worst act of mass murder against our people since the Holocaust.” This has been my nightmare; this is the terror that keeps me awake at night. I also understand her defiant assertion that “dehumanization of Israelis” is the manifestation of an ancient hatred, as I have seen how this unwarranted hatred has devastated my home, my city, and my life.
However, I would like to make it clear that the devastation and despair I live through is not a product of a collective desire for violence or a mass campaign of hatred within my community. The hatred and violence I experience are not a reflection of my people or my culture. They are, rather, the fallout of conflicts between powers much greater than myself and my neighbors—conflicts that we neither started nor wished for, but suffer the consequences of just the same.
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
In the spirit of sharing and understanding, I would like to extend an invitation to listen and offer your thoughts on my personal account of life in Gaza, my “Audio Diary of Despair,” published in the New York Times: https://nowcomment.com/documents/360085..
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As the senior and founding rabbi of IKAR, my perspective on the complex issues surrounding Israel and the Jewish people is grounded in both spirituality and a commitment to social justice. Critiquing Israel’s policies, even in times of conflict, does not diminish my support for Jews; rather, it’s born from a place of deep love and concern for the soul of our nation and the ethical tenets of our tradition. The question you’ve posed—"Shouldn’t your policy disagreements wait until they defeat Hamas?"—reflects a common sentiment that during war, unity should trump all. However, I resoundingly believe that it’s precisely during crisis when our values must guide our actions and policies most.
Addressing the words of the actress at the FIDF conference, I hear the pain, the defiance, and the strength in her message. As Jews, we are acutely familiar with the heavy cloak of history we bear that’s been woven with threads of suffering, perseverance, and resilience. Her depictions of violent acts against Jews and the fear of existential threats are heart-wrenching. Many in our community share this spirit of ‘Am Yisrael Chai’—the people of Israel live. There is a collective memory, a ‘lived experience’ that binds us, and for many, it fuels the fervent defense of Israel’s existence and security.
I affirm her call for the support of the Palestinian people and against the radical Islamic Nazism that promotes violence, but we must equally denounce actions that jeopardize peace and justice, regardless of their source. This includes speaking out against policies or practices of the Israeli government when they conflict with our moral principles. If we are to achieve a real peace, we must be willing to scrutinize and improve from within, even amid external threats.
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I invite you to explore the depth of these issues further by engaging with my sermons and my interview with Ezra Klein. Reflect on the ideas presented and share your insights. Find all related materials at: https://nowcomment.com/blogs/362357..
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Let me start by addressing Noa Tisby and her arguments with the respect and fair consideration any dialogue around such complex matters deserves. The question at hand asks what I agree with in Tisby’s speech and what I find myself in disagreement with, and why.
One thing I can certainly sympathize with, as Tisby begins her remarks, is the need to wake to the contours of our various struggles. Just as I have found resonance in the pain and consequent fight of Palestinians, I understand Tisby’s call for awareness and solidarity within her community in the face of violence. It’s clear to me, as it has perhaps become clear to her, that we share a deep recognition of suffering. It stems from a history that is intimate with the bitter fruits of oppression.
However, where Tisby and I part ways emerges in her framing of this conflict. At the root, there seems to be a default to the paradigm of ‘us versus them,’ a dichotomy that simplifies and ultimately misrepresents the nuanced and layered realities on the ground. The equation of Palestinian aspirations for land and sovereignty with the language of genocide and Nazism, for example, is a troubling conflation that I must reject. Such rhetoric effectively obscures the legitimate grievances and rights of a people and frames the entire struggle as malice personified.
To speak of a “radical Islamic nazism” as a consistent threat posed to Israel by its predominantly Muslim neighbors serves to homogenize a diverse array of movements—many of which have legitimate aspirations for self-determination—and to cast them in the light of one of history’s most heinous ideologies. The leap to compare activists and critics to the same side of horror is not just an intellectual misstep, it is a moral failure.
It is decidedly true that antisemitism, like all forms of bigotry and racism, has no place in our discourse and society. My work has always been in opposition to systems that dehumanize and disenfranchise individuals or groups. However, the struggle against antisemitism cannot be employed as a cover or deflection from the very real and concrete injustices faced by Palestinians daily: the checkpoints, the land appropriation, the inhibiting of water and other resources. This is not a moral equivalence but a moral imperative to reconcile and confront the full scope of suffering involved.
And so, I cannot align myself with the idea that anti-Zionism equates automatically with antisemitism. The conflation of political criticism of a state’s policies with hatred toward a religious or ethnic group does a disservice to honest and necessary debate. It is possible, and indeed crucial, to distinguish between the condemnation of state-sponsored actions and the persecution of a people for their identity.
Tisby’s speech evokes a rightful indignation for atrocities committed against Jews, and that I can empathize with deeply. The immeasurable trauma that echoes through generations cannot be overstated. But to do justice to those narratives, it is essential that we do not dismiss or overshadow the ongoing trauma inflicted upon others. This is the balance necessary to approach such matters not only with passion but with a holistic moral vision.
Finally, while it is natural to mourn and seek defense against threats, it is vitally important that defense does not turn into an offense against another’s basic rights. I believe in dialogues that yield healing and coexistence—an aspiration that seems taut with tension and perhaps even appears impossibly optimistic. Yet it is an optimism rooted in the conviction that, without it, our shared humanity will face even greater fractures.
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I invite you to listen to, read, and comment on this passionate, determined interview I gave on Democracy Now on November 2, 2023 here https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765(https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765) to see a different perspective rooted in a shared longing for justice, one that echoes throughout histories of struggle.
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Noa Tishby’s speech passionately addresses the grief and solidarity the Jewish community must uphold in times of crisis, specifically referencing the atrocities committed on October 7th. Her call to stand with Israel and against Jew-hatred globally resonates with a broader sense of Jewish resilience and the persistent struggle against anti-Semitism.
Indeed, the intersection of radical Islam and negative Western perceptions of Israel, as highlighted by Tishby, forms a profound challenge. Undoubtedly, motions such as BDS can be deeply entwined with anti-Semitic sentiment and thus warrant scrutiny and critical discussion within our communities.
In grappling with Tishby’s arguments, it’s crucial to acknowledge complexities and ensure that criticisms of Israeli policy do not veer into anti-Semitic territory. Both support for Israel’s right to exist and defense against anti-Semitism are consistent with Jewish values and the pursuit of peace and justice, yet should not preclude legitimate and necessary conversations about Israel’s policies and actions, respecting the dignity of all involved, including Palestinians.
What aspects of Noa Tishby’s viewpoint would you like to delve into further? We could examine the balance between support for Israel and critique of its policies, the role of the diaspora in Israeli politics, or the impact of events like October 7th on Jewish identity. Let me know what interests you, or if there’s another angle you’d like to explore.
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to watch, read, and comment on three of my sermons. Also, listen to, read, and comment on my interview with Ezra Klein. Explore the discussions and share your thoughts at this collection of documents: https://nowcomment.com/blogs/362357
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The actress’s speech at the FIDF conference is emotionally charged and addresses multiple points. She mourns the mass murder of Jews and soldiers, calling it the worst since the Holocaust. From this perspective, she expresses both shock and determination, emphasizing that “we warned against it” and referring to the dangers posed by “radical Islamic nazism” and the “grooming” of Western society to dehumanize Israelis.
The actress highlights her belief that this hatred is the continuation of a long history of anti-Semitism, claiming it leads to genocide. She criticizes Western progressives for being complicit through platforms like universities and social media. She firmly states, “Anti-Zionism is antisemitism” and calls for collective action against such evil.
I could further discuss her views on the historical context of Jewish suffering, her stance on anti-Zionism, or her call to action against radicalism. What interests you most?
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
Also, I invite you to listen to and comment on my actual “Audio Diary of Despair” that has been published in the New York Times. Find it [here](https://nowcomment.com/documents/360085).
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I can relate to your question about my views on anti-Zionism. Living in Gaza City, I see the impact of these perspectives daily. To the actress’s statement, I would say:
1. ### Mass Murder and Mourning
She mourns the tragic loss of lives, comparing it to historic genocides. The feeling of loss and grief is relatable; in Gaza, we’ve seen similar grief and destruction.
2. ### Radicalism and Grooming
She speaks about “radical Islamic nazism” and the grooming of the West to dehumanize Israelis. In Gaza, we face bombings and extreme measures, fostering a complex perspective on these terms.
3. ### Historical Anti-Semitism
She draws parallels with historic anti-Semitism, asserting that anti-Zionism is disguised as such. This viewpoint clashes with the daily realities in Gaza where our communities are under blockade and constant threat.
There’s much more to unpack regarding the historical context of Jewish suffering, anti-Zionism, or collective resistance against radicalism. Which would you like to explore?
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
Also, I invite you to listen to and comment on my actual “Audio Diary of Despair” that has been published in the New York Times. Find it [here](https://nowcomment.com/documents/360085).
New Conversation
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