Most recent public comments by Jennifer Vazquez https://nowcomment.com/users/138588 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198932 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198932 His identity and the history that comes behind that identity, has informed his decision to side with Palestine. Despite the fear and the consequences his decision may have, he still chose to speak up and do what he believes is right. I find that to be very respectable. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:30:35 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198922 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198922 Coates is saying that the violence that the people of Israel experienced has influenced their conflict with Palestine. It's like generational trauma but on a much larger scale. The history of oppression turned Israel into the oppressors. Violence corrupts. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:10:03 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198914 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198914 I believe that religion is very central in this conflict. Coates connection to Christianity, though distant, was enough to get the Israeli guard to let him through. Discrimination based on religion seems to very common in Israel. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:04:36 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198891 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198891 The speaker uses words like "radical", "evil", and "nazism" to describe Muslims. The constant repetition and association of these words to Muslims is meant to generate hate towards them. She generalizes a whole group of people. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:49:46 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198885 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198885 I never really understood how this phrase would be seen as supporting violence, until now. To me, this was just a cry for freedom, But since Israel does not intend on giving Palestine independence. Israel knows that the only way Palestine will be free is if they take it for themselves. Hamas is doing this in a violent manner. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:39:53 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198883 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198883 She is reframing the event of October 7th to fit her viewpoint. By saying that the threat is "lurking at Israel's border" she is omitting the fact that Gaza, where Hamas is based in, is inside of Israel. Also, by referring to Islam as nazis it shifts the reason behind the attack on Israel. She is saying that Hamas attacked Israel because they have something against Jewish people. Hamas is reportedly fighting for the freedom for Palestine from Israel, they view Israel as oppressors. Attributing the reason behind the attack to nazism is very extreme, it also ignores the history that fuels the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:22:06 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192860 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192860 Reflecting on your experiences and the question you've posed, you've described a vivid and distressing memory involving your grandmother's instinctual reaction to an invasion of her home by soldiers. In your account, you witness her being met with violence, as a soldier punches her in the face with a rifle. This moment, frozen in time for you as though it was this morning, speaks volumes about the potential reactions one might encounter when attempting to intervene in the actions of armed soldiers. Contemplating your question – how far soldiers might go if someone tried to stop them – it's important for you to consider the context in which these interactions occur. Soldiers, often operating under orders and within a framework of martial authority, can and do use force. Your grandmother's experience suggests that the use of physical force is within the realm of response. However, the extent to which this force might escalate, potentially to lethal use of firearms, would depend on the rules of engagement and the circumstances on the ground. In rereading the text, you may want to consider the dynamics of power and authority that underscore such confrontations. What are the soldiers' rules of engagement in situations like the one your grandmother found herself in? Can anything be inferred about the soldiers' intentions through their actions following the incident? Your account suggests they proceeded to search and ransack the house rather than escalating to lethal measures. This could imply that there are limits to their willingness to use force, even if those limits are far from what a civilian might consider reasonable or just. As painful as it might be, revisiting the text can sometimes offer new insights or a deeper understanding of the systemic issues at play. It's critical to look at these narratives not only as personal experiences but also as reflections of larger, institutional policies and behaviors. Moreover, dwelling on the soldiers' restraint, or lack thereof, raises questions about the broader implications of military occupation and the psychological and physical toll it takes on those living under such conditions. How do these experiences shape the collective consciousness and identity of the Palestinian people, including you? As you further analyze the text and your own experiences, you may discover more connections with the complexities surrounding questions of power, resistance, and the human cost of conflict. It's vital to consider these events not in isolation but as part of a broader tapestry of historical and ongoing struggles for dignity and self-determination. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:58:22 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192855 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192855 As you've highlighted, the system in place effectively segregates Palestinians into different categories based on their ID and place of residence. You've mentioned that "a person from Gaza can't go anywhere but Gaza," and so forth, pointing out the restrictions imposed on mobility and access. This system that you've described, which may seem "really complicated" and ostensibly put in place to "restrict transportation," can be understood as a mechanism that mirrors broader political and security concerns. You, as an Israeli government official, might interpret these categories from a security standpoint or a political perspective. The organizational structure could be seen as a means to maintain order and monitor movement for security purposes. However, as you've also pointed out, the system lends itself to accusations of prejudice, as it creates visible distinctions and limitations on the freedom of Palestinians, which might be interpreted as discriminatory or as a means of control beyond security needs. Given your governmental role, the question of the purpose behind these classifications might also bring forward challenges related to policy-making, diplomacy, and international law. You seem to perceive this categorization as an element that exacerbates tension, potentially obstructing peace-building efforts and the possibility of a two-state solution. You may want to revisit this text and think about the implications of such a system on the daily lives of people. Do these barriers serve their intended purpose? On re-examination, you could find additional insights into how such measures are perceived by the international community versus how they are justified internally within the government. Reflecting on this segregation, you might consider how these policies align with your official duties and personal ethics. How might a restructuring or reevaluation of this system better serve the interests of peace, security, and fairness? Look at these categories again and think about their long-term sustainability and the precedent they set for civil liberties and human rights within the region. In essence, the purpose of separating Palestinians into these categories is a topic that sits at the intersection of security considerations and human rights advocacy. You might find it beneficial to revisit the text with these perspectives in mind, as they could illuminate more connections between the administrative actions you're involved with and their broader societal impact. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:52:33 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192853 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192853 To me this is just a really complicated system to restrict transportation. It also makes their prejudice against the Palestinian people very apparent. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:52:33 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192686 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192686 MD said her grandma got punched in the face when trying to stop, so they are allowed to use violence. They also carry guns, are they allowed to use them lethally? Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:58:22 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192669 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192669 You're grappling with a deeply complex issue that strikes at the heart of your lived experience as an Israeli soldier. When you recount the story of your infant sister being suspected of carrying a bomb in a can of powdered milk, the text seems to reflect a profound sense of confusion and pain. You're asking yourself why such suspicion is placed upon Palestinians, including innocent children, and whether this stems from a form of collective guilt or an awareness of harm caused, especially considering this occurred prior to the more recent acts of aggression by Hamas. It's important for you to revisit the text and see if there are more layers and perspectives that could provide additional insight. Consider reexamining any historical or contextual references that might shed light on the security measures that seem to have been perceived as disproportionately aggressive. Ask yourself, are there patterns or policies described in the text that speak to wider security practices and their origins? More specifically, ponder over the idea of guilt and resistance embedded within the text. Reflect on the narrative to see if it provides historical accounts of conflict or instances that may have led to a heightened security regime. Is the "paranoia" you mention a result of specific incidents that have shaped the perception and treatment of Palestinians over time? You know firsthand from your military service that such security measures can be part of standard procedure, yet you also understand the deeply personal implications they have on individuals like your sister. The questions you pose speak to the broader themes of fear, suspicion, and perhaps a tragic cycle of reactivity and consequence that seems to have escalated over time, even before notable hostilities like those involving Hamas. Look for references that might illustrate how these themes have been manifested and perpetuated on both sides of the conflict. Your unique experience as an Israeli soldier gives you an intimate perspective on these matters. Use your understanding of the complexities involved to contextualize and further investigate the nuances presented in the text. The narrative captures sentiments that resonate with your direct experiences, and revisiting it might offer you a deeper understanding, or at least a more comprehensive view of the undercurrents that influence such situations. Remember, the text has power, not just to mirror what you've seen and felt but also to challenge and expand your understanding. As you reengage with the text, keep your question in mind: why be so suspicious? And consider whether the text might hold answers not just to why suspicion exists but also how it can be transcended or addressed. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:03:33 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192668 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192668 To me this behavior is akin to paranoia. It's like they are expecting resistance. Is this because of guilt? Is because they are aware of the harm they have caused. Also, it's interesting that this treatment happened way before Hamas attacked Israel. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:03:33 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190957 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190957 I think that Hamas attacked Israel because of the oppression Palestinians faced under the hands of Israel. It was an attack to show how fed up they were with this treat of their people. It was a way for them to try to gain control again. I think this is the reason they took hostages in the first place. Not only to negotiate with later, but to try to protect themselves with. Israel would have to be more cautious with how they attacked knowing there were Israeli citizens in Gaza. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:38:55 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190937 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190937 I think that religion does play a role in this conflict. Especially because some people chose to support Israel due to its connection to god. Even looking at the history of Israel and Palestine shows that religion has always been present in this conflict. One of the reasons Israel came to that region was because of their religious ties to it. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:24:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190929 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190929 In order for this conflict to end, one side must give up. Hamas wants full independence for Palestine and the restoration of the lands that were taken from them. Israel isn't going to do this. Their citizens live there and they believe that they have a right to be on that land. For Israel to stop, they would need Hamas to be completely dismantled and their people to be released from hostage. The best way to end this conflict would be a ceasefire, but this would leave long lasting resentment on both sides. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:16:59 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190913 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190913 Definitely, we can see this happening in U.S. already. Most of the American federal government is Pro-Israel due its political ties. But a very vocal portion of the American public is Pro-Palestine. Recently, the largest protest in support of Palestine took place in Washington D.C. People are contacting their representatives and telling them to support Palestine. Many other movements like these have and will happen around the world. The tensions between governments and their civilians are rising. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:02:45 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190892 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190892 I agree with you. The attack on Israel by Hamas was very brutal. I need to be more informed about the history between Palestine and Israel before making justifications for one side. History complicates this situation, Israel has a right to defend itself but there is more to that in this case. You can't take things at face value. Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:12:00 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189252 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189252 I can definitely see this escalating into a regional conflict. There is a lot of fear surrounding this situation. Some of those fears have been proven to be right by either Israel or Hamas. The pressure to pick a side and choose a side is felt by leaders internationally. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:36:33 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189251 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189251 With Israel's very aggressive response to Hamas attack,it seems like a border conflict is inevitable. Especially since Israel has engaged in combat with Iranian and Syrian forces. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:30:45 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189249 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189249 Russia has openly expressed their support and sympathy for Hamas. Does Russia's support extend beyond the verbal sense or have they done more to support Hamas behind the scenes. Thu, 07 Dec 2023 23:23:43 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189241 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189241 It's very interesting to see the wide range of responses from different countries' leaders. It goes from full support for Israel to being supportive of Palestinians but condemning Hamas to being in full support of Hamas and its actions. I wonder what influences them to react like this? Mon, 20 Nov 2023 23:22:25 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189222 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189222 I think I agree with this statement. The President voiced his support for Israel and so have many American government officials. Obviously maintaining good relations with Israel is very important in the American agenda. Turning a bling eye, or even supporting Israel, does make them complicit in what the Palestinians are going through. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 10:59:19 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189219 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189219 Israel's government justified their attack by saying it was meant to show their enemies (Hamas) that they cannot attack Israeli citizens without consequence. I would agree with this if only they didn't attack innocent people as well. The people living their lives in Gaza did not deserve to be bombed. Accountability does not mean killing more innocent people. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 09:56:39 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188168 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188168 This is the option that I support the most. It won't solve the years of oppression or the hatred between Hamas and Israel, but I will stop the loss of innocent lives. I know that a vote was present to the United Nation about the cease fire. I heard that the U.S. voted against it. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:21:03 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188165 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188165 Biden has "no confidence" in the figure given by Gaza's health ministry because it is run by Hamas. To me this is somewhat understandable because this organization clearly has a bias against Israel, they will want Israel to look bad in the public eye. But, people are still losing their lives. Israel is not protecting their civilians by killing regular Palestinian people. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:17:48 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188157 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188157 Gaza already resembled an open air prison, the cutting of phone and internet service only adds to this. Why was cutting Gaza off from the rest of the world necessary? This might be connected to the massive bombings Gaza faced while the internet and phones were down. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:02:43 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187772 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187772 Israel's actions against the Palestinian people only fuels Hamas' hate towards Israel. Israel is punishing all Palestinians for the actions of Hamas, that isn't right in my opinion. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:14:59 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187760 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187760 These hostages will be used as hostages and will maybe deter Israeli retaliation in fear of harm being done to the hostages. Also, why were only four released? Did negotiations with Hamas already start? Mon, 20 Nov 2023 10:43:42 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187757 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187757 The attack was very violent. They even attacked innocent civilians at an outdoor music festival. I do not support violence being enacted on innocent people. Also, I wonder how Hamas were able to be so destructive if Israel has a missile defense system and has a very strong military. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 10:55:59 -0500