Most recent public comments by Maxine Madrigal https://nowcomment.com/users/138612 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198629 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198629 He highlights specific things that are restricted for Palestinians that can be compared to how Black people were treated in the US in the past (and the present, too). He is showing solidarity with Palestinians because he understands what it is like to be oppressed, especially in such a restrictive way, based solely on ethnicity. I don't think it's out of place, as in the next paragraph he goes on to explicitly make a connection between the oppression of Palestinians and African American history, and states that it's familiar to those who are educated in it. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:46:53 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198610 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198610 Perhaps the most frustrating part (for me) of expressing any opinion on this issue is the tendency of many to jump to conclusions or associate a part with the whole. In the eyes of many, you're either supporting Hamas or you're supporting the Israeli government. Even when it's been explicitly stated that someone supports Palestinian citizens, for example, it's extremely likely that there will be people accusing them of being antisemitic, of supporting Hamas, of spreading or being brainwashed by "terrorist propaganda," etc. It goes the other way, too. I've seen people being called genociders for supporting innocent Israeli victims because some will assume they support Israel's government or what is being done to Palestinians. It's a very clear example of polarization, of the need to "pick a side." I agree that we should be on the side of the innocent civilians being caught up in this conflict, no matter where they are, and that this shouldn't be seen as controversial. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:35:41 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198603 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198603 When I first found out about this situation, it was the consistent referring to it as complicated or complex that initially made me not want to look into it, and I was horrified when I had it actually explained to me. Exaggerating or underlining the complexity of the situation is absolutely something that turns many people away from being informed and I don't doubt that it's been done purposefully by several entities. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:24:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198595 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198595 I understand that this interview took place perhaps before the worst of the situation could be realized, but this is still such a thoughtless thing to say, especially when she hasn't yet addressed, even in passing, what is happening to Palestinians. The way she addresses the audience as if she is talking directly to her opposition is undeniable evidence of her effort to incite guilt. The usage of "us/we" and "you," as well as the references she keeps making to the Holocaust (when this is a completely different situation) only prove this further. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:18:11 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198585 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198585 She tries her hardest here to demonize not just Palestinians, but followers of Islam as a whole. Her choice of intense words (radical, nazism, lurking, grooming, genocide, evil) is very telling of her intentions to diabolize Palestinians AND those who support them. Some of her statements completely baffle me - especially the one where she said Westerners would CELEBRATE the genocide of Israelis (which is ludicrous if you look at what is being done to Palestinians, which she doesn't bring up for exactly that reason). This is genuinely just propaganda. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:03:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198551 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198551 I hadn't thought about how her being an actress might change the way she affects her audience. There is definitely some sort of emotional manipulation going on, with her using words with extremely negative connotations (slaughter, Holocaust, mass murder, evil) to sway subconscious support and sympathy toward her side. Although these words are not entirely untruthful, I believe she's purposefully using such unnecessarily brutal terms to have an effect on the audience and garner guilt and sympathy. Your theory of her (whether intentionally or not) being more influential because of her acting skills is not unlikely. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:50:43 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192376 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192376 The vast majority of Gazans can not and will not be able to leave. Gaza is blocked on all sides and all entrances/exits are controlled by Israel. Now that so much of Gaza is devastated, it's probably a lot more packed due to people trying to get away from the worst of it. Though a very distressing thought, the number of deaths and injuries probably lessens that by a small amount. I'm replying to your comment because I know some people may be unaware of how Gazans are quite literally trapped in their territory. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:50:29 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192361 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192361 Self-defense would be solely going after Hamas, but Israel is indiscriminately harming Palestinians as a whole, going as far as referring to them as "animals." Thousands upon thousands of Palestinians have been killed, necessary buildings have been destroyed, and so many innocent people have been injured, displaced, and traumatized. Self-defense would be destroying Hamas, not the civilians you already have trapped and controlled the lives of. It's collective punishment. I'm replying to your comment because I am absolutely baffled at how so many people cannot see that this goes way beyond self-defense. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:44:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192360 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192360 I too believe that even if a cease-fire were established, the repercussions of this conflict would still be disastrous for both sides, especially for the civilians living in either region. It's very likely that Israel would become increasingly strict on Palestine, harming Palestinian civilians, which in turn can cause more uprisings from them, harming Israelian civilians. I think it's extremely unfair that innocent people are getting caught up in this and punished for what their governments/militant groups are doing. It's especially unfair for Gazans, who don't even have the option to leave. I'm responding to this because I haven't seen many others addressing the problems this will cause after the main conflict is over. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:36:20 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192358 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192358 I'm with you on the statement that supplying more weaponry will only result in more violence. I think the US is very focused on Israel because they are a powerful military ally, but if in the future other countries go against Israel, the US will face consequences. It's a very complicated situation because if the US does or does not support Israel, if broader conflict comes there will be repercussions either way. Personally, I heavily dislike the fact that government relations are honored over human lives, but I understand why it has to be that way because inevitably there will be violence in the world, even if peace is agreed upon. It's dangerous not to have allies, but I don't like that it has to be that way. I went off on a bit of a tangent, but I responded to this comment because I find the whole government/political/militant layer of this conflict to be very frustrating. Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:23:24 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192355 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3192355 Although I agree with the sentiment of wanting to prevent further problems, in my opinion, the US is not carrying this out well at all. "The Pentagon has rushed two aircraft carriers and dozens of extra warplanes to the region to make this point." How does that make the point of wanting to avoid more conflict or actually work towards that? Does the US intend to provide Israel with supplies to significantly damage the Palestinian population so that the conflict ends that way? I just don't see how sending weapons helps to prevent further problems unless the intent is to end the conflict by helping Israel "win." Even then, what worldwide repercussions may result if Israel does accomplish this? I'm responding to your comment because I believe it goes a little deeper than what you implied. Intentions and consequences should be considered in this too. Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:58:00 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192273 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192273 As you're aware, the conflict between Israel and Gaza is complex and steeped in historical and contemporary layers that affect individuals, communities, and nations globally. The hypothetical scenario you're contemplating—an annihilation of Gaza—would undoubtedly have significant worldwide repercussions. Considering your experience as an Israeli soldier, you may have a firsthand perspective on the tensions and the delicate balance of international relations. If Israel were to take actions that lead to the widespread destruction of Gaza, the immediate implications would be humanitarian crises. Hospitals, schools, and homes would be destroyed, leading to countless casualties and a loss of innocent lives. This act could lead to significant shifts in international relations. Right now, as you've noted, several powerful countries support Israel, often justifying their support by citing Israel's right to self-defense. Your concern suggests you may be contemplating the broader moral and ethical dimensions of military action and its long-term implications. If the reality shifts to what could be perceived as genocide, the international community, including Israel's current allies, would be forced to reckon with the legal, moral, and ethical consequences of their support. There could be sanctions and a potential loss of political and diplomatic support for Israel. This action might also spark an increase in global unrest and terrorism, as extremist groups use the annihilation as a recruiting tool, presenting it as evidence of aggression against Palestinians. It's critical to reflect on the humanitarian aspect—think of the thousands of civilians who would be affected, the families similar to the ones in your own nation—and the impact it would have on the perception of soldiers, like you, who are often seen as the executors of state policy. Also, consider the long-term strategic implications for Israel. The country's security might be compromised by an upsurge in hostility from neighboring countries and international condemnation. This scenario could lead to Israel becoming more isolated globally. Returning to your text where you're asking about the potential realization by supporting countries of their part in what could be a genocide, this realization would most likely lead to a reevaluation of foreign policy towards Israel. To better understand the full implications, you might reexamine the historical precedents of other conflicts where international support shifted following significant humanitarian atrocities. In synthesizing your personal experiences and the content of your question, be aware that this type of scenario goes beyond military operations—it touches the core of international law, human rights, and the very fabric of global society. Reflecting on these aspects will likely provide more insights into the potential repercussions and may allow you to consider ways in which solutions can be sought that preserve both the security of Israel and the rights and lives of Palestinians. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:51:42 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192236 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192236 When you reflect upon the question you've asked regarding the reason the Israelis broke everything in the house before they left, it might be helpful to consider the historical and socio-political context in which such actions occur. As a Palestinian villager, this act likely resonates with a broader narrative of conflict and power struggles that are both personal and collective for your community. The destruction of property could indeed be seen as a display of contempt, a physical manifestation of hostilities, or as a tactic employed to instill fear and exert control. It could also be an attempt to erase traces of Palestinian presence or displace families to further political objectives. The feelings of anger, frustration, and the sense of injustice this act might evoke in you could be understood in the context of these ongoing tensions. To understand the motivations more deeply, you may find it valuable to reexamine the text, considering the history of your village, and stories you might have heard from elders or neighbors. Are there patterns in such events that the text mirrors? Has this sort of behavior been documented over the years, and what have been the purported reasons given by the actors involved? Reflect, too, on the symbolism of a home in Palestinian culture – often a sacred space of family and hospitality. The act of breaking everything within someone's home is not merely a physical violation but an intimate one – it disrupts the sanctum where memories and identities are rooted. This could be a point where your life's experiences provide a unique lens through which to interpret the text. As you continue to ponder your own question, you might ask yourself if there are passages that resonate with your understanding of home and heritage, and how these have been affected by conflict. What does this destruction tell you about power, resistance, and resilience in your own life as a Palestinian villager? And, importantly, how does the community come together in the aftermath of such events, as depicted in the text and reflected in your experiences? Remember, the meaning you draw from the text can be deepened by looking not only at the act of breaking and leaving but also examining what comes before and after in the narrative. You are invited to reread the text to see if there are more layers that resonate with your understanding, as someone deeply connected to the land and its stories. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:43:37 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192222 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192222 Understanding that you're curious about the reasons why Israelis arrested Palestinian men over 18 during the First Intifada and that you're considering if there was a military angle involved, let's explore the text together. The Intifada, a pivotal period in Israeli-Palestinian history, involved a wide array of tactics and responses, including the arrests you've mentioned. The Israeli military likely viewed Palestinian men over the age of 18 as potential threats or participants in the uprising; they might have been presumed to be capable of organizing, leading, or taking part in acts of resistance against the Israeli occupation. You might recall the stories from your village; these narratives could offer deeper insights into the experiences of those who were arrested. As you think back, consider how the individuals were involved in their community or what roles they might have played that could be perceived as influential or threatening from a military perspective. Was there an underlying strategy to these arrests? The text might imply that by detaining males over 18, the Israeli forces were aiming to disrupt the organizational structure of the uprising and reduce incidents of resistance. You should look back over the details of these accounts and assess whether there's a mention of how these actions impacted the organizational capacity of the Palestinians during the Intifada. Furthermore, you've pondered whether the arrests had anything to do with the military. Given the context of the Intifada, it is reasonable to conclude that there was indeed a military-related rationale, with the Israeli forces possibly aiming to weaken the power dynamics and limit the mobilization capabilities of the Palestinians. As you re-read the text, I would encourage you to consider how the actions of the Israeli forces aligned with broader military objectives during the conflict. Reflect on the question, "Why did Israelis arrest Palestinian men over 18 during the First Intifada?" and think about the role these men may have played in both their communities and the broader scope of the resistance. In continuing to engage with the text, keep this line of inquiry in mind. Look for evidence that supports or contradicts the idea of the arrests being part of a strategy to dismantle the Palestinian resistance infrastructure. How did the community respond to these arrests? What were the immediate and long-term effects? Remember, your personal experiences and the stories you've heard can provide a unique perspective on interpreting these events. Each piece of information can shed light on the broader context of the military's intentions and actions during that time. Through this lens, examine the text once more, and see how your understanding of this question deepens. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:38:35 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189048 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189048 If Israel is receiving fire from multiple other regions, why do they keep attacking Palestinians without stopping to think? It really makes you consider their intentions. Do they not care? Is it maybe fair to say they want to wipe out all Palestinians? Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:58:55 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189032 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189032 What is the point of sending aircraft carriers and warplanes to Israel if you're trying to avoid war? Does the US just want to provide Israel with more power so they can wipe out all Palestinians and therefore end the conflict? Are these not war crimes? Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:55:25 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189022 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189022 There seems to be a big problem when discussing this issue where if you say you stand against the killing of Palestinian citizens, some assume you support what Hamas has done. Some people seem to have an inability to mentally separate the two and instead see them as one group. This grouping behavior is bad for everyone on both sides and is seen in a lot of other debates. I don't think it is ever justified to murder or harm people for the actions of someone else in which they are not involved. This includes civilians from both places. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:50:48 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189013 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189013 I am honestly baffled by the way leaders have responded to this situation. I understand that Israel is a strong ally and that a larger conflict could evolve from going against them, but there's also the choice to stay uninvolved if there's a huge risk of conflict. But sending unfathomable amounts of money and weapons to an already very strong military? I just don't understand how you could help doom millions of people just to keep a country on your good side. I know it's not as simple as that, but it's still horrifying to me how willing leaders are to help seal the fate of so many human beings. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:38:17 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189007 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189007 This situation is a lot more complicated than simply, "One side is totally right, and one side is totally wrong." There are many sides you could consider. It's not really as simple as Israel vs Palestine. It's the Israelian government vs Hamas and the citizens of Palestine, and then there are the hostages, and the other governments involved, and on and on. It's an extremely complicated issue that cannot be broken down to right vs wrong. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:31:04 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189001 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189001 I don't understand why Hamas actually carried out this attack knowing Israel is so much more powerful and also controls them. They must have anticipated a larger counterattack, as it's a pattern in their history. But although I think Hamas's attack was a terrible thing to do (as any human killing is), I can sort of understand why, after so long of being trapped in an area with little control, they had a violent outburst. It's very common for any living thing who feels helpless to attack what makes them feel that way. That doesn't excuse it at all, but I think it's possible they knew what would happen in response but felt they needed to attack and draw attention and believed that it was the only thing they could do other than continue living how they were. Sun, 19 Nov 2023 20:41:38 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188024 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188024 "To allow aid into Gaza." From whom? Doesn't Israel already control what gets into and out of Gaza? Hasn't there historically been a lack of sufficient aid for them? Why would they let aid through if they're planning to continue their attacks? Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:46:27 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188021 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188021 Israel warned civilians to move South and then bombed them there too. Why? What is the point of telling civilians to move if you're trying to weed out specific people? Would they not just go with them? Gazans are quite literally trapped in a warzone, what's the point of making them move around if you're going to attack everywhere? Sat, 30 Dec 2023 17:04:00 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188014 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188014 Will Israel keep attacking Gaza until everyone inside is dead? Is that the only way they see to make sure Hamas is destroyed? It baffles me that people don't see anything wrong with what Israel is doing. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:38:24 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188008 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188008 Why did Israel find it necessary to drop over 18,000 tons of bombs on all residents of Gaza? It has the right to defend itself, but cutting off supplies and indiscriminately bombing large areas of civilians, about half of which are children, is just torturing people who had nothing to do with it and already lived hard lives trapped in their territory. If anything, massacring thousands of citizens makes Hamas less likely to return hostages safely and puts their lives at risk too. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:35:25 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188004 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188004 Why were 4 hostages released? Was there a deal made? Is there a hidden motive? Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:27:31 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188001 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188001 If these cities are normally protected by the Iron Dome system, why didn't they perform their function this time? Was it sabotage? Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:25:15 -0500