Chronicle poll results: Defending Israel
We asked our readers if they defend Israel on social media or in traditional media. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: ”Do you defend Israel on social media or in traditional media?” Of the 162 people who responded, 60% said yes and 40% said no. Comments were submitted by 46 people. Comments were submitted by 46 people. A few follow.
I am pro-Israel in all my online or personal discussions.
It gets harder to defend Israel every day Bibi remains in power.
Although it raises my blood pressure to address the world’s misconceptions, I have no choice but to stand up for Israel and try to educate anti-Zionists. It is probably futile, but if I can get through to just a few clueless haters, then it may be worthwhile.
I don’t post anything on social media. I have defended Israel in personal conversations with friends and acquaintances.
I defend Israel where and when it needs defending, and criticize it when criticism is due.
I am often the lone voice on the WAPO website as well as other places, but it’s vital to hear from those who support Israel.
I support Israel but am disgusted with its government, whose leaders and policies I cannot defend — much as I feel about the current U.S. government and its policies. They are two sides of the same coin.
The last time that I wrote something defending Israel I received so many unbelievably nasty responses that I never posted anything again.
I do not defend the corrupt and Trump-aligned and betrayer of Zionism, Netanyahu, but I do publicly and in writing defend Israel and Zionism. I am a leftist Zionist atheist … as were my grandmother and great-grandmother.
The amount of antisemitism posted on Facebook alone is appalling. The bigoted posts are very often memes, so that the person posting is using things they’ve seen on antisemitic websites that support their beliefs. I have several rebuttals that I use to make it nearly impossible for the bigot to refute or answer. Unfortunately, sometimes their answer is name-calling and ridiculous conjecture, which I report.
While getting into online flame wars is likely a losing battle, particularly when there are hordes of dedicated antisemitic and anti-Israel activists out there, it is essential for those of us who love and support the state of Israel to make sure our voices are heard. Otherwise, the haters win.
I don’t use social media, but I do read the local newspaper online. When I see unfair or inaccurate articles or editorials about Israel, I write letters to the editor.
I do, but the reality is that it’s a losing proposition on either platform. PJC
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