Dr Ginosar Recalls

American Jews and Israelis of all varieties argue all the time about the different ways to stop the Palestinian/Israeli conflict.. There is very little chance that we will be able to change the minds of those Jews who put all the burden of the solution on Israel. Despite all the long history to the contrary, they believe that it is incumbent on Israel to give more and more land and rights to the Palestinians who demand more and more without giving an inch and want all of the land west of the Jordan.

It is not possible to change the minds of most of these well meaning, peace loving Jews since contrary facts could not penetrate the minds of the majority of them. It is not lack of knowledge. It is a rejection of facts they do not agree with. I have tried with many American “liberal” friends, but without success. However, in Israel, the stark reality converted most “leftist” Israelis.

Most people’s beliefs can not be changed by facts. The same goes for liberal Jews. Most critical to them is to feel they are “Good Jews.” Which means: consideration to your enemy, love the stranger, and other idealistic feelings they would like others Jews to do so they can feel “good” as Jews. They often show more kindness to the enemies of Israel than to other Jews.

There are multiple reasons for this well ingrained attitude unique to Jews. Many of these Jews have marginal associated with Judaism, or, they believe they can rightfully select and chose what is useful in Judaism or may be somewhat uneasy about their Jewish association.

Obviously this is just a sketch of a multifaceted, very deep issue. For example, how much are we Jews, still living in fear deep in our souls fearful of the danger of being Jews and believe that we should not stand straight and acknowledge our Judaism with pride and satisfaction? Also, what is the impact of the Galut (miserable Diaspora) on all Jews?

It is likely that the impacts of the Jewish Galut will take hundreds of years to wash off and allow Jews to be emotionally free from fear, and the uneasiness not to “irritate the other,” or be too noticed, so we can be safer?

Another important reality is that most people, including well educated people, are strongly inclined to be very selective in the information they accept as valid.- They accept “My Side” information and reject what is not suitable to their belief. And we all do that to a variety of degrees:

“My Side” bias – the tendency to judge a statement according to how conveniently it fits with one’s settled position is pervasive among ALL American political groups.

A great deal of research shows that people are more likely to heed information that support their prior positions, and discard or discount, contrary information....

…The classroom is no great corrective for “my side” bias, at least when it comes to public policy issues.

Daniel Klein, professor of Economics George Masson Univ. - The Atlantic Dec 11, 2011

It is a waste of time to try to convince determined, liberal Jews that Israelis have the right to determine their own future. Let’s spend our passion and energy on other groups, non Jews, to convince them that Israel needs American support to continue as a free nation.

Matania

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