The Beinart Notebook offers a different kind of conversation about American foreign policy and Israel-Palestine. To join the community, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Articles cited in this video: The New York Times’ investigation
It's rare that I agree with Peter, but (except for his distinction of conservative vs liberal criticism as outrage comes from all sides) I couldn't agree more that this Hasidic child abuse, both in Brooklyn and Israel, must end. Not only are these children being brainwashed, they are not getting the basic skills needed to participate and succeed in the secular world (https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israels-education-system-is-a-ticking-time-bomb-677966). Add to that the recent outbreak of polio and earlier measles from these same communtiities, because they refuse to vaccinate their children, and it becomes clear that this must end.
Politics stinks. American politicians fear losing this voting block and the Israeli system needing every last vote to form a majority is even more paralyzed. But change it must.
Thanks. Jonathan Haidt has underlined three rules of moral philosophy; the first- we are tribal. To speak 'truth' to one's tribe, and to hear it as a member, requires courage and, has consequences. Glad you make the effort..
The only solution is mass incarceration of the Hasidic perpetrators and using their money to compensate the victims of these horrendous crimes. Hasidic schools need to be outlawed.
Hi Peter. I really enjoyed this, as I enjoy all your writing and this method could allow for me to do other things at the same time, so I am not stuck sitting and having to read. I would certainly be open to you sharing your thoughts and wisdom in this format again.
I wanted to raise one concern with your argument. You hypothesize that conservatives of various kinds would criticize separatism if it were done by Muslims. That hypothesized contrast is the key to your critique that conservatives are being inconsistent at a minimum and likely hypocritical. But that contrast is treated as a social fact through the rest of the discussion. We don’t know if conservatives would offer that critique of Muslims. I think the stronger part of your argument rests on another hypothesis, that conservatives would want children to have the facility and knowledge to make a free choice. I hope that is true. The line between facility and knowledge and their concern about undue influence from the outside world is hard to draw.
I liked this very much. Your enthusiasm and vividness when you speak is very engaging. While generally I tend to read more than listen to presentations (e.g. podcasts), this was different and I hope you will use this format frequently.
Sure, I’d rather listen than read once in a while. I had read the article and the Hasid boys failed 99% of the standardized tests. That is more than failing those kids…that is keeping them totally ignorant of anything but Torah. BTW Have you seen the video on that really extreme sect that relocated to Guatemala. They feel that the Satmar people are not real Jews. Of course it is clear that the people leading that sect in Guatemala are truly mentally ill…of the same ilk as JimJones etc.
Great experiment! Oral presentation has a different quality, shows different values.
I love the video format. Great idea.
I liked the use of spoken quotations in the video format. They were more effective than in print. Good initial video!
It's rare that I agree with Peter, but (except for his distinction of conservative vs liberal criticism as outrage comes from all sides) I couldn't agree more that this Hasidic child abuse, both in Brooklyn and Israel, must end. Not only are these children being brainwashed, they are not getting the basic skills needed to participate and succeed in the secular world (https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israels-education-system-is-a-ticking-time-bomb-677966). Add to that the recent outbreak of polio and earlier measles from these same communtiities, because they refuse to vaccinate their children, and it becomes clear that this must end.
Politics stinks. American politicians fear losing this voting block and the Israeli system needing every last vote to form a majority is even more paralyzed. But change it must.
Peter, I have said it before and I will say it again: you are a mensch.
You give expression to my Yiddishkeit: just, moral, ethical, insightful, wise, tolerant, truthful.
Thank you.
Thanks. Jonathan Haidt has underlined three rules of moral philosophy; the first- we are tribal. To speak 'truth' to one's tribe, and to hear it as a member, requires courage and, has consequences. Glad you make the effort..
I liked the video format.
Great commentary Peter. I like this format also - Keep up the good work!
The only solution is mass incarceration of the Hasidic perpetrators and using their money to compensate the victims of these horrendous crimes. Hasidic schools need to be outlawed.
Hi Peter. I really enjoyed this, as I enjoy all your writing and this method could allow for me to do other things at the same time, so I am not stuck sitting and having to read. I would certainly be open to you sharing your thoughts and wisdom in this format again.
I wanted to raise one concern with your argument. You hypothesize that conservatives of various kinds would criticize separatism if it were done by Muslims. That hypothesized contrast is the key to your critique that conservatives are being inconsistent at a minimum and likely hypocritical. But that contrast is treated as a social fact through the rest of the discussion. We don’t know if conservatives would offer that critique of Muslims. I think the stronger part of your argument rests on another hypothesis, that conservatives would want children to have the facility and knowledge to make a free choice. I hope that is true. The line between facility and knowledge and their concern about undue influence from the outside world is hard to draw.
I liked this very much. Your enthusiasm and vividness when you speak is very engaging. While generally I tend to read more than listen to presentations (e.g. podcasts), this was different and I hope you will use this format frequently.
Lovely video. And if it allows you to produce your work more sustainably, then I am in full support of the medium. Thank you for your work.
Sure, I’d rather listen than read once in a while. I had read the article and the Hasid boys failed 99% of the standardized tests. That is more than failing those kids…that is keeping them totally ignorant of anything but Torah. BTW Have you seen the video on that really extreme sect that relocated to Guatemala. They feel that the Satmar people are not real Jews. Of course it is clear that the people leading that sect in Guatemala are truly mentally ill…of the same ilk as JimJones etc.
Video is a fine change of pace, but my preference is for the written word. I’ll follow along either way, though.
I really enjoyed the video format and the topic. Thanks!