The October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas sparked the largest outbreak of violence that the long-running conflict has seen in generations. With a civilian death toll in the thousands – many of them children – the world is praying for a peaceful solution and end to the violence.
But it's also becoming clear that the consequences of this violence are rippling far beyond the Middle East. Protests around the globe have drawn attention to the conflict – and the religious groups involved.
Despite being half a world away from this war, alarming reports indicate that Jewish and Muslim Americans alike are facing increased bias, discrimination, and even violent attacks in their communities.
What's going on? A small town in Illinois provides some insights.
A Community Torn Apart
Known locally as "The World's Largest Village," Skokie, Illinois prides itself on its diversity and acceptance.
In the 1970s, the city fought a would-be Nazi rally in Skokie all the way to the Supreme Court. In 2000, members of the Ku Klux Klan staging a winter rally found themselves on the receiving end of snowballs.
Today, the northern Chicago suburb is home to some 65,000 residents speaking 75 languages.
As part of its diverse makeup, Skokie has a sizable Muslim population. The city is also 30% Jewish, and home to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
These religious and ethnic divisions – previously of little concern – are suddenly feeling like a proxy for the conflict in the Middle East, say some residents.
In the month since violence erupted in Israel and Gaza, Skokie's strong community bonds have been put to the test.
A bomb threat at a local synagogue. A heated sit-in at the local high school in support of Palestinian rights. Trashed yard signs.
One man used pepper spray at a pro-Palestinian rally, and gunshots were fired in the air. Not far away, a landlord was arrested for murdering one of his tenants, a 6-year-old Palestinian boy.
Tensions are high, and Mayor George Van Dusen says the community is just barely holding things together. “We’re managing as best as we possibly can,” he says.
Violence Increases
The Jewish and Muslim communities in Skokie are far from alone. Across the country, there are increased reports of threats and violent attacks on both Jews and Muslims.
The Anti-Defamation League reported a shocking 388% increase in antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assaults over the same period last year.
Their reports include incidents ranging from petty vandalism to attempted murder against Jews, most of which were explicitly related to the Israel-Hamas war.
In one shocking incident, a woman associated with the Black Hebrew Israelites reportedly crashed her car into a building she believed to be an "Israel school."
Similarly, the Council on American-Islamic Relations found a disturbing 216% increase in anti-Muslim attacks, including one murder, several attempted murders, and numerous other violent threats.
Unfortunately, things may get worse before they get better.
Even the Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement to be vigilant.
In a statement, officials said: "escalations in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas almost certainly will increase the threat of terrorism and targeted violence" against Jews and Muslims.
"We expect to remain in a heightened threat environment in the near-to-medium term – even if a diplomatic solution to the crisis is found."
What is your reaction? Have you witnessed any heightened tensions or disturbing incidents targeting faith groups in your communities?
69 comments
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Theresa C. Marquess
Hate crimes in the United States or anywhere else in the world are dispicable. Jesus taught us to love one another. It's a wonderful philosophy. I just wish that these esclations of hate crimes and those that commit them would stop, take a breath, and ask themselves how they would feel if someone perpetrated that same kind of crime against them. I reiterate, love one another...
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James Mounts
Jesus told us to HATE EVIL. If you think Hamas's actions on Oct., 7, was not evil, I pity you.
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Brien
Yup, a fine example of brainwashed to hate. ✌️
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
I remember there being something like… “ A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
A commandment is a pretty high level of expectation. Moses made a big deal of his 10. Your take on Jesus seems kinda’ at odds with this. And Christians are usually really keen on the 13th chapter of John.
Most if your ideas cone from the Old Testament. That’s when good had some real ‘issues’ and would smite you at the drop of a hat. Smote a bunch of kids once by sending a bear to maul them. Then there was the tale of two cities. Smote Lot’s wife for peeking at smiting process. Then god went to therapy. Weird therapist though. God’s been doing all the smiting and his take on becoming a loving god revolved around finding a way to forgive humans for making him mad. Weird solution, too. Raping a teenage virgin to give birth to himself as his son so he could have the humans kill him (as his son) and IF Ayou believe all that THEN you’re forgiven.
But I digress. The old testament is the Jewish bible. You need to leave that alone and work with the pist-therapy god.
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James Mounts
In what part of the Old Testament would one find "Jesus told us..."?
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
You wouldn’t. That’s my point. Jesus didn’t focus on HATING EVIL. Yahweh did all that evil-hating and the subsequent smiting in the original release. Jesus is in the sequel. The ‘god franchise’ is as real as the Stsr Wars, Batman and Spiderman franchises. Except the original in the god franchise would be rated X.
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Catherine
@James Mounts
Jesus in the old testament?
Weren't non-Jewish biblical writings selectively excerpted from previous writings by early Jews to form a newer non-Jewish old testament?
I think what 'God said' or 'Jesus said' is not a point of contention.
If the earliest Jews really did worship multiple gods, maybe that explains multiple divine entities? Why biblical writings alternate between being schizophrenic, mushroom tripping, bipolar, psychopathical?
Who needs that? Garbage in. Garbage out.
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Rev. Elizabeth
Dr. Zerpersande…
I have never cited Bible versus to you or anyone for that matter. All I have said is that I have read Revelation. Many people do not read that book. It is the book of the future. So, why you say I live out of the Old Testament is not correct. Not once I have I spoken about the Old Testament. I teach the Holy Gospel. That is the first 4 books of the New Testament. The first book, Jesus is still alive and the old way of living before Christ is still in play. Acts is where Jesus dies and the New Testament applies to today and on. You are confusing me with someone else.
I’m done correcting you on what I have said in my post. I am busy with guests and the holiday season. I pray you have a wonderful holiday season.
Be well and Be safe. ~Rev. Elizabeth Arsenault
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Joy
Where does it say that Jesus said to hate anything? I must have missed that memo.
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Catherine
Moneychangers?
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Michael Hunt
Hamas' actions were certainly evil. It's also evil to bomb hospitals and shelters where Palestinian children are trying to escape the violence, which Israel has done. Both sides of this conflict have committed atrocities for decades. Continued hate will only further strain the relationship between the two peoples and lead to more war and bloodshed. We need love and compassion to combat the evil being perpetuated in this world. I hope we one day can see peace between the Israeli and Palestinian governments.
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James Mounts
Kumbaya. Do you have an extra copy of the Hamas Playbook?
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Steven Ferrell
Israel did not bomb a hospital. That was a Hamas rocket gone astray.
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Michael Hunt
Yes, there was an instance of a stray Hamas rocket hitting a Gaza hospital, but that doesn't excuse Israel's attacking of hospitals. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-officials-say-hospitals-come-under-new-israeli-attacks-2023-11-10/ https://theintercept.com/2023/11/21/al-shifa-hospital-hamas-israel/
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James Hage
If you think Israeli actions over the last 70+ years was not evil, you have chosen to be blind and I weep for your soul. Children slaughtered, houses bulldozed. Palestinian people forced from their home so zionist oppressors could take more land that NEVER Belonged to them. Israel is an abomination. and these atrocities I just mentioned were committed during "peace time." But sure let's do the not evil thing and bomb hospitals and schools to make sure the Palestinian people have no place to turn for safety while the genocide continues. By all means let's keep focusing on Hamas and not the true villians.
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Lionheart
I think its fairly obvious that the only time there will be peace, is when Hamas, and Hezbollah, cease to exist, but having said that, there is so much hate for the Israeli's that I suspect there will always be conflict while ever radical Islam thrives. I hope I'm wrong!
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James Hage
You are wrong in so many ways it hurts, "King Richard". Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived in palestine peacefully until the evil nation state of Israel was created and they immediately began their regime of oppression. (Same thing they did when they first attacked in the old testament.) Read your bible for the history lesson and not to find God. God is not in there, just the monster of a creator invented by the hebrews to explain away their murderous ways as they told everyone they were God's chosen people. You might remember a story about Joshua and an attack on Jericho. https://www.britannica.com/place/Jericho-West-Bank
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James Hage
ps. peace would come fastest without israel, since they ARE the instigators.
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Lionheart
Perhaps you can explain your claim that Israel are the instigators, Sir James?
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Michael Hunt
You could start with the founding of the nation of Israel in 1948 and Zionists expelling Palestinian Arabs from their ancestral homes... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Palestinian_expulsion_and_flight#
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Amber Fry
Sorry Michael but go back farther, much farther. That isn't anywhere near the beginning. This back and forth has gone on for several hundreds of years, quite possibly thousands.
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Amber Fry
Sorry James but no. Nobody remembers who the real instigators are as they have been warring in the area back and forth for hundreds of years. I don't believe even they remember how it all started. They have their reasons and can point to specific wrong doings but go back farther and you find instances they themselves started yet another conflict themselves. Hamas isn't the whole of the Palestinians, in fact a very small, very violent group of terrorists. No matter which side does it or what reason they cook up for an attack, terrorism is not the way to go.
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Brien
Once again, religious hate is on full display. I don't care what religion it is. The old organized religions all have one thing in common... they're all based on fear and hate. If the religious nutjobs wish to kill each other then that's what they will do. They have all been killing each other for a couple of thousand years now. There is no need to debate who did what, and there is no need to assign intelligence where none exists. The only way the hate stops is when the screwed up beliefs stop. Sorry if that sounds callous but that is reality. Religious hate will never stop as long as people remain brainwashed. ✌️
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Douglas Robert Spindler
Oh no, the Christians are at it again spreading hatred. When will stop?
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ServantOfJudgement
I could be wrong but I think Hamas are Muslim. As far as the Jews go, I think they're Jewish.
You are stirring the pot, that makes you part of the problem. You pot stirring atheists are just the sort an endless conflict requires.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Sorry but it’s the kkkristians who are the stirrers of pots.
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ServantOfJudgement
Read the story again Elizabeth. Your pure hatred is making you see Christianity where it isn't.
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Rev. B
"Try to be reasonable."
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
Pot: "Kettle, You're black.
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Daniel Gray
showing your ignorance again are you? According to the FBI 2023 Crime report (made up of police reports from every department in the US as well as state and county police officers) it seems that the attacks against Jewish people here in the US are increasing and clearly outnumber the claimed attacks against Muslums (and no I am not saying they are not happening, just not as much as some would like you to think) by a factor of over 10 to 1. In fact Harvard and universities in NY are and have been sued because they are not putting a stop to the students who are attacking anything they see as jewish.
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Michael Hunt
I don't think Douglas was contesting the fact that these hate crimes are happening or that they happen more to one group or another. I'm pretty sure he was claiming that Christians are the ones most likely to be spreading the hate, which you're welcome to contest or accept, but I don't think he was being ignorant of the hate crimes happening. Just a thought.
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Daniel Gray
Ok then PROVE it otherwise its his OPINION and in direct conflict with the FBI Crime report.
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Michael Hunt
Well the FBI Crime Report doesn't have data on the religious beliefs of those committing the crimes (as far as I could find) so I'm not sure it could be proved or disproved.
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Daniel Gray
May not have religious beliefs in it but it does in fact show the race of the person and it does in fact show in the police report that is required to be sent to the FBI from every police department in the US, what was said and the actions of the assaulter. Given all of that its not that hard to figure out what is and inst a hate crime. Or are you going to say that the 78 year old man who was Jewish and supporting Israel and was beaten by 18 Bedouin supporters or the woman who intentionally drove her car through a building thinking that it belonged to a Jewish group wasnt a hate crime? and this is just two out of hundreds of thousands of suck attacks.
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Michael Hunt
Okay but Douglas is saying that Christians are the ones committing the hate crimes, not that hate crimes aren't happening to one group or another. No one is contesting that hate crimes are occurring which is why it's strange you're calling Douglas ignorant over something that he isn't contesting. If you were saying he's ignorant for claiming that Christians are the ones committing the hate crimes that would be one thing but you seem to be calling him ignorant for something completely different.
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Nicholas J Page
As for what the late John Lennon sang and hoped for Give Peace A Chance .Maybe we could all try Imagine the world if we had no hatred only Peace and Love among us .
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Stewart Newall
I’m not surprised against Muslims but I thick everyone as had enough of murders but the Jews didn’t ask for any of that what happened in Israel
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Not surprised against the muslims??? Gotcha’.
Try these keys the next time you try to express yourself.
. , ! ? ; :
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Catherine
Perfect.
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Catherine
@Stewart Newall
Several very informative synopses of the Jew vs Muslim and Israel vs Hamas histories have been posted on ULC. If the Hamas movement and party really represents Palestinian people, they are terrible at it.
Who benefits and profits from these conflicts?
Do you really think it's the majority of Jewish or Palestinian people? Because a lot of them on both sides are getting wiped like bugs on windshields.
If for a moment the majority of Jews and Palestinian people are set aside, who remains? There you have something closer to the reality.
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P. Keith Benefiel
This is the latest flare up in 4000 years of tribal warfare. Let us learn from it rather than emulate it.
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Amber Fry
Thank goodness someone else is aware of this. Add to that the vast majority of jews and muslims in the states come here to get away from that crap, and many of them have been here a few generations now. That indicates there really isn't any reason for these attacks in the states.
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Robert Edward Szekely
A lot of people are vilifying the IDF for their "scorched earth" warfighting strategy in Gaza. Yet they conveniently overlook that Hamas hides themselves among the innocents: in the schools, in the mosques and yes--even in the hospitals. Yet the IDF keeps warning the Palestinians to evacuate before they mount any major attack in the region. Most recently, they've taken to urban warfare in one of the largest hospitals in Gaza to try to separate the terrorists from the innocent bystanders. War is terrible. War is horrifying. War is ugly, and terrorists are cowards. They won't wear uniforms identifying themselves as combatants; they won't establish proper front lines to protect innocent citizens--because THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT INNOCENTS. Israel didn't start this war, but it's clear they intend to finish it. And these idiots carrying out meaningless attacks of violence against THEIR FELLOW AMERICANS! WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE, ANYWAY?? All I can figure is that they're members of various white supremacist groups, and this Middle-Eastern conflict is a flimsy opportunistic excuse for them to act on their bigotry.
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Craig T. Vermes
It is said that "Those who are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it". Welcome to 1930's Germany.
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Rev Ned
IMHO, as long as there is 1 Israeli and 1 Palestinian left in the Middle East, there will be no peace.
Mark Twain said that, “The most intolerable thing for a man to see is his faults in someone else. I think that is what drives this conflict.
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James Richard Munro
I pray every day that we live as God intended. We need to stop hurting each other. Remember what Jesus said on the cross ? Father, forgive them, for they no not what they do.
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Lionheart
Well, if we lived as your God intended, Sir James, we'd still be stoning people to death, having slaves, and possibly cutting off infant boys foreskins, being as that's what he condoned. Personally, I'm not in favor of any of that from a moral perspective, so does that make me more compassionate than your God? Hmmm, I guess so! 🤔
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Rev. Elizabeth
Hi everyone. I despise what is going on with so much hate and people rooting for the wrong side. But one thing I did that many have not done…I read Revelation. It is all in there. I’m not surprised what is going on in our world. I despise it but I knew it was coming. My own family unit is behaving just like Revelation says it will happen. I don’t think it would happen to a tiny family, but it did. So what is happening here, it’s in Revelation. It made me cry. I said please let me go in Rapture so I don’t have to witness these things. Rapture has to be happening soon. What with all that is going on I thought for sure that was going to happen first. I pray for the Jewish people there in Israel and here in the States. The hate they are experiencing. It makes me cry.
Be safe everyone and be well 🙏🏼 God Bless, Rev. Elizabeth S. Arsenault
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Lionheart
Don't believe everything you read, Lady Elizabeth. There are too many people that wrote those mythical stories in that book, mostly by people that never met the people they wrote about, which is particularly true of the New Testament stories.
People have been predicting a "rapture" for centuries, especially in times of war. It's always the case, and never happens. And don't forget, as I've mentioned elsewhere here in this blog, the Book of Revelation was written on the Isle of Patmos, well known back then, and even to this day, for the growing and harvesting of psychedlic mushrooms (Shrooms). Clearly, whoever really wrote that book was under the influence. 🤭
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Rev. Elizabeth
Thank you for giving me your opinion. I have heard that before. I appreciate you being honest.
Do you pray? Not being mean. Really want to know because you don’t believe in the Holy Bible. So, that’s my reason for asking. Just curious.
The Bible brings me comfort. I think we are all going to find out when it is our time, right? ☺️🙏🏼
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Lionheart
You're very welcome, Lady Elizabeth. As a clarification I do believe the Bible is real, however, it's what is contained in that book I don't believe. For me, there are too many stories that sound fictional to me, such as a talking Ass, and Snake; a Unicon; someone being turned into a pillar of salt; a deity that condones slavery, and stoning people to death. Someone being born by a virgin consummated by a deity. Someone walking on water; turning water into wine; raising someone from the dead. Most of these stories were written by people decades later that never met the people they wrote about. We all of course now know, due to the advancement of genetic science that there was no Adam and Eve. The list goes on.
No, I don't talk to a wall, floor, or ceiling, under the imaginary thought that I am talking to a deity.
Thank you for your reply.🤗
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Yeah, there has been a constant stream ‘Jesus is coming’, ‘The end is near’, ‘The world is enduing’ for as long as I can remember. Often clearly crazy homeless people with signs (prophets wandering around). But many xtians do so, though using the more vehement ones. Do you have a sign that you carry around?
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Rev. Elizabeth
You always reply to my posts and it is never a pleasant response. How is your life? Is it miserable? You just seem so negative to me all the time. I hope you have a good life.
In answer to your question, if I carry a sign saying the end is near or whatever. You will have a field day if I said I do.
No, I don’t carry a sign. I share with people who want to know. I just believe. I’m not on the streets saying repent, the end is near. Hahahaha. I’m going to pray for you. I would love to see a positive from you once in awhile. ☺️ You have a blessed evening. 🙏🏼
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
I always reply to your posts? I highly doubt that. If you spout off particularly blatant religious nonsense (Revelations reads like someone that ate way too many mushrooms) then I’ll often reply.
My life? Fine. Almost fully retired. Play golf once a week, practice it a couple of times a week. Miserable? Well, my drive is inconsistent. But that is offset with improvements with other clubs, especially the hybrids.
You share with people that want to know? How do those conversions start? “Hey, wanna’’ talk about Bronze Age deities?” Do people usually say ‘Yes’ to such an offer?
You’ll pray for me? Well, if you’ll do the praying then I’ll return the favor and do the thinking for both of us.
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Rev. Elizabeth
Dr. Zerpersande…Yes you always responded to me in a negative way. I always expect your visit. You can doubt that but take a look at all you respond to and you will see for yourself.
Also, I notice no matter who you reply to it is in a negative way. You come across as an angry person. Also it comes across as your opinion is the right way to think, our opinions are always wrong.
I was taught if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.
The way I feel and believe is my right here in the United States of America. You have every right to disagree with me but the insults that come along with your beliefs is showing the world that it is your way and not anyone else’s and you are so angry. You don’t see it because you are living it. I can tell by your responses to me.
In the future I’m going to enact my right and block you from coming on to my post and being so angry and being so derogatory. There is no need to be that way. Remember, if you have nothing nice to say, keep it to yourself. Relax Dr. Zerpersande, you may enjoy life more.
You have a great life. Good day 🙏🏼🙂
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Statng that I always reply to your posts is quite different from saying that I always respond in a negative way. I suppose I could try to determine when you truly mean what you are attempting to express and when you are simply demonstrating a poor command of the written word. Do you pray a lot? Maybe try praying out loud for practice. If you notice god giving you something different from what you requested it might be that you didn’t make yourself clear. Maybe your intentions were to pray more for your enemies but you actually prayed for more enemies. And I’mmthe answer to your prayers.
Part of the reason you may consider my responses negative is that they are disagreeing with what you and other religiously delusional members decide to spew forth. You do have the right to express your opinions but please keep in mind that you are wrong. And by expressing your opinions others have the right to express opposing views. Even if it upsets you.
So you were taught to say nothing if you had nothing nice to say? so you consider your most recent comment above to be ‘nice’? Your delusions seem to permeate other areas of your life, huh?
So you’ll BLOCK me and prevent me from coming on to your posts. How will you do that? Maybe pray?
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Rolando Couce
The dirty corrupt Democrats who are demons are behind this
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
This made me laugh out loud. Well, gut chuckle at least. Most of the religiously delusionals on this site have a higher craziness per post. You are like the Steven Wright of the religiously delusional.
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Catherine
And I/we get to laugh out loud twice. Thank you :)
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Amber Fry
Wow... what a leap. I don't recall Dems being the ones banning books, breaking down schools and medical facilities or spouting death penalty to women and doctors involved with abortion procedures... In fact they seem to be the ones trying to hold up the laws and preaching peace and freedom for the most part... Lay off Fox, newsmax and OAN... they are known propaganda ports.
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Billie Lyons
John Lennon said it best, “All we are saying is give peace a chance!”
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ORDM Genie G
Most violence and harassment is against Jews. And a lot of it is perpetrated by Muslims. I’m sure none of the mostly made up violence against Muslims is done by Jews. There are different values at play.
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Michael Hunt
Go tell the children of Gaza that the violence they're witnessing is mostly made up and not perpetuated by Jews...
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Amber Fry
Not true. Both sides have gone after each other for hundreds, even thousands of years now. They likely don't even remember why it all started but it seems to escalate with every upheaval. Hamas is just the latest of terrorist type groups to come of all this fighting. If neither side can lay down arms for the good of both sides, if they haven't for literally centuries, then all pointing figures does is encourage yet more violence from both sides.
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Warren Calvin Wall
Zionists, ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, Jesuits, etc., etc... are all militant radicals. They are no more everyday Jews, Muslims and Christians than than cannons are pistols. I'm reminded of a phrase that was commonly used in other wars, "kill them all and let God sort it out". I'm of the mind that perhaps the rest of us should step back and let them settle this matter in the Middle East once and for all. A thousand years of war with no winner is quite enough. Any of the Jews, Muslims and Christians that wish to promote and commit violence against others should be deported to their respective sides to have the opportunity to fight for their beliefs. The same goes for Russians and Ukrainians. It has become tiresome for us to continually intervene in regional conflicts. We need to put our own house in order. It is nonsense to clean our neighbor's house when we haven't cleaned our own in 100 years. Just my not so humble opinion.
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Erika Hood
In response to the question posed by this article - What is my reaction? I think it’s a disservice that this is the question…. What is my ‘reaction’? My reaction is fear and tears. My reaction is heartbrokenness and deep shame for being a human. I am ashamed of all the ways humanity has evolved and in many was devolved thus far in our existence on this planet. My reaction is a deep rooted desire to scream until I loose my voice and cry until I purge my body of its water. Even in reading all of these post - I see your reactions your individual wounds of needing to be seen, heard and validated. I see your fear and unwillingness to be open, to being vulnerable, I see reactions and self righteousness in pointing fingers and evading really hard and painful conversations about compassion, empathy and understanding. How can any of us even be open to this when we have so many unmet needs, so many individual core wounds that we’ve been ignoring by projecting our feelings/beliefs/opinions of situations that many take as a personal assault to their faith perhaps their very soul? We judge. We judge ourselves by our intentions and we judge others by their actions and in this instance reactions. This overwhelming desire to be understood has usurped the curiosity of understanding others. And to answer the second question posed by this article - Have you witnessed any heightened tensions or disturbing incidents targeting faith groups in your community? Yes, the majority if not all of the previous replies to this post are a perfect example of heightened tensions and disturbing incidents attempting to get their points across in the only way they feel safe or know how to express their individual pain through modeling the very nature the first question asked - reaction. The question I want to know the answer to is - How is your heart with the ways we, human beings, are ‘reacting’ to the increase in hate crimes and violence among Jewish and Muslim communities? What ways can we cultivate safety rather than regurgitate the fear that is directly contributing to perpetuating these crimes and violence?
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Amber Fry
The vast majority of people here in the states with middle eastern ancestry or spirituality are not to blame for what is going on over there. If they are first or second generation then they are likely hear to get away from all that. It's all misplaced blame yet again.
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Warren Calvin Wall
The truly sad part is that these are all brothers and cousins from the same Abrahamic roots fighting over the same places that are sacred to them all. Completely nonsensical. People are apparently ignorant of the fact that all of this is the work of militant radicals on both sides. Israel is NOT a Jewish state. It is a Zionist state. Zionists are militant radicals. This has been explained to me by my Jewish friends. Zionists no more represent all Jews than Hamas represents all Palestinians. No more than ISIS represents all Muslims. No more than Jesuits represents all Catholics. No more than the Klan represents Protestant Christians. They are all radicals. All Jews that I have known are good, intelligent, peaceful people. Same goes for Muslims that I know. It is a sad fact that the radical elements get all of the attention rather than the good people that simply wish to live their lives in peace and in their faiths.
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Juan Carlos Alatorre
Dear Brothers and Sisters . We are children of the same universe. We are members of the same creator. We must join our hands in harmony and love for one another. We need to free ourselves by accepting and respecting each other differences.If we cannot see beyond our hearts and spirits then we will cease to co exist as human beings in this world of ours. Only by preaching and practicing our faith thru means of compassion and humility we will understand the truth and meaning of God's word and works toward salvation of our souls. The tenth Commandments are God's law to all men on earth. We'll know the difference between right and wrong. When we and deny the laws of God. We too deny ourselves as being children of the same universe and creator. Be merciful, loving and kind to one another. You and I could make a difference if we start caring. God's Blessings. ... Peter Do you love me? That's what we must practice in our lives daily. Pray for world peace and harmony. Pastor and Minister: Juan C.Alatorre.
This is an unfortunate opportunity for our "deplorables" to act out - anything for hate. Politics and our leaders have brought us to this point - I don't see any changes in the near future.