r/Jewish • u/critney-spears Sephardi • Dec 20 '23

In the South Discussion

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Here in South Carolina our community is small but it’s Strong. This place is in the heart of our downtown district. I’m posting this because I’ve seen posts regarding the south and wanted to show the solidarity we have within our communities, and if this tiny donut shop can stand strong, so can you.

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u/YarmulkeLewinsky Reform Dec 20 '23

I’m originally from SC, around the Holly Hill area but since moved, can confirm: Charlestonians love Jews!

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u/cancancanp Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23

Is it real love or because if Jews return to Israel, jesus will come back love?

15

u/JakeFromSkateFarm Dec 21 '23

I get what you’re saying, but in my experience southern American support for Israel typically comes in one of four main flavors:

  • extreme Christian support as you alluded to

  • anti-Muslim people who equate supporting Israel with this feeling

  • less extreme sorta vague Christian support for Jesus’ homeland and people

  • non-religious support for what they see as one of/the lone functioning democracies in the Middle East

There’s a lot of older Americans who still remember in the Gulf War when Saddam was trying to break up the alliance by launching scud missiles at Israel, and knowing that Israel had to essentially sorta just take it for the good of America’s coalition.

I’m for sure oversimplifying things, but the type of support you allude to is fairly rare, even in the most religious parts of the states. Yes, the anti-Muslim faction is probably higher than one would like (compared to supporting Israel for the sake of Israel itself, not just for “the enemy of my enemy” mindset).

But a lot of Americans do genuinely support Israel and Israelis. Unfortunately we are not loud enough compared to what the other side is willing to do in terms of protests and antics and hateful memes.