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Ethics matter more than ever – even in Israel

19 December 25, https://theaimn.net/ethics-matter-more-than-ever-even-in-israel/

Who’d have thought, in this time of crisis, lies and propaganda, that it might be the Jerusalem Post that showed us an ethical direction?

And, on another matter of ethics – the Jerusalem Post, again.

I’m pretty used to the pro-Zionist propaganda that spills out from the Israeli media, the American media, and the Australian media.

I don’t know if it’s Hannukah, Christmas, or what, but in the usual cacophony of news and opinion, – that normally unfashionable subject of ethics is now standing out.

The Jerusalem Post spelt out its horror at the new, and murderous symbolism, of the lapel image now worn by ultranationalist Israeli politicians. Closely resembling the previous symbol, which called for the return of the Israeli hostages, their new symbol calls for continued killing of Palestinians, as the lapel image morphs from a ribbon into a noose.

A golden noose around Israel’s soul – says the paper – “The golden noose goes far beyond poor taste. It represents a theology of death, a reverence for vengeance that distorts the face of Judaism and deals a severe blow to Israeli society.”

 “Jews around the world would be hard-pressed to defend and embrace the Jewish state.“

And indeed, this noose-wearing thing might backfire – as Jews in Israel and beyond reflect on the ethics of the Netanyahu government’s war on Palestinians.

Almost simultaneously, came the news of the massacre of Jews at Bondi Beach. The mainstream corporate news outlets have, predictably, latched on to this, to engender more vengefulness and hatred, and to blame Australia’s Prime Minister for his support of Palestinian state rights.

There is much coverage and genuine concern for the victims of this cruel outrage and their families. In amongst this, some sentimental coverage of the brave man who tackled an armed killer. As the ABC pointed out, media coverage treated this man as an oddity – as being a Muslim, one would not expect such decency. – a media attitude that is subtly Islamophobic.

The Jerusalem Post reported:

” Ahmed al-Ahmed a 43-year-old Sydney fruit shop owner and father of two, moved toward the attacker, wrapped him from behind, wrestled away the long gun, and forced the shooter to retreat. He was shot and hospitalized, but his split-second decision is widely credited with preventing even greater carnage.”

And commented – “There is something profoundly Hanukkah about that moment.”

The Post goes on to reflect on those non-Jews of history, who risked everything to save Jews, – Raoul Wallenberg.  Oskar Schindler.  Chiune Sugihara and more

“These stories are not only about the Holocaust, but they are also about moral clarity under pressure, the choice to see a fellow human being and refuse to look away.”

This man’s courage and generosity of spirit has impressed people world-wide, and his actions have been praised in the media, cutting through the general tone of anger and hatred

The author, ZVIKA KLEIN, reminds that Hannukah means “a demand that human beings choose decency over cruelty“

Which is pretty much what Christmas is supposed to mean, too.

While the merchants of hate, revenge, and political opportunism hold sway in the corporate media, voices for compassion and decency are being heard too. These are hopes to cling to for the coming year, and bring some positive meaning to Hannukah and Christmas,

December 22, 2025 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes, Israel, Religion and ethics