Thread: Before we dive in, letโs address a critical issue: There are some people around the world who perceive Jerusalem as an Arab area, including the ICJ, with some even advocating for it to be handed over to the Palestinians as the capital of their prospective terror state. This view overlooks the profound and unbroken Jewish connection to Jerusalem. Letโs review how Jerusalem is intrinsically Jewish and how its history has been hijacked and rewritten.
1/ ๐ Jerusalem: The Eternal Capital of the Jewish People ๐
Jerusalem has been the heart and soul of the Jewish people for over 3,500 years. Despite countless challenges and adversities, the Jewish presence in Jerusalem has remained unbroken, underscoring a deep-rooted and unwavering connection to this sacred city. From the days of Joshua and King David to the modern era, Jerusalem has been a constant in Jewish life, culture, and religion, symbolizing the enduring spirit and resilience of the Jewish people.
2/ ๐ฐ๏ธ Ancient Beginnings ๐ฐ๏ธ
The history of Jews in Jerusalem dates back to ancient times, even before King David. Joshua, the biblical leader who succeeded Moses, conquered the land of Israel, including Jerusalem, around the 13th century BCE. This marked the beginning of a significant Jewish presence in the city. Later, King David established Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish nation around 1000 BCE. This monumental decision solidified Jerusalemโs status as not just a political center but also a spiritual and cultural heart for Jews. His son, King Solomon, built the First Temple, making Jerusalem the focal point of Jewish worship and pilgrimage. The Temple served as the epicenter of Jewish religious life, drawing Jews from all corners of the land to partake in rituals and festivals, thus embedding Jerusalem deeply in Jewish identity.
3/ ๐ Exile and Return ๐
Even after the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, the Jewish connection to Jerusalem did not wane. Jews returned to rebuild and renew their bond with the city, demonstrating their resilience and unyielding faith. The completion of the Second Temple in 516 BCE was a significant event, symbolizing a new era of Jewish religious and communal life. Despite subsequent invasions and occupations, the Jewish people continuously sought to restore and maintain their presence in Jerusalem, highlighting their enduring attachment to the city.
4/ ๐๏ธ Roman Destruction and Diaspora ๐๏ธ
The Roman destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE marked a profound moment of loss for the Jewish people, yet their connection to Jerusalem endured. Even as Jews were scattered across the globe in the ensuing diaspora, Jerusalem remained at the core of Jewish religious life and longing. Daily prayers, rituals, and cultural practices consistently oriented towards Jerusalem, preserving its significance in Jewish consciousness. Throughout centuries of dispersion, Jews always yearned for their return to Jerusalem, keeping the cityโs memory alive in their hearts and minds.
5/ ๐ Medieval and Ottoman Eras๐
Throughout the Middle Ages and the Ottoman rule, Jewish communities in Jerusalem faced periods of hardship and revival. Despite various conquerors and shifting political landscapes, Jews never abandoned their spiritual and historical ties to the city. During the Ottoman era, from 1517 to 1917, Jewish life in Jerusalem experienced significant changes. The Ottomans, recognizing the historical Jewish connection to the land, allowed Jewish refugees from Spain and other regions to settle in the city. This period saw a revival of Jewish communal life, with the establishment of new synagogues, schools, and community institutions, further cementing the continuous Jewish presence in Jerusalem.
6/ โก๏ธ The Jewish Quarter โก๏ธ
The Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem has been a vibrant center of Jewish life for centuries, a microcosm of the broader Jewish experience in the city. Its synagogues, schools, and homes are living monuments to the continuous Jewish presence and the communityโs resilience in the face of adversity. Over the centuries, despite periods of destruction and renewal, the Jewish Quarter has remained a focal point of Jewish cultural and religious life, embodying the steadfast connection of Jews to their ancient capital.
7/ ๐ซ Temple Mount Restrictions ๐ซ
Today, Jews face restrictions on visiting the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism. Control by Muslim authorities has prevented Jews from freely accessing the area, highlighting ongoing tensions and challenges. The Temple Mount, where the First and Second Temples once stood, remains a profoundly significant site for Jews. However, the complex political and religious dynamics have resulted in limitations on Jewish worship and presence, reflecting broader issues of religious freedom and historical rights.
8/ ๐ Historical Hijacking ๐
The Temple Mount, where the First and Second Temples once stood, has been at the center of a significant historical hijacking. Today, many around the world view it primarily as a Muslim site, overshadowing its profound Jewish significance. Despite its deep roots in Jewish history, the site has been rebranded, with many now referring to it exclusively by its Islamic name, Al-Haram Al-Sharif. The reality is that Jerusalem holds a marginal place in Islamic tradition compared to its central role in Judaism. The Quran does not mention Jerusalem, and its association with Islam primarily stems from later historical developments. This rebranding diminishes the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount, a place where Jews have prayed and yearned for thousands of years. The ongoing restrictions on Jewish access and worship at this sacred site underscore the broader struggle for recognition of Jerusalemโs true historical and religious narrative.
9/ ๐ Jewish Presence Through the Ages ๐
Over the last 1,800 years, Jews have consistently lived in Jerusalem and throughout Israel, even under various foreign rulers. For example, in the 9th century, Jewish scholar Saadia Gaon wrote extensively about Jewish life in Jerusalem. In the 11th century, Spanish-Jewish traveler Benjamin of Tudela documented thriving Jewish communities in the city. By the 16th century, under Ottoman rule, Jerusalem saw a revival of Jewish life with the arrival of Jewish refugees from Spain. The 19th century witnessed the establishment of new Jewish neighborhoods outside the Old City walls, symbolizing the growth and resilience of the Jewish population. These examples illustrate that, despite hardships and displacements, Jews have maintained a continuous presence in Jerusalem, contributing to its cultural and religious landscape.
10/ ๐๏ธ Jerusalem Today ๐๏ธ
Today, Jerusalem stands as a thriving city, embodying the spirit and resilience of the Jewish people. Despite ongoing challenges and political complexities, the eternal bond between Jews and Jerusalem remains unbreakable, reflecting millennia of history, faith, and determination. Jerusalem continues to be a center of Jewish religious, cultural, and political life, symbolizing the unyielding connection of the Jewish people to their ancient capital. The cityโs vibrant life and continuous development are testaments to the enduring spirit of the Jewish community and their unwavering commitment to Jerusalem.
๐ Conclusion ๐
Jerusalem is not just a city; it is the heart of Jewish identity and heritage. For 3,500 years, Jews have lived, prayed, and thrived in Jerusalem. Despite numerous challenges and adversities, their connection remains steadfast, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. The history of Jerusalem is a story of resilience, faith, and an unbreakable bond that has withstood the test of time. Today, as we honor this profound connection, we also look towards a future where Jerusalem continues to be a symbol of hope, unity, and peace for all who hold it dear.
The Talmudโthe backbone of Jewish thoughtโhas been attacked, censored, and destroyed more than almost any other book in history. To Jews, it is the foundation of law, morality, and identity. To its enemies, it was a threat, a conspiracy, a danger to the world order.
For centuries, Christian Kings, popes, and rulers demonized the Talmud, accusing it of blasphemy, treason, and corruption. Entire copies were burned in public squares, and Jewish communities were persecuted for studying it. But what made the Talmud so feared? Why did the world wage a relentless war against Jewish knowledge?
Letโs dive deep into the history of these attacks, why they happened, and why the Talmud remains at the heart of Jewish life.
1. What is the Talmud, and Why Has It Been Attacked for Centuries?
To understand why the Talmud has been targeted throughout history, we need to understand what it represents. The Talmud is the vast compendium of Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, and debate. It is not just one book but a collection of over 2,711 double-sided pages, composed of two primary parts:
โช๏ธThe Mishnah (compiled in the 2nd century CE), a written record of Jewish oral law.
โช๏ธThe Gemara (completed between the 4th and 6th centuries CE), which expands, debates, and analyzes these teachings with rigorous intellectual discussion.
The Talmudโs unique nature sets it apart from other
religious texts, because it is not a fixed, unquestionable doctrine but a living, evolving conversation between rabbis spanning centuries. The text is filled with disagreements, counterarguments, and multiple perspectives, showing that Jewish learning is based on critical thinking and dialogue, not blind obedience.
This made the Talmud dangerous to those in power. Unlike Christian teachings, which emphasized centralized authority, the Talmud encouraged questioning and debate. It made Jewish scholarship independent of kings and popes, reinforcing Jewish identity in exile.
As Christianity gained dominance, church leaders saw the Talmud as a threat. It kept Jews from converting, challenged religious control, and contained ideas they did not understand. Because the Talmud is vast, complex, and filled with figurative language, it was easy for outsiders to misinterpret, distort, and weaponize.
Thus, centuries of persecution began.
2. The First Attacks: Early Christian Objections to the Talmud.
The first major assaults on the Talmud began in the early Christian period. Church fathers like Augustine and John Chrysostom viewed Jewish scholarship as a refusal to accept the "New Covenant" of Christianity. They saw the Talmud as the reason why Jews continued to reject Jesus.
By the 8th and 9th centuries, Christian rulers in Europe began restricting Jewish learning. Charlemagne, for example, allowed Jews to practice their religion but placed limits on public teaching. By the 11th century, as the Crusades fueled religious fanaticism, Jews were increasingly persecuted.
One of the key accusations against the Talmud was that it contained insults against Jesus and Christianity. But in reality, the Talmud barely mentions Jesus at all. Most passages targeted by Christian censors referred to false messiahs and corrupt Roman figures but were deliberately misinterpreted.
For example, the medieval Church claimed that a passage referring to "Yeshu" (Yeshua) being executed was an attack on Jesus. But historical evidence suggests this referred to a different personโa common name in ancient Israel. Still, this claim was enough for Christian authorities to ban and burn the Talmud for centuries.
This growing resentment led to the first official trial of the Talmudโa staged event meant to justify its destruction.
Iโve held back from posting this thread out of respect for the Ukrainian people. Despite Ukraineโs long history of antisemitism, I refrained from bringing it up given their current struggles.
However, after President Zelenskyโs utter disrespect toward President Trump, Vice President Vance, and ultimately the United States, I canโt hold back anymore.
Some will say Iโm Russian-paid for writing this bla bla bla. Thatโs nonsense. Iโm not taking any stance on the current war in Ukraine. I am simply stating the history of my peopleโa history of persecution, massacres, and betrayal in a land that was once their home.
Ukraineโs history of antisemitism is long and brutal. From the Khmelnytsky massacres to pogroms, from collaboration in the Holocaust to modern-day neo-Nazi units, the Jewish people have suffered immensely on Ukrainian soil.
Letโs begin.
1/ The Khmelnytsky Uprising.
The Khmelnytsky Uprising (1648-1657) marked one of the earliest and most brutal episodes of antisemitism in Ukraine. Led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky, Ukrainian Cossacks sought independence from Polish rule. Amid their struggle, they targeted Jews, whom they saw as agents of Polish landlords. An estimated 50,000 Jews were massacred in the most horrific waysโburned alive, dismembered, and tortured. Entire communities were wiped out, with survivors left destitute or enslaved. Khmelnytsky remains a national hero in Ukraine today, despite his role in these atrocities, highlighting the lasting tension between Ukrainian nationalism and Jewish memory.
2/ The Pale of Settlement and the Blame Game.
When Ukraine became part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century, Jews were confined to the Pale of Settlement, a region including Ukraine where Jews were allowed to live but faced harsh restrictions. Jews were often blamed for economic problems, fueled by myths like the blood libel, which accused Jews of murdering Christian children for ritual purposes. These baseless accusations led to mob violence. Ukrainian peasants, angry at their own oppression, saw Jews as scapegoats. The tsars exploited this division, using Jews as a convenient target to divert attention from their own failures.
๐งต๐งต๐งตWhen 850,000 Jews Were Expelled and No One gave a beep: A Lesson for Today. ๐งต๐งต๐งต
Thread: Over the last couple, President Donald Trump proposed a couple of times that the United States should "take over" the Gaza Strip, suggesting the relocation of its 1.7 million residents to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. He proposed transforming Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East".
This proposal has ignited widespread outrage. The irrelevant UN Secretary-General Antรณnio Guterres warned against potential "ethnic cleansing." Countries including Germany, Brazil, and China and many Arab nations, particularly Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing the rights of Palestinians to their homeland.
Setting aside the questionability of this plan's implementation, the global outrage it has caused is striking. Yet, it's worth reflecting on a historical similarity: between 1948 and 1970, over 850,000 Jews were expelled from Arab and African countries. Their displacement was not due to uninhabitable conditions but stemmed from systemic anti-Semitism and hatred. The international community's response at that time was markedly muted, no one gave a beep.
In this thread, weโll dive into the stories of these Jews, who lived for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years in these lands, only to find themselves on the other side of the door.
1/ Iraq: From 2,600 Years of History to Forced Exodus.
Ancient Roots: Jews lived in Iraq since the Babylonian exile in 586 BCE, with a vibrant community that helped shape Jewish law (Talmud Bavli was written there). By the early 20th century, Iraqi Jews made up 40% of Baghdadโs population. with Jews thriving as merchants, bankers, scholars and many other fields.
But this long history came to a cruel end in the mid-20th century. In 1941, the Farhud pogrom swept through Baghdad. Inspired by Nazi propaganda, local mobs murdered 180 Jews, injured hundreds more, and looted homes and businesses. This shattered the trust between Jews and their neighbors.
The situation worsened after Israelโs independence in 1948. Iraqโs government passed laws banning Zionism, freezing Jewish bank accounts, and removing citizenship from the Iraqi Jews. A 1950 law allowed Jews to emigrateโbut only if they renounced their nationality, leaving them stateless.
By 1951, under Operation Ezra and Nehemiah, nearly 120,000 Jews, - 90% of Iraqโs Jewish population, were airlifted to Israel. These families left behind property worth $200 million (over $2 billion today). Today, fewer than three Jews remain in Iraq.
2/ Yemen: A Flight to Safety.
Yemenโs Jewish community had existed for over 2,000 years, upholding unique traditions even in isolation. But by the 20th century, they faced increasing violence and discrimination.
In 1947, riots erupted in the city of Aden, killing 82 Jews and destroying their homes and businesses. The violence convinced many that they had no future in Yemen.
Israel stepped in with Operation Magic Carpet in 1949-1950, a daring rescue that airlifted nearly 50,000 Yemeni Jews to safety. Many had never seen an airplane before and carried little more than the clothes on their backs.
Today, fewer than 50 Jews remain in Yemen. The rest found a new home in Israel, bringing with them traditions that enriched the countryโs culture.
๐งตRemembering the Holocaust on Remembrance Day๐งต
Thread: On this Remembrance Day, we pause to reflect on the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust. The images shared below are not meant to shock, but to serve as a solemn reminder of the atrocities endured by millions of Jews. These are the faces of those who suffered, and we owe it to themโand to humanityโto ensure that such darkness is never repeated.
The horrors of the Holocaust are too often forgotten or minimized by those who seek to distort history. Today, we look back at some of the most disturbing images as a warning of what hatred and bigotry can lead to.
โ ๏ธโ ๏ธViewer discretion is advisedโ ๏ธโ ๏ธ
A child in the Warsaw Ghetto collapses on the street, weakened beyond measure by starvation.
1/ A German soldier shooting a Ukrainian Jew during a mass execution in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, sometime between 1941 and 1943.
โ ๏ธโ ๏ธViewer discretion is advisedโ ๏ธโ ๏ธ
2/ A man carries away the bodies of dead Jews in the Ghetto of Warsaw in 1943, where people died of hunger in the streets.
โ ๏ธโ ๏ธViewer discretion is advisedโ ๏ธโ ๏ธ
๐งตMeet 15 Jewish Nobel Prize Winners Who Changed History๐งต
The Jewish population constitutes just 0.18% of the world (15.3 million out of 8.2 billion), yet approximately 20-30% of Nobel Prize winners in fields like Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine are Jewish. This incredible fact highlights the Jewish community's historic contributions to humanity.
Letโs meet just 15 of the over 200 Jewish Nobel Prize winners.
1/ Albert Einstein (1921, Physics).
Einstein was born in Germany to a secular Jewish family. His groundbreaking discovery of the photoelectric effect laid the foundation for quantum mechanics, earning him the Nobel Prize.
โช His theory of relativity (E=mcยฒ) reshaped our understanding of gravity and spacetime.
โชIn 1933, Einstein fled Nazi Germany to the U.S., where he became a vocal advocate for civil rights and Zionism.
โชHe helped inspire the Manhattan Project but later became an advocate for nuclear disarmament.
2/ Niels Bohr (1922, Physics).
Born in Denmark to a Jewish mother, Bohr revolutionized atomic physics.
โชHis Bohr Model showed electrons orbit the nucleus in distinct energy levels.
โชDuring WWII, Bohr worked on the Manhattan Project after escaping Nazi persecution.
โชBeyond science, Bohr advocated for global cooperation and peaceful nuclear energy use.