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.
Thread: In todayโs political rhetoric, the term โNaziโ is thrown around very casuall by those looking to smear their opponents without fully understanding or ignoring the weight of the word. Itโs now almost commonplace for Democrats to label Trump and his supporters as โNazis.โ But do these people actually understand the unspeakable crimes and inhumane actions that the Nazis committed, or the irreversible scars they left on the world? What happened in Nazi Germany was a methodical, calculated genocide that reduced human lives to numbers on a spreadsheet and embraced cruelty as policy. Letโs remember the real Nazisโnot as some empty insult, but as the masterminds of one of historyโs darkest chapters.
1/ Adolf Hitler โ Leader of the Third Reich.
Hitlerโs name is synonymous with genocide, war, and hatred. As dictator of Nazi Germany, he led the world into World War II and crafted the policies that ignited the Holocaust. Hitlerโs ideology centered around the belief in Aryan racial superiority, which fueled his ambition to eradicate Jews, Romani people, disabled individuals, and countless others he deemed โundesirable.โ His orders led to the systematic murder of six million Jews and millions of others in gas chambers, ghettos, and mass shootings. Beyond the Holocaust, Hitlerโs war set the globe on fire, causing unspeakable suffering and loss. His legacy is one of absolute brutalityโa vision that sacrificed humanity for his twisted ideals. He is considered as the worst person to walk on our planet.
2/ Heinrich Himmler โ Head of the SS and Architect of the Holocaust.
Heinrich Himmler was Hitlerโs right-hand man in organizing the genocide. As the head of the SS and Gestapo, Himmler meticulously planned and executed the โFinal Solution.โ He personally designed and oversaw the death camps, including Auschwitz and Treblinka, where millions of lives were extinguished including millions of Jewish men women and children. Himmlerโs approach was bureaucratic and a complete lack of empathyโhe turned genocide into a calculated operation, emphasizing โefficiencyโ in mass murder. Under his command, death became an industry. Himmlerโs influence extended far beyond Germanyโs borders, with SS units terrorizing occupied territories across Europe. His legacy is one of chilling pragmatism in service of complete destruction
Thread: Given that the French President Macron has called for a weapons embargo against Israel in the context of the Gaza war, it's essential to recognize the deep hypocrisy of such a move. While Macron presents himself as a champion of human rights, his call to cut off Israelโs defense while facing a terrorist threat reveals the same anti-Jewish bias that has been present in France for centuries. France has a long history of turning on its Jewish population. Today, that pattern is driving French Jews to leave their homeland in alarming numbers. Let's take a journey through that troubling history.
1/ Medieval Expulsions and Restrictions.
France's relations with her Jews was always inconsistent. She talked the talk of revolutionary ideals of "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," yet Jews were considered continually as outsiders, not good enough for those ideals. As early as the Middle Ages, Jewish communities in France were strictly controlled, their religious practices restricted, and their opportunities limited. Jews were forbidden from owning land, holding public office, or intermarrying with Christians. The easiest solution, as King Philip IV decided in 1306, was to expel them altogether, taking their property in the process. The greed of the king and the hostility of the Church combined made Jewish life in France impossible to sustain.
2/ The Black Death and Jewish Blaming.
The 14th century was even worse for Jews in Europe, as they were made scapegoats for every disaster that befell Christian society. When the Black Death swept through Europe, killing millions, Jews were accused of poisoning wells to spread the plague. These baseless accusations led to mass pogroms in which entire Jewish communities were slaughtered. France was not immune to this madness. The same country that gave birth to romantic ideals of chivalry and faith was also home to one of the darkest chapters in Jewish history, where communities were burned alive or forcibly converted to Christianity.
๐งตThread: This will not be easy to read or view, but itโs essential as we approach the first anniversary of the horrific October 7th massacre. We must remember what the Palestinians who entered Israel that day did to men, women, the elderly, children, and babies.
These are just a few of the thousands of images and footage from that day, showing the true face of genocide.
โ ๏ธ๐จ WARNING: The following photos are extremely graphic, depicting the brutal reality of genocide. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. โ ๏ธ๐จ
1/ We are here with the girls" ๐ Horrific documentation from Facebook Live that Hamas terrorists opened from the phones of the abductees documenting the moments of horror when they were wounded and scared before being taken captive by Hamas. Such cruelty that the whole world should watch. These are not "free fighters",
These are bloodthirsty monsters.
2/ Shiri Bibas with her 9-month and 4-year-old sons Kfir and Ariel. They are still held hostage.
๐งตThread: Throwing around the word "genocide" can be easy, but not every war is a genocide, and not every conflict is a slaughter. Here are just a few of the thousands of photos from the Holocaust to show what genocide truly looks like.
โ ๏ธ๐จ WARNING: The following photos are extremely graphic and depict the horrors of genocide. They may be deeply disturbing. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. ๐จโ ๏ธ
1/ April 12, 1945 - A portion of the bodies found by U.S. troops when they arrived at Nordhausen concentration camp in Germany.
2/ April 12, 1945 - Bodies of prisoners of Ohrdruf concentration camp stacked like cord-wood
Enough is enough, Letโs set the record straight: the claim that Arabs welcomed Jews to Israel after the Holocaust is a false narrative and just a lie. The reality is that it's a much more complex and challenging history. Hereโs a comprehensive look at the real dynamics of Jewish immigration and the reception in Israel.
1/ An Ancient Bond: Jews and the Land of Israel.
Let me first say that The idea that Jews arrived in Israel only as Holocaust refugees disregards their ancient and continuous connection to the land. Jews have maintained a consistent presence in Israel for thousands of years, documented in ancient texts and archaeological findings. Cities like Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed were significant centers of Jewish life long before the 20th century. This deep-rooted connection shows the significance of Israel to the Jewish people throughout history.
2/ The status of Israel in the 1880s
By the 1880s, when the First Aliyah began, Israel was largely neglected and in disrepair. The region suffered from economic stagnation, sparse infrastructure, and minimal habitation. Many areas were desolate, with abandoned villages and a general lack of modern amenities. Public health conditions were dire, with widespread malaria and typhoid fever, and there was a severe shortage of medical facilities and basic health care. The land had been left in a state of neglect by previous rulers and local inhabitants, who had not invested in its development.
Todayโs rhetoric from Turkeyโs Erdogan about potential invasion in Israel reminds us about Turkeyโs historical actions. For centuries, Turkey, both through the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey, has exerted control over vast regions. This history thread includes some of the most significant episodes of violence and repression even on fellow Muslims. Hereโs an overview of Turkeyโs most notable atrocities, reflecting a legacy of brutality and domination..
Pls forgive me and understand that it wasn't possible to fit everything in 1 thread..
1/ The Armenian Genocide (1915-1923)
The Armenian Genocide, perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire, remains one of the most devastating atrocities of the 20th century. During World War I, the Ottoman regime systematically exterminated approximately 1.5 million Armenians through mass killings, forced marches, and starvation. Despite extensive historical documentation and recognition by numerous countries, the Turkish government continues to deny these events as genocide, obstructing reconciliation and justice for the victims and their descendants.
2/ Kurdish Repression.
Since the 1980s, Turkey has conducted extensive and brutal military operations against its Kurdish population. The Turkish governmentโs policies include mass detentions, demolition of Kurdish villages, and severe restrictions on Kurdish cultural and political rights. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement among Kurdish communities. The Turkish stateโs relentless suppression of Kurdish rights and autonomy reflects a longstanding pattern of ethnic repression.