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PeaceWave

(3,447 posts)
Tue Dec 5, 2023, 04:10 AM Dec 2023

How do I deal with a family member I feel I am losing to anti-Israel and anti-Jewish propaganda? [View all]

This family member - someone whom the rest of my extremely pro-Democrat / anti-Trump family is quite fond of - has been texting the rest of us some extremely anti-Biden text messages. When the conflict in Israel first began, this family member initially claimed that everything that has happened - including the murders committed by Hamas - was Netanyahu's fault. I was shocked and heartbroken to read what this family member wrote. They have gone on to text messages of a disturbingly anti-Jewish bent - suggesting Jewish political intervention throughout the world. This is not a dumb person. This person is college educated, otherwise articulate - but shockingly obtuse to what Hamas did to Israel on October 7th and to what Hamas is as an entity. When I first read the text messages from this family member, I delicately suggested being careful about injecting one's self into this issue. Our family is neither Muslim or Jewish. This family member also works with a number of prominent members of the Jewish community where they live. Again, very delicately, I explained to this person that their job would almost certainly be on the line if their text messages went out to the wrong person. The impression I currently get is that this family member is either trying to persuade us to their side or is resentful of us for not agreeing with them. Went this person sends out these messages, none of the rest of us has responded in agreement. But, it's been escalating every day it seems. This family member is now saying how much they dislike Biden for "not making Israel stop the war" and won't vote for Biden if "he doesn't do something." I have texted a few articles explaining the slim margin of victory in most elections. Basically, I'm saying "the absence of your vote will be felt." The message isn't getting through. I feel like my family is losing this family member to God only knows what propaganda they are reading. I wonder too, in the cumulative, how many families are dealing with something similar. Is this how Trump wins - by dividing us against ourselves, one family member at a time?

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I wouldn't bother H2O Man Dec 2023 #1
I don't think there is anything new about this person's views JI7 Dec 2023 #2
Text messages? Aussie105 Dec 2023 #3
I don't think the OP is "annoyed" because they've taken opposing sides. yardwork Dec 2023 #16
Propaganda Dorian Gray Dec 2023 #4
This might be the best advice. yardwork Dec 2023 #15
You might want to try sharing with them... Think. Again. Dec 2023 #5
If they are making comments about "Jewish political intervention"... Happy Hoosier Dec 2023 #10
I'm not sure what you're referring to.... Think. Again. Dec 2023 #12
Did you read the OP? Happy Hoosier Dec 2023 #13
No, I didn't miss that.. Think. Again. Dec 2023 #20
I would start by defending the Israeli people, not Netanyahu's policies, (which our own government hlthe2b Dec 2023 #6
Tell them the truth. Irish_Dem Dec 2023 #7
So many have become useful idiots for Putin over the past two months! Axelrods_Typewriter Dec 2023 #8
So many Americans are happy to be on Putin's side. Irish_Dem Dec 2023 #14
Yeah...their anti-semitism has been enabled. CincyDem Dec 2023 #9
I think it's true that this propaganda is enabled by pervasive antisemitic biases. yardwork Dec 2023 #19
Say your goodbyes? edisdead Dec 2023 #11
One thing you might try before giving up Mosby Dec 2023 #17
The propaganda campaign is so pervasive, the disinformation is everywhere now. yardwork Dec 2023 #18
What many people fail to realize is that WWIII is happening between their ears. CincyDem Dec 2023 #21
So true! People are allowing their judgment to be clouded by emotion and biases. yardwork Dec 2023 #23
Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. PeaceWave Dec 2023 #22
Efrain Rios Montt PufPuf23 Jan 26 #30
Maybe it's not about which side is right.... Chakaconcarne Dec 2023 #24
I have this dilemma with my daughter maxsolomon Dec 2023 #25
Well said. PeaceWave Dec 2023 #28
Well, I applaud the menu at least. Turkey, corn and squash are Native foods. maxsolomon Dec 2023 #29
Politics and religion and war shouldn't be discussed with family. LakeArenal Dec 2023 #26
deleated FraDon Dec 2023 #27
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