[SJackson]

I'm quite the quintessential goy here, but can you help me understand what Sitruk said about "Jewish life in the Diaspora to remain independent" ? Does he mean that Jewish people in France, for example, must strive to keep their own religious identity ?

The issue is the increased persecution of Jews in Europe, resulting in the inability to practice their faith. For example, in France it's recommended that Jews not dress in an identifiable way, not even to wear a Yarmulke.

Sitruk is saying it would be nice if Judiasm could continue to be practiced in France, rather than having the French Jewish community forced to either abandon their faith and move to Israel. Obviously the US would be the other option, but that's not relevant to their discussion.

It's not really an issue one would expect to be disputed in the 21st century, is it?

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[adam_az]

"It's not really an issue one would expect to be disputed in the 21st century, is it?"

Considering the 20th, I'm not too shocked.

[Nachum]

It's not really an issue one would expect to be disputed in the 21st century, is it?

It was inevitable. And much more is yet to come.

[Atlantic Friend]

I see... Well, I hope the atmosphere will soon be cleansed here so thta French Jews can wear Yarmulkes without fear of being harassed by young Muslims.

Yes, you're right about that, you'd think we'd gotten just a little wiser in 2,000 years, especially given the fact that the Jews have shown on countless occasions they could keep their identity and at the same time enrich the soul of any host nation.