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Forward fans social media flames

Pardon our language, but what the hell is going on at The Forward? From tracking their Facebook feed, the paper seems to be relishing in Israel’s troubles and actually hoping for Israel’s failure.

They’re positively gleeful that public opinion may turn against Israel, and waste no opportunity to post stories — accompanied by provocative status updates — to that effect.

Strangest of all? They had the chutzpah to publish a column in which they criticized the rhetoric on Facebook and purported to offer advice for toning it down. (But then — within the same article itself — had no qualms about using the same divisive language they’re criticizing, such as calling the ADL’s advocacy efforts ‘ludicrous’. And this under the guise of ‘even-handedness’ or the voice of reason in the storm!)

It’s a bizarre case of lack of self-awareness, or, if we may be the cynical ones, a ploy for web traffic.

One after the next, almost each new Forward Facebook posting speaks of a cynical, biased view of Israel and Israel supporters. You tell us if we’re overreacting.

People joining a JNF JDate trip couldnt have any possible reason for wanting to visit Israel other than hooking up and eating hummus.

Jewish NGOs are exploiting the war in Gaza to ‘drum up’ donations. It couldn’t be that Israeli soldiers and families are in need.

Jon Stewart’s comic treatment of Israel is presented as a wake up call to Israel: ‘You’re bullies.’

Questioning whether Israel is actually acting in self-defense; implying of course that it isn’t.

Fanning their ‘prophet of doom and gloom’ attitude toward Israel.

Ridiculing the IDF’s strategies, capabilities and track record.


Please don’t get us wrong. We’re avid readers of The Forward and respect their role as a left-leaning institution. We even like J.J. Goldberg, the columnist whose analysis they’re currently flogging on Facebook as ‘groundbreaking’ and ‘unparalleled’ (arrogant much?). We thoroughly disagree with it, but he is a thoughtful writer and thinker.

The same can’t be said for The Forward’s social media staff.

Does The Forward desire seeing Israel’s army fail? From their Facebook, it’s hard to draw a different conclusion.

Or perhaps, contrary to their own advice, they’re just — irresponsibly, but successfully — fanning the flames of social media.




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