I don’t know what is stressing my life out more these days, the news that comes out of our nation’s capital or the news that comes out of what I used to think of, as the Jewish people’s greatest contribution to the world, the Jewish State of Israel.

Both countries have been kidnapped by fanatical zealots with absolutely no moral or ethical shame! Both countries are under the heavy hand of autocrats and right-wing nationalist zealots who genuinely believe that oppressing those you disagree with is in keeping with democracy, common decency, and being people of faith.

Israel’s Minister of Security, Ben Gvir, affirmed today in a video he proudly posted, what an inhumane,  un-Jewish, spiteful, am-haaertz, boorish bafoon he is. If you are Jewish and feel no shame watching this video, your own credentials as a mensch, as a decent person, must be called into question. If you are a non-Jew who believes in civil liberties, respect for all human life, and treating others with the same dignity you hope this will afford to you, please know that this little man, like Trump, doesn’t represent the best that his people have to offer this world.

Ben Givir taunts and verbally abuses members of a peaceful flotilla who were trying to bring food to the starving people of Gaza. At one point, he orders that the captives be handcuffed and forced to kneel while the Israeli national anthem is played.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS STORY IN TODAY’S NYT