“Good Jew.” “Gross.” “Ugly.” “Demented.” Psychologizing me as pathologically ideological or psychologically cowering in the antisemite’s gaze. And never, not once, no matter how many times these clowns whine and wail, responding to my actual critiques or views. What if I say these things because I believe them? Because I’ve thought about then long and hard, and am open to changing my conclusions — but only ever get this childish whining from the right, and never any serious engagement with this government’s massive failures. This person’s only real complaint is that I don’t understand American politics. That in American politics, any admission of anything wrong in this Israeli government is cowardice and disloyalty. Or something. The argument isn’t articulated all that well. On the question of my ignorance, I tend to agree. I’m definitely an outsider. The Breakfast Club was a completely new cultural space for me. But I found them sharp as tacks, totally respectful and actually curious. They weren’t just open to our story, they actively sought it out and encouraged me to keep going. And given the state of the debate in America, of the extent to which the Jewish story is unknown or being actively erased in American politics and culture, I hesitatingly and with all necessary humility want to suggest that maybe you heroic “nothing-to-see-here” activists understand the American conversation even less than ignorant ol’ me. I’m very open to critique. I’m sure I could have done better. But this petty faux-outrage ain’t it.

Mehdi once wrote a book about how to win an argument even when you know you’re wrong. The trick is to be manipulative and dishonest. Mehdi has never to my knowledge talked seriously about the Israeli historical experience as he demands of me for Palestinians. And Mehdi is accusing me of ignoring Palestinians in an interview that, though it was meant to be focused on the Israeli experience, talked a lot about Palestinians. I’m starting to think Mehdi isn’t an entirely trustworthy guy.

If you’re in New York on the evening of November 17, and you’re sufficiently concerned about the Jewish future to be reading this tweet, why not join us for a live taping of Ask Haviv Anything at the Village Underground for a blunt and honest conversation on the future of Jews in America. I have a funny feeling I’ll be the optimist on the panel. “The Future of Jews in America | Is It Still the Exception?” Details and ticket purchases here: shop.comedycellar.com/produc…