One Democracy Amidst 22 Dictatorships

One Democracy Amidst 22 Dictatorships

Israel's Doctrine of Deterrence and Survival

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Doctrine of Deterrence and Survival."

Israel, guided by G-d’s divine providence, decisively crushed the Iran-backed Houthis in a precision strike in Sanaa, eliminating their leadership for attacking Israel and strangling Red Sea trade routes. In 2024 and 2025, Israel’s strategic doctrine of deterrence and escalation delivered justice, eliminating Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Muhammad Sinwar, Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, and 41 key Iranian military and nuclear figures, while dismantling Syria’s military capabilities. Despite being surrounded by adversaries denying its existence, Israel’s unmatched ingenuity and faith ensure its survival, offering enemies a stark choice: be deterred or be removed.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Israel's Doctrine of Deterrence and Survival

My Feelings

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

My Feelings

Captain America

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Captain America

I'm Seeking You Seeking Me

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

I'm Seeking You Seeking Me

Beanie Bear

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Beanie Bear

Strawberry Licorice Wheels

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Strawberry Licorice Wheels

Seeing Morality Beyond the Hamas Propaganda

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Seeing Morality Beyond the Hamas Propaganda."

We must stand resolutely and with clarity against the moral confusion created by Hamas propaganda, which distorts reality by portraying jihadi terrorists as victims while democratic Israel endures relentless attacks—over 26,000 rockets, missiles, and drones since October 7, 2023, along with bombings, raids, and kidnappings. Against this backdrop, the Torah portion Re’eh reminds us of G-d’s timeless call to “see” clearly and choose between blessing and curse. Though justice is not always visible and the wicked may appear to prosper, the Torah urges us to look deeper, trust that true blessing follows righteousness, and recognize the dignity of free will. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we are called to strengthen our faith, rise above doubt, and return to G-d with humility, courage, and hope.
(AI generated image via Gemini)

Seeing Morality Beyond the Hamas Propaganda

Barbie In Town

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Barbie In Town

Coffee Designs

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

Coffee Designs

Hot Soup

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hot Soup

Halloween Arrived Early

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Halloween Arrived Early

Egg and Avocado Toast

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Egg and Avocado Toast

Humanity Beyond All Differences

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Humanity Beyond All Differences."

Last week, I came across an elderly man collapsed on the sidewalk—disoriented and in distress. With the help of a passing nurse and quick emergency response, he was rushed to the hospital. The experience reminded me that our shared humanity transcends race, faith, and background—we are all fragile, yet deserving of dignity and compassion. But compassion does not mean ignoring evil. True peace requires rejecting terror and protecting the innocent. Only by uniting with good people everywhere can we affirm life over death, dignity over hatred, and build a world that reflects the holiness of our Creator.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

 

Humanity Beyond All Differences

Peeled Banana

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Peeled Banana

Two Despicables

Two Despicables

Hummus Chickpeas

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hummus Chickpeas

Mckee-Beshers Wildlife Preserve

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Mckee-Beshers Wildlife Preserve

Hamas’s Deflection Playbook

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hamas's Deflection Playbook."

Hamas has shifted its fight with Israel from the battlefield to a coordinated campaign of information and ideological warfare. Since the October 2023 attacks, they have used a strategy of deflection—accusing Israel of the very atrocities they commit—to sway global opinion. Their propaganda playbook includes fabricating an “occupation” narrative, falsely labeling Israel an apartheid and genocidal state, and accusing it of starving Gaza while concealing their own violence and exploitation of aid. The goal is to isolate Israel through international condemnation, economic boycotts, and legal attacks. Beyond the Middle East, Hamas and allied extremists work within Western democracies to erode support for Israel, promote radical agendas, and influence younger generations through education—turning the fight into both a military and a narrative battle for truth and democratic values.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Hamas’s Deflection Playbook

Children's Imagination

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Children's Imagination

David's Cookies Rainbow Cake

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

David's Cookies Rainbow Cake

Bowl Eyes

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bowl Eyes

Oversized Cherries

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Oversized Cherries

Car Pens

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Car Pens

Tisha B’Av: Will the Darkness Ever End?

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Tisha B'Av: Will the Darkness Ever End."

Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, is the most solemn day of Jewish mourning, commemorating a series of tragic historical events—including the destruction of the First and Second Temples and other calamities—that symbolize both profound physical loss and spiritual rupture. Despite this darkness, tradition holds hope through the promise of the Mashiach’s birth on this day and the eventual rebuilding of the Temple. Recent tragedies like the October 7, 2023 attack and rising global antisemitism remind us of ongoing challenges, but faith, kindness, and prayer sustain the Jewish people, empowering them to be active participants in redemption. Miracles continue to unfold with the return to sovereignty in Israel, and the day will one day transform from mourning into celebration.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Tisha B’Av: Will the Darkness Ever End?

Old Time Wagon

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Old Time Wagon

Rubicon Coming Out of The Frame

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Rubicon Coming Out of The Frame

Lion Elephant

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Lion Elephant

Cat on Rock

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Cat on Rock

Driving Dummies

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Driving Dummies

Israel's Imperative: A Swift and Successful Finish

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Imperative: A Swift and Successful Finish."

Confronting Hamas’s dual threats requires unwavering transparency and resolve. Israel must accomplish the near-impossible task of winning its military objectives and freeing all hostages, while minimizing the duration of the conflict to deprive Hamas of its propaganda weaponry. Only by acting swiftly and decisively can Israel break the destructive cycle of violence, victimhood narratives, and delegitimization, safeguarding its future and securing lasting peace and dignity for its people.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Israel's Imperative: A Swift and Successful Finish

Dancing Chassidim

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dancing Chassidim

Bart Takes His Best Shot

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

Bart Takes His Best Shot

Candle App

Candle App

Street Food NYC

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Street Food NYC

Echoes Across Realities: The Soul’s Journey

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Echoes Across Realities: The Soul's Journey."

The concept of multiple realities, embraced by both scientific theory and imaginative storytelling, proposes that countless alternate histories unfold from pivotal moments, each yielding distinct outcomes. Personal experiences, such as vivid and inexplicable dreams, invite us to consider the existence of parallel worlds and deeper spiritual dimensions where our souls may journey. These experiences underscore how our free will—our choices to act for good or evil—intertwines with billions of others in a complex tapestry of cause and effect that only G‑d can fully comprehend and graciously guide. Ultimately, our actions carry profound significance, influencing not only this reality but countless others, revealing that the truths shaping our lives and the universe are far more expansive than we may realize.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Echoes Across Realities: The Soul’s Journey

Puff The Magic Dragon

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Puff The Magic Dragon

Two Schmucks

Two Schmucks

Magnet Men

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Magnet Men

Am Yisrael Chai!

Am Yisrael Chai!

Farmers Market

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)
 

Farmers Market

Now Is the Time to Stand for Principle Over Political Party

(https://www.wsj.com/opinion/notable-quotable-we-are-a-big-tent-party-dnc-chairman-mamdani-c81f0f04)

Now Is the Time to Stand for Principle Over Political Party

Voting Against Ourselves

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Voting Against Ourselves."

Despite rising antisemitism and mounting threats to Israel, a surprising number of American Jews continue to support political figures who criticize or undermine the Jewish state—often through double standards—and tolerate or excuse antisemitic rhetoric. This article explores both the political and psychological reasons behind this paradox, from progressive values and generational divides to identity struggles, assimilation, and intergenerational trauma. As attacks on Jews escalate across the U.S., the piece urges Jewish voters to reflect deeply on the implications of their choices—for their safety, their identity, and the future of Jewish life in America and Israel.

(AI generated image via Gemini) 

Voting Against Ourselves

Gang's All Here

 

Gang's All Here

Bye Bye United Nations Antisemite Francesca Albanese

Banned from USA!

Bye Bye United Nations Antisemite Francesca Albanese

Jeep With Horns

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Jeep With Horns

AI Replacement Theory

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

AI Replacement Theory

Rats Get Fat

Song @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI214Jezxxw

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Rats Get Fat

Nemo The Fish

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Nemo The Fish

Blessings

Blessings