Surtaxing the Kulaks

New York Mayor explains that "the pied-à-terre tax is something that will be levied upon non-primary residences that are worth more than $5 million".  The surtax has certain similarities with the first steps after the Russian Revolution and the Mao takeover of China. The kulaks were "rich" agricultural property owners, who were declared "class enemies" and subject to expropriation and later, severe punishment. Property being theft, they were considered criminals. The surtax smells antisemitic, as very few Afro-Americans and recent Hispanic immigrants own much real estate. But New York Jews do.

Total Victory!

Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza agreed to disarm fully. 

Gaza is neutralized, and the terrorists will be re-educated following proven Chinese methods. 

Boy George

 

The British musician published a pro-Israel song. That is surprising and important in the current anti-Jewish environment. I am a long-time fan of him/her; I like the riverboat story.

Idol Factory

The archaeological excavations at the First Temple site in Jerusalem discovered a mold for mass production of female figurines. These 10-12 cm idols may have been Ashtaroth, a Canaanite goddess. These clay figurines were found in many homes in the Judean mountains. The Bible tells us of the Prophets' struggle to eliminate idolatry and to impose Moses's religion. 

The Past and the Future

The family went to the kibbutz. The fat old man is the past, and the little boy is the future. The swimming pool is in a green valley with a spring, which is dry (Mekorot is pumping away the water). The place was not packed because many families prefer to stay at home, near the hardened refuges. Many are spending their vacations in the Greek islands. The country is on high alert, but nothing is happening. 

With so many oil refineries destroyed in Russia, Ukraine, and the Gulf, there is a "beautiful" difference between crude ($ 100 per barrel) and refined products. BAZAN in Haifa must be printing dollars. Claude says don't buy because it's high on the Ayatollah's target list.  

Strategic encirclement

The regime ruling Iran (there is a gay Ayatollah at its head, according to Trump) has closed the maritime outlets of the Middle East region. America is trying to reopen the straits and allow oil exports. 

In the past, America used to head an alliance, but this time its European allies refuse, leaving only Israel as a willing partner. 80 years since the big war, the peoples in the West are prosperous and have lost their bellicosity. As for me, I am suffering in this hot summer and uninterested in anything, trying to work a little, and dreaming of full, pale-skinned Jewish women.

Today is the ninth of Av. The Air Force is tense and waiting for the green light from Trump. The municipalities are opening the air refuges. I am finishing the Petach Tikva project. It is a meeting hall annex to the historical house called "Beit Svatitsky" at 3 Montefiore Street. Its purpose is to correct a historical wrong and foster dialogue on gender issues, promoting awareness of equality and empowerment. My purpose is to receive a few thousand shekels and to buy an apartment for my batshit crazy granddaughter. 

Sharpness and Clarity

Better than that, we now have clarity. We are no longer laboring under illusions, bidding for affection that was always going to be withheld. They were honest with us, in the end, and that honesty is its own kind of freedom. We can go our own way now: not into a ghetto (we still have real allies) but into self-determination, as individuals and as a global people. 

By Ben Freeman, in TABLET. On Antisemitism in the world.

Illustration: Mexican Black Obsidian Ceremonial Knife. Obsidian is sharper than steel.