In a Twitter discussion arising as a result of Dan’s post, Arab-American comedian Dean Obeidallah has labelled Israellycool a “hate site” and yours truly an “embarrassment to Jews as .. heard from others in Jewish community.”
@brianoflondon @pamsiegelzarte @jewlicious @israellycool Heard that same answer before from them -Israel Cool is officially a hate website
— (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) May 13, 2012
@LSal92 @israellycool He is an embarrassment to Jews as I have heard from others in Jewish community –
— (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) May 13, 2012
What really caused Dean to hurl this invective was this post, a link to which was sent to him by the post author, Brian of London.
I happen to know Brian in real life. He is no bigot. Brian deals with Muslims all the time in his “day job”, and relates to them as fellow human beings. What he has real issues with is Islam, and goes to pains to explain why. While I do not necessarily agree on everything with Brian, I provide a platform for his views precisely because he is no bigot, and he articulates why he believes what he does.
Both Brian and me have subsequently asked Dean to rebut specific points in the post. I’ve even invited him to post a rebuttal on here. He has so far responded with appreciation for the offer, but no suggestion he will take me up on it.
I sincerely hope he does. I am not afraid of dialogue – I welcome it – and I would love to hear Dean’s views on Islam and his problem with the points raised by Brian.
Meanwhile, Dean asked if we would mention this new documentary he is co-directing.
Sure, no problem.
@brianoflondon @JudgeDan48 @israellycool Will u guys write something about this new doc I really am co-directing youtube.com/watch?v=1brf79…
— Dean Obeidallah (@Deanofcomedy) May 13, 2012
What is he crying about? There’s plenty of anti Jewish films made by Arab states with Arab actors playing Jews.
What was it Churchill said “if you’ve made enough enemies it means you’re on to something.” or something like that?
I’d be happy to watch the film co-directed by Mr. Obeidallah. I suspect a lot of the IsraellyCool readership might watch it as well and are less apt to jump to conclusions about others they really don’t know at all that much about. AussieDave a hater of Muslims? That’s not my impression of our intrepid blogger. He may not share my love for show tunes, but, AussieDave does share my values of fair-mindedness and respect for others with opposing points of view.
I hate Islam.
Me too.
What I don’t get is, why is only he allowed to make fun of Muslims?
Everyone makes fun of everything in stand up comedy…
I mean, it’s like African Americans can say the N-Word, but I can’t…and maybe I would like to write a piece about falafel and hummus eating Arabs?
So much for free speech, but hey, it’s ok, they can make fun of Jews that’s allowed. Right?