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
