Ask A Genius 1470: Israel, Gaza, and Culture
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Ask A Genius
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/08/05
Rick Rosner and Scott Douglas Jacobsen discuss Israel’s political climate, Netanyahu’s motives, Gaza civilian casualties, and social tensions among Jewish groups. Jacobsen shares real experiences. The conversation highlights political complexity, personal observations from a week in Israel and Jordan.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What do you want to talk about?
Rick Rosner: The current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, faces international criticism. Many analysts say Netanyahu has political reasons to prolong the conflict, as leaving office could expose him to corruption charges. When discussing Israel, it’s important to note that Israel’s military operations have caused significant civilian casualties in Gaza. Various reports estimate tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, many of them civilians. At the same time, Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the EU.
Israel has a powerful military with hundreds of thousands of active and reserve soldiers controlling much of the Gaza border. They arguably don’t need to use lethal force against unarmed civilians at aid distribution points. Humanitarian reports say over a thousand people have been killed trying to get food or aid. Israel cites security concerns, but many observers are skeptical.
Rosner: Any thoughts on Sudan, Ethiopia, or Azerbaijan?
Jacobsen: No. I’m not very informed about them.
Rosner: How was Israel overall?
Jacobsen: Jerusalem was fascinating. I visited the site traditionally identified as Jesus’ tomb and Golgotha. Later, I went to Mount Nebo in Jordan, making the trip from Israel.
Rosner: Did you go to any clubs? Are people still partying?
Jacobsen: I did not, but definitely people party hard. I stayed in hostels—they’re cheaper. One guy came down seriously drunk, shaking.
Rosner: Was he a tourist?
Jacobsen: No, Israeli. He asked the time in Hebrew. I said in English. But it was like six or seven in the morning.” He’d just come in. That was wild.
Rosner: But they still hook up in clubs?
Jacobsen: Probably.
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