to not know what to say to my Israeli neighbours?

[lungidancer]

Just that really. I live abroad and they live in the house next to us (not in Israel) Get on quite well. Our gardens are very close to each other so we see each other constantly through out the day.

I've never given the whole situation much thought (to my discredit) but having spent the summer at home, I have been shocked and stunned and deeply saddened by the latest developments in Gaza. I know it's not directly their fault, but at the same time I just can't get past what the Israeli government is doing.

So, AIBU to be angry with them personally? Because I am angry with them. I'm angry about the whole situation.

Thanks

What? Leave your neighbours alone.

Rabidfairy: yes. I've certainly been put in my place.

Alice: hatred is not a word that comes to mind. Anger does not equate hate.

Purpleroxy: lol best response so far, and advice I will take.

Snark at "I know MANY MANY diplomats"

Who are you OP? Tell me, do they really eat all those Ferrero Rocher at the ambassadors balls?

BTW, my mum answers the phone at Elmbridge Borough Council. Is it just her fault we fucked up Iraq, or her whole customer services department?

Anger does not equate hate

Neither does it equate to tolerance. Grow up.

Agreed Alice.

You know "many many diplomats" yet this is the first time you've ever had this kind of issue?

I think you are getting a bit of a hard time here, OP. This is a major item of news that concerns their country, and you asking how to bring the subject up with your neighbour/friend.

I presume you were looking for some suggestions other than turning a blind eye.

You might want to ask the question on this thread

In my view, pretending that nothing of any concern is going on is not the right thing to do either.

Boys clothes: Ambassadors balls are usually a lot ore debauched than the adverts. I live and have lived in many developing countries where there are very few expats so we all tend to socialise together. And only if your mum works in foreign relations....

Yes. Wiggle. Believe it or not. However Good point because I never felt angry with the British diplomats when we were invading Iraq and would never have thought to either. Perspective. Thank you.

Random: thank you. I will check out the thread.

Sorry, wiggle, in that I disagreed with it to begin with.

perhaps you could throw bricks at their house?

When they throw them back you could complain?

Better yet get your kids to stand in front of you when you heave the brick. Then you will get a bit more sympathy if they lob em back over?

Yep let's blame the lovely Muslim family up the road for 7/7.

Disgraceful post.

Oddcommentator: you have clearly read the beginning and the end of the thread.

oh a diplomats party - I would definitely definitely find it irresistible to have a tray of fererro rocher and see if any commented.

Though it would be a brit who would i spect - with a twinkle and a grin i hope

Hmmm, by the reckoning on this thread I think I shall launch rockets across the bed at my Israeli DH tonight for not denouncing his country's actions loudly enough for my liking. Cos of, you know, being a bit pissed off at the rockets flying towards his family and friends all the time and shit scared of them getting hurt.

The Israeli government is acting appallingly. So is Hamas. I don't think anyone is disputing this. However, getting angry at anyone who isn't directly in charge of firing the rockets, or sending in the tanks and the soldiers to attack is displaced anger and is just thinly-veiled racism.

I'm a white South African. Would you like to hate me too for apartheid? And think of the field day you could have with hating my half-South African-half-Israeli-born-in-the-UK children! Ooooh, hatred jackpot!!

So to answer your original question, I would suggest leading with "Good morning". Or "boker tov", followed by "I hope your family in Israel are all okay" if you're feeling adventurous and conciliatory.

lungi - guilty as charged.

The body what's disgraceful is someone who jumps to the end of a thread to have a go without reading the thread.

OMG. Don't tell me they DO THINGS with the crinkled up gold wrappers??

Random, that is mad. Of course she shouldn't say anything! That is absolutely the right thing to do. If they were Iraqi would you recommend she sidled up and said "so, yeah, lovely weather were having. Are you in ISIS or wot?" No!! Just don't mention it OP, and if you do, do so in a human level... I hope your family are ok or similar.

BTW a huge number of Israelis are Arab Muslims. Would you feel like this about a Israeli Arab? If not then you might have some questions to ask and answer of yourself.

I actually tried once to make those ferrero rochers into that mountain like in the advert. Not successful.

Mind you I don't know any diplomats!

I might phone your mother Boysclothes and see if she can help.

tooth picks is the answer.

And you need white gloves

Annie: To reiterate. There is no hatred or wish to cause malice to my neighbours. I dont wish that on anyone.

Your final paragraph is perfect and I will be using it.

Thanks

Fair comment op.

However if you know lots of diplomats I assumed you would
Know that one family can't really be responsible for the carnage in Garza.

Silly me.

Boys clothes: I haven't actually said what their faith is.

Sadly, thebody, my mum doesn't know MANY MANY diplomats. Just MANY. So she may not be able to help.