Fiction about Jewish aliyah to Israel at Daily Kos

A person named Jane Stillwater has posted a fictional rant about Aliya  to Israel entitled "New foreclosure remedy: Become Jewish & move to Israel!" The article alleges that American taxpayers pay for the grant that is given by Nefesh beNefesh for new immigrants from North America, that Americans pay for their housing, which is supposedly all in the settlements ("East Jerusalem high rises" and that it is easy to become a Jew and go to Israel at the expense of the American taxpayer. Here's a sample of this wicked concoction:

 

Our American government is currently financing and maintaining a fabulous all-comprehensive housing program that can provide you with modern newly-constructed state-of-the-art housing at either subsidized prices -- or free!  And talk about location location location.  This wonderful model housing program isn't located in undesirable places like the grungy old Boston inner city or shabby run-down parts of L.A.  And, unlike those tacky bankrupt schools in California and Mississippi, this place has outstanding schools too.  And its healthcare services, shopping centers and freeways are also top-of-the-line.

   These fabulous new housing programs are located in a place that is sunny, modern, upscale and family-friendly -- Israel!

    According to USA Today, "Nefesh B'Nefesh, a non-profit organization, provides grants of $3,000 to $10,000 as an incentive for Jews to move [to Israel].  Nefesh B'Nefesh, which means 'Soul to Soul,' also helps arrange housing, jobs and schools for immigrants' children."

    "But what do I have to do to be eligible for all this wonderful subsidized housing?" you might ask.  That's easy.  Just become Jewish.  And apply.  It's your birthright.  You're in!

   "But if America is sponsoring a housing program that is available to only one religious group, isn't that against our Constitution and civil rights?  Doesn't this program have to be available to ALL Americans to be legal?  And doesn't it go against the separation of church and state?"  Nah.  Not a problem.  There are no churches involved.

 

None of the allegations are true. The United States does not pay for or subsidize housing in the West Bank or East Jerusalem. The United States underwrites loan guarantees for Israel, but it deducts the sum it estimates that Israel spends on settlement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The U.S. tax payer does not pay for the loans, just the guarantees, which make it possible for Israel to get money at lower interest rates.  The United States government does not pay for Nefesh Benefesh, which is financed by the Israeli government, individual private donors and a foundation. It is rather difficult, as everyone knows to undergo the orthodox conversion that is needed in order to be recognized as a Jew by the orthodox establishment.. This bizarre rant has to be seen to be believed. It shows what happens when the hysteria over settlements is carried to an absurd extreme.  

 

Ami Isseroff