Some Jewish philosophers like it in theory, but this is what happens when conservative religion dominates the Jewish public square. The effects are toxic. In Israel they marched for social justice last summer, and maybe they will this summer too. In the United States, we “celebrate Israel.” Flags, ugly hats, hideous t-shirts, smarmy politicians, stupid grins, modern orthodox kids bused in from the suburbs, and more flags. I was going to post more pictures, but I don’t think it’s right to post pictures of children, not online and not to make a poltiical point. The best one can say about Celebrate Israel is that it is more childish and less aggressive than Jerusalem Day in Israel, which has long since morphed into something fascist. Let’s keep pretending that liberal Jews aren’t already walking out on Israel.  As reported by both the Forward and Ha’aretz, Celebrate Israel has been overtaken by the modern orthodox, who bus in their children to make a gross political point. I chose this picture because I like the dude in the center giving someone the bird. They make a terrible impression. With friends like these, who needs Boycott-Divestment-Sanctions?