✡️🇮🇱from a Pro-Israel, Jew

Let me start by saying I have long adored The Toast and will continue to be a loyal fan, Patreon supporter, merch buyer, and Spritz Society customer. But as a proud Jew and Pro-Israel supporter, I feel compelled to share my perspective.

Over time, I’ve grown increasingly disappointed—particularly with Jackie’s approach to this topic. While she is undeniably smart, her unwillingness to embrace differing opinions or offer grace to those who see the world differently is disheartening, and it has become increasingly apparent to listeners.

I have family in and from Israel, I visit Israel, and I know many Israelis, including IDF members and people in leadership positions, who carry far more empathy and openness for the impact on all by this conflict than Jackie seems willing to acknowledge. Yet from a place of safety and privilege in the U.S., she refuses to hold space for even a fraction of this perspective.

Dismissing those who don’t align with her does not help Jews, the conflict, or the world—it only fuels more division and hate. As a Pro-Israel supporter, I find it frustrating to see such a powerful platform and fellow Jews influence a young generation in this way. Watching so many people actively distance themselves from The Toast means fewer will have access to nuanced Pro-Israel perspectives that could foster real understanding. Instead, this rigid approach is pushing people further into their own echo chambers, deepening division.

Black-and-white thinking is not what Judaism stands for, nor is it how Jews want to be perceived. Judaism values critical thought, debate, and moral complexity—not absolutism. Yet Jackie has openly judged those who haven’t publicly supported Israel or who express different perspectives, often referring to her “list” of people she deems worthy of support based on minimal criteria. This kind of behavior does not help or elevate Jews.

One moment that gave me pause was when Jackie casually mentioned, “We don’t listen to Miss Rachel anymore.” I immediately suspected why. Sure enough, Miss Rachel had content specifically about the children—in both Gaza and Israel. As a mother and human being, if you cannot extend even basic empathy to innocent children in Gaza, and refuse to support those who do, then you are contributing to a bigger problem.

One of the most concerning narratives the Oshrys promote is the idea that expressing empathy for Palestinian civilians is incompatible with being Pro-Israel. This is not only false—it’s misleading and an oversimplification of a deeply complex issue. As the girls themselves say, “hold space for two things at once.” Every Israeli I know rejects this notion, and those actually living through this conflict are far more nuanced and compassionate than the stance the Oshrys present. If the girls deny holding this belief, then they need to acknowledge that their messaging conveys this perception—whether or not it’s intentional.

Additionally, I believe they have failed to truly distinguish their hatred of Hamas. Criticizing a terrorist organization is entirely justified, but conflating Hamas with all Palestinian civilians is harmful. Many Israelis understand this distinction, yet their rhetoric often blurs these lines, reinforcing blatant divide between two groups of people entirely.

While I am Pro-Israel, I understand that no side in war, politics, or religion is completely right or wrong. True strength lies in standing firm in your beliefs while also acknowledging imperfection. Blind loyalty isn’t admirable—it’s dangerous. That doesn’t mean you have to accept every opposing viewpoint, but having perspective means being mindful of others, acknowledging differing views without immediately dismissing them.

Jackie’s reliance on confirmation bias is clear in who she follows and engages with limiting her to voices that reaffirm her beliefs. How can you claim to be informed if you refuse to engage with opposing views? Passion is understandable, but constantly fueling anger in an echo chamber designed to inflame is not productive.

It’s also troubling that the Oshrys seem to form opinions about people solely based on whether they’re Jewish, with no deeper consideration. Morality isn’t dictated by shared identity, and blind allegiance is for the weak minded. This kind of judgmental, insular behavior doesn’t foster understanding—it leads to isolation. And isolation is something Jews neither want nor need.

I truly hope the girls don’t hold as closed off and inflexible in their thinking as it appears. If they choose to discuss these issues, they should provide more clarity on their true beliefs and not just spew small bits of hate, because as a listener, their message is being received in a way they may not intend.

As a long-time fan, I felt compelled to share this. Being Pro-Israel doesn’t mean shutting down differing perspectives. Many Israelis embody a different approach—far removed from the rigid, vengeful version of “Pro-Israel” that the girls often portray.

It’s heartbreaking to see people with such influence draw hard lines in the sand—especially as representatives of the Jewish community, people who have historically been on the other side of this kind of treatment and know its dangers all too well. Jews have always fought against being misrepresented—so why perpetuate a one-dimensional narrative that does not reflect the true diversity of Israeli thought? Ignoring the complexities of this conflict doesn’t protect your beliefs; it weakens them.

History has shown us the danger of shutting down discourse. When those in power decide who is “good” and who is “bad” based on ideological purity, we risk repeating the very cycles of intolerance we have fought against.

If you truly want to support Israel, don’t push people away—bring them in. Be open, listen, educate, and create allies, not adversaries.

I will continue to support the girls, their projects, and be an avid listener, and I truly hope they choose to engage with more nuance and responsibility.