Discuss human rights with superhero Shalzed
Most criticism of Musk centers on inequality- how is it fair for one person to have such an obscenely large fortune, while so many others struggle to meet their basic needs. But there’s another question- Musk’s fortune enables him to bankroll politicians he agrees with and exert undue influence on the political process. Is the accumulation of such wealth as a threat to democracy itself?
England, Austria, and Canada announced plans to donate around $1 million each to support organizations that promote grassroots dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. But Shalzed has a question. . .
South Africa: We need 18 months to prepare a thorough response to Israel’s utterly absurd rebuttal of our evidence that they are guilty of genocide.
Judge: But two years have already gone by. . .
Israel: If the evidence is so clear, why do you need another 18 months?
South Africa: To do a thorough job.
Judge: Fine. You have until November 2027.
Israel: Then we should get 18 months to write our response.
Judge: Fine. You have until May 2029.
South Africa: But this case is urgent!
Israel: So why don’t you let the judges decide today based on the evidence you’ve already submitted?
South Africa: No thanks, we’d rather not.
Based on a May 21, 2026 ruling of the ICJ giving South Africa 18 months to submit an additional brief, then Israel 18 months to reply.
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote an essay in the NY Times saying that Israel has used U.S. weapons not just for defense but also ‘as a sword to bury the two state solution,’ and the U.S. should therefore end Israel’s weapon supply. But what does the U.S. use its own weapons for? Shalzed watches as an Israeli ambassador asks this question.
A conversation between unnamed Israeli and European diplomats overheard by Shalzed:
European: What Ben-Gvir did to the flotilla activists is absolutely unacceptable.
Israeli: You’re right, it should never have happened.
European: I demand he be removed from the government. Israel should pay compensation.
Israeli: How does Europe treat people attempting to enter illegally by boat?
European: Huh?
Israeli: Don’t you let them drown in the Mediterranean, and make rescue a crime?
European: That’s totally different.
Israeli: Oh, okay.
“There are at least a few hundred of us.”
“Yeah, but thousands just came on Jerusalem Day to chant ‘Death to Arabs.’”
“It’s easier to get people to turn out when they’re against something.”
“Well, we’re against hate. We’re against war. Doesn’t that matter?”
— A conversation Shalzed overheard at an interfaith “human rights and peace” march in Jerusalem, May 19 2026.