Don’t say #IamTelAviv. Say #IamIsraeli, #IamaJew

Last night terrorists dressed as religious Jews launched a deadly attack on patrons of the popular Sarona Market in Tel Aviv. A common show of support for terrorism victims has started circulating: the #IamTelAviv hashtag. I think this is the wrong hashtag.

In suits and ties, gunmen shatter Israelis’ hope terror wave had ended https://t.co/N2fStnj14P

— The Times of Israel (@TimesofIsrael) June 9, 2016

As I write this, 4 people have died from their wounds sustained in the attack.

Death toll in Tel Aviv shooting rises as fourth victim succumbs to wounds https://t.co/20luIEkqWv #BreakingNews

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) June 9, 2016

A meme has started making its way around the web that is a variation of the hashtag themes that followed the terrorist attacks in Paris and other cities. People are showing their support for victims by using the hashtag #IamTelAviv.

I am not #TelAviv #iAmIsraeli

— Acronymous (@Malcohen_X) June 8, 2016

I disagree. This was an attack on Israelis, on Jews. #IamTelAviv is a statement of support and unity, for sure, but this wasn’t just an attack on a city. This was a focused attack, it was more targeted. This was about killing Israelis, Jews.

Hamas saw our shock tonight & couldn't help themselves: they basked in it. They misread it as fear. They still think they can scare us away

— Haviv Rettig Gur (@havivrettiggur) June 8, 2016

The hashtag #IamTelAviv ignores the fact that terrorist attacks in Israel are not attacks on some monolithic city or a generic group of people. This was specific. If you want to show your support and signal your unity with us, use a hashtag that signals support for the real targets.

#IamIsraeli

#IamaJew

I dare you.

Postscript (2016-06-09)

This an example of what it means to be #IamIsraeli:

https://twitter.com/eylonalevy/status/740837585195565056