The Forward asked some notable Jews to reflect on the last decade and share its legacy. Stuck between hated nods to the Palestinians from Elliott Abrams and Ed Koch (now there’s a coalition) is this gem from Alisa Solomon:
A Boycott Builds
By Alisa Solomon
After years of building slowly, the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement has gained real traction. The BDS conference at Hampshire College in November — which drew students from 40 campuses — marked a watershed in anti-occupation activism in the United States. BDS proponents — many of them Jewish — are picking up a time-honored, non-violent protest tool as they seek meaningful action against the 42-year-old occupation. Charges that these are “antisemitic” efforts to “delegitimize Israel” mischaracterize a multifaceted movement for human and civil rights. As BDS keeps growing, the Jewish community is going to have to grapple seriously with the issues this movement raises.
Alisa Solomon is an associate professor at Columbia University’s Journalism School and a contributing editor to WBAI’s weekly radio program “Beyond the Pale.”
Who knows what we’ll be celebrating in 2020?
For those readers interested in the subject, James Petras is masterful at summarizing the full extent of the cancerous power configuration:
link to informationclearinghouse.info
“Obama want to see a stop to settlements: Not some settlements, not outposts, not natural growth exceptions”. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, May 2009
It is interesting to note her choice of words, if it is an accurate quote. She is clearly very careful to disassociate herself from the policy. Pres. Obama has complete ownership.
I’m waiting for the day that people like Phil grapple with it as a human problem and stop making it about Jews
That should read “people like Adam”
I just realised this post is by Adam :-)
I believe they do recognize it as a problem Sammy. =)
But they address it from a Jewish perspective because well… quite frankly Zionism (and thus Israel) has become a big part of contemporary Jewish identity for a large number of Jewish people.
Thus as people who identity as Jews, and because Israel claims to be a homeland of the Jews, its imperative that they voice their concerns about that from their own unique human perspective (which just so happens to take into account the fact that they identify with Jewishness in one way or another). After all it is the Jewish people who have put so much into Israel that in the end they would benefit the most from introspection of the I/P conflict.
And to be quite honest, I do appreciate the perspective that they bring as Jews and as human beings to the table.
I’ve learned so much about humanity through this honest discourse, thanks to Phil, Adam, and many of the commentators including the ones I often get snappy towards (Yonira, WJ, Witty).
I honesty can see the Israeli position a little better (even if I find it to be unjust and even irrational) but nonetheless I have gotten a better sense of why they view the situation as they do.
Well I’m Indian, so I cannot see the advantage of exceptionalising justice anymore than I see the advantage of exceptionalising victimhood. Rather than appealing to a Judaism they don’t practice, why can they simply not stand for the simple concept of universal justice?
Why does it take a Martin Luther King to show the white moderate that his belief in “all men are equal” also applies to blacks?
Why can’t American Jews be Americans and recognise that the constitution they uphold and swear by is incompatible with exceptionalism and ethnocentrism? How the heck do they vote for a black man if they cannot move past being the chosen people?
Sorry if I sound a bit overboard there, but I feel that unless American Jews can see the Palestinians as fellow human beings with hopes and desires rather than a Jewish problem, I see no end to their utterly hopeless situation.
As long as Palestinians are “the other” no matter in what sense, there will always be a sense that Jews are either looking down on them or patronising them.
I watched “Waltz with Bashir” last week on our world movies channel and I was saddened by the observation that even dogs and horses get more footage and sympathy than Palestinians in Israeli movies. And its still ALL about how the Jewish people are grappling with it.
sammy, i can understand your frustration at the way palestinians who should be – and are front, center and back – of the I/P equation, seem to sometimes be relegated into the background – like a screen saver theme. But there are a few things that make this conflict stand out by comparison to most other ongoing conflicts and human rights violations in the world. Here’s a couple for you to consider:
1. Jews – who have an identification with Israel – the country that does the persecuting, have unparalleled power in the US as well as in many other anglo countries. Even if it is a minority of jewish americans that actually prop up right wing Israel in its malevolent occupation, that minority has enormous power, and effectively controls much of what we see and hear in this country.
2. Israel has been able over its 60 years existence to bring the world (the christian one, at least, as well a most of the jewish people) to its perpetual victim narrative. Just last week it had the temerity to request another 1M from germany for jews who were in labor camps in the 30′s – over 70 years ago. Nothing illustrates better how victimhood works to twist the story and make it about israel – and jews – rather than about the palestinians – who, of course, are not viewed as being entitled to compensation of any kind.
Between wielding great power with one hand, and guilt-tripping a christian world into cowed submission with the other, Israel has been able to hijack not only palestinian rights as human beings, but the very conscience of those who would otherwise be inclined to support their cause.
Phil, Adam and the many great contributors here understand that it is this dynamic that has to be somehow interrupted and broken beforetrue justice can be brought to bear. What we see through this blog is an honest – and worthy – campaign by many jews to split their own community as a way of compromising its untoward power, right along with an attempt to bring the palestinians out of the shadows into broad daylight as full humans, who deserve the same empathy – and are entitled to a sense of justice and liberty – as any other group of humans. people who contributed on this blog will tell you how they went through a transformation, realizing that they have been captives of a narrative that was powerful enough to distort reality itself. If you read the comments, you’ll see that many – Jews and not – are actually engaged in a struggle against disproportionate power wielded by relatively few (especially in America), who somehow managed to cow 100′s of millions into abject silence, if not active participation in persecution, just by wielding the twin weapons of power and narrative. In a kind of Psych Ops that may well be unique in the annals of the world.
The way I understand it is that israel – with the enabling and collusion of bretherns in america – has – and continues to – hold the entire western world effectively captive through a collective Stockholm syndrome of sorts. As a result, the I/P conflict cannot be understood – or dealt with – on a political dimension alone, without taking into account the psychology of it.
Though all persecutions involve a more powerful entity that subjugates a weaker one, I challenge you to find another conflict in history – modern or ancient – where the oppressive party gets to enjoy the dual benefits of great power and entitlement to victimhood – the latter giving it freedom from accountability. Many tried before, to be sure – but none succeeded as totally as israel. Just think about the Tibetans, or the Tamils, or the gypsies or the uighurs, or even the chechens. The one parallel that comes to mind – the anglo settlers of america and the persecuted indians – still does not come close to the dynamics that so favor the oppressing party at the expense of their oppressed.
In all this you should not think that Phil and adam do not see the struggle of the palestinians as a human rights battle. They obviously do. But like everyone else who’s involved in this epic battle, they – and us – have to also worry about tactics that would allow this battle to be won – some day soon, one hopes.
Thanks Danaa,
I understand all that you are saying, but they are appealing [imho] to the same element of the community which is the problem to begin with. As an Indian, I assure you, I know exactly how powerful community networks can be and I can see how appealing to their own jati [caste] makes the argument more appealing to other Jews.
But what makes me upset, is that these other Jews are also diaspora Jews who enjoy the same or similar civil rights which they deny when it comes to Palestine. Its kind of a cognitive dissonance of the kind where, like social class in colonial times and the caste system in India, makes persons who are not of the select group invisible to the group think.
Its why, 60 years after “independence” [bah], we still have separate wells for the “untouchables” [who have been forced to drink water from them, even after animals have fallen in and contaminated the wells, because really, who makes pukka wells for the chamars?] and their children still sit in a separate corner of the village school and live in separate sections of the village where their shadow does not contaminate the chosen ones we have inherited from our genealogical wonders.
I know exactly how this group think works and I find it despicable, no matter how it is used.
That sounds a bit harsh when I re-read it and is too extreme a directive against Phil and Adam, who have not relegated Palestinians to the corner of the street or to “the other”. I apologise for that.
sammy, I was actually thinking about the possible parallels with the caste system of India – implemented over 100′s of years, and especially the situation of the untouchables. But the context I had in mind is that israeli jews would just love such a system in their country, where palestinians could be dealt with as untouchables were – with no hope of crossing the divide, thereby removing the ‘demographic” threat of mixing they so worry about. Truth is, that is exactly what they have been trying to do for over 60 years, and the ‘caste” mentality has actually made inroads there.
However, you arfe still lokking at this as an equation of asymmetric power – ie, through a cultural/political prism. And what I was trying to say above (laboriously and way too lengthily) is that in the I/P case we have to contend with the collective psychological aspect – the narrative of perpetual victimhood, the jews have so ably mastered. And it is this aspect that’s used most effectively to deprive palestinians of their humanity, simply by somehow lumping them with all the other historical oppressors of the jews. You heard it said many times that palestinians were made to pay for the horrors visited by the nazis. and there’s lots of truth to that.
No such narrative exists for the untouchables, and india, as best I know, does not indulge its own victim mentality, except as victims of colonialism. Which is another aspect altogether.
To illustrate, here’s a thought experiment for you; as an Indian do you feel that – any moment now – a great holocaust is awaiting to befall you and your countrymen/ as a member of a higher caste (let me assume for a moment), do you live in terror of the possibility that those “untouchables” will rise to exterminate you and yours? This kind of feeling I-am-a-victim-too is very different from say, racism, or even tribalism. But it is what informs the nightmares of many jewish people – and a majority in israel – which is one reason they can shake off any accountability for their own actions.
Anyways, my point was that Phil and Adam are pushing back against this destructive narrative – and that is something you must do among your own, as well as the ones you converted to your meme.
Oops, I just thought of a better parallel – the ‘eternal victim” mind-bending game is very commonly employed by cults to keep their adherents in line.
Sorry Adam, Elliott Abrams was exactly right.
“The Palestinian rejection of two Israeli prime ministers’ peace offers, one more generous than the other, transformed the Israeli view of relations with the Palestinians. These rejections — by Yasser Arafat of Ehud Barak’s offer and by Mahmoud Abbas of Ehud Olmert’s — plus the terrorist violence perpetrated by the PLO after the 2000 Camp David summit, persuaded Israelis that no amount of concessions will ever be enough and permanently weakened the Israeli left. The Palestinian rejections killed the old “peace process,” leaving the building of a Palestinian state from the bottom up — institution by institution — as the only alternative.”
Really funny satire in a blog about the utter failure of BDS in the US.
“Freddy: You mean after eight years of BDS committees working tirelessly on every college in the nation, not one school has actually divested a single dollar from the NaZionist Colonial Power?”
“Carlos: [Coughs a few more times.] Well, zero actually.”
link to divestthis.com
Its quite sad to see people like Julian taking enjoyment out of people’s misery
Do you honestly lack so completely in a conscience?
What has happened is that those in Israel, from the standpoint of the majority have reached the point of a social sociopath –
“# Glibness and Superficial Charm
# Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
# Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”
# Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
# Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
# Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
# Incapacity for Love
# Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
# Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
# Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
# Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
# Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
# Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
# Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
# Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily. ”
Although not exact, stunning parallels.
PROFILE OF A SOCIOPATH
Other Related Qualities:
1. Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
2. Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
3. Authoritarian
4. Secretive
5. Paranoid
6. Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
7. Conventional appearance
8. Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
9. Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim’s life
10. Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim’s affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
11. Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
12. Incapable of real human attachment to another
13. Unable to feel remorse or guilt
14. Extreme narcissism and grandiose
15. May state readily that their goal is to rule the world
Has anyone here seen Checkpoints by Yoav Shamir?
Its available on youtube [for now] and is a plain documentary that simply without any dialogue or discussion, shows what happens at a few of the 700+ checkpoints in Israel.
You can see that some of the kids in the IDF are embarassed, others show [false?] bravado, still others seem to ‘enjoy’ having the upper hand, needlessly harassing people trying to simply get by
Its excellent as a window into both Israel and Palestine
[Part One]:
link to youtube.com
Two:
link to youtube.com
Three:
link to youtube.com
Continued…
Four:
link to youtube.com
Five:
link to youtube.com
Six:
link to youtube.com
Its about ten minutes each part/
Check out behavior personality disorder. Takes it to the next level.
RE: “…people like Julian” – sammy
MY COMMENT: A bit oxymoronic! Don’t assume he/she/it is human.
Israel-born Gilad Atzmon has different view on the Jewish hatred towards Arabs and the Muslim at large – based on Jewish religious scriptures – The Old Testament and Talmud.
Violence in the name of God
link to rehmat1.wordpress.com