The Israeli army order that permits Israel to ethnically purge the West Bank of non-Jews (Palestinians and foreigners who are not Jewish) is the next rational step in the evolution of the Jewish state.
A Ha’aretz editorial calls this latest iteration of the ethnic cleansing of Palestine “a step too far.” The editors go on to state that “Israel, which justifiably prevents Palestinians from returning to where they lived before 1948… cannot expel Palestinians from the occupied territories on the basis of dubious bureaucratic claims.”
The Ha’aretz editors are confused, mistaking cause with the tools of implementation. They wrongly presume that Palestine is being purged of natives because of “dubious bureaucratic claims” and not because of any racist religious mandate or racist secular dogma.
Israel is locked in an interminable grind to rid the Holy Land of non-Jews. That process exploded with the creation of the colonial-settler state in 1948, and continues today. Anyone who opposes what is happening in the West Bank today should also oppose what happened in all of Palestine in 1948 out of logical and moral constancy. In 1948, war was the primary tool employed by the Zionist army for its "justifiable" territorial ethnic cleansing. In 2010, “bureaucratic claims” are merely the updated tactics; the racist toolbox is expansive.
It’s worth exploring the logic that likely underpins the "liberal" Zionist mindset. How is it that a contemporary Zionist can say that an ethnic purge is justifiable in at least one case, but not in others? It helps to understand that Zionist ideology is marred by an ethnocentric, exclusivist, us-above-all stain. Jewish exceptionalism permits Zionists to rationalize the suffering of others as a necessary price to be paid for Jewish supremacy within a territorial space. The difference between "liberal" Zionists and other Zionists is that the former seem to believe that the goal of securing that space has been achieved, while the others believe that the process is ongoing. Therefore, 1948 was justifiable, but 2010 is excessive, “a step too far.”
In both cases, Zionists rationalize atrocity as necessary for securing the Jewish people. The only difference is whether the process of securing the Jewish people is ongoing or complete. You are a ‘liberal’ Zionist if you think the process is complete, and a Kahanist-Liebermanist if you don’t. There is no contradiction here, after all.
I’ll end by noting that there is a silver lining to all this. The original Amira Hass article in Ha’aretz says that the order “disregards the existence of the Palestinian Authority and the agreements Israel signed with it and the PLO.” As the thin veils of self-deception fall away, more people will see things for what they are. The Palestinian struggle is quintessentially about equal rights in all Palestine/Israel. The right of return is at the core of that struggle.
I think it’s sad that history will be putting the actions of a self-styled “Jewish state” (that I don’t believe represents anything truly Jewish) on the same page as Nazi Germany.
Racial purging is wrong, period. Ethnic cleansing is a crime, whether Jews are the victims or the perpetrators.
“(that I don’t believe represents anything truly Jewish)”
Well, if they had listened to me, and copyrighted “Truly Jewish” and “Real Jew” none of this would be happening.
Long process – yes. This is the context, that many ignore out of ideological loyalty.
It’s like saying we should presume the IDF innocent until proven guilty when they’ve been guilty so often in the past. Not because their identity but because of their actions.
A long process, a continuing strategy. Steal from the indigenous population, when they attack, call them terrorists. ‘Security’ ‘Antisemitism’ etc. etc.
Exactly.
Just yesterday the NYT reported that Israeli forces shot and killed two “Palestinian militants” near the Gaza separation wall as they were attempting to “plant explosives”.
If past events are any indication, then the two Palestinians were actually farmers, or individuals looking for scrap metal to sell and they were most likely more than 500 yards from the wall.
I’ll have to check B’tselem to see if those claims actually have any basis in reality.
Meanwhile, the NYT is as reliable a source as The Ministry of Truth.
Not to mention the fact that Gazan have the right to defend themselves, and this includes mining their borders.
Israel has certainly mined its borders, such that when the Xtian Zionists want to come dunk themselves in the Sacred and Polluted Jordan, the IDF has to guide them so they don’t stray into the minefields and blow off their asses. I rather suspect that if the Jordanian guards on their side of the border were to shoot the IDF minelayers for “planting explosives” Israel would take it badly.
Just another example of Israeli exceptionalism that totally disregards the rights of Arabs.
Doesn’t this also sound like America in the 19th century?
Maybe it does. So you figure because a crime took place somewhere else in the world, at some point in time, that gives Israel the right to commit the same crime?
eatbees, let me introduce you to an awful truth: No.4 ! (The Whole World Sucks)
link to jewssansfrontieres.blogspot.com
The point is simple. The US has never made amends for any of its crimes. Why are you worried about Israel and not about reversing the US deeds?
It’s like watching Hitler conceal himself behind Stalin’s girth.
Actually, you are wrong about that. In modern times, the US has made quite a few amends to the Indians. Do you realize that absolutely any resident of the US would be delighted to discover they have some long forgotten Indian blood? including brand new immigrants? including some who may be immigrants from Israel itself? 1/8 Indian heritage gets you on the rolls of affirmative action big time. Not to mention a possible share in a little casino. Beyond that, it’s romatic, as well as politically correct, seeing how the Indians of north america were the original environmentalists.
BTW, did you hear about the early Sephardic jewish immigrants to the south, who inter-married with Indian tribes? It’s a fascinating history dating back to the 18th century, possibly earlier, one not often told.
You see, eee, in America, we rather like our ethnic heterogeneity, because that’s what a true melting pot is, and mongrels are, well, better adapted all around. OTOH, Israel was founded as a supremacy – not an arian one, but a “Jewish” one. That’s what Mooser despises about the entire enterprise (am I right about that?). What is goody-two-shoes zionism to you, is racial supremacy to the rest of us – including those who escaped from there in search of greener pastures, a bit less racially/religiously pre-determined. Worse yet, there are increasing number of jewish descendent people around the world who are beginning to realize that Israel is nothing like a “Jewish” state, not by a long shot. It may be a Judean state, an inheritor of the values of the hashmonayim and maccabis of old, but alas, the rest of the civilized world – including those who consider themselves jewish, moved on from those “values”.
And this is the real divergence that we all have the privilege (and/or misfortune) of witnessing – the opening up of the great schism between the Judeans and the Jews. it’s going to be quite a spectacle, I fear, especially when the “real” Jews (Mooser – bear with me for a moment on this) decide to join in on the side of the Palestinians….
Now, you think those sunnis and shiites know how a proper split is done? wait till they see how the jews go about splitting up….
Danna,
I am wrong about what? Are the descendants of Sitting Bull roaming the lands from North Dakota to the Texas pan handle, or has 99% of this land been taken from them? So you allowed the Indians to open casinos, big deal. Is that what they historically did? Where there handles and cherries and bars on the bison?
What exactly was the Indian Removal Act of 1830 if not ethnic cleansing and if so, why is Andrew Jackson considered one of your greatest presidents?
You have made no amends of any meaningful kind. Let say Israel kicked all Arabs East of the Jordan except 10% and in 50 years we let these 10% open casinos. Would that be making amends? Give back the land you occupied. Reverse the injustice. Or don’t preach to Israel.
As for the Jews splitting up, that won’t happen. The liberal Jews in the diaspora will be assimilated in a few generations. If you are married, you are most likely married to a non-Jew and your children will marry non-Jews (just because there are so many more non-jews than jews). Since you are non-religious and hate Israel, how will your kids be even connected to the Jewish people? If you don’t view the Jews as a nation, then you can only be a Jews if you practice the religion. Since you don’t practice the Jewish religion, why will your kids be Jewish? They won’t.
So no split. Your kind of Jews will just slowly disappear.
I think we should confine the discussion to those who are prepared to argue rather than merely sneer.
Why? I think American Jews (and European Jews, presumably) need to hear exactly what Israeli Jews really think.
Still feel like sending your “brothers” and “sisters” of the faith in Israel money and political support after comments like that?
“Your kind of Jews will just slowly disappear.” So that’s what Israel really thinks.
…especially when it is from someone posing as an israeli.
You think the Jews in the American Diaspora do not know that assimilation is taking its toll?
Like I’ve said before, Jews in the American Diaspora do not consider being Jewish and being American to be mutually exclusive.
You’re demanding that they choose one identity over another. In essence, you’re demanding that they turn traitor on their nationality.
“‘So no split. Your kind of Jews will just slowly disappear. “‘
Unlike Israel, the US doesn’t have a policy of making it happen.
eee, unfortunately it’d seem that you don’t really understand what Judaism is all about, any more than you understand american history, or, for that matter, Israelism. I recommend that you sit back and enjoy seeing the second zion take shape in america. It’ll take 5-10 years, by my reckoning, but the great schism will happen. Of course, we over here better be ready to absorb quite a few Israelis who are going to cut tail and run when they get taken over by the theocratic dark ages, which is what Judaism seems to be to you. If you are there, could you please do us a favor and stay?
As for preaching to israel. We do it because they are in debt to the US to the tune of 10′s of Billions, and because they have hijacked our foreign policy and unleashed AIPAC as the lobby of all lobbies.
Also we just like to preach and israel is making preachers and prophets out of all of us. You wanted Judea to be special? well it is – so there, take it like a man….
The Judean People’s Front, the People’s Front of Judea, The Judean Popular People’s Front, …
link to youtube.com
what do you think of assimilation in the Jewish community Chaos?
I’m a fifth generation son of German and Polish Catholic immigrants. To the extent that I am “assimilated,” I have not lost my cultural identity in those respects. In fact, my “mostly German” mother’s side has distinct Germanic flourishes when it comes to grammar and pronunciation, whereas my father’s mostly Polish side employs particular accents and intonations that are quite distinctive. I am capable of immersing myself in either, as the situation allows. There are cultural practices and predilections of diet, some unique to other, some shared by both, which are present in me as well.
I would presume there are Jewish Americans who have a similar outlook. Perhaps even easier, if they are not a fusion of two different cultural identities behind the American overlay.
eatbees,
You sound like BDSNOW.
Hello dear.
Doesn’t this also sound like America in the 19th century?
—————–
There you go people. If you haven’t noticed this is the NEW hasbara talking point to try to shut you up or at least make you feel awkward about supporting the Palestinian cause..Easy, sleek and brand Israel stamped all over it. My response to this is that it doesn’t matter if it looks like 19th century America. This is BESIDE the point.. What we’re discussing here is NOT American Indian genocide issues, which alternatively and rightly, could be discussed but this site’s primprdial “raison d’etre” as it is set up by its owners, Phil and Adam, is a platform to discuss the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and related issues. It’s unequivocally stated somewhere on the site. Just click the link “about”..Everything else that desperate hasbara hacks throw in our faces is meant as a diversion and a distraction.
Haven’t you heard? Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Surely peace and happiness will result from this…unless the Palestinians, in their stubborn refusal to consider “the other”, say to them “I’m not interested”. :-(
It begs the question, when is too far, far enough? If Israel wiped out the Palestinians tomorrow, would that be “far enough” or merely “too far”? Not to be facetious, but I suppose the ground beneath the charred remains could still be burnt to the earth’s core. Would that be far enough?
How many times and how much longer will the crimes committed be characterized as too far?
Then, next time, it will be too far yet again, and so on and so on….
Who keeps pushing the threshold?
Zionists get to patent “Never again” in the Israeli/Palestinian impasse, but Palestinians are always told that their victimizer has gone “too far” THIS time.
This will continue until such time as tempers allow. With its two new policy changes (permits, deportation & attack dogs) Israel is attempting to push the Palestinians to a breaking point, to a third Intifada. It will then use the “under Israeli law” excuse to expel as many Palestinians as possible.
It used to be that “under the fog of war” was good enough an excuse to facilitate such mass dispossession, nowadays, with pesky international treaties and those despicable human rights, Israel seeks to continue such practices under the guise of “there’s a law against that” excuse. Of course, the laws in question would be illegal in any modern democracy.
Attack dogs? Israeli attack dogs? Oh let’s get right down to it: Jewish attack dogs? This can’t be! When I was a kid, and I desperately wanted a dog, my parents told me that dogs (carnivorous) are trefe. Unclean, can’t have one. And now Israel has attack dogs? Now truth be told, we did know some Jews who had dogs. But what kind of attack dogs do toy poodles or a Pekinese make?
Mooser you ruined my whole day — or at least until I remember the name of the poodle that belonged to the Jewish lady that I lived with back in halcyon college days.
the poodle was old and a little arthritic (incontinent too, I recall). But Ida loved Poodle, and I loved Ida.
damn I wish I could remember poodle’s name.
“Mooser you ruined my whole day…”
And not getting a dog when I was young was good for me? And it wasn’t just one day, either. It was years until I was in a position to get a dog. It was a gorgeous, and distinguished, one of a kind Chow-Lab mix. And the wife I got with hasn’t been bad, neither.
Morgan has been long in Doggie Heaven, but I’ve still got the girl she came with.
Was it ‘Blair’ or ‘Ukay’?
I believe poodles were originally hunting dogs.
Retrievers. Water retrievers.
Mooser, dogs are unclean in Islamic belief also. (and, just below the surface, in other cultures too. In England, not so long ago, to call someone a dog was the greatest of insults). But the Israelis know the value of attack dogs, which is partly why Shin Bet people were brought in to train prison guards at Abu Ghraib and elsewhere.
I have a half-share in a mutt named Socks. He’s also a hairy Chow/Lab/Alsatian/pariah dog. He’s owned by a friend, but I looked after him for a period at a critical time, and now he is ridiculously loyal to me. He sleeps and guards here half the time, and does what mutts do the rest of the time.
I have read that you will never find dogs in the Haredi ghettos. Dunno about cats.
Logically, where does it end? Where are the outer borders of Greater Israel?
eatbees- For the present, the outer borders of Greater Israel extend to the very edges of the Imperial oilfields. When the Empire collapses, Israel will likely become Goldman Sachs private mercenary state with unknowable consequences.
Greater Israel includes parts of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt. Some zionists even claim the whole of S. Arabia, Iraq and Egypt.
‘From the Euphrates to the River of Egypt’ Gen.15.18. And God could always add some more if He felt like it: He doesn’t have to explain Himself to us.
If you don’t believe in God, you could always say that more is added by existential necessity or ineluctable security needs. These don’t have to be explained to outsiders either.
As symbolism and meanings go, the Israeli flag is made up of a blue star of David and two blue stripes. The blue stripes symbolize the Euphrates river in Iraq and the Nile in Egypt. Everything in between is allegedly “Israel”.
Avi: The Israeli flag is made up of a blue star of David and two blue stripes. The blue stripes symbolize the Euphrates river in Iraq and the Nile in Egypt
I’d heard that, just as I’d heard that the contours of the ancient coin depicted on the 10 agorot piece represent the borders of “Greater Israel”. Frankly, I find the stripes/river analogy as implausible as the eroded coin/borders theory (advanced by none other than Yasser Arafat himself).
In secular RW circles, Greater Israel generally refers to Israel + OT, with a few diehard Betarites using the idea of “The Jordan has two banks – this one’s ours and the other one too” to promote the Jordan-is-Palestine “peace” plan (we’ve already given up Jordan!) and take the piss out of leftists. In national-religious circles, Greater Israel (which they call “whole Israel”) generally includes no more than Israel + OT (and maybe Sinai and perhaps a sliver of Lebanon too – but mostly as a kind of joke), while the Nile-to-Euphrates concept is referred to as “borders of the promise” (referring to God’s promise to Abraham), to be realised by God in the Messianic Era (Jewish religious law does not even consider these areas part of the Holy Land).
link to images8.fotki.com
The map looks like it’s taken from a Bible atlas, and indeed features the appropriate verses of “the promise”. Hardly a modern political programme.
I used to hang out with Gush Emunim types (and worse), and believe me, those “aspirations” are metaphysical at best. I even knew a guy who was a member of a “movement” (3 teenagers and a typewriter) that tried to promote Jewish settlement in South Lebanon in the early 80s.
There is plenty to criticise Israel and Zionism for, without venturing into the realm of secret desires and obscure – real or imagined – symbols.
Are there any official Israeli sources that refer to the flag and explain the symbolism?
Because, the way you ridiculed me with the agorot remark, I found that to be rather confusing, to say the least. Back in high school I was told that it symbolizes the biblical Eretz Yisrael. Perhaps my teacher was stoned, or I was, but as far as I recall that’s what it symbolizes.
What is the relevance and purpose behind mentioning Arafat in your post?
Just come out and call me a conspiracy nutjob so we can both feel better; you get to make your point without beating around the bush, and I get to reaffirm my suspicions about that half cryptic insinuation.
Avi,
It was certainly not my intention to ridicule you. The two stories were just connected in my mind, and I mentioned Arafat, because I actually saw him on TV, with an Israeli coin in his hand, explaining it’s “symbolism”.
The simple explanation I have heard and seen everywhere is that the stripes and colours represent the talit (prayer shawl). I have only come across the river explanation in Palestinian and anti-Zionist sources.
I am sorry if I offended you.
Again, I apologise, Avi. It was really not my intention to make fun of you.
Where did the stripes on the talit come from? What do they symbolize?
Water under the bridge. It’s ok.
Avi: Where did the stripes on the talit come from? What do they symbolize?
I’ve never come across an explantion, but the stripes are generally black or blue, of different widths, and there are many more than two. I always assumed it was just a traditional pattern, with no particular symbolic significance.
If it weren’t for Hezbollah, I suspect there would be Jewish settlements all the way to the Litani by now.
It depends on who’s in power!
This article goes to the heart of the issue with a clarity that few could match. I appreciate the work you do, Ahmed, in bringing people to a better understanding of reality.
Haaretz approach is rational. The character assassination approach is irrational and unjust.
The reason being that actions, policies, behaviors are deserving of criticism, argument, not prejudicial shunning of character.
Ahem.
“The character assassination approach is irrational and unjust.”
Tell me Witty, when you go for walks, do you make it a point to step into piles of dog faeces along the way?
Just so we don’t have to go over the same tiresome issue with you AGAIN eee, here’s some useful APOLOGY links for your education:
link to dailykos.com
link to hawaii-nation.org
And for a finale, this is a record of ALL apologies that countries around the world were humble enough to provide – notice that Israel is NOT on the list, yet Saddam Hussein apologizing to Kuwait is official!
link to reserve.mg2.org
p.s. the last link is a fascinating read, folks.
(sorry folks if this link is repeated, but when I tried to reply directly to eee, I got a moderator’s notice – methinks he’s reported me as an abuser – I should probably do likewise if I see any overt or covert racism from him from here on)
That sounds an awful lot like “I’m not interested” to me… ;-)
I’ve been trying to understand the concept of “liberal Zionist” for a while. Thanks to this article, I now know that the liberal Zionist is the one who says “Hooray! We’ve got the wogs out”, while the less liberal Zionist says “Now let’s get them out of wogland as well.”
RoHa, you’re dead right. I haven’t seen a better definition.
After the West Bank (they don’t want Gaza) it will be the better bits of the East Bank (Jordan) and of Southern Lebanon (access to the Litani River). After that will come the fertile bits around and including Damascus, the rest of Lebanon (including the hash fields of the Beka’a).
If any Arab country knows how to breaks IDF balls, it’s the Lebanese. Yes they’ll suffer severely for it, but they’ll still pancake IDF gonads with a fraction of the resources that the IDF has.
Maybe you’ve noticed this too Richard on your travels: I first went to Lebanon with my parents in 1969 for a summer holiday, then again every year till the ’75 civil war. I actually went back in ’77 during a cease-fire, back again in ’86 during the Qana massacre (I was stuck 5 kilometers from Qana!), again in ’96, 2000 and lastly 2009. In the early days, when I used to visit the south, people there seemed poor and downtrodden. My 2000 visit I started to notice how the youth were more buffed, thicker-necked, sharper eyed and sure-footed. It struck me that collectively, these people were forming a defensive wall against Israel, literally with their bodies. It seemed the longer the conflict with Israel was going on, the tougher these guys were getting. Even their women had learned how to operate supply-smuggling and support missions under heavy bombardment – old village ladies too are locally recognized for their heroic acts during the occupation.
For Israel to advance it’s troops into Lebanon would be a very costly adventure for Israel, let alone sustaining that kind of advance.
Yes the Israeli airforce can cause devastating damage, but now the Hizb has anti-aircraft missiles so even that threat is diminishing. I really can’t see it happening as I don’t believe the Israelis are willing to pay the price.
Both sides of zionism want to imprison Palestinians.
One wants the prison walls decorated, the other wants to inject the walls with asbestos.
Both sides of zionism want to imprison Palestinians.
Taxi
————————
I unfortunately do not believe it’s about imprisoning them anymore. Not even a straightforward transfer/ethnic cleansing. It’s about the DESTRUCTION of the Palestinians first and foremost..The annihilation of the very foundation of their society and culture.. When that is accomplished they’d be more easily be disposed of and thrown out.
I know thanky, I’m using the ‘prison’ thing as a metaphor.
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