A few days ago, I came across this provocative quote from Jewish author Norm Finkelstein, and thought about sharing it here:
“Every single member of my family on both sides were exterminated… I consider nothing more dispicable than to use their suffering and their martyrdom to try to justify the torture, the brutalization, the demolition of homes that Israel daily commits against the Palestinians.”
But, not wanting to invite the inevitable ugly debate over the Israeli occupation, I decided not to share it. Then, today, after reading an article about a recent assassination carried out by Israeli intelligence operatives, I happened across an episode of a BBC show called Panorama, which was all about the Jewish settlement movement, and I decided that maybe a debate on Israeli occupation may not be such a terrible thing after all. (All I ask is that people on both sides remain respectful.) So, with that, here’s the first installment of the BBC report:
[This post was to have ended with a paragraph or two of thoughtful, evenhanded analysis, but, after having attempted to do so for the past two hours, I’ve decided to give up… If you have thoughts, though, please leave a comment.]
15 Comments
You might also want to check out this video taken by Max Blumenthal in Jerusalem on the night that Obama spoke in Cairo. It’s enlightening.
http://maxblumenthal.com/2009/06/feeling-the-hate-in-jerusalem-on-the-eve-of-obamas-speech-in-cairo/
The amount their ancestors suffered cannot be understated, but it’s no excuse for the behavior that this younger generation is showing today. It’s shameful, and a disgrace to the memories of those who came before them.
The oppressed are quick to become the oppressors.
It’s a horribly sad situation. I’m inclined to side with Israel, as they’re a relatively stable democracy is what historically is a troubled region. Unlike their neighbors, they believe in women’s rights, etc. That, however, doesn’t make this right. The settlement movement is cancerous, and it needs to be stopped. Moderates in the Jewish community need to stand up to the hardliners and demand it be stopped.
We should see if there is any way to get the disputed territories renamed “Ypsitucki.”
No discussion of the settlements would be complete without mention of the Israel lobby in the United States.
http://www.lrb.co.uk/v28/n06/john-mearsheimer/the-israel-lobby
http://www.ijsn.net/home/
Did I just misspell “Ypsitucky?”
Incredible!
Attacking a United Nations compound with white phosphorus shells probably wasn’t that good of a PR move either.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8490646.stm?ad=1
I think the bible is pretty clear that until every member of a culture has gotten so horribly evil that you’re justified in exterminating each and every one, including their animals, and burning all their stuff, you have to play nice.
Can I ask for a translation, BA? I’m having trouble with this one.
And thank you all for your thoughts and links.
Well, when I think of the justifications that people might use for why it’s okay for Israelis to take all the land promised to Abraham by force, my brain goes to the Book of Joshua regarding the conquest of Canaan.
Then I think of the differences between the conquest of Canaan and what’s happening now, and why that justification doesn’t fly.
Gotcha.
Thanks.
We need to force these peoples to sit down at the peace table and come up with an equitable 2 state solution – Israel and one of the following:
1: Kuwait
2: Iraq
3: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
4: Bahrain
5: Qatar
6: United Arab Emirates
7: Oman
8: Yemen
9: Jordan
10:Somalia
11: Lebanon
12: Syria
13: Egypt
14: Sudan
15: Djibouti
16: Libya
17: Tunisia
18: Algeria
19: Morocco
20: Mauritania
21: Comoros
22-Palestine
Given Obama’s domestic agenda, and how poorly it’s been moving forward, I wouldn’t look for him to take the lead on Middle East peace. Maybe the Chinese will step up. I read yesterday that they’re expanding their role in the world, opening military bases around the world, etc.
Obama can’t help in the Middle east! He can’t even help the US. Look at how much debt he’s racking up and how much jobs continue to be lost at home. Nope, he’s not the right person to be helping other countries.