http://indymedia.org.il
The benefits of "heat"Thursday 13 Feb 2003
author: Eyeplanet
"US Jews feel rising heat of Israel debate". It's about time, especially with the U.S.' hideous war plans for Iraq and the daily attrocities being committed in the Palestinian Territories by the IDF enabled by U.S. tax money. It is totally self defeating for American Jews to continue to evade the issues of Israel and its war crimes.
Mr. Lowenthal explains, "We are a tiny minority in the U.S. and there is alot of apprehension that an airing of issues will feed anti-Semitism". It is exactly the reverse of this which feeds anti-semitism - the evasions and denials of what Israel is doing in Palestine create a great deal of resentment and antagonism even amongst those who are not "anti-Semetic". The truth of the matter is out there and exposed for everyone to see and read about so it is no longer practical to hide behind lies and myths of what Israel is doing.
As for Jews being a "tiny minority in the U.S." we can also add that they are the most powerful minority in the U.S. as well as internationally and when they speak, people listen. Instead of crouching in fear, U.S. Jews should be reminded that they also have many friends and sources at their disposal who are willing to support them if they would only be willing to deal with the Israeli/Palestinian issue with fairness and justice. It is completely self-defeating to ignore the reality of what Israel is today and to continue along that path is self destructive.
There are already a number of Jewish peace groups in the U.S. and in Israel who are courageously speaking out on the issues at the risk of harrassment, assaults, alienation from family members and friends and they are to be supported and encouraged. I just wish a greater number would share their wisdom and join them in their efforts where they would be joined by a larger body of mankind that is reaching out for the greater good.