http://indymedia.org.il
Unite....against the Right
author: Hermes
I have already commented on this at length in the discussion on Tikkums anti-semitism article.
But I have to say, criticism of Israel is not anti-semitic. It is an attempt to save the soul of a people who are oppressing another people, stealing their land and creating a system of apartheid.
I have been there, and seen for myself the wall around Qalqilia. It has truly become a prison for thousands of people. I have stayed in Tulkarem, waking up one day to the fact that a child has been shot by the Israeli army while walking back home from school. I have witnessed the army beating up people at checkpoints, or in their farmlands, and even kicking a fellow peace activist in the ribs. The army have shot at me while I tried to deliver medical aid to a family in occupied Nablus.
The state of Israel is different to the Jewish people. I am ashamed of the role my country, Britain, has played in building empires, inventing the concentration camp, dividing and ruling the third world. But I do not hate British people. I just want the country we live in to stop supporting violent policies abroad.
And the same with Israel. It is not a hatred towards Jews that attracts criticism of Israel. It is a concern for the welfare of the Palestinians, and for the welfare of the Jews, that draws this criticism. Who is a greater friend? One who sits back and lets his brother commit murder, or one who intervenes and tries to stop him from commiting a deed that will eventually lead to mutual destruction.
If you look closely, you will find that those who support the rights of Palestinians are those who support human rights the world over, and who stand against the forces of racism. I wish you would see that. Anti-semitism exists, for sure, but when you equate it with criticism of Israel, you make a grave mistake. Because you then provide cover for the REAL anti-semites. If we are anti-semitic, what do you call the neo-nazis in Germany? If we are anti-semitic, what do you call the Klu Klux Klan?
I fight against the BNP ( a far-right party ) here in England. All of us, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, and all others. We are at least united on this issue; the far-right must not be allowed a place in politics ever again. When we're not arguing over the issue of Israel/Palestine, we're fighting the BNP together. Its nice, and it goes to show....there IS a difference, and we all know it, to the extent that when this sort of aryan racism raises its ugly head, we put aside our differences for the day and unite against it.
Anyway, gotta go