DOES CRITICIZING ISRAEL MEAN YOU ARE AN ANTI-SEMITE?

Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon After the 1948 War

A blog I recently read takes an interesting view on antisemitism, the Israeli conflict, and accountability. In short, the author asserts that, because Israelis have killed many less people in wars and conflicts than other nations, it is surprising that they are still hated.  The conclusion:  anti-Semitism continues because people are making excuses to justify hating Jews.  It is a long tradition that is unfair and will probably never change (at least in my lifetime).

There is no doubt that anti-Semitism is alive and kicking.  I believe hating Jews because they are Jews is a shame and a crime against human nature.  I do not consider myself an anti-Semite.  

However, I think the explanations for this phenomenon are more complicated than comparing how many people Israelis have killed in relationship to other countries.  Engendered hatred of the Jews has more to do with the potential danger Israel has created by invading Palestine and subjugating Palestinians, thus enraging the Arab world.   

The Zionist nation is a threat to world peace.  And, ironically, Americans are fostering this threat through their support of the Israeli state!

The blog states that Jews are only responsible (in modern times) for 0.07% of deaths through conflict.  I am interested to know the source of these figures on deaths caused by Israelis. The author argues that so many more deaths have been incurred by other countries, and yet they are not hated.  I see that as faulty logic. Therefore, I am compelled to argue the point.

First, a reason for hating a people should not be based on how many are killed by that people's country.

Second, let's take another look at the statistics.  Do the numbers include Arab deaths at the hands of Irgun and Haggenah before the creation of Israel by the U.N.?  Do they include a comparison of Arab and Israeli deaths during the 1967 war, which was a war of aggression on the part of the Israelis? (Even the UN considers the borders of the state of Israel after 1948 to be occupied territories. However, Israel insisted they needed "lebensraum".  Ironic, in view of the so-called reason for WWII.)

In my opinion, backed by numerous eyewitness reports, over one million Iraqis were killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom at the behest of Israel, through Israeli lobbyists and neo-conservative American officials, some of whom have duel Israeli/American citizenship.

(Some of these dual citizenship Americans served in the Israel army, but not the American army. Why didn’t these "dual citizens" also have enlisted in the American army, as well? This may be one illuminating factor regarding where their loyalties actually lie.)

The author of the blog asserts that Israelis have not been suicide bombers, hi-jackers, or bombers. That seems to be true on the surface of the facts with which we are presented.  

Hence, my third point:  I argue, why would they commit those acts knowing that it will incur the wrath of other nations, when they can cause a great amount of damage covertly?  (For example, there are many reports that the Mossad creates and engages in many conflicts.  If you think that sounds like a conspiracy theory, I say, read more!)

Fourth, Israelis have no need of resorting to such tactics; they have considerable military strength and international connections backing them up.

Israel's complaints that they are surrounded by enemies belies the fact that Israel has the most powerful army (financed and supplied by the U.S.) in the region, and possesses 200 or more nuclear weapons (that they will not admit they have).

Yes, anti-Semitism is alive.  However, more informed and thoughtful Americans, Israelis, Europeans, and other nationals will no longer be fooled by Zionists who label them as anti-Semitic simply for criticizing the unfair and dangerous policies of Israel.  They are not the same issue.  They are not excuses to hate Jews.  In fact, there are many intelligent, thoughtful people, among them Jews, who love Jews and Jewish culture, but who object to Israeli political actions in the Middle East.

Fifth, people are afraid of the strength and backing of the Israeli state and what that means for, not only Palestinians, but also the potential for world conflict erupting into WWIII.  This fear creates conditions for many people to hate the Jewish state—but not necessarily the Jews, themselves.  A crucial and important distinction needs to be made between a people and its country's politics.

Living many years in Greece, a pro-Palestinian country, I was exposed to another side of the propaganda machine.  There I had the opportunity to weigh carefully both sides of the argument.

 

In America, with so many pro-Israeli people at the helm of mass media, we are falling victim to propaganda.  Yes, the atrocities towards the Jews and many others are inexcusable.  We all seem to agree on that point.  However, using sympathies for Jews is a dirty tactic to convince the public that the Israel state is in the “right” and that we should continue supporting Zionist policies.  

Sixth, Judeo-Christian beliefs are also culpable for misplaced hatred.

Critical thinking skills are crucial to understanding this Arab/Israeli political morass--and courage to challenge the popular, misguided attitudes of the populace.

Increasing numbers of people in the world are sick of this incessant lethal tit-for-tat between Arabs and Jews and will no longer be persuaded by accusations of terrorism by state terrorists or otherwise.

FOREIGNER'S VIEWS ON AMERICA

PICTURE CREDIT:  ROLLING STONE

An Indian friend of mine asked:  “Is the world looking at a turbulent America?”

He stated that the world has traditionally had a perception of America as a strong, affluent, advanced nation. In addition, American has been viewed in the past as a rich nation and strong military super power.

In view of the recent Occupy Wall Street demonstrations, he asked if that image has changed? Is America at crossroads financially and politically? Is this the most turbulent times in America’s history? I believe he asked very good questions.

I believe that only in third world countries does the positive image of America exist. Unfortunately, many people in the developed world now see America only as arrogant, narrow, and gluttonous (as we sometimes are).

There have been times that are more turbulent in American history, but not with the potentially wide-reaching devastating effect of today’s “small world”. This fact creates fear and anger toward America. The consensus does not appear positive.

Another young woman gave answers that struck me as naïve and uninformed. This woman, an intelligent, outspoken, hard right-winger, dramatically insisted that the fall of America will be inevitable when Americans are criticizing free enterprise and business. (Some younger people are very opinionated. The less they know, the more they know.)

Of course, what we are actually protesting against is a system where free enterprise is disappearing and the cards are unfairly stacked against us by the elite 1%. I believe, if someone does not see how we no longer have a truly free economy and that the elite are stealing from the 99%, they are in deep denial or blind.

For good measure, she added a personal attack on “those Americans” who support the Palestinian cause. If we show any sympathy or support to the Arabs, we are truly lost! That statement struck me as highly ironic considering that it is our adversarial stance toward the Arabs and support of the Zionist state that has stirred up Arab resentment and hatred against us.

A GREAT POSTER HELD AT AN OWS DEMONSTRATION

Are there faults with America and its economic and political policies?  Yes, yes, yes!  However, they are not so easily classified. The reasons for our declining position as a super power is a subject of great debate.

Another person remarked, “I think the idealistic image of America is gone and, like a Polaroid film camera, America needs to reinvent and re-market itself in order to stay relevant to modern times.” Yes, the image is fading, but the solution will not be found in better publicity and marketing, but rather in clear actions that are beneficial to the world.

If you are a super power, you are under scrutiny. You are vulnerable to much criticism. Some driving forces of criticism are jealousy, but mostly others are because of America’s attitudes of entitlement in other countries. (No country really likes foreign bases on their soil. Put yourself in their shoes.) They view American politics as dangerous—and I understand their fears. People tend to hate what they fear.

U.S. SAILORS MOVE SUPPLIES TO JAPAN

Yet, there are other foreigners, those who gain from American expansionism, those who remember the young men who sacrificed their lives in Europe, those who have traveled and are more educated and sophisticated, realizing that Americans are not necessarily their politics—and that they are all different!

I believe people from other countries see America as becoming more aware of the existing problems and other problems American politics are instigating along with their global consequences.

Perhaps they look at America now and gloat, seeing that America is struggling financially.  "Just desserts"?  Or they worry that, for all their antipathy toward America, they realize they would rather have America be the superpower than the other options.

USA HELPING INDIA WITH WATER SOURCES

Then there are those foreigners that may look at the “Occupy Wall Street” movement as courageous, active people at the forefront, trying to do something about America’s financial straits. They may remember that Americans often speak up and fight for their rights.

Obviously, many foreigners agree that the OWS are on the right track. As evidence, we see other countries following suit with 1500 OWS demonstrations around the world. Both Americans and foreigners are becoming more informed and sophisticated in realizing that the financial situation is not America’s isolated problem.

Some may look upon OWS and wonder at the coming together of so many different races and religions for not only an American cause but a world cause! Hopefully, the world will see that Americans are not American politics. Hopefully, they will recognize that, in contrast, most Americans care about not only their country's welfare but also the welfare of other countries!

My hope is that, as I have differentiated foreigners in this post, they will realize that generalizations are not always true.  I also hope that they will think for themselves, leaving out party political propaganda and cultural conditioning.

ZIONISM VS. ANTI-SEMITISM

MISUSE OF ANTI-SEMITISM

Anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism are two different concepts. Too often, those who defend Israel and its policies will cry "racism" and "antisemitism" when their beliefs are challenged.

People with higher order thinking will understand the difference. We must try to reduce emotionality when discussing this crucial political threat.


Israelis may say, "Who is the U.S. to criticize us about colonialism and expansionism when they did the same against Native Americans?" Good question. 

We were wrong. We, as a nation, also committed genocide. We, therefore, know whereof we speak. Many of us feel guilty and regretful about this time in US history.


However, two wrongs...


It is understandable that, after the holocaust, Jews would do everything in their power never again to let such monstrous events happen to them. But at any cost? "The Nazis did it to us; we will do it to the Palestinians" attitude demonstrates a very low-level morality, in my opinion. 


The attitude stems from the "eye for an eye" law in Judaism. (I love the quote in "Fiddler on the Roof" when Tevia says, "Then what? We all end up blind and toothless?!")


Dear Jewish people, we know, we know; we have heard about it, read about it, watched movies about it (greatly disproportionate to other crimes of genocide). We see the power and influence you have created and continue to wield.

ANTI-ISRAELI (NOT ANTI-SEMITIC)

It is not difficult to understand your anger, your pain, and your resolve to survive. However, surviving at all costs, perhaps at the cost of world peace (?!) may accomplish the ultimate decimation of Israel--now that's ironic! That is a type of wounded insanity. Your solutions will only benefit the very politically connected and rich few.


Israel must stop committing crimes they have accused others of perpetrating against them. They must heal their emotional wounds; they must learn to forgive. (Forgiveness is not only a Christian concept!) Unless they do, Israel's people will continue to support the aberrant policies of Zionism that will lead the world to war--again!


Perhaps many Israelis are already blind, taking revenge and committing to whatever it takes to increase Israel's strength and security. 

It is very difficult for us to understand, much less condone, the reasons why they would create, knowingly and willingly, this potential for world destruction! It seems like a sickness: Self-sabotage? Extreme narcissism? Self-hatred? Sociopathy?


Some Jews are aware of the dangers Israel is causing;  however, others seem ignorant of them and have tunnel vision about their "rightful" place in the world. 


They need to stop acting like victims, lashing out, trying to control others, and thereby becoming as evil as those who perpetrated against them. 

The Israeli issue is not really about the past. Unfortunately, however, I believe that politicians and others will continue to take advantage of peoples' emotions to harness and keep support for the Zionist agenda.


We, the other citizens of the world, need to withdraw support from this insane Zionist scheme. We need more rational, levelheaded people to tackle these issues and prevent ultimate disaster.

WHY STILL OCCUPY WALL STREET?

LONDON  (FROM "THE ATLANTIC")

Some people just do not understand why others believe in certain conspiracy theories.  The common response is to deride them, call them names, and belittle them in an effort to make themselves believe that the party-lines are truth.  Some people have made a "science" out of conspiracy theorists, creating their own theories for why people believe stuff that is out of the norm.  They have their points.

PICTURE CREDIT:  THE ATLANTIC

However, people who believe in conspiracies cannot fairly be lumped together.  There are also very good points for believing in conspiracies.  Just take a close look at history.  It is full of examples of conspiracies.

Weird theories are very difficult for most people to accept--it is hard to wrap your head around them.  And if they are true, they are very scary to believe sometimes.  It's easier, feels better to stay coddled in warm comforting lies.

It is true, some conspiracy theorists may be unbalanced; however, it does not follow that all are.  What are most people's response to conspiracy theorists?  It is just easier to judge them altogether, and their theories with them, and call them "kooky" or "crackpots" or worse.  That way people can stay away from some things that demand attention and investigation; that way people won't stand out from the crowd and be called names; that way people can feel safer and more optimistic.

LOS ANGELES (FROM "THE ATLANTIC")

Using Culture Theory, we can explain why there continues to be a separation between the many and the few.  Most people do not like to be on the "fringe" of society, be ridiculed and some kind of outcasts.  They prefer the sense of safety in conformity.

Using Terror Management Theory, we can explain why people shy away from believing the outrageous--phenomena that cannot be easily explained.  We like pat answers; we want to believe what we were conditioned to believe; we don't want to think that, willingly or unwillingly, our parents, our society at large, our churches, and our governments have deceived us.

We don't want to rock our worldviews.  We are all looking for security--reasons for life and afterlife.  It is our existential person hood, our basic psychology.  Critical thinking interferes with the nest of lies society has helped us build for ourselves.  Anyway, it is easier to have others do the thinking for us.  Sadly, some of us never grow up or out of that mind-set.  Terror is a great motivator to stay blind and stay in-line.

Personally, I don't know whether to believe in God, crop circles, alien interference in our world, the Lochness monster or Bigfoot.  However, there are certain conspiracies that are difficult to deny with logic.  World banking is one of them.

PICTURE CREDIT:  THE ATLANTIC

Some Clear Message for Occupy Wall Street By Rand Clifford, Information Clearing House, October 10, 2011 is an article I urge you to read.  I've provided a few quotes from the article to give you a taste truth and history.

"Abraham Lincoln said:

"The money powers prey upon the nation in times of peace and conspire against it in times of adversity. It is more despotic than a monarch, more insolent than autocracy, and more selfish than a bureaucracy. It denounces, as public enemies, all who question its methods or throw light upon its crimes. I have two great enemies, the Southern Army in front of me and the bankers in the rear. Of the two, the one at the rear is my greatest foe.”

"James Madison, fourth president of the United States, called the private international banking cartel of which the Fed is a part, the “Money Changers”. And Madison said, “History records that the Money Changers have used every form of abuse, intrigue, deceit and violent means possible to maintain their control over governments by controlling money and its issuance.”

"President Monroe signed into law the charter for the Second Bank of the Untied States on April 10, 1816. This bloodletting also came with a twenty-year charter—at the end of which, President Jackson was able to disengage Bankula from America’s throat. Later, when asked what his greatest accomplishment had been during his two terms as President, Andrew Jackson replied “I killed the Bank.”

He stopped charter renewal of the second Rothschild-controlled central bank. Jackson even has “I Killed The Bank” written on his tombstone."

"In the words of Niall Ferguson, of the House of Rothschild:

There are now only 5 nations on the world left without a Rothschild controlled central bank: Iran; North Korea; Sudan; Cuba; and Libya.”"

Are you getting the picture?  (The article will fill in some blanks.)

Knowing these facts, do you wonder why some people believe that The Fed is involved with Israeli politics?

With world politics?

With world economics?

Do you wonder why some people believe there is a relatively small group of powerful people pulling political strings?

Do you still wonder why we STILL "Occupy Wall Street"?