A Special Place in Hell / Rethinking Israel boycotts, the ADL and a N.Y. mosque
I want to thank the Olympia Food Co-op Israel boycott. Something extremely valuable is happening there.
By Bradley Burston Tags: Israel newsIn theory, the first purpose of boycotts is to cause people to think. To discover or reconsider an issue.
In theory, the first purpose of the Anti-Defamation League is the same. To cause people to discover, to rethink, to become aware of and combat bigotry, within themselves as well as in others.
This week a boycott campaign caused me to rethink boycotts against Israel. And a campaign by the Anti-Defamation League caused me to rethink the Anti-Defamation League.
The boycott was the decision by the Olympia, Washington Food Co-op, to remove Israeli products from the shelves of its two stores.
In a move as courageous as it was overdue, the co-op also featured and published online a pamphlet strongly opposing manifestations of anti-Semitism in leftist movements.
"Unfortunately," the co-op's blog observed, "anti-Semitic statements have abounded in a lot of the 'support' that the co-op has received in regard to the Israeli-products' boycott."
 |
A protester calling for a boycott of Israel. |
| Photo by: AP |
The Olympia Food Co-op has taken an important step in distinguishing between opposition to the policies of Israel on the one hand, and anti-Jewish hatred on the other.
It has also worked to identify and distance Islamophobia and anti-Arab bigotry from the wider discussion of boycotts and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Which makes it all the more curious that when longtime ADL National Director Abraham Foxman chose to publicly oppose the construction of a mosque and Muslim cultural center near the Ground Zero site, his rationale was troubling, to say the least:
“Survivors of the Holocaust are entitled to feelings that are irrational,” Foxman, himself a survivor, told The New York Times.
"Referring to the loved ones of Sept. 11 victims, he said, 'Their anguish entitles them to positions that others would categorize as irrational or bigoted.'"
There is something at once refreshing and destructive about Foxman's words. Refreshing, in the sense that this sounds like unfiltered honesty. Destructive, in the sense that this is precisely the rationale under which many on the left have justified or excused non-progressive, at times overtly bigoted, statements and actions by militant Palestinians.
It is high time to strike bigotry of all forms – by both sides - from the debate over the Mideast conflict.
It is time, as well, for the Jewish community as a whole to relate differently to those in their midst who have a serious difference of opinion with Israel.
In this regard, it is time for the Jewish community to engage those who support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, rather than effectively excommunicating them.
Perhaps what is most profoundly needed is for those who care about the Mideast equation to genuinely say what they think, and to abandon the time-honored codes in which each side attacks the other.
Allow me to begin.
I fully recognize as valid the opinions of those who oppose the idea of a specifically Jewish state. I would only ask that they be honest and open about it.
If you think a Jewish state is a bad idea, an institution that should be disbanded, I believe that it is the honest thing – honest to yourself, before all else - to come out and say so.
As a supporter of the idea of a truly democratic Jewish state alongside an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, what I cannot accept is the idea that formally Muslim states are acceptable, where a Jewish state is not.
In the past I have been vociferous in opposing boycotts. I now realize that it was not the boycott per se that caused me rage, but the tolerance for a double standard that said "While others – including our own United States – commit war crimes, engage in oppression, and have a long history of subjugating, disenfranchising and dehumanizing minorities, Israel will be our sole target."
Something else angered me as well - not the fact that some of the people who advocated boycotting Israel were actually against the idea of having a state of Israel, but the fact that for tactical reasons, they refused to come out and say so.
I remain opposed to boycotts, Olympia's included, first because I oppose collective punishment of all kinds, whether practiced by Israel against Gazans, or by progressives against Israelis as a whole. I also believe that boycotts against Israel tend to be self-defeating and play into the hands of the right.
But I want to thank the Olympia Food Co-op for going an important step. Something extremely valuable is happening there. Something truly radical. An awareness that people who are truly in favor of social justice must take a stand against bigotry, no matter the target.
The mayor of New York has set an example in this regard, saying of the mosque and its critics, “What is great about America, and particularly New York, is we welcome everybody, and if we are so afraid of something like this, what does that say about us?”
It's a lesson that Abraham Foxman needs to relearn.
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
and will buy more israeli products.
(1) The partitioning of Mandate Palestine into "a Jewish state" and "an Arab state" was perfectly legal, even if I consider it monumentally unwise: therefore I can not - and do not - dispute Israel's legitimacy. (2) I accept that the Israelis can define their state in any way that they wish, including "the state for the Jewish people". It is one of the perks of sovereignty. (3) I object to the PLO being compelled to recognize Israel as "the state for the Jewish people" i.e. the PLO need only recognize Israel's sovereign right to define itself in any way that it wants. (4) Boycott Israeli goods? Hell, yeah. It certainly beats SHOOTING at each other, and if Israel has the better narrative then the campaign will fail. So go ahead... after all, what's so scary about fighting it out in the arena of public opinion, rather than on the battlefield?
Actually most of the mandate did go to the Arabs by far where most of the 'Palestinians" live, yet the narrative is the oppositte And the partitioning WAS for a Jewish state. Honestly expressed.
There are boycotts and there are boycotts, but let's face the music here. I don't think either the Olympia Boycott or the attitudes of some people in the state of Washington would have been so intense if the IDF had taken the precaution, In The First Place, of removing Rachel Corrie out of the area of Danger, even if she herself, put herself there. Rather than removing her, the IDF paid No Attention and they Ran Her Over Kiliing Her! Something completely Stupid! It could have been avoided. Another example of pure Stupidity is the incident with the Israeli Jewish American Emily Henochowicz! Apparently, an Arab IDF member hit her in the face with a Gas Cannister causing her to lose an eye! Now I won't go out on a limb and say it was completely intentional on the part of the soldier, but here again, I see the Blindness and the Stupidity! In this era where we Jews over here battle time and time again in the media for the legitimacy of Israel and sometimes it's policies, the Hospital treats her eye and the IDF neglects to pick up the bill. The parents are given the bill for the rather measely sum of $8500. They should have just paid the bill instead of me having to blog here about it. They deal with miltary expenses in the millions constantly. What's the big deal with $8500 when we're talking about Israel's image here? People pay Image Consultants and Lawyers far more than that per hour. This is Stupid on top of Stupid. Now how come I had to go there Bradley? Some of the things that happen are just expected consequences. I've been known to say things but I usually aim them at the worst terrorists in the World. I say things usually because people deserve it. I'm also a big tease and a leg puller. That's when I pick on Everybody. Anyway, the 9/11 Mosque thing? Hmmm? Well, the ADL has a point when it comes to how the American People generally feel about it. But is it the right thing Bradley? Bradley. Let them build a Mosque. The Muslims aren't going to disappear Bradley. Israel has to live with those people and so do we. You read that book yet? Philip Roth's "The Plot Against America". There's an inherant message in that book for both Jews and for Muslims. Now that's the book that minorities should read. Good Luck Buddy!
I've got family in the co-op. Family I love, family with whom I'll always have a connection. I understand the emotional basis for their decision, and, frankly, consider it just that. There are THOUSANDS of small Israeli businesses who try and make their living through export. They are the equivalents of Republicans, Democrats, Socialists, Amish, Evangelicals, Unitarians, agnostics and aetheists. Small businesses, agribusiness behemoths, single moms with cottage industries. By painting ALL of us with the same black tar brush the Olympia co-op members are no more sensitive to suffering people than the Hammas terrorists who fling bombs and terrorize their own peoples. The Olympia Co-Op board and members areas much expemplifying the innocence of naive American viewpoints as they are wielding their idea of an economic sword of deterrence. The result? Teva Pharamceuticals won't know a thing about it. Neither will Keter Plastics (a left-wing, Socialist company I might add). Nor would any of the large-revenue generating companies doing business with the U.S. But yes, they will have incredible impacts on my friends who sell honey from their 10-acre farms. And the folks who fight their own chemical-based local industries to bring organic and natural products from Israel to the U.S. are barred, their income, already limited, further reduced. If the "brave" folks in Olympia want to send a message, let them think, strategically, of how they can hurt the fascist Israeli organizations and supporting industries. And not, like schoolyard bullies, take their anger out on the weakest in the school yard.
There are other places to build a 15 (13) story mosque, this is not one of them. Pope John Paul II ordered Carmelite Nuns to move their convent away from Auschwitz. He said "Just because you have the right to do something, doesn't mean you should. He understood the sensitivity of the people's feelings and how it was perceived. The nuns moved to a different area and the matter was settled. Why is it when Muslims ask us to respect their sensitivities can they not reciprocate in kind? Many many people feel it is just not appropriate to build this mosque there, I am one of them. All the people who oppose the Cordoba House are asking is for the Imam to be sensitive to their despair and grief. It isn't asking too much.
Then boycott the medical products including the pill camera,the glaucoma drainage equipment,dental implants,generic drugs,one the largest sources of biomedical patents in the world and israeli inventions are far from limited to biomedical, the list is huge,go for it. Dont forget no more SMS a percentage goes to Israel
Mosque on WTC site should not be built because the attack was made in the name of Allah by Muslims. It has nothing to do with Jews, Israel, or any other religion or country besides USA, which is going too far in their claims for tolerance, while Muslims pretend they do not understand what's the matter. Mayor Bloombers wants the area to be developed and cleaned up ASAP, preferably on private funds, this why he doesn't object. Boycott of Israeli products when you have 3 products on the shelf is nothing more then pathetic calls for attention and some antisemitic undertones doesn't matter of their booklets. So if someone would try to convince you it's not about money, it is.
There is no such thing as a truly democratic state of religious extremists; you have democratic states, and then you have religious and/or military states. If you think that a "jewish" state is fundamentally better than an "islamic" state, you are delusionnal and a racist bigot. Leave religion out of politics!
so you clearly admit your guilt on the above accusations. But honestly you forgot the "killing UN workers, and attacking international convoys" ... everybody does it, why should we get singled out? Otherwise not a bad article.
Here it is-- I now realize that it was not the boycott per se that caused me rage, but the tolerance for a double standard that said "While others – including our own United States – commit war crimes, engage in oppression, and have a long history of subjugating, disenfranchising and dehumanizing minorities, Israel will be our sole target." --- Where is he clearly admitting it what you claim,he points to the double standards people use accusing Israel then admitting others do the same but their only problemis Israel. Are you going to boycott China ? Arab countries"? Malaysia? Iran? etc etc that clearly do all of the above Now what are you doing about the Islamofascist racist rejectionist brainwashing emenating from the OFFICIAL media of the beloved,can do no wrong"'proletariat" that is aimed at continuing the conflict?
When Jews did not have a state, they were subject to horrible percecutions sometimes by Chistians, other times by Muslims depending on when an escape goat was needed. Israel must remain a Jewish state to guaranty that it never happens again. The concept of an ethnically Jewish state may sound strange to others but no oher people had to endure what Jews have. Jews need a land where their indentity as a people will be preserved. This land should the land of their ancestors. Arabs have 22 countries to choose from.
As someone who knows the history of the Holocaust and as someone who has also worked in the West Bank and seen first hand the unnecessary destructive impact of Israel's occupation, I always find myself torn on the question of boycott. At a visceral level I hate to find myself in the company of those Storm troopers who boycotted Jewish stores in the 30s, on the other hand, how can I lend any support, even economic support, to policies that are destroying another people's future. In the end unfortunately and despite my unease, I will have to support the boycott until Israel ceases its illegal policies. It's not anti-Semitic, it's my conscience. Nevertheless, despite my disagreement with your stance, this was a good article Brad.
Yes, I not only criticise Israel, but also Germany, France, Iran, Saudi-Arabia, China, the US, occasionally also Russia, Syria and Great-Britain: Fortunately, while the human body is fixed to the soil, our mind can go elsewhere and adopt different stances and angles, at least to some degree. I don't mind boycotts, for some people they me be a civilian way to exert pressure, for others just a way to express discontentment. But in general, out of ecological deliberations I prefer goods from the nearer to nearest economy anyway so that less energy may be spent for transport. Exceptionally, it can happen that I buy an Israeli vegetable, maybe once in a trimester a sweet pepper or avocado, and skin cream with dead sea salt maybe once a year. However, I'd never buy wine from the Golan as long as there is no peace with Syria: it's not kosher.
I've noticed a large number of people posting this question, generally followed by accusations of anti-Semitism. As a strongly identifying Jew, and a strong supporter of BDS, I thought I'd give some of my own reasons and those I've heard from other BDS supporters on this point: 1) Many, probably most, of the nations with the worst human rights records are dictatorships. In these situations, boycotts are likely to harm powerless citizens more than the leaders who are the real targets. Aside from the ethical issues, citizens have no way to hold their leaders accountable, so boycotts are unlikely to achieve anything. 2) The land of Israel is, for better or worse, of special significance for a whole lot of people. For many, conflict and human rights violations in 'the Holy Land' resonate in a way that others do not. 3) Israel works very hard to identify themselves with 'the West' in a way that regimes with extensive records of human rights abuses in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East generally do not. Because of this, Israel's actions strike many as particularly hypocritical. For many activists, they also look like a last, retro gasp of (now much-despised) European colonialism. 4) In many people's minds, Israel was created (or at least recognized) by the international community as a moral response to the Holocaust. For people with this view, the idea that a well-meaning response to the genocide of one people has been perverted into the exile and subjugation of another is particularly galling. 5) At least some European activists see their countries' atrocities against the Jews as indirectly responsible for the Palestinians' plight, and feel an obligation to do something about the once-removed victims of their own peoples' crimes. 6) The United States, for all its faults, is not (to my knowledge) presently engaged in ethnic cleansing or colonial expansion. The war in Iraq, however ill-advised, was not and is not a war of conquest, and the U.S. would love nothing better than to get out and leave beyond a stable Iraqi democracy. Even Bush had no desire to drive out Iraqis and replace them with American homesteaders. The war in Afghanistan was (arguably) justified, and, once again, was not and is not a war of conquest. Obama is hardly going to cleanse Pashtuns and move in suburbanites from Evanston, or wherever. That doesn't mean one can't make a case for boycotting the U.S., and I'm sure some people are boycotting, but there are plenty of salient differences between the situations. 7) There is no question that U.S. settlers were guilty of ethnic cleansing of the indigenous population, and that many of us living here are in various ways the beneficiaries of those crimes. Today, however, no Native American is told that he/she is a second-class citizen of a "white state", or is banished by law to return from his/her ancestral home to ensure the hegemony of the white vote. When Palestinians have the same rights in their ancestral lands that Native Americans have in the U.S., I will joyfully stop boycotting. 8) The U.S. funnels massive assistance to Israel, and many U.S. activists feel responsible for the uses to which that assistance (their tax dollars!) is put. 9) Most importantly, at least for me: I am a Jew, and I have a special responsibility to act when my people are pursuing evil on a grand scale. That responsibility is not only (maybe not even primarily) to our victims, but also to our heritage, and our G-d. I boycott Israel because, while many nations can harm the body of the Jewish people, only Israel threatens to destroy our very soul.
You have written an honest insightful post, expressing what many of us feel.
The Left suffers from what Ayaan Hirsi Ali terms religious relativism. They don't understand Islam, and their points of reference are their own mostly Judeo/Christian backgrounds. Ali: Moderate Islam is pure fiction. Moderate equals you're not observing the Qur'an's repeated specific commands: Kill infidels (Jews 1st, build on Hitlers' agenda; Muslim world blanketed with mandatory reading of Mein Kampf and Protocols of Z.), take their property (Dome of Rock?), convert them by force (Ask: Why are there 1.6 BILLION Muslims vs 13 million Jews today?) treat a woman as 1/2 a man (100M vaginally mutilated), kill gays and adulterers (think millions of honor killings, including of raped women forced to fornicate, then murdered for honor). Read Nomad and Infidel. We'll never have peace w this mindset. Rather than acknowledge this understanding, we keep deluding ourselves into thinking that peace is possible with a fantastic world at peace with moderate Islamists. Well - where are they? the so called moderate muslims? Egypt? Turkey? Ha! This is the time to wake up to this nightmare. They get it. We don't. They win.
I remember what a wonderful organization Bnai Brith was in 1960, and what wonderful work its ADL was doing in fighting genuine antisemitism. Sadly, over the years, its ADL has become increasingly like a Bleu Cheese, showing growing signs of mold.
It's great to see a Ha'aretz columnist writing rationally about the BDS movement. That said, Mr. Burston (unintentionally, I believe), still mischaracterizes the movement and its supporters: 1) Most of the BDS groups with which I have worked are very sensitive to anti-Semitism (or any other form of bigotry) within their own ranks and within the movement, in general. People may hesitate to take a public stand on the issue for fear of playing into the hands of the anti-Israel-is-anti-Semite crowd, but it's not a case of hidden malice. Out of the public eye, there are large numbers of Palestinian, Jewish, and other BDS activists who work diligently to combat anti-Semitism within the movement. 2) The overwhelming majority of BDS supporters I've met have no use for formally Muslim states. I'm not sure what Mr. Burston is reacting to, on this point. 3) There are definitely supporters of BDS who are committed to maintaining Jewish political hegemony in Israel. There are many others who are neutral (myself included) or even sympathetic, in principle, but are opposed in practice, since it can only be done by retroactively endorsing, enforcing, and capitalizing on the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. There is another large group that opposes the idea of ethnic nationalism on principle in all cases. I think there are also some BDS supporters who generally oppose ethnic nationalism, but see Palestinian nationalism as some sort of exception. Finally, I have met some BDS supporters who seem solely concerned with Palestinian rights. The reluctance of many BDS groups to declare a specific political vision is primarily due to this diversity of opinion within the movement.
they would have criticised the malignant racist yes racist hatred that guarrantees the next Palestinian generation and the one thereafter will reject peace They have been educated to take it all What are you doing about it Mr Levitt other than ignoring the neo nazi style OFFICIAL Palestinian media and the false expectation they raise? You boycott Israel to cover for the Islamofascists.
Here in the U.S., some years ago, there was a boycott of Israel that looked like it might gain traction. The boycotters had a list online with Israeli products and retailers that sold them. I emailed just about everyone I knew, described who the boycotters were, gave them the list, and suggested they go out of their way to buy the Israeli products - and where to find them. I have little doubt that it worked. (The boycotters made my job easier by providing the list.)
“Survivors of the Holocaust are entitled to feelings that are irrational,” Foxman, himself a survivor, told The New York Times.
700,000 Muslims some left willingly to allow a genocide to take place by their invading brethren, some were kicked out for their hostility. A greater tragedy is 800,000 Jews who were kicked out of the Arab states without any of their property.
... isn't being built on the Ground Zero grounds anyway, or even within sight of either the site or the major routes to the site. Not that it should really matter, but it's irritating to see people who know nothing whatsoever about Manhattan's geography misrepresent the location of this thing. Also, there's already a mosque in downtown Manhattan (Masjid Manhattan) and has been since the 1970s, because Manhattan has a fair sized Muslim population. This isn't some kind of devious Islamic invasion, it's just New York being New York.
Well said Ana. Finaly somebody talking some sense.
I really think the center's supporters need to start fighting back against the misconceptions about where it's going to be. I wouldn't agree with preventing a mosque from being built within sight of the former WTC, but I could understand why it would make people uncomfortable. But in the spot where it's actually being built... Honestly the biggest problem with it IMO is that the design seems ugly!
It's offensive, extremely so. The idea behind the complex is to be built near the site of the 9/11 attacks. I had three friends murdered that day, and no, I don't see the Cordoba House as some cultural band-aid highlighting how sensitive Muslims can be. I personally see it as an Islamic Triumphal Arch standing over the ground where people I cared about were vaporized and my home city attacked and brutalized. . Such a monument would have the same impact as the impending George W. Bush Democracy house for western Baghdad. Think about it, several years after the US invaded Iraq, the US President had shoes thrown at his head, an act that was roundly applauded by many in the Arab and Muslim world. . Now in New York City, they want to build a Mosque by the site of the 9/11 attacks. I don't care about their reasons, I find it extremely disrespectful to those that died and suffered that day and afterwards. They want tolerance? They want understanding? Fine, let them build it elsewhere in the city. . But truthfully? Let them build it where Muslims can learn tolerance. Better yet, let them make it a mobile center and have it travel the Arab and Muslim world.
I'm sorry for your pain, but I think you need to seriously examine whether grief is an excuse for bigotry. The people who will be worshiping at Cordoba House aren't al-Qaida - they'll be regular freaking New Yorkers who happen to be Muslim. \Why should all the Muslims of New York (many of whom are American-born or naturalized citizens) be punished because what a pack of outsiders did in the name of their religion? Especially when many American Muslims died in the attacks. And then their families had to go through the extra and unnecessary agony of seeing a country with a tradition of being relatively accepting towards Muslims become viciously Islamophobic! Grief is not an excuse for cruelty and intolerance.
Dont you see that by using the term "they", you lump together all muslims into a monolithic whole? Basically, you are saying to your local muslims *who are just as much citizens of NY as you* that thgeir religion is evil and wants to kill you. Did the british refuse the catholic church to build during the IRA bombings? No, because the brits were able to differentiate between a universal "they" and a specific "they". With your attitude towards muslims, you are using just the same arguments as anti-semites through the ages. Should I infer from Bernie Madoff that all Jews are swindlers?
If a YMCA or YMHA several blocks from the WTC site is ok, then so is a Muslim Center, including a mosque. The sponsors and congregation had nothing to do with 9-11. Christian fanatics and Israeli right wingers, listen to teh common sense of Mayor Bloomberg.
I like a lot of the sentiment in this article, but I guess I don't really understand the end of it. Why thank these boycotters when they are doing exactly what you don't like? Namely, singling out Israel for a boycott (even if it is in a more sensitive way). There are plenty of other countries who are equally "deserving" of a boycott, including the US (how many civilians died in Iraq?). So, why single out Israel and why are we thanking them?
Because for many of them it is the politically chic thing to do. The cause de jour.
alone, pathetic, insane Israels. WHY don't U share your power for humanity? Is this your choice or somebody control your thoughts? Do favour for your future and world... just think this night jewish people!
Supporting a religion that in it's fundamentalist form upholds honor killings,promotes pedophilia, encourages Murder, promotes Martyrdom and main focus is "submission" which entails the take over and murder of all those who resist their religion is not progressive. A religion that is misogynist, racist, and persecutes members of other religions, homosexuals and any who stand for democracy is not one that is aligned with modern views or morality.
Where do you get your info? Educate yourself please.
I mistakenly read your blog. You are a verifiable IDIOT!
With every article Bradley Burston is sinking lower and lower into the depths of self hatred. He is a danger to Israel and although he has the right to publish his nonsense we have the right to disregard his rantings...therefore why read him?
Very good post, Albert. Profound, eloquent and to the point. You have surely swayed a lot of Lefties, Humanists and other misfits in the right direction. Keep it up!
If Israeli (or Jewish) goods - produce or products- are supposed to be boycotted in any form or shape I wonder: why doesn't the "politically right" bunch stop using , prescribing, adopting each and every remedy, device, gadget, or idea of Jewish- or Israeli origin?
Sorry to break it to you, but your education happened among us, you went to university with us, you were taught by jews and gentiles alike... an idea, whatever you might want to think, and however convinient it is for property right laws, doesn't come from an individual. Are you implying that Jews are better than others... because the "politically right" thinks that this is simple racism. Your belief in jewish supremacism is evident but your lack of understanding of how ideas originate shows exactly how mistaken you are.
All you did was string together what you thought was an intelligent argument but really means nothing. Ideas aside, which are ethereal things like you tried to say, Israel has contributed a number of inventions (military technology and consumer technology) that people like Americans use everyday. Are Americans to boycott things that keep their soldiers safe, or just food made by some farmer who has little to do with the conflict? You can't turn away a man with your right hand and invite him in with your left.
The boycott of Israel is boycotting the wrong country. The leftist morons should boycott the arab countries. The problem is the racism and bigotry of Islam and the non-acceptance of the Jews to have their rightful land, Israel. To support the racist arabs is ignorance and pandering to the fascist arabs and their ilk. Stop pandering to the arabs Burston and stop supporting our enemies.
If Jewish "extremist" destoyed the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque, I'm sure that the great Liberals who favor the 9/11 mosque would similarly back the right of "moderate" Jews to rebuild the Temple in the shadow of their rubble. You think so!
And ya'll talk about liberalism being a "disease". I bet you are one of those people that were shocked that the ACLU would defend the rights of a gun owner. Just completely out of touch on what liberalism is.
well.only fanatics and stone age people can do this. but civilized People will not agree with their action.
Why do you have extremist in scare quotes? Usually in English that's a way of distancing yourself from the sentiment of the word... Do you think that destroying a beautiful 1300 year old building (and not incidentally likely doing damage to what remains of the Temple ruins) isn't an extreme behavior?
This is a matter of the feelings of Americans as a nation, and specially those of the families compared to 1000% freedom of religion. Since even the Imam who planned the center admits it was a mistake, and he could have simply moved it a few kilometers away, it would have been best for all. Americans are right on this subject, it's called adding insult to injury. Just like building a mosque on the ruins of another religion's temple as a pathetic sign of dominance since they're too insecure about themselves.
Who needs any further Enemy's ?
Actually, Israel and Jews have igorant people on both sides that hate us, but I wanted to keep the arguement as simple and black/white so you could understand.
I can't understand what you are saying about the Olympia boycott. It's better because they say they don't want the support of Jew-haters? Why? They still work in concert with them! It's the same propaganda as always.
The problem is the confusion of "nationality" with ethnic and religious identities. "Nationality" is a separate legal identity referring to the country of one's citizenship. Claiming that "Jewish" is a nationality creates problems for Jews who happen to have other nationalities, American, for instance. For clarity, here is my position: I have no objection with the existence of a mostly Hebrew-speaking country where curtural practices, e.g., the official holidays etc., are Jewish. What I object to is having "nationality" defined to be exclusively Jewish, as based on religion and ancestry, so as to exclude other inhabitants who have lived there for generations. I'm not too happy with the Japanese insistence that ethnic Koreans accept Japanese names before they receive full citizenship, but at least those people have a route to gaining full status.
If they're boycotting Israel, surely they should be boycotting all Chinese products, considering that millions of Chinese are brutally repressed, tortured, and killed on a daily basis. But of course, they don't -- proof that this isn't a human rights campaign. It's just mindlessly anti-Israel.
So what's your take on that?
PLease read the history of the land.
tibet AMartin is absolutely right. there is no other reason than anti israelism (baseless hatred of the nation of the jews) for all these boycotts and usual anti israel demonstrations. israel is as bad as most democratic countries, yet it s the only one criticised by the people to such an extent. anyone not seeing that is blind.
The land belonged to the Jews since more than 2000 years. They have been thrown out of their Country. Since 1948 they are just allowed to return home. Please read your history book.
...you would find that the Olympia Food Co-op does indeed have an existing boycott on Chinese goods, due mostly to their policies in Tibet. This boycott was put in place years ago.
The stupidity of your post is mind boggling... get an education and then show up and post something that makes sense.
The part of history where the jews invaded and ethnically cleansed the land 2000 years ago. That is just as valid as your claim.
I must take issue with Mr. Burston. A Jewish state cannot licitly exist because it it theologically forbidde. Please consult the Gospels; the reasons are all there, as they are in the Epistles of the Apostle Paul. This is why, as a mainstream Christian, I am required by my faith to support and participate in the boycott of the Zionist state.
Israel is the home of the Jews, period. This pre-dates the gentiles. You and your ilk should boycott the terrorist arab regimes. Jealousy and envy are the root cause of you christians and arabs towards us Jews. Too bad your not the "Chosen ones."
Some lone nut says he is going to boycott Israel because he is a Christian, so you insult all of us Christians.
to be stupid but think of yourself as the chosen god...there is no god... only fables.
Your claims to the land are meaningless to us non-Jews (who necessarily came before Judaism). We have no jealousy toward you, you are simply a burden to us, taking our money and abusing people with our government's corrupt complicity. We are not the "Chosen ones" for the sole reason that we choose not to worship ourselves as you choose to do (that's really all that phrase amounts to, no matter what form you present it in, and it's both silly and pathetic). We should boycott you, not the Arabs, because at least we get the better end of the deal in our relationship with them, whereas you just shaft us and ask for another check every time. You're just a cheap religious mafia without a fraction of the fashion sense and not the slightest hint of the culinary talent of the Italians. And by the way, if we really were such jerks as to endorse the kind of ethnocratic, theocratic state you feel we should support for you, why wouldn't we do it for ourselves as well, kicking you all out of the U.S. like you kick the Palestinians out of their homes on a daily basis? There's no reason for us to offer you what we deny ourselves out of common decency and respect for our fellow human beings, whose shared humanity with us we should all value as much as our own, but which you deny others out of sheer bigotry and religious extremism. If we're going to abuse the Palestinians by favoring you, why wouldn't we abuse you in order to favor ourselves? You're asking us to help you hurt people, well if we're going to do that, why wouldn't we hurt you as well? Now, do you like being mouthed off to as much as you like mouthing off, Don?
Throughout 1,400 years of Muslim history, political Islam have ALWAYS built mosques at the sites of their military conquests and victories. The 9/11 mosque is a victory mosque. Sacred ground zero is NOT the place for a mosque that lifts up and glorifies Islam. It must be a war memorial for our murdered 3,000 and all murdered victims of Muslim terror throughout the world. New York police and firemen willingly and courageously gave up their lives to save innocents. America shone that day through these heroes. It is our cherished victims and cherished heroes who must be lifted up and honored, NOT Islam!
How do you think the families of Muslim victims feel about all this? Some of them were working in the towers, some were firefighters and first responders, just like everyone else. After 9/11 everyone was asking "Where are the moderate Muslims?" Now those moderates say, "Let us show you, we've done a lot of work and collected a lot of money to speak out and oppose the fundamentalists and build bridges" and look what they get.
It was not the United States that attacked on 9/11. It was not New Yorkers that shouted Allah Ahkbar as planes flew into the World Trade Center. It was not Christans that rioted over the Mohammed cartoons. It was not a Dutch born national who murdered Theo van Gogh and sent Ali Aran Hirsi fleeing to the United States. It was not the Vatican that put out a Fatwa on Salman Rushdie. It was not Israel that declared that Christians couldn't utter the name Allah in Church services. Moderate Muslims need to get their own house in order before preaching to those they attacked.
It was not the United States that attacked on 9/11. It was not New Yorkers that shouted Allah Ahkbar as planes flew into the World Trade Center. It was not Christans that rioted over the Mohammed cartoons. It was not a Dutch born national who murdered Theo van Gogh and sent Ali Aran Hirsi fleeing to the United States. It was not the Vatican that put out a Fatwa on Salman Rushdie. It was not Israel that declared that Christians couldn't utter the name Allah in Church services. Moderate Muslims need to get their own house in order before preaching to those they attacked.
Islamic militants were directly responsible for the death of thousands and the destruction of the "iconic" symbols of free enterprise- the twin towers" So as a reward to Islam you want to allow them to build a giant mosque. Give me a break !!
Isn't it OK to think that all religious states are a bad idea? That the enlightenment separation of church and state - freedom of religion and no favoring by the state of a particular creed - was a great step forward in human development. That the Islamic State of Iran is as bad an idea as the Jewish State of Israel? That the separation of Mosque and State and Synagogue and State would be a great step forward to - for all of us?
Like most secular Jews - including those that are the great majority of the Israeli population - I am firmly in favour of separation of church/synagogue/mosque and state. But that's not the point. We Jews are a nation, a significant proportion of whom admittedly adhere to a particular religion. Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, not the religion. Neither Hitler, nor the Tsars nor the Islamists worried about whether or not Jews were religious; their intention was genocide, not terminating a religion.
Charlie... you need to learn more. Religion and State are separate in Israel, Jews, Arabs, Christians, Atheists and other have all religious freedom here. Try to get rid of your fascistic ideas. Maybe it's time for you to come out from your dark forest.
I thought the article was saying it was wrong to be against a Jewish State but accepting of a formally organised Muslim state. Since there is no ethnic uniformity about Islam, the equivalence here can only by in the religious aspects of the States. And I'd be against both. I'm also against racial criteria for citizenship. The Chinese do it and it is scary. It seems to me that the secular Jews of Israel, Israelis all, who share a common cultural and ethnic identity quite apart from the Jewish religion, together form the backbone of the State of Israel. The Israeli State of Israel. Long may it flourish.
When the IRA was blasting London there was no anti irish boycott brigade. The Turks blast the kurds,there is no anti Turkish boycott brigade. The allies are blasting the hell out of Afghanistan killing thousands of innocent civilians and there is no anti-allies boycott brigade. Israel is fighting for her survival,the above mentioned are not. International anti-semitism and hypocracy out of control.
But there actions speak for themselves. They boycott Israeli products yet have no problem leaving Chinese and American products on there shelves. They also have products from Arab countries that make no secret there love of opression. Its not anti semetic to critisicise Israel but when it is the sole target of your hate you have to ask yourself why.
"Honesty" in this case is not commendable when someone is an enemy and wants to destroy you. A bank robber with a gun is honest and open in his intentions. So what. He is also a criminal, just as much as the dissembling embezzler.
There is no rational or moral reason for an anti Israeli boycott of Israel. This are rational and moral reasons for not having a mosque at ground zero. Foxman is correct in opposing a mosque where 3,000 Americans were murdered by Moslems and attempted murder by moslems in Times square and elsewhere in America.
Sadly. I agree with you but the fact remains that any group that is openly and publically critical of Israel or its policies and calls for accountability will be undermined by being attacked as anti-semitic. It is the guilt blame game and has been used by Israel as a means of discrediting its critics. You also fail to mention a growing third group and that is those who realise that it is no longer a question of a state that is both Jewish and democratic, but is only Jewish, and the democratic part is secondary if not completely sidelined. Many of us feel a profound sense of betrayal. When we read of zionist youth gathering and cheering on the destruction of the Bedouin village in the Negev or we find actions like those in Silwan and Sheik Jarreh put down as nothing more than property disputes, and that this kind of undemocratic activity goes on with the support of the government, we are more than merely disillusioned. We feel we have wittnessed the demise of a movement that at one point in its history aspired to be both Jewish and democratic.
our jewish lives are more interesting to you then your own? dont feel betrayed we owe you nothing.
and I was, because I work in the financial district, the feelings are mixed if i am honest. believe me having a Mosque near the WTC is painful, and apparently it is painful to most of America including the rural part of America to whom NYC is Sodom and Gomorrah, sometimes. Never the less this is America and the most liberal part of America not that it matters because the establishment clause prohibits discrimination based on religious belief. the Mosque should be built. PS Mayor Bloomberg is Jewish as is part of the NYC council and they support the building. The pain and suffering of that day never goes away and while America and its western allies, Including Israel, will continue to pursue the enemy, whats right is right, the Mosque should be built.
and extremely proud that the Israeli President has labelled my people as such. I have decided that the term anti semitism is meaningless when it is used to defend the actions of Israel. Anti semitism is a term that should only be used when a person is attacked or has a restriction of opportunities because and only because they are Jewsih. When it comes to criticising Israel then that should be termed anti zionist if it refers to Israel's government policy and racist if it refers to Jews being Jews. As the Jew is a race.
chris, we all know your posts ... you hate israel, never find a good thing about the place and you exhonerate hamas and the terrorists by justifiying their acts and on and on. Now you have out done yourself. by trying to redefine what anti semitism is so that it s not you. Sorry but it doesn't work that way. so let me help you out You are a true blue anti semite because you lack balance, fail to put Israel in context and condemn Israel for defending itself against terrorists. it easy to understand why you are a hater ... your home has been taken over by radicialized palestinians who routinely get violent to keep british society on their side and Peres called you out on it. You, David Cameron the fomer mayor london and many, many more britsh poltiicans have come out clearly and succintly as pro arab and anti israel. As Peres pointed out you didn't vote for Israel in 1947, you took the Palmach's weapons to help the arabs kill Jews and now Cameron the fool goes to Turkey and sells out the EU and the west. But who cares, the truth is that Britain in no more relevent to world events than the queen is to daily briitsh life. Ask yourslef why every 6 months or so another Brit, with the most recent being Prince Harry, shows up in some nazi regalia going to a party ... Britain is so anti semitic that crap passess for a costume. I bet you have one those nazi armbands too since you took the nazi definition of what is anti semitic.
Chris you are what you are...a certifiable hater of Israel and Jews...and the history of your country proves they fall into the same pattern. Now go and wash your mouth out with soap...take a deep breath and then you can continue fomenting your hatred. .on th
An Anti-Semite used to be someone who hated Jews. Today, an Anti-Semite is someone disliked by a Jew. Revise your dictionaries, folks.
Not even a creditable try. Israel is a country; Judaism is a religion. Iran is a Muslim country - is a person who is against Iran anti-Islam? England is a Christian country - are those who are against England therefore anti-Christian? Your problem is you want different rules to apply to Israel than to every other country. Sorry about that; Israel is just another country - same rules apply.
Anyone surprised hasn't been paying attention.
Just how many Israeli products do you think are stocked in such a store? Its a boycott joke.
By itself, the boycott is merely symbolic. If other groups and organizations also participate, it could have a real effect. It did in South 'africa.
Israel is not Southy Africa. I am now buying more Israeli products.
The ADL didn't come out and declare a boycott on the Cordoba House. Far from it, the ADL pointed out repeatedly that the issue is not the construction of the Cordoba House, but its location. Included in the ADL's concern is the lack of transparancy on the part of the Cordoba House's backers. It's important to know who's funding this so-called tolerance project. Mindful of the fact that Saudi Arabia has provided billions in funding around the world for mosques that spout their Wahhabi brand of Islam, I, as a New Yorker, would want to know if Saudi money was backing this venture. For those with memory spans to short to remember, 15 of the 19 hijackers on 9/11 were Saudis, and al-Queda has received substantial support from individual Saudis. So no, I don't want to see a Mosque rise next door to the ruins of the World Trade Center as a means of providing some form of Wahhabi Triumphal Arch where my friends perished. But even if the Saudis are not providing major funding, the ADL's point is apt. The presence of the Cordoba House would become a source of pain and anger to those who's loved ones were murdered that day. It's a big city. There is plenty of space to build such a house. By insisting on this location, CH is becoming a source of pain rather than a source of comfort. Rather than making a compromise for peace with its neighbors, the House is seeking to become a banner of confrontation and Muslim animosity to non-Muslims. Given the anger and rage brought forth by the Muslim community from things as innocuous as political cartoons, they should understand the requirment for respect and not to dishonor their neighbors. This is a clear point that Brad seems unable to grasp. In truth, the Cordoba House should be built in Saudi Arabia, and in other sites of the Muslim world where issues of tolerance and interfaith acceptance is in far greater need than in NYC.
the 40 or more Jewish American groups that fund the killers of Palestinians who have recently been arrested. No invrestigation of those groups. No investigation of those groups which are sponsoring plans to dispossess Palestinians from thier homes. No mention of the groups that support Jewish terror, just a genral sense of Islamophobia. Cordoba House along must be checked and investigated to see where they are funded from. Of course the US government seems to have no problem in its relations with Suadia Arabia and blue has no evidence to show that there is alink between sources funding Cordoba House and terrorist groups. Cordoba House is precisely to show the US and the survivors of that horrific act of terror on 9/11 that those involved were not the face of Islam but its perverters just as Kahane and his ilk, or B. Goldstein and those who followi in his path are the legitimate voice of religious Judaism. Further, I suggest if blue is so concerned about the impact of image he look to foxman's defense of the so called "Museum of Tolerance planned to be built over a Muslim cemetery in Jerusalem. Now thre is a statement.
Once again Yaacov rides rampant to the rescue of Muslims, while at the same time, multi-tasking his hatred of Jews and Israel. Indeed, Yaacov just cannot stomach the idea of Israel, a nation that he describes as one that is terminally ill based on a single arrest of an alleged Jewish terrorist by the Israeli police. No matter that it was the Israeli police that did the investigating and arresting, that an Israeli court will try him and render a verdict, and sentence if found guilty. Jews, according to Yaacov, neither deserve, or are capable of providing justice. The fact that President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee views former Israeli supreme court justice Barak, a figure of respect and admiration, doesn’t matter, Jews, for Yaacov, don’t deserve to participate in such a system; rather, we should be terminated. . And this is the problem with Yaacov’s mindset. Cordoba House, should not be examined, but should be anointed. The idea that because the United States was attacked by Muslim terrorists, therefore, we Americans, need to learn moderation and tolerance, not the Saudis, who participated in the mass murders. As for the US relationship with Saudi Arabia, it most certainly is one of questions, going back to the US plan to do a full out intelligence run down on the Kingdom back in the 1990’s. But no matter, to Yaacov, Jews, and now New Yorkers, apparently don’t get to have any feelings. 9/11, no worries mate, after all, it was only an attack on Americans, no need to care about their feelings. New Yorkers? Apparently for Yaacov, they’re just another group that “deserves it”. . Reality is, there is plenty of space for them to build the Cordoba House in New York City without placing it next to the World Trade Center. Indeed, if they want to show us how moderate Muslims have become, let them build it in Detroit, or Cairo, or Malmo, Sweden. . But rather than accept the need for moderation in the Muslim world, Sullivan decides that again, it’s the Jews, who need minding, pointing to the Museum of Tolerance, which is being built, not over a cemetery, but a parking garage that formerly held a cemetery. Of course, once again, Yaacov can’t be bothered with reality, since he creates his own. One where Jews remain his own personal burden.
Once again the blues man goes on his tirade of unsubstantiated allegations and his seeing an anti-semite under every rock when it is he who is an example precisely what bradley is talking about. A paranoia that can lead only to vulgar personal attacks and a heightened sense of islamophobia, a blindness that has no idea what Cordoba House is to represent.For him it is nothing but a hub of terrorist and every muslim had better steer clear of his designated perametre of the 9/11 site and when it comes to blues and what his hatred represents: well, attention must be paid! Notice how his attitude is reflected in the extreme rightist position of the racists in Israel vis a vis the palestinians: let them go to Amman, to Damascus, Beirut, we don't want them here. They are a bone stuck in our gullet. So too with Cordoba House: let them build it in the Arab quarters of Detroit. And he thinks of himself as "moderate" Like the fanatic conspirisists who spewed out the lie that 9/11 was a Mossad plot or the CIA, blues man cares nothing about those Muslims who died at the site and wish to publically portray their relgion as something other than what the islamophobes have made it and for this blues man tells him: go somewhere else so we can perpetrqate the lie that all Muslims are guilty.
which blues fails to mention was built over the mamilla cemetery and whose remaining burial ground will be used for the construction of this monstrosity which hier has the chutzpah to call a "Musuem of Tolerance". Look closely and you will see it is part of an attempt by this Israeli government to destroy any vestiges of the Arab presence in Jerusalem. Look at what is beieng done in Silwan, Sheik jarreh, Wadi Joz. This so called to toleeraqnce is just part of the same agenda.
In principal the ADL has a task worthy of its name, fighting Anti Semitism, bigotry & so forth. In practice, the ADL is simply another Lobby justifying Israel actions NO MATTER WHAT. Criticism of Israel re 43 years of occupation is NOT Anti Semitism, although the ADL would have you believe so. As such, it is morally bankrupt.
No, it just goes to show that in the United Kingdom, you are privy to so much anti-Semitism, and so much Muslim propaganda, you cannot see things objectively anymore. Let me remind you that Israel was ATTACKED by Syria, Jordan, Egypt, with contributed troops from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq Saudi Arabia, and Sudan. Their aim was the decimation of the State of Israel. They lost. Israel annexed areas that now belong to it. Do not confuse the return of the Sinai Peninsula in the name of peace. The arab neighbors have been offered multiple times to take sovereignty of Gaza or West Bank, to no avail. Of course Israel will never simply recede from these territories because, unless you're blind, these have become terror states. Like most all UK inhabitants, you consistently fail to address the horrific rockets launched from these areas. Israel's biggest security mistake was receding from Lebanon and Gaza for this very reason. Oh, and of course terrorism has nothing to do with poverty in those regions. It has everything to do with the scripture of the Koran which tips the equation of 1.7 BILLION muslims against the infidels. Learn your history.
If people want to boycott they have the right to, but at least be consistant. What is most annoying is these idiots who boycott Israel but say nothing or do nothing against oppressive regimes like Zimbabwe, Sudan, Nth Korea etc. They are all just hipocrits. And do they know that in Israel you have the right to free speech even if it is against the goverment but go and try that in Iran or Libya or Syria and you wont see the next day. Small minded bigoted hypocrits is all they are.
Mr. Burton's point that he "cannot accept is the idea that formally Muslim states are acceptable, where a Jewish state is not" is not on point. The issue is not whether a state based exclusively on a particular ethnicity or religion is acceptable. The issue is whether a state only recently created by using ethnic cleansing to dispossess the indigenous inhabitants is acceptable. If his logic is correct, then any ethnic group without a state can do to the inhabitants of lands it covets what the Zionists did to the Palestinians in 1948. The Kurds would be especially interested in this argument. Does Mr. Burston support the Kurds ethnically cleansing Kurdistan (wherever that is) of non-Kurds? Does Mr. Burston advocate the Cherokee ethnically cleansing the Carolinas to recreate their historical homeland? The issue of whether a Muslim state is acceptable while a Jewish state is not acceptable is a red herring. The issue is whether ethnic cleansing, through mass terror, is acceptable, regardless of the identity of the victims and perpetrators. If you want honesty, you have to be honest about Israel's history as much as you are honest about the history of other groups. You may try to justify it, but first you must recognize it.
how many years does a state created partially through violent means need to exist before you consider it legitimate? you say that the fact that the state was formed "recently" is an important issue. your example of a Cherokee takeover of the Carolinas is unconvincing, because think about the history of the US. Or, the muslim states that you seem to have no problem with, just because they are older. Or, for that matter, every state in the world, which all have their own unpleasant historical pasts.
this is your ethnic cleansing of Palestine 700,000 people. which under any peace agreement will be compensated and some would get the right of return, this is barely enough to bring to the distraction of Israel try some other lies . or better yet get over it Israel is here by right , you want it destroyed you are not for peace
That's the point. You put it in the exact words. Although we must also recognize in Mr. Burston opinion that he is right to make explicit the double standards that exist around the human rights when ifferent countries are judged differently.
To follow this logic we would have tp declare at least nine Arab states illicit due to their ethnic cleansing policies that forced about 800,000 Jews out of their homes from. 1948 onwards. And yes let's talk about the Kurds, the Arab nationalist genocide carries out under the much revered Arab nationalist Saddam Hussein whose gov't also settled ethnic hundreds of thousands of ethnic Arab. In Kurdish lands and cities. So, let's stop this hypocritical withhunt against Israel unless you and the rest of the Israel haters are willing to come forward with a universal position of opposing the existence of most states in the "Arab" world (now there's a racist designation if ever there was one clearly favoring one ethnic group over the subjected and repressed non-Arab minorities living under Arab domination.)
with violence with their current borders were created via wars and violence, either they initiated or initiated upon them.As no one can deny, the Jewish people once had a state in the land of Israel until they were displaced by the Romans, and people from nearby regions settled in. So either only te jewish people have rights on that land, or perhaps both of them. Your point is invalid.
...Then if the Arabs were to destroy Israel by force and expel the Jews like they were expelled in 1948, it would be acceptable. In other words, you believe Chairman Mao was right when he said that power grows out of the barrel of gun. Further, what about those whom the ancient Israelites displace by force? Are their claims valid?
Burston insists on tying BDS to calls for an end to a Jewish state. This is the same old "delegitimization" argument we've heard before. Burston then spins out of this the argument that those who don't support religious states should be equally critical of Muslim ones. It may not have occurred to this former American that Americans already have our hands full with Christian fundamentalists eager to turn our nation into Margaret Atwood's nightmare. And most of us are already not keen on states with official religions like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and England, and we've said so. As for Abe Foxman, he should be fired like Helen Thomas was. Any bets on whether this will happen?
It s very nice, but stupid, that mr burston accepts the opinion of those who say there shouldn't be a Jewish state as long as they are honest about it as if honesty is some magical cleanser that takes away the hypocracy, anti semitism and hate that the statment reflects. Only in the liberal world where honesty allows you to say anything does that make sense. And Buston makes another fools arguement when he lauds the Washington Co-op who has to put out pamphlets to separate it self from the anti semites who rally to its support.. hey, if you are attracting anti smites and haters to your cause maybe its time to reconsider what you are doing. Try reading Lee smith and how he shows how the Washington Post and its famous harvard blogger, the known anti semite mersheimer attracts all the other anti semites who write their hatred on their talk back with no moderation .. try that with blacks and see what happens. they simply traded david duke for a harvard professor. foxman is right, the mosque doesn't belong at gorund zero and the mayor is a bigger fool to go against the wishes of those who elected him. We are all sick of hearing these idiots who got a degree in poly sci and no real life experience lecturing us on how to defend Israel .. history shows that that the IDF is the answer not liberal feel good acts that rationalizie heaters because they do so honestly. Hitler told the truth, he said he hated Jews and wated to kill them all ... Was he ok in your book too mr burston?.
Anyone in favor of a two-state solution must be in favor of intense external pressure on Israel, because that's the only way it's going to happen. Israel is politically incapable of making this happen on its own. The problem with boycotts, as Burston acknowledges, is that they are usually confused, conflicted, unfocused, dishonest, and a Trojan horse for mostly unworthy motivations. That's why I'm against them, but am in favor of behind-the-scenes arm-twisting, which anyway will be more effective.
A comment about the sentence:"what I cannot accept is the idea that formally Muslim states are acceptable, where a Jewish state is not." It is not that a Jewish state is not acceptable, what is not acceptable is a Jewish state, built on zionism acts of violence and land abduction. Even thought the Jewish scriptures promise its people the promise land, but why not investigate the Muslim scriptures and see what that it has to say about this subject. It is undoubted that the last revelation from God is the Holy Quraan, all religions know it, whether they say it or not. To make it easier to understand, when a researcher is researching a subject, he/she does not look at only the first edition of the book that talks about this subject, no, he/she looks at all the editions, the last one being the most updated. So the Jews have to reconsider their plans and priorities, because the group leading them are a group of nonreligious people.
Incredible.
When nothing, other than a military invasion, works, I advocate boycotts, and have seen a boycott against some Israeli institutions as a reasonable and justified tactic. Indeed, the UN in the past called for a boycott against South Africa, and the tactic worked. It undermined the moral confidence of the Whites there, and they gave up the struggle. In principle, the tactic can be successful against Israel, which is not in a very different situation. But if the UN doesn't call for a boycott and it is initiated by private organizations, it will likely be explained by the Jewish me as a manifestation of anti-Semitism, whether it is (which is true sometimes) or it isn't. Only when Jews are actively promoting a boycott of Israel can there be little excuse to doubt their sincerity. (Of course, "self-hatred" will be tried, but if the calls are wide-spread, this explanation will be hard to swallow. It is therefore very important not to muzzle Israelis who call for boycott. In this light, I see the ADL call against an Islamic center on the 9/11 site as extremely foolish. Why should the ADL even get involved in this? Is it a Jewish business or even an anti-discrimination? It is a pro-discrimination call! The ADL's attitude is seen as an expression of anti-Islamism, and Foxman himself admits it in a way (when he says that Holocaust survivors have a right to be bigoted). It is best to speak to Islamic leaders and ask them to object to this Center plan for reasons of sensitivity to public feelings. Not everything legal is ethical or nice. Legally, the Islamic Center can be built, but since 9/11 was carried out in the name of Islam, this is unseemly. There must be many Muslims who understand this. Let them, or call on them to, be the speakers.
I wish Israel and the Palestinians can see their worlds in such an objective way.
What is scary is the insensitivity of the mosque proponents. They insist upon building near what is, to us New Yorkers, a scared site. Offensive in the extreme and a statement we must all heed.
And what of Arab bigotry-towards Palestinians? Each other? Lebanese Christians? Egyptian Copts? Among others.
Once they are given their inalienable right of return those problems will disappear, so Im glad you are concerned because this is an important issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The Palestinian ROR is paramount. Once Israel is tackled then all other issues will be eased up. No more refugees in other countries. They will be home.
Sounds like a honest - and to me quite brilliant - paper. Thanks Bradley!
The fact that they single out Israel shows that they are anti-Semitic. I don't care how many pamphlets they publish. The US army killed 50 innocent Afghans in an air strike last week, in addition to the thousands they have already killed. Why don't they start their boycott at home? China displaced millions to build a dam and holds thousands of political prisoners. Where isthe boycott of Chinese products?What is special about Israel? It is the Jewish state.
When they start their car on their way to convince someone to boycott Israel, they use fuel that contributes to oppression in Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia. They will tell you that they can't fix all the wrongdoings in the world so they focus on Israel.... And what are these boycotts suppose to do? Pressure Israel to remove the blockade so Israelis will die in buses again?
Anybody want's to argue about the points of this Statement ?
"The co-op has also boycotted products from Norway and China to demonstrate objections to whaling and human rights violations" from the associated press.
Because there is no any country in the whole world, USA and Israel included, have done only right thing. Going further, who are they to judge? Self appointed self righteous know it all people who never cheat, lie, discriminate, etc.?
There is no engagement nor will there be. Any criticism that leads to action will be attacked as anti-semitic. If you oppose any actions taken by the Israeli government and take a public stand, you will be attacked as either anti-semitic or playing into their hands. You also fail to mention a third group: those Jews and supporters of a democratic Jewish state that have seen such a deterioration of principles and morals in Israel that zionism itself no longer strives to be democratic at all but only "Jewish". We see that in the rabid nationalism in the country and in the religious sectors. This produces a profound sense of feeling betrayed. As for Foxman, simply put, the man is a professional fraud.
lets all jews boycott olympia food co-op
Hypocrisy is not edible.
All Americans should boycott Olympia only if two condition are true: 1. Nothing Israel does is wrong and should be changed. 2. A change of Israel's behavior cannot be brought to be by economic means.