Egypt FM 'worried' by Israel's demand to be recognized as Jewish state

I ran is called Islamic republic of Iran, therefore Israel shoudl change the oficial name to Jewish Republic of Israel. this is the answer. but since it is Jewish the antisemits and some of the usual contributors to haaretz will deny this right.

Pretty much the same as any other country in the world. The difference is that Israel's identity is being contested and threatened, so they demand to be recognized as such.

He said he's against peace with Israel few weeks ago.

Democracy is a value that has its roots in Judaism. The Western world adopted that value and is constantly striving to sustain it. A few demi-gods have come along to destroy it, but the people return to nurture democracy. Within a democratic state, there is a crying need for equality, tolerance, freedom of speech and human rights. A Jewish state, as would be a Muslim or Christian state, is a contradiction of democracy, and with that contradiction, there is the threat to the very values that democracy should sustain.

There is nothing new about this. That is what Fatah and the PLO has said all the time starting with Arafat. That is also what Hamas says: "Zahar rejected the idea of compromise with Israel, saying that "liberating" all the land between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River — a reference to Israel's destruction — is a moral and religious duty." The question is only when we Israelis are going to acknowledge that fact and act accordingly.

As soon as the egyptians treat their own coptic minority better especially the young girls. Where they are even denied their rights and protection according to the law by the egyptian police. Then they have a right to comment on others.

Israel, supposed to be asked to recognize that it must conform to recognize the Jewishness of the state while ensuring the rights of minorities, any hopes of negotiations held?? It does not understand the process, negotiations designed to achieve the interests of all parties based on acceptances all demands from all parties for comprehensive peace stable.

The original partition plan was going to be a jewish state and an arab state so the UN has already accepted the concept of Israel being a jewish state even if they don't like the idea today. As for Egypt its non of their business what goes on in Israel. Nobody appointed Aboul-Gheit or anybody else in Egypt to be the representetive of the arabs in Israel and to defend their interests. Israel is permitted to demand the world recognition as a jewish state and internal politics be kept internal. The idea of the recognition of Israel as a jewish state is also an important one because if the arabs refuse to recognize Israel as being a jewish state the idea that Israel is part of Palestine to be liberated one day when the arabs are strong enough will continue. Its also an acceptance that the arabs and islamic world are going to officially recognize Israel for what it is no strings attached. This trouble making sounds more like Egypt is trying to encourage some kind of uprising amongst the arabs in Israel saying fight for your rights Israel has no right to be a jewish sate. These statements are also an obstacle to peace making with palestinians because one of Israels key demands will be the palestinian state recognize Israel as being a jewish state if the rest of the world won't recognize Israel for what it is because of the arabs in Israel then why would the palestinians especially considering for them its being forced onto them.. Egypt is acting as an obstacle to peace and a good start would be for Obama to go on the record and call Israel a jewish state. To many US presidents have refered to Israel as an Israeli state. If Obama wants to be the champion of the peace process show leadership start calling Israel a jewish state show your not a president who is just there to pick fights with Israel for the arabs and muslims

The "Jewish state" while not well defined even to Israelis, is like a security blanket. We have been abused for 2000 years and creating a state that looks out for the interests of the Jews is our way of coping with our history. It is incredibly important to us to have this title and for us look out for our interests. The Palestinians should understand this best of all because their history is looking more and more like ours. Yes, I see the irony.

Why are we noodling around with this stupid issue. Message to Bibi and everyone else who is making this an issue - STOP - we don't care if the Arab World recognizes us as a "Jewish" State - what matters to us is that they normalize relations with us and that we have peace with our neighbors. Stop making excuses - ALL OF YOU - and make peace.

So this is supposed to be peace? After giving away real land of Sinai, oil fields, developed tourist resources and destroying Yamit the Jewish town. The results are stronger Egypt and weaker Israel. Israel got nothing in return while Egypt in addition to what Israel gave up has received $30 billion in US aid and has upgrading the Egyptians Armed forces to match our own. Who knows what will happen when Mubarak is gone. Than we shall have a powerful Egyptian army on our doorstep just imagine the Egyptian Brotherhood in charge. It seems the Israeli political leaders have their heads in the sand.

I assume that before the Palestinians can recognise Israel as a Jewish State, the Israelis will tell them EXACTLY where this "Jewish State" begins and ends.

It would be funny if it weren't so sad! The country which violently forced all Jews (who lived there for thousands of years and long before the first Arab barbarian rode in on a camel), treats native Egyptians (Copts) like dhimmis is now "concerned" about Israel's future. Of course, it's quite possible that the Egyptian government does it for PR reasons, but the brazen arrogance and supremacist attitude are still stunning. The strangest thing is that the Arab citizens of Israel enjoy political, legal, and other rights no Egyptian citizen can even dream of.

I think it does. Just call it the Israeli State. The Koran calls it Israel.

Abbas has already said Palestine will agree to the condition. It is not like Israelis have a common definition of what the phrase means. Just for the record - The USA has never recognized the religious or racial or ethnic nature of any state, not England, not Saudi Arabia, not Israel, not even the godless commies of the old USSR.

"We are ready to recognize Palestinian statehood," stated Netanyahu in Washington. "But we expect you to recognize Israel as the national home of the Jewish people." He stated, "Mutual recognition is necessary in order to signal to both of our nations that the conflict is over." Amen

A democratic and secular state cannot define itself by religion. Just don't say that you are democratic and secular.

instead, give him a pair of worry-beads to carry around.

What is a Jewish State and what kind of Jew would it be...secular or orthodox

Arabs will never accept a Jewish state in the historic Palestine, no matter how small.

And this coming from "Arab Republic of Egypt"... It clearly shows what kind of "peace partners" Israel has. And this is a country with which Israel has "full peace", for which Israel returned Sinai after Egypt attacked Israel multiple times with a stated purpose of total annihilation. Well, Sinai is gone, the "full peace" is a very cold one, and now the Egyptian FM openly supports the Arab/Muslim goal of destroying Israel as a home state of Jewish people. But I suspect that Israely cowardly and appeasing leaders will not issue a strong responce to this outrage, and will continue to consult Egypt on finding a "just" peace. One can only imagine what kind of "advice" they are getting.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul-Gheit should first read his country’s constitution before expressing "a cause for concern". In it he will discover that “The Egyptian Constitution provides that Islam is the official state religion and the primary source of legislation. Religious practices that conflict with Islamic law (Shari'a) are prohibited.” This in-spite of the fact that Copts represent at least 9% of the total population (CIA World Factbook) or between 15Million to 18 Millions – equal to 19% to 23% (Wikipedia). Israel should maybe borrow a page (or few pages) from Egypt’s constitution and just declare Judaism as the state religion instead of being recognised as a Jewish State.

Instead of recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, recognize it as a Zionist state. There are many Jews who do not want to be associated with the Zionist state of Israel. The Land of Israel will always have value, a government there (or anywhere) must earn value. The Zionist government has not. Hijacking Judaism is not an acceptable shortcut to legitimacy.

If Israel is not 'the' Jewish State , then where is the State of Jews ? Would the world see them again spread out over a wide diaspora or just be massacred by the likes of Iran/Syria/Hizbolah/Hamas.... The only secure way for the Jewish people/Nation is to have their historical country back, I mean garanteed Jewish ruled. When this point is accepted, there will be peace. Anything else is a waste of time or a waste of Jews.

they have about 10 percent of minorities. What happens if within 50 years will be 47.5% of minorities

the ARAB Republic of Egypt?

I have been to Egypt and have seen non-Arabs living there (Africans and Europeans). Some for generations. What is the difference? We use Jewish state not in a religious sense but in the ethnic sense. However, it doesn't mean that Arabs should be disciminated against in Israel. By law they are equal, in practise... not so much.

Egypt's state religion is Islam. I think the Copts should really worry.

In view of the pathetic actions and uttering of the Highest and mightiest Rabis i support that Israel is a State for and of the Jewish people and NOT a Jewish State. I can neither condone nor accept such racist attitudes. Even today, Rabis deny the conversion of thousands of soldiers who defends them and that on top of having them allow for what they call "education" paid for by me. No this is a STATE MADE FOR AND OF JEWS period

This is what Abbas told Bibi he can call his country .. anything you want. Bibi is so dumb, he thinks this a good negotiating strategy. Imagine calling the US the "homeland of Christian people"? Bibi is an idiot and he doesn't see it coming.

as "a" jewish state, as "the" jewish state, as the "state of the jews", "the state for the jews". Jewish as in "ruled by the ancient scriptures"? Or jewish as "born of a jewish mother" This is so confusing. What is he referring to? Maybe he doesn't know it himself.

The ONLY reason for a need of a "Jewish" state is the ultra discrimination within EVERY single country surrounding it. Before Jordan was jordan it was STILL part of the larger mass of land called "palestine".. IMMEDIATELY when Jordan declared Statehood they KICKED OUT every single Jew out of those territories. So NOW Arab nations who NEVER let Jews be equal citizens in their own countries are saying that Jews can't do the same? That's FUNNY! Just because Arabs can make babies faster than jews since it's a sport for them, doesn't mean the Jewish State will concede it's identity. Case closed. Arabs, you kicked us out of YOUR countries? Well, don't complain about how this played out, YOU did this. Remember?

Their recognition was"the State of Israel"

Yet no concern over the PA declaration that NO Jews will be allowed to live in a Palestinian State. Seems Judenrein is an acceptable goal, whether in the Middle East, Hollywood, or the White House.

that won't happen because before they even reach 30% they'll all be deported.

Bibi's last quote in this article says it all.