Universities across the globe mark Israeli Apartheid Week

Stop trying to push us around yanks, we don't take orders from anybody, if you don't like it, don't visit!

Thank you David. I agree 100%. The most vicous, systemic racism and sexism exists in countries (rich ones) all around Israel. Things are far worse there then one could ever imagine in Israel. AND, they all hate Palestinian Arabs, UNLIKE Israelis, who don't, by and large. There are dozens of horrors in the world that are far worse and completely inexplicable and inexcusable but receive no notice from the people who just can phathom Jews who are not in their traditional roles as victims. Let's talk about the deaths and illegal working conditions of African miners in Chinese mines in Africa; mines obtained through flagrant bribery. Any protests? Any boycotts? Let's talk about the horrors visited on women in most places in the developing world. A whole mess of Boycotts, No?? Let's get started, folks. UNLESS you feel Israel is different and should be held to a higher standard? Your thoughts, people? Michael

Mandela was a terrorist stop making puerile comments think before you post. Tutu is a JOKE TOO FAR,who only knows how do A JIG when happy and they(whoever it was)should never have conferred the "bishopric" TO SUCH AND UNDESERVED BOFOON. Also,he is the same as Farakhan,and more like the KKK anti-Jews/Israel. Go figure YOU Basil the ignoramus.

Talk about checkpoints,separated roads etc. The second saves the lives not only of the Jewish Israelis,but equally Israeli Arabs. The first is defence,otherwise the terrorists would have a field day trying to enter Israeli proper to commit murder and mayhem. They still try surrepticiously to enter to kidnap Israeli soldiers when the guard is too busy to have noticed it. But the closed minded and anti-Israel bashers do not want to hear that.Blinkered no matter what. Can anyone imagine a woman from Gaza (no less)being treated for a long time in an Israeli hospital and one day she turns up with a bomb belt strapped around her.To kill the very doctors who were treating her,but would have murdered the poor patients there too. This are the things the bashers DO_NOT_WNAT_TO_HEAR OR_KNOW_

Palestine refuses to sell Jews homes, Palestine creates a hostile environment for Jews, and it is because of the (Jordanian) Waqf that Jews are not allowed to pray on the Temple Mount. It is the Muslims that ultimately caused Israel to separate Jews and Muslims at the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Israel forcibly drives settlers out at the Palestinians' request, the Palestinians made Israel a dangerous place to live, and one can thus conclude that much of the Israeli/Palestinian apartheid is actually of Palestinian origin. However, the Israeli military has acted irresponsibly, bulldozed places that shouldn't have been bulldozed, and created a ghetto-like atmosphere in Palestinian lands. BOTH sides need to come clean!

"Self defence. If sharing highways results in death of Jews, then they won`t be shared. Period." No chance that the danger of "sharing highways" comes as a RESULT of the treatment of Palestinians, is there? Could it be the inability of Palestinians to obtain some manner of justice and equality through LEGAL means, or is it the declared intent of some Palestinians to destroy Israel? The 'ol problem of Cause and Effect. Who threw the first stone, right? The accusations of who did what to whom FIRST can go on and on...but it gets us NOwhere today. Either side can make that case that the OTHER started it. The way out can ONLY come through putting that argument aside completely. FORGET:" We did, they did..." and seek to resolve things based upon common definitions of Justice, Fairness, Peace, and Humanity, starting anew today. Defensive attitudes, greed, & circling the ethnic wagons will not help. It's so EASY to get defensive and self-righteous, and it feels, oh, so right.

"Ron, and...struggle to destroy Israel," is a sad commentary. You too must have joined the most serious case of national paranoia in the world. "The world is out to destroy all Jews:" as if pointing out a claim that the US would have no medication for at least 20 maladies if there were to be an international blockade on Israel (raised by Jasper, not I) is non-sensical, not to mention false, threatens Israels existence. Israel has not survived 60 years of boycotts, except Arab boycotts. Big deal. And then you propose 2 Israeli propaganda videos? Why? They start with a lie, "Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East." Why are they relevant? Israel is no better, or different from any other nation of the same economic level. Except the videos don't show that Israel is in violation of more UN resolutions than any country in the world, nor that its many violations of articles of the 4th Geneva Convention are considered war crimes. Israeli policies will destroy Israel, not I.

Spearhead says it so well: We can bomb the world to pieces, but we can?t bomb it into peace. - Michael Franti. Dude, it's worth it to work it out. If you want help, find Pax101 on FB or @Pax_101 at Twitter.

Look at Africa. Look at the RSA developing into a political swamp with swine leader. Apartheid was a good thing for the Africans. The outside world forced it to stop. That doesn't mean it wasn't the good thing for Africa. In fact there's apartheid in most African countries. Watch Zimbabwe since the blacks have to do it their way. Look at South Africa, Nigeria, Sudan, Congo, you name it. They want to do it their way. Apartheid South-African style, yet it had its bad sides too, was the right thing for them.

It would be helpful if the protestors made that distinction.

Israel has survived over 60 years of boycotts and will survive this as well. As we see Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5tDDkvXSI8 or here updated: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV6K08RFRQs Teva is the worlds largest producers(1 out of every 15) of antibiotics according to the second video is that inaccurate? Besides that point the fact is the enemies of Israel are jealous of Israels remarkable success. Without oil money, and 60 years of Arab/Muslim boycotts, many wars and constant terrorism. Israel is here and strong and contributes to the benefit of humanity by saving millions of lives through intellectual invention. While its enemies only think of ways to kill and murder innocent people, they are jealous of Israel and those who support the Muslims are misguided at best or tricked into supporting evil(Israels enemies) over good(Israel). It is a simple choice. What has Israel contributed to the betterment of mankind look at the videos above.

... wouldn't it make sense then to use the (successful) methods that Nelson Mandela and ANC used instead of homicide bombings and Islamic Apartheid? As far as equality goes, just about every Islamic nation has a much worse record. And as far as diversity goes, Israel is the most diverse nation in the Mideast. I do think the Palestinians have some legitimate civil rights concerns. But it is difficult for me to support Israeli Apartheid Week because of the immense hypocrisy behind it.

"Israeli Arabs cannot marry a person of their choice and live in Israel with them, if they are Palestinian." If they cannot marry a person of their choice is a proof of backwardness of their religion not of Israeli laws. "They cannot live in Israel`s precious illegal settlements." They cannot or they don't want to?Do you know many Israeli Arabs who prefer to leave Israel and want to live in illegal settlements? "They cannot go visit their folks in Palestine and be sure of being allowed to return." They live in Palestine. "They cannot leave Israel and be sure of being able to return." Yeah,it can be risky,I know.After Madrid,New York,London etc it seems that Israel is the safest place nowadays.

As you have been informed, no medicines or pharmaceutical are on lists of US imports from Israel. You have Propionate from Israel because Perrigo, a US company from MI, has a manufacturing plant in Israel: Perrigo, Israel. In fact, Perrigo has 3 companies in Israel, and company literature declares the company has 1,542 employees in Israel. It also has companies in 5 other foreign nations. If boycotts are effected against Israel, we will still have access to Propionate, and full medicine cabinets, and 1,542 Israelis will lose their jobs.

Doing it constantly.Yes probbably needing space for getting his brain to function while playing with himself.Strange he adopts a person called johnboy who does the same,but not in anexaggerated manner.Still a pointless exercise. You people who are here have to deal with this phenomena must be rather tiresome. So I'll say: Err,huh,oh hmmm.It is so puerile. To the point:Exactly how does he know/believe THE MAJORITY of those who voluntarily left newly created Israel were children? There.Is all a PIFFLE..He knows not because he makes it up to gain browny points and fails.

"Israeli Arabs cannot marry a person of their choice and live in Israel with them, if they are Palestinian." If they cannot marry a person of their choice is a proof of backwardness of their religion not of Israeli laws. "They cannot live in Israel`s precious illegal settlements." They cannot or they don't want to?Do you know many Israeli Arabs who prefer to leave Israel and want to live in illegal settlements? "They cannot go visit their folks in Palestine and be sure of being allowed to return." They live in Palestine. "They cannot leave Israel and be sure of being able to return." Yeah,it can be risky,I know.After Madrid,New York,London etc it seems that Israel is the safest place nowadays.

once the walls went up, the suicide bombing stopped... what more needs to be said?

"Israeli Arabs cannot marry a person of their choice and live in Israel with them, if they are Palestinian." If they cannot marry a person of their choice is a proof of backwardness of their religion not of Israeli laws. "They cannot live in Israel`s precious illegal settlements." They cannot or they don't want to?Do you know many Israeli Arabs who prefer to leave Israel and want to live in illegal settlements? "They cannot go visit their folks in Palestine and be sure of being allowed to return." They live in Palestine. "They cannot leave Israel and be sure of being able to return." Yeah,it can be risky,I know.After Madrid,New York,London etc it seems that Israel is the safest place nowadays.

Dear Observer - Jews are not allowed to set foot in Saudi Arabia. Women are not allowed to drive and their husbands can beat them. Most non SA workers (mostly Christian) live in walled compounds away from the locals.

In Israel anyone of any race or colour may freely take the bus, use the drinking fountains and public washrooms.There are no signs on the beaches or in the parks proclaiming "Whites Only" or "Coloureds." That was apartheid in South Africa and segregation in the U.S. south. Whatever is wrong with Israel it isn't in any way connected to 'apartheid.' Let's have a universal 'Anti Honour Killings' week. That would take courage most of these universities don't have.

"The leader of Likud,the PM of Israel has publicly and repeatedly announced he supports the establishment of a Palestinian state." You forgot to add "...while he does everything in his power to prevent it from ever happening!"

"..many of the rights you just listed are Rights of a citizen" What rights? The right to not marry who you wish and live with them in YOUR own state? "..they are called mobility rights..In Canada these rights do not exist as rights for non canadians they exist as a priviledge for them as is the same in the USA " We're NOT talking about non-Israelis... "do you know difference between the two?" Yes deary. You don't even remember that we're talking about ISRAELI CITIZENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

westerners are citizens in Palestine, while Palestinians are residents.

Since a state of war exists between the Jewish State and the various Palestinian territories and/or groups,Palestinians,as individuals or groups,must apply for permission from the government of Israel to visit or live within its borders.What is so surprising or shocking about that condition?I am absolutely certain that a person of Japanese citizenship would find moving to Australia a bit of a struggle between 1941 and 1945.Put down those comic books and get your head out of your lower end.

You say:When Israel was created, the Arabs kicked out over a million Jews from their various countries, during the perio from 1947- 1979. They were robbed of their possessions, some were murdered and others were raped. The ones that survived moved mostly to Israel? Where are all of the Israel bashers to address this issue? Well Jonathan E.Grant you most certainly will not find them here.With the exception of the diaspora Jews who try desperatly to counteract what the BASHERS who visit Israeli newspapers/forums with their vile accusatory responses that Haaretz,plus other news outlets that let's in all the detritus who come here and their sole desire is to BASH Jews/Israel do What would you propose? Complain to Haaretz? or the other news outlets. Brant said it succinctly and best.

CJ When did 1947 UN resolution become non binding When the Racist Arab League refuse to accept it ? when did Israel Steal 50 % of land that was illegal was It after The Racist Arab League decided to start wars on Israel ? and when Racist international Law decided that when a Country premtiver strike s those w push for war and lines up thier army to attack another country it is illegal to fire first ? so I ask why was it illegal for Israel to fire at egpyt first but it was ok according to the Law for Egypt to call for war on Israel

I agree totally.Where in any ME country that surrounds Israel would anyone find the true freedom of expression that the Israeli press let's them dominate it with their vile Jew Israeli bashing? And:Don`t hold your breath waiting for the Israel-bashers to address the issue of the Arab`s dispossessng the Jews of Arab lands. They don`t want to know anything about that. Of course they will not Brant.Because it is their modus vivendi.They relish it and demean Israel and derive great pleasure while accusing Israel of all the ills of the world. Reminding them to accept how the Jews left their property and fled from the Arab countries is a mere bagatelle. Sorry I deviated a bit from what you so well tried to put accross.But your post is a balm to the people of Israel. Bravo

Such a powerful and accurate statement and its implications proving what REAL apartheid is. Kudos to your post Mr.(is it)Logios. Big diversion it is.

What is even more pertinent is the fact people forget that Nelson Mandela was a terrorist who used or rather asked the British for arms he wanted to use,and did so. That is by the way. However,your point comparing S.African or the US beating the blacks versus Israel is a good point. The mere fact,that Israel has over 1+ million Israeli Arabs who enjoy the freedom of expression,plus all the many benefits same as the Jewish Israelis is something disturing on reading te article on the countries who are celebrating this. Whouldn't it be equally appropriate to MARK A Hamas PLO.,Fatah anti-terror day? I give up at how the Israeli media imposes this ona daily basis.The Govt does not.Because its media does it irrespectively which begs the question on who is running the COUNTRY,is it them,or the Govt? Good post especially from Cyprus

Kike a puppy dog wagging his tail. So purile indicative of empty rhetoric having NOT anything of substance to tell. noticed that even when caught in LYING in an exaggerated way. err,err,err.

... Rights of a citizen they are called mobility rights In Canada these rights do not exist as rights for non canadians they exist as a priviledge for them as is the same in the USA do you know difference between the two? Israeli's and Israeli Arabs have these rights, perhaps not unlimited but many countries profess Reasonable Limits on Rights, Canada is an example, as they are citizens. Palestinians are not citizens they do not deserve the rights of citizens that you espouse

Strange that you have not actually refuted anything I have put forward. You could at least try.. http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y No moderation (except for abuse) Good luck.

and live in Israel with them, if they are Palestinian. They cannot live in Israel's precious illegal settlements. They cannot go visit their folks in Palestine and be sure of being allowed to return. They cannot leave Israel and be sure of being able to return.

About the rights Israeli Arabs don't have?

What does Morris's nationality and place of residence have to do with anything? How many Brits live in the USA - are they all "still enjoying clonialist domination"? (whatever that means). There is nothing in Morris's post that indicates anyting about who Mr. Valentine is. Unl;ess of course people who don't agree with your perverted world views don't have nay right to express them. He makes a particulalry valid point, which you have as yet not bothered to refute.

Ibrahim I do not have time today to explain why yourstatement is incredibly illogical and contradicts itself furthermore it casts doubt onto a ocnfetence like this as this topics strays from what the topic is about or faces the same ontradiction that you pose I guess you aren't lying or trying to be ignorant you just are drop me an alwayslearning@live.ca and I will explain suffice to say what you have stated as happening in the WB-JS is not what you term it, furthermore, the question is then if it isn't why do you still use the language could it be because you desire the same end of that argument, I.e. Divestment boycotts sanctions, very machiavellian

...smells like apartheid, and behaves in every way like an apartheid, it is one. As Adorno once said in a different context, fascism rests upon the demand that everybody should make minute distinctions between near-identical things.

Can you be more specific? What is it that you want addressed? Do you wish to start a debate comparing the Jews you mention with Palestinians kicked out their homes, robbed of their possessions, murdered and raped from 1947 to 1949? If you wish, I could supply you with a report of 2,083 words listing Jewish massacres of Palestinians. What would be the purpose of such a discussion?

What a silly argument, as if the British Mandate for Palestine were extant and we are to debate its meaning. The Mandate expired 14 May 1948. So forget Jordan and any role it might play the the future of the Israeli occupied Palestinian territory. Jordan became a sovereign nation in 1946, and enjoys the same sovereignty as Israel. Land East of the Jordan river is not Jordanian occupied territory: it is Jordan. The land West of the Jordan river is Israeli occupied Palestinian land. It is unfathomable why you Jews seem unable to grasp that. Part II of UN resolution 181, the resolution under which Israel declared statehood, spells out in meticulous detail the land in Palestine over which Israel is to have sovereignty. Why don't you read it, and remove your confusion of all these years.

Your very vague criticism and skeptical belief in facts forces me to conclude that your anti-Israel whining is based on complete and total ignorance of the happenings in '48 and disbelief in the history of the past 62 years.Why should Israel pay those who fled the land to ease the attempted '48 destruction of the Jewish State?Those Jews who were forced out of the Arab countries before and after Israel's creation left behind about $100 billion in today's value of real and personal property.Before the refugee Arabs are given a penny,the Jewish refugees must be paid for being Jews for they had lived in these countries for at least a couple millenia,antedating Islam by at least a thousand years.I would also check the history of Jews in Arab lands,if you can only put down your comic books.

"..what makes you believe that VAST MAJORITY of those who voluntarily left newly created Israel were children?" ?? Address what I actually said? thx "Also,show me the law canceling the right for compensation for refugees who acquired new citizenship in another country." UNHCR Statute : Page 10 [ http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/3ae6b3628.html ] "Now show me the law permitting theft of property of those chased from a country" Israel's Absentee Properties Law #5710. I believe the Nazi's had similar laws....

"While I remarked on antisemitic quality of the gathering you request me to show how "they" - who?- "hate Jews"." A gathering of ?? People perhaps? "Still I am happy to oblige and characterize the membership of the gathering.." The membership, THEY'd be people?? "Hope it helped" Had you actually shown how the gathering itself is antisemitic. But alas, you didn't.

Check out this report by The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs that discusses the apartheid accusations. http://www.jcpa.org/text/apartheid.pdf

Sir, You apparently have difficulty to differentiate between characterization of a set -antisemitic gathering - and its members - "they" who "hate Jews". Still I am happy to oblige: 1. Mohammedans - documented hate of Jews as per Koran. 2. Gentiles of European extraction - representatives of at least 17 centuries of antisemitic tradition nowadays engaged in criticizing of Israel - exceptions are very rare. 3. Jewish collaborators - they do not hate Jews, they love Jews - themselves and their honorariums, invitations to speak, etc. Hope it helped.

However, Israel illegally claims 50% of the non-state entity of Palestine's territories. Where it has illegally settled, illegally instituted it's own civilian law, illegally annexed, illegally forbidden RoR. (read down from here http://tinyurl.com/yjgh5lj ) What would you call what has and still is happening in what ISN'T Israel, under illegally instituted Israeli Civil Law?

However, the UN Charter, Laws of War and the conventions a country ratifies, ARE binding.

"The vast majority of Palestinian refugees from 1948 are now dead." Indeed. That's exactly why I wrote //The VAST MAJORITY of Palestine refugees still alive from 1948// "Your creative nonsense does not change the facts as described by Moshe" Ah, indisputable mathematical fact is nonesense. I see.. Got any other wild theories? The 'facts' described by Moshe have NOTHING TO DO with today's Palestinians. They did not vote for or support ANYONE in 1948 or before. They didn't fight in the War of Independence. They were CHILDREN at the time they or their fellows were dispossessed.

Apartheid always evoked images of white people beating on black people, of a majority population oppressed by an armed, powerful minority, of violent discrimination, of slavery and senseless abuse. Israel has over one and a half million Arabs who are active members of the state and who are members of parliament influencing political decisions and moulding the character of the state. Israel is surrounded by Arab nations that have had, since Israel's establishment, the clear and declared goal and desire of destroying Israel. Egypt and Jordan rooted out extremist, Islamic terrorist groups and made peace with Israel. Others should follow suit. Israel is constantly and publicly threatened by Iran which is developing nuclear weapons and promises to destroy Israel and attack the west. Please read up on what went on in South Africa, read up on what is going on in Israel and come up with an educated opinion. There is no apartheid in Israel. Israel wants peace.

This anti-Israel campaign at Uni's accross Europe, and elsewhere is an ugly and shameless stunt. Behind the scene we find totalitarian forces - radical lefties flirting with Islam Self-hating Israelis (Jews) should abstain from attending this hypocrisy labeled 'solidarity'

Mandela stated that what Israel has reminded him of apartheid. Desmond Tutu stated the same thing. The difference is Jewish Israelis somewhat outnumber the Arabs whereas the whites didnt outnumber black people. Israel is afraid of a one state solution, but it's destroying a two state solution. In reality, when settlements are built, they are only for Jewish Israelis not the other. It's a segregationist regime. Apartheid is another type of segregation and Israel's apologists in Canada are trying to use whatever influence they can muster to ban Canadian students from expressing their politcal views in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If you don't think it's apartheid, it's your choice, but this fascist desire to block opponents shows Israel is based on oppression of others and controlling other people.

what makes you believe that VAST MAJORITY of those who voluntarily left newly created Israel were children? Any link?Thanks. Also,show me the law canceling the right for compensation for refugees who acquired new citizenship in another country. Thanks. Now show me the law permitting theft of property of those chased from a country. Thanks again.

MoR: "Most of the `48 Palestinian refugees who left did so in response to the demands of their leaders," When the Israeli military archives from 1947-49 were released the historians pounced on them to finally - finally! - dig out all those yellowed posters, fliers, etc., where "arab leaders" urged the Pals to Get Out Of The Way. And those historians found.... nothing. No Israeli intellegence reports, no captured documents, no intercepted radio transmittions. The Pals didn't receive messages via mental telepathy, so the advancing Haganah units would have collected evidence by the truckload IF that evidence really existed. But they collected.... nothing. They intercepted... nothing. The Israeli archives are empty, and that's because the story is a myth. The Pals fled an Israeli army that was bearing down on them; they didn't "get out of the way" so that an Arab army could have a "clear run".

Testify! You post is a breath of fresh air.

The Palestinian/Israeli conflict can be summed up in the following sentence : "Insular tribalist a-holes fighting insular tribalist a-holes, with the other %80 of both populations being dragged along for the ride."

The whole world is against Israel, so obviously the whole world is wrong...

Pointing to ignorant, backward societies as an excuse to be yourself ignorant and backward is a false premise. It's like saying "They eat people in Saudi Arabia, why shouldn't we be allowed to eat people in Israel." If justice, equality, democracy and rule-of-law cannot work in a highly developed and civilized state like Israel, then it cannot work anywhere, and it proves that the world is doomed to live as insular tribalist warring cantons. Insular, tribalist "Zionists" (Likudniks, etc) are hoping the multicultural experiment fails, and they can finally kick out everybody who doesn't look like them or worship like them and they can finally have their "peace." There is a difference between having "peace" thru subjugating all your neighbors at the point of a gun, or creating a harmonious environment whereby nobody NEEDS a gun. The first is easy, the second is hard. The first is advocated in the Bible and Koran, the second isn't.

Sir, You apparently have difficulty to differentiate between qualifying a set and a individual object. While I remarked on antisemitic quality of the gathering you request me to show how "they" - who?- "hate Jews". Still I am happy to oblige and characterize the membership of the gathering in terms of their relations to Jews: 1. Mohammedans- obligatory Jew haters-as per Koran 2. European derived gentiles - culture of at least 17 centuries of antisemitic ideology and activity. Today in business of criticizing of Israel - non antisemitic critics of Israel are an exception. 3. Collaborating Jews - they love Jews - themselves - their skin, honorariums, invitation, etc. Hope it helped.

Bravo Avshalom Beni, you are a true patriot of Israel because a true friend will tell you the truth, not what you want to hear. All those objecting to the term 'apartheid', I challenge you to live as a Palestinian in the occupied territories, even for just one day, and then see whether your view holds. Hearing IDF soldiers talk about the things they have done to Palestinians, just for fun and because they could, makes me shiver with horror. Until Palestinians have the freedom to move - instead of being humiliated daily at checkpoints - and to pursue a better life for themselves and their children there is apartheid. It's easy to overlook Palestinian suffering while enjoying a much higher standard of living, right to travel and access to education . And examine carefully the status quo because Israeli Arabs DO NOT enjoy the exact same freedoms as other Israelis

I wonder what Canadian values are being compromised when one labels Israel as apartheid? Does telling the truth go against Canadian values? Does opening ones eyes to see what's really going on go against Canadian values? This doesn't say much for Canadian values then does it?

Lain Before you demand Israel to adhere to UN resolutions why dont u demand the Palestinians to accept the 1947 Oroginal Resolution That they refuse till today

The vast majority of Palestinian refugees from 1948 are now dead. Your creative nonsense does not change the facts as described by Moshe.

you seem to think that "intellectuals" are the philosopher kings who are the saviours of the world. history has shown no such trend. "intellectuals," whoever they might be, should show more modesty in their self appraisal.

The majority of casualties on the Hamas side were militants, if the word can be applied to men who shed their uniforms and dress up as women and shoot from behind crowds. Of the women and children that unfortunately died, the vast majority died from building collapses and shrapnel. Those that died from rifle fire invariably had .30 cal holes in them, not .223.

Mary "Everybody knows it is Israel that is responsible for driving three quarters of a million Palestinians from their homes and land to" And Everyone knows that the Arab League refused peace (2 state solution) with Jews already living in British colonised Palestine in 1917 instead they began pogroms and killing of Jews. And everyone knows the Arab leaguye refused 1947 Un resolution with The Grabd Mufti of Jerusalem calling for all Muslims to finish Hitlers work and we allknow Palestinians refused land back in 1947 We all know that Egyopt refused to Accept to let back in Egyptians fromn Gazaa into Egypt in 1967 in order to create a refugee camp. and we all Know that UN creared a refugeee camp from 10,000 Palis to 2 million Palestinians refugees

It is you that appears to be intellectually dishonest. I personally use an ointment that has cleared up a nasty case of eczema that has stumped two previous dermatologists: Halobetasol Propionate, manufactured by Perrigo, Yeruham, Israel 80500. That is in the middle of the Negev near Dimona. Israel is a leading supplier of high quality pharmaceuticals, a fact so well known, that your post reeks of silliness.

Steve "srael is stealing Palestinian land on a daily basis" Actaully it is the Arabs who stole land of Jews in 1917 wheb they kicked Jews out of Gazaa in 1929 Aravb riots. It Was also Tranjordan land When Arabs took over the land. It was Jordan who killed 10,000 Palestinians in Westbank in Black September in 1960s not Israel

Of course its a sham. When 1 in 5 Israelis is Arab/Palestinian, it is clear that theese folks are just calling people names. In SA, they kept black people down on account of their race so that white people could benefit from their deprivations. With Israel and the Palestinians, the situation arises from all too many attempts to destroy Israel and kill Israelis through war and terrorism. Keeping people down on account of race is wrong. Keeping people from killing you, your family, your friends, your neighbors and your country is simply common sense. People who cannot rationally discuss the difference and instead resort to calling names are not helping to bring peace. What do they expect, Israelis will feel bad they are protecting themselves because they are called names? They should let people kill them to avid some boycott? I wouldn't hold my breath for that. Better to find a way for the Palestinians to accept Israel so that they can each live freely.

The VAST MAJORITY of Palestine refugees still alive from 1948, were CHILDREN in 1948. Life expectancy of Palestine refugees today 73yrs. Much lower in 1948. Means those still alive today, were about 12yrs old in 1948. You're telling us that CHILDREN did WHAT? BTW What Jewish refugees? A person taking citizenship in a country other than that of return, is no longer a refugee. They lose all refugee status and rights.

If they were Israelis, they probably did not have to steal any of the passports. Virtually every government has the ability to duplicate virtually every other country's passports. Most of them probably use the same technology to make their passports. It might even be Israeli Technology which they use?

Mary Hughes-Thompson:Your incredible ignorance merely reinforces your Israeli hatred.Most of the '48 Palestinian refugees who left did so in response to the demands of their leaders,who wanted to destroy the Jewish State without the presence of Palestinian Arabs to complicate the invasion by Egyptian,Jordanian,Syrian,Iraqi,and Lebanese forces and the usual band of "volunteers."That they were not able to prevent the creation of Israel is itself a miracle.But the establishment of the Jewish State has its origins in the Balfour Declaration of WW 1 recognizing a Jewish homeland in Palestine and the post WW 1 Allied agreements incorporating this recognition into the British Mandate over the present areas of Israel,Jordan,Gaza and West Bank,although Jordan was soon created as an Arab state free of Jews. However, I would agree that Jewish refugees from Arab countries should be compensated for their $100 billion forced to leave behind.

I've been following the Talkbacks long enough to know that you love Israel, but acknowledge its faults. I apologize for my post.

"If you're going to label Israel as Apartheid, then you are also... attacking Canadian values," Conservative legislator Peter Shurman told Shalom Life, a Toronto-based Jewish Web site." Mr. Shurman you speak for yourself and, possibly, the 35% of your riding who are jewish, you do not speak for all Canadians. The last time I checked Canadians do not believe in in female segregation (the Western Wall, buses, etc.), do not believe in demolishing peoples homes, do not believe in collective punishment and do not believe that a kill ratio of 110:1 is proportionate (Gaza)particularly when the majority killed are non-combatants, women and children.

And are you in Gaza now? The West Bank? Oh! 'Scuse me-you're in sunny California, USA.

in ariel and quite a number of muslims - in hundreds - who study and live - not all of them - there.

But they weren't deterred. They went ahead and spoke out against their country's immoral practices. Mr. Halper follows in this great tradition.

A review of all products imported by the US from Israel lists no pharmaceuticals or medicines: medical equipment, but no medicines. Unless you can produce a source to support your claims, you appear to be intellectually dishonest ... to be kind. There is rapidly growing international anger at Israel's violations of international law. The 42-year occupation of Palestinian territory, the annexation of Jerusalem, the barrier wall and the blockade of Gaza violate UN resolutions and articles of the 4th Geneva Convention. To wit: Turkey rejected IAF participation in joint military exercises, UK labor unions boycott Israeli goods, South African Trade Unions mounted a boycott, divestment and sanction campaign against Israel, the National Federation of Israeli Journalists were dismissed from the Int?l Federation of Journalists, and Spain imposed an academic boycott against Ariel University because it is located on illegally occupied Palestinian territory. The chickens are coming home to roost

who is doing research in North Carolina. Born in Tel Aviv, IDF vet, he describes himself as a moderate and Zionist. (By American standards he's right of center). He is also a rising star in the political science area whose education is being paid by Israeli govt. Anyway, let me cut to the chase- he believes empahtically that Israel is an apartheid state so far as the territories are concerned. It's very simple, he says: Jews have the vote, Arabs don't. There is an unequal distribution of resources. That qualifies as apartheid. He says the majority of his young conhort agree with him.

It was actually the Ontario Provicial legistlature that voted on the name "APARTHEID" and its use. It just proves that the Politicians don't read Haaretz and have NO clue at whats actually happening in Israel. Israeli propaganda stikes again! They are well aware of Toronto's Jewish voters though! ..........PEACE EVER?

Someone like Pogrund, who lives in Israel and lived in SA, and was part of the Anti Apartheid movement there, has a much more accurate assesment then these Israeli's who don't know what they are talking about with regard to SA.

I get a kick out of your abstract rationalizations. Forgive me for saying it, but I have no idea what you are trying to say. What I am saying is very simple and clear: Visit the West Bank as a non-Jew, and try to travel between city A and city B, say Ramallah and Bethlemhem for example, and then try going from Bethlehem to say, Hebron, and then try travelling back up to, say Jenin. Then, come back and tell if you see any similarities between Aparthied S.Africa and Israeli Occupation. Two systems, very unequal, forced on the weaker, majority party by the stronger minority party.

if israel didn't exist, there would be none of this happening and jews wouldn't be picked on, it's called cause and effect, and it's the law of earth itself. Shame, and all you have to do is give back what was stolen with repatriations and heaps of it.

"I think they don't understand the analogy they are making... which is insulting to those who suffered under apartheid." - David Katz, a member of Britain's Jewish Board of Deputies who grew up in South Africa and has long fought the comparison between that country's racial segregation and Israel's ethnic divisions. South Africa is actually a good friend and supporter of the Palestinians, so apparently they are not "insulted" by the comparison of Palestinian condition to Apartheid. How can one understand the silliness of David Katz's statement? Very simple. The organizers of Apartheid Week are concerned about the conditions in the Occupied Territories, not about Israeli Arabs. "It's the Occupation, stupid" Mr. Katz. Don't confuse others and don't set up a strawman to beat. Does Apartheid not apply to occupation situations? Not necessarily. Take a look at the definition and tell me where it says that: "The crime of apartheid" means inhumane acts of a character similar to those referred to in paragraph 1, committed in the context of an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime; - Article 7.2(h) , Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

"Israel proper sees problems,admitts them and works on them" The Or commission reported many years ago Peter. The recommendations have not been acted upon [Olmert even recognized this.] If anything the situation has worsened under ever more right wing administrations. "How many Jews allowed to buy land in Palestine by the PA or Hamas"? Jews who wish to remain in a newly formed Palestinian State on the West Bank could do so as long as they live as Palestinian citizens. So says Erekat and Abbas. As for buying land, don?t be silly. Israel stopped purchasing Palestinian land decades ago. Since when they just confiscate it. "Things are so wonderful in the Islamic democracy of Iran that the huge community has shrunk to fraction of its former size" Read this NYT article on Iran titled: ?Why Jews Stay?. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/opinion/23cohen.html?_r=3&ref=opinion&page "How many Palestinian members of Parliament in "democratic"Lebanon etc"? They are not Lebanese. Would Israel allow sons or daughters of migrant workers to even LIVE in Israel never mind sit in the Knesset?Answer. No they have stated they intend to support such families. "How many Jews are allowed to live in Jordan? Iraq?" There are no laws specifically forbidding the purchase of land by Jews in Jordan. Certainly not for ?living? there. Iraq has a new constitution, have you checked it to find out if Jews are forbidden from buying land? It is well known that Jews have guested there in recent times, in the Kurdish region. I am sure you would have few problems relocating there if you so wished. Peter SM, you are as ill informed as ever but never mind, don't let the facts get in your way.

In essence, the Palestinais demands are that the Palestinians are entitled to special rights, that apply to Palestinians only. An example of this is the special, "Palestinians only" definition of "Apartheid." In South Africa, Apartheid was intentional discrimination and separation based on "race." However ,the "Palestinian only" definition doesn't require racially based INTENT, only security based measures that separate to Israelis from Palestinians, even if the openly expressed, general intent of the Palestinians is to cause harm to Israeli civilians. Similarly, only Palestinians assert an inheritable "right of return of refugees" that passes from generation to generation, and which ONLY applis to Palestinas. Normally, once a person is peaceably re-settled for 60 years, they are no longer a "refugee" and certainly not their grand children. It seems that the Special rights for Palestinians only include a right to their own, unique definitions of words and concepts.

The Irish have been very "free" with their passports over the last 30 years, Many people who are not of Irish decent have received them for many reasons. Some are valid, and some may not be? As for the violation of sovereignty, it is not as important as the violation of "rights" by arms dealers using foreign countries to transact "weapons" deals which destroy lives. Getting beyond that is "moving on."

and repeatedly announced he supports the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The Palestinians have tried their level best to end the occupation of the West Bank. It hasnt worked they been brutally put down. Now its time the rest of the world to step up to the plate and end the occupation. We could start by universities having an Israel apartheid week.

Have you missed the bits that dont suit you?

A Canadian University in Ottawa denied a consortium of Jewish and non-Jewish students the use of the university last week for displays and information about Israel that was positive. The university claimed security as the issue. Apparently this university has no trouble with the security of its Israeli Apartheid Week displays.

"It is time for Jews to form gangs and bust heads on university campuses, giving "liberals", "leftists" and other trash there a good dose of "moishe-coddling" - instead of "molly-coddling them with talk and excuses. It is time for these Jew-hating scum to learn that 'he who sows a wind shall reap a whirlwind'." I think you and the rest of the Zionofascists are beginning to learn that lesson yourselves. You have been sowing that wind for 43 years with your government's illegal actions and the world is finally standing up and saying enough is enough. The whirlwind is just beginning

Is that the word "apartheid" has the power to shut off people's brains. The word is uttered, and magically, there is no need for further thought. The thing has been described, defined, authoritatively. It allows for group think, for mob rule. Allow it to go unchecked and it can devolve into dehumanization, paving the way for some pretty ugly scenarios. And it's all being done in the name of "progress".

This is a terrible development - with all the justifiable criticism we face, apartheid is not acceptable. Yes what we do in the W Bank is apartheid and that our government condones it, makes the government party to an apartheid system in the W Bank. We are approaching the brink of an ethnic conflict with the government's "protection of our heritage" but we haven't tipped over into its abyss just yet. Worst of all is the totally disinterested attitude of the majority of Israeli voters, who because of a total of lack of education in civic responsibility in democracy - needed because so many Israelis did not come from democratic societies - abandon any ownership of government and political process the minute they leave the polling booth. And those who have fought academic boycott now are neutralised by Barak's granting Ariel College university status, making accusations of apartheid harder to deflect. It'd much simpler if we just annexed the W Bank. Guess why we don't?

"Israel proper sees problems,admitts them and works on them" The Or commission reported many years ago Peter. The recommendations have not been acted upon [Olmert even recognized this.] If anything the situation has worsened under ever more right wing administrations. "How many Jews allowed to buy land in Palestine by the PA or Hamas"? Jews who wish to remain in a newly formed Palestinian State on the West Bank could do so as long as they live as Palestinian citizens. So says Erekat and Abbas. As for buying land, don?t be silly. Israel stopped purchasing Palestinian land decades ago. Since when they just confiscate it. "Things are so wonderful in the Islamic democracy of Iran that the huge community has shrunk to fraction of its former size" Read this NYT article on Iran titled: ?Why Jews Stay?. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/opinion/23cohen.html?_r=3&ref=opinion&page "How many Palestinian members of Parliament in "democratic"Lebanon etc"? They are not Lebanese. Would Israel allow sons or daughters of migrant workers to even LIVE in Israel never mind sit in the Knesset?Answer. No they have stated they intend to support such families. "How many Jews are allowed to live in Jordan? Iraq?" There are no laws specifically forbidding the purchase of land by Jews in Jordan. Certainly not for ?living? there. Iraq has a new constitution, have you checked it to find out if Jews are forbidden from buying land? It is well known that Jews have guested there in recent times, in the Kurdish region. I am sure you would have few problems relocating there if you so wished. Peter SM, you are as ill informed as ever but never mind, don't let the facts get in your way.

Imagine: that instead of screaming about "apartheid", people were actually trying to listen to what the other side has to say. Because that's what this is all about: drowning out the other side so that nothing really gets accomplished. To those of you who think you're so progressive because you're rallying behind the "Israel=Apartheid" cause: stop your shouting- it's nonsense, and it's not helping. Try listening to the Israeli narrative- get beyond the misinformation and misrepresentation. If you care enough to scream "apartheid", stop for a second and consider maybe going to Israel and investigating for yourself this so-called "apartheid state". Think critically, question your own truths, you might come up with some interesting results. Until then, as far as I'm concerned, you're just a brainless mob.

Your statement 'Israel may not be an apartheid regime but it is institutionally racist' squares with the article you quoted. Note, however, it also states: 'By law, Arab citizens are entitled to a gradually increasing number of state employment opportunities. Last year, the government approved a measure mandating that 8 percent of all civil service jobs be manned by Arabs in 2010. The target for 2012 is 12 percent.' Inherently democratic societies recognise the fundamental injustice of racism, and attempts to address at least its institutional aspects through such measures. In this respect, Israel is no different from the US, Australia, NZ, or a host of other democracies in working to erase such a blot on their societies. Let us both hope the enforcement of this particular measure is equal to the task.

I would like to see the Australian PM attend one of these events, time to act according to consciousness and not blind support for every single Israeli action. Without honest friends, Israeli will disappear

That "Israel Apartheid Week" is being sponsored by and held on university campuses is very indicative of the sorry state affairs for higher education today: hijacked by ideology disguised as education. How does applying the label of "Apartheid" lead to a full understanding of a situation that is not analogous to apartheid at all? Has anyone even looked at the definition of the word? I don't understand the need for people to latch onto these simplistic terms; perhaps it saves them the trouble of having to think critically for themselves, makes it easy to rally mobs of people together. Israel's policies regarding the Palestinians are arguably untenable and immoral on their own merits and for their own reasons. No one needs to go looking around for false analogies. This is a completely different situation from South Africa- applying the term "apartheid" won't solve it any time soon.

"I think they don't understand the analogy they are making... which is insulting to those who suffered under apartheid." - David Katz, a member of Britain's Jewish Board of Deputies who grew up in South Africa and has long fought the comparison between that country's racial segregation and Israel's ethnic divisions. South Africa is actually a good friend and supporter of the Palestinians, so apparently they are not "insulted" by the comparison of Palestinian condition to Apartheid. How can one understand the silliness of David Katz's statement? Very simple. The organizers of Apartheid Week are concerned about the conditions in the Occupied Territories, not about Israeli Arabs. "It's the Occupation, stupid" Mr. Katz. Don't confuse others and don't set up a strawman to beat. Does Apartheid not apply to occupation situations? Not necessarily. Take a look at the definition and tell me where it says that: "The crime of apartheid" means inhumane acts of a character similar to those referred to in paragraph 1, committed in the context of an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime; - Article 7.2(h) , Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

If there was a button (that really worked) labeled "Everything invented or produced by Jews disappeared" you would probably press it. And be transported instantaneously to the standard of living of Gaza. What you fail to understand in your blind hatred disguised as humanitarianism is that Palestinians enjoy a life style higher that most all of the Arab World. Even SA, grinding poverty is the norm, unless you are connected to the House of Saud.

Israel has no choice. Everytime we give the Arabs back the land;they use it to destroy Israel. We gave back Gaza and look what Israel got for it---Rockets. Israel is the only country who gives back what they fought for in a war. The Arabs have learned they can lose a war and get everthing back. What do think would happen if Israel lost a war. Israel would be wiped off the map.

The Irish have been very "free" with their passports over the last 30 years, Many people who are not of Irish decent have received them for many reasons. Some are valid, and some may not be? As for the violation of sovereignty, it is not as important as the violation of "rights" of arms dealers using foreign countries to transact "weapons" deals which destroy lives. Getting beyond that is "moving on."

The UN Charter prohibits a nation expanding its territory through military conquest; therefore, Israel's occupation of the Palestinian Territories is subject to the Fourth Geneva Convention, of which Israel is a signatory. Article 33 bans collective punishments. The homes, whose destruction you are defending belonged to the families of people accused of crimes by Israel. Art. 33 specifically states that no person shall be punished for a crime that he or she is not personally responsible for. So the homes of family members should be left alone. Art. 49 states clearly that the occupying power (Israel) shall not expel the resident population from the territory occupied, nor shall it transfer its own population into that territory. At any given time, 10,000 Palestinians are in Israeli prisons, many of whom are undergoing torture. Additionally, Israel has introduced more than 500,000 illegal settlers into the PT.

Arabs aren't hightailing it out of Israel. To the contrary, millions of refugees are clamoring to live there. If it is SUCH a horrible place, they are free to leave. Israel is not shackling anyone. There are at least 20+ Arab countries they can reside in. In the US, Blacks, Asians, Mexicans, etc.. are discriminated against daily. Guess what, the US Border Patrol has their hands full keeping all the illegals out. If these countries are SOOO BAD, there is the door. Please depart.

Jethro, Canada has free speech - that's why the universities get to boo Netanyahu at any number of speaking engagements, why anti-apartheid (read anti-Israel) individuals get to harass Jewish Students at any university this week, Why Muslims get to be outraged at any discourse on Muslim vs non-Muslim articles. Free Speech - get it? In Canada we get to have those freedoms both ways. Thank you Mr. Harper, for standing up for that freedom.

NO ONE wants Israel to be destroyed ??? Have you spoken to Hamas lately. If not, a discussion is in order. You may get an eye-opening education. They live and breathe to destroy Israel.

Is another man's heroism. Like preventing a "freedom fighter" from blowing up the head of a 3 month old baby, or preventing a major weapons smuggler from bringing more bombs to detonate on kindergartens and other civilians in Sderot. "It's all relative" as a famous Jew once said. Have a merry "apartheid week" my lovely coco birds, I wish you nothing but utter failure. But please remember, IF YOU SOW WAR, WAR YOU WILL REAP. With a vengeance. That is according to our ancient and humane Jewish traditions.

The Irish have been very "free" with their passports over the last 30 years, Many people who are not of Irish decent have received them for many reasons. Some are valid, and some may not be? As for the violation of sovereignty, it is not as important as the violation of "rights" of arms dealers using foreign countries to transact "weapons" deals which destroy lives. Getting beyond that is "moving on."

Which is the first nation on earth to which you are referring to break the shackles of slavery and allow individual freedom? The Greek city state of Athens of the period of Aristotle? France, after the Revolution? The UK, after the Magna Carta? What's the purpose of this exercise? I wonder what Israel has done to engender such wide-spread interest of "intellectuals"?

You think the Irish intelligence services would never steal peoples passports or details? Get real the intelligence business worldwide breaks national & international laws, they do not worry about things international treaties or UN rulings. All they are there to do is protect the interests of their country. Intelligence services are above international law of their government wants them to carry out an operation which they believe is in the countries best interest. Israel kidnapped Eichman the UN condemned the act but I think most countries had no problems with Israel breaking international law then. CIA secretly helped the Afghans drive out the Soviets the west cheered when the Soviets retreated. After the Munich olympic massacre Mossad sent agents all over Europe killing terrorists involved America rounds up terrorists and sticks them in Guantanimo Bay plenty of the intelligence they get comes from CIA All intelligence agencies steal & forge passports, steal identity & more

Acutally many people seek the destruction of Israel becuase they believe that this new state of Israel took the lands of the arabs that were there before them. It was a fact that Palestinian jews, muslims, and christians lived as one with no problems, Until the establishment of the new state Israel that caused many deaths and destruction the middle east. Therefore, many people would rather it being Palestine as was before were muslims, christians, and jews lived peacefully in an arab state rather than a jewish state.

for that purpose. Regards

if apartheid is the wrong word, how would you label the Israeli ongoing occupation of gaza? please give the world the correct word.

"Don`t hold your breath waiting for the Israel-bashers to address the issue of the Arab`s dispossessng the Jews of Arab lands. They don`t want to know anything about that." Brant to Grant You already know that the Palestinians have no responsibility for what other Arabs did. Go sue those Arab Nations---not like you dont have the knowledge or will. In any event most of those Jews who were evicted or "Ran Away" are living in the homes where Palestinians used to live---so quit squawking---you are quits. What we dont want to hear is the eternal cry,s of victimhood by Zionists who are nowadays the agressors and no longer victims.

When you talk about the rights Israeli Arabs have, you never talk about the rights they don't have. Can you say they have the same rights Israeli Jews have? If not, aren't they discriminated against?

from an Irish persons point of view. "If the stories are true, Mossad t-shirts and sweat shirts are the most popular items for teenagers and young adults at the moment. Everyone wants to be part of something brave and just."AWJ. Tell that to the countries whose sovereignty has been compromised--or does that not bother you---moving on soon I hope.

Can you be more specific? What is it that you want addressed? Do you wish to start a debate comparing the Jews you mention with Palestinians kicked out their homes, robbed of their possessions, murdered and raped from 1947 to 1949? If you wish, I could supply you with a report of 2,083 words listing Jewish massacres of Palestinians. What would be the purpose of such a discussion?

What else does this government and their mentality have to offer but the mantra that drones on and on that we are the true victim, we are under seige, the world hates us and we must defend aoutrselves at all cost, that no one in the world or certainly the region wants to live with us in peace, they all want to destroy us, their hatred is genetic and they pass it on in their mothers milk....and on and on, until the mantra is believed and self fulfilling. Israel creates these conditions and thrives on this sick psychology. Instaed of bringing the Jes into the real family of nations, this version of zionism has done nothing but vreate a self inflicted ghetto mentality on a nation. Isolated by choice and creating a narrative where the entire world is against us and if we give an inch they will swallow us.

Raise strawdogs and argue semantics as much as you want--Israel is comitting war crimes and crimes against humanity both in israel and in the occupied Territories---against non Jews. Naturally you are afraid the Term "Apartheid Israel" will take hold as did Apatheid South Africa" did and is still referred to as such. Instead of arguing semantics--argue for peace and justice---end the occupation and the plethera of Crimes that are it,s fellow teavellers. You know what they are---use your own names--if that keeps you happy--but call for their end. If you ever want a days peace more than you want a greater Israel.

jews are not simply a religion, but also a people and an ethnicity. the law of return allows anyone with one jewish grandparent to immigrate to israel. that means that those people, of whom there are hundreds of thousands, are in fact three quarter non-jewish.

jews are not simply a religion, but also a people and an ethnicity. the law of return allows anyone with one jewish grandparent to immigrate to israel. that means that those people, of whom there are hundreds of thousands, are in fact three quarter non-jewish.

Spent last Xmas in the Holy Land and it was delightful. Churchbells rang in Bethlehem and there was even a great Christmas Party at the American Embassy in Tel AvIv.

Messianic Jews are rejected publically; whom you the Supreme Court of Israel ruled that the Law of Return should treat ethnically Jewish individuals who convert to Messianic Judaism the same way it treats Jews who convert to Christianity. When they Parade for saluting and supporting Israel, they are attacked. If Jews can't get along among themselves, so what it is with others?

It is incorrect to label Israeli treatment of Palestinians in the territories as a holocaust or genocide. However, it is not off base to label it as apartheid. You don't have to show that it is the same in every respect as South African apartheid, to call it such. In both cases, there is a policy of favoring one class of people over another. In South Africa, the government classified blacks as citizens of phony homelands, recognized by no other country, as a justification for denying them political and civil rights in South Africa. Israel has carved out separated enclaves in 40% of the West Bank in which the PA has nominal civil authority, and claims this gives them the moral justification to treat its own (Jewish) citizens as a privileged minority in the other 60%.) Many Israelis recognize that if the situation prevailing in the West Bank were to be made permanent, it would undermine Israel's claims to be a democratic state. But whether permanent or indefinite it is still apartheid.

Don't hold your breath waiting for the Israel-bashers to address the issue of the Arab's dispossessng the Jews of Arab lands. They don't want to know anything about that. But they ARE here, Mr. Grant, in well over 3/4 of the posts on this thread that suppport Israel Apartheid Week and seek any means to hurt Israel and disrespect our Jewish brothers and sisters. Indeed, there are more of them in Haaretz talkbacks than there are anywhere else. They6 wallow in Israel's freedom of the press. It's a joy to behold.

a bunch of idiots...they really don't even understand what they are talking about. Speak to south africans who were under the yoke of apartheid..its not even close to the same...even jimmy carter said it was not the same...even though cunningly he used the title of his book to sell volume... this lie has grown into a cottage industry, with members who are haters, losers, failures in life, angry, xenophobic and anti semitic. In israel, all people vote, anyone can run for parliament(knesset), anyone can own land, arabs have israeli passports, they can travel anywhere in israel...etc..etc... there are NO similarities between south african apartheid and israel. None.

NO ONE wants Israel to be destroyed - the world wants it to stop treating Palestinians in such a brutal manner.

do with the Palestinian people??? "When Israel was created, the Arabs kicked out over a million Jews from their various countries, during the perio from 1947- 1979. They were robbed of their possessions, some were murdered and others were raped. The ones that survived moved mostly to Israel?" JG Please do tell---oh no need to shout the answer.

"I am neither dishonest or ignorant, so I`d like to think, what I am stating is that if you say that the Settlements are illegal because they are built on land that is not part of Israel, then why are the peoples there, Palestinians, by your argument Israeli Citizens?"Eli They are not and should never be unless they agree to become so. Your problem is you cannot see the difference in the treatment of the Illegal squatters(Israeli Citizens ---oddly enough or not ---Jews) and the legal inhabitants--Palestinians by the occupying power Israel. Why dont you just give up fellow---the world disagrees with you---so keep whining and whinging and driving yourself bonkers. You deserve it for tenacity. You have lost the goal of a greater Israel. You may well lose the Lebenstraum of a Jewish state.If you insist. Your choice. BTW---I know far more than you buddy---My visiopn is not clouded by a racist apartheid mindset such as Zionism.

"Israel has never claimed the whole West Bank,its your side that claims all of Israel."PSM Verry funny---read the Likud Charter. " Self-Rule The Government of Israel flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river. The Palestinians can run their lives freely in the framework of self-rule, but not as an independent and sovereign state. Thus, for example, in matters of foreign affairs, security, immigration and ecology, their activity shall be limited in accordance with imperatives of Israel's existence, security and national needs. " you were saying???.

When Israel was created, the Arabs kicked out over a million Jews from their various countries, during the perio from 1947- 1979. They were robbed of their possessions, some were murdered and others were raped. The ones that survived moved mostly to Israel? Where are all of the Israel bashers to address this issue?

It's amusing you would mention the Geneva Convention and International law and make this ridiculous comment:" they do not state is that they occupier must give citizenship rights to the occupied". What does it say about demolishing homes, collective punishment, land confiscation, population transfer (ie Jewish settlers) and building Jewish only roads and settlements? I'm sure you can point to the book of Joshua for the legal precedent but that only makes you appear very irrational - to put it nicely. Although, I'm sure you think your logic is normal and reasonable from your viewpoint. You and those who think like you will only insure Israel enjoys a short lifespan. Call it apartheid or call it mayonnaise, what is indisputable a grave injustice and crime has been ongoing for over 40 years against the Palestinian people and there are no shortage of Jewish apologists for Israeli actions. I don't think that will change on this forum. Blind loyalty mandates one sees no evil. Good job!

If the stories are true, Mossad t-shirts and sweat shirts are the most popular items for teenagers and young adults at the moment. Everyone wants to be part of something brave and just.

All the Katzs and pogrunds cannot cover up what the Israeli participants know first hand from their own experience. These elements in the diaspora are pissing in the wind. There is nothng left for them to defend. The reality is too ugly. Ruth Dayan knows that as well. No amount of staged propganda by the Foreign Ministry or these defenders of the unconscionable can cover that up any longer. We now have first hand accounts, like in Iran, that cannot be covered up or denied.

For Example, I am in Canada writing on an israeli site, you are in Ireland writing on an Israeli Site, the Laws of Canada do not apply to you, but thanks for the silly thoughts. Secondly, and unlike your post, prove what you've stated, and disprove what i have Now on the conference, if WB argument holds, why then are half the speakers talking about something that should have no bearing at all on the conference? Furthermore, why are Pro Israel speakers banned, like in toronto at York University, for fear of the jewish students? Yes last year Muslim students did chase them out of the hall into a Chabad office but why the argument goes no Pro Israel speakers makes no sense to me, how does it to you?

Israel enemies just make me laugh, whining and cryng will not change you misery situation, change yourselvs first.

stop acting like you have a ph.d in Middle East studies. My guess is you have never been to Israel but rather would travel to gaza and give them cars and cash just like your lover George Galloway.

A real fest for neo nazis and no brainers, for sure.

Your rage is understandable but your tactics are self-defeating. You would resort to violence to silence your enemies and have your way prevail, which is the tactic of your enemies. You have lost faith in the capability of reasonable people to think logically and not let their emotions and good judgment be swept away by hateful, persistent, and hypocritical propaganda. The frustration you feel is real but in your misguided solutions, you become the mirror image of what you are fighting. Yes, there is a need for Jewish gangs , but only for the purposes of self defense. Otherwise, how would you tell a Jewish gang apart from a rabid crowd of terrorists and their sympathizers? "It is time for Jews to form gangs and bust heads on university campuses, giving "liberals", "leftists" and other trash there a good dose of "moishe-coddling" - instead of "molly-coddling them with talk and excuses. It is time for these Jew-hating scum to learn that "he who sows a wind shall reap a whirlwind"

Anyone calling Israel an Apartheid country is either ignorant or a racist or both. Israel is free and open and gives more rights to the arabs then the arabs give to the arabs, period. Go to any muslim country to see real racism and some slavery. The Israeli's who criticize Israel, are the self hating type who will always demonize their people in order to be liked by the gentiles. They are cowards.

including calls by Israeli ministers and senior bureaucrats to include more Arabs. Now what does your side do? How many Palestinian members of Parliament in "democratic"Lebanon etc? How many Jews allowed to buy land in Palestine by the PA or Hamas? How many Jews are allowed to live in Jordan? Iraq? Things are so wonderful in the Islamic democracy of Iran that the huge community has shrunk to fraction of its former size while the Arab community in Israel has coninued to grow and has doubled in size several times. Dont let facts get in your way

GC IV love to Hate them but they proscribed the rights duties and obligations of the occupier the occupied what they do not state is that they occupier must give citizenship rights to the occupied you're argumnt then for the WB or JS to be an apartheid state within israel is incorrect by your admission of it being occupied and tht there does exist laws for different groups as proscibed by intl law this is why many Jews condemn this as hate speech as it is false and what good does it do except incite hate against Israelis and Jews? Hence Peter shurmans closing point but thanks for further reaffirming the ignorance, incompetence and lack of knowledge that is often found in pro Palestinian supporters

I`m a full-on Zionist Anglo/Israeli gentile, but, I do seriously believe that we need to get out of the Westbank, "drain" the settlers back into Israel, stay within the `67 borders, with the "wall" 100% complete, & let the Palestinians have their own State. Gaza needs the same "wall" enclosing it, but with an enclosed, secure land bridge connection direct from Gaza to the Westbank. Yes, end the occupation!

It's time for college campuses around the world to celebrate the Palestinian's immunity from international laws. Yes, friends, we must recognize and laud the fact that the "legitimate right to resist the occupation" does indeed mean Palestinians cannot be charged with war crimes after committing war crimes. Or even better, it's time for the UN to declare that blowing up civilians on passenger buses, blasting away restaurants with women and children inside, and shooting babies in their strollers are no longer crimes against humanity so long as Palestinians are the ones who carry them out. We already know that nobody cares is they kill other Arabs or foreign nationals while they do their "legitimate" thing, so we won't object to their targetting of Jewish civilians since it would be a moot point. The goal of Palestinian Terrorism Week will be to change international law so that these laws do not apply to Palestinians.

Is rational and will probably happen. The debate on settlements is stupid and helpless. The debate will be on borders agree upon both sides. 1)Everybody remains in its home 2)The border will be drawn heeding some demographic facts but not all of them. The best solution should be based in the "Israel triangle" of Arab villages being included in a Palestinian state, while part of the settlements will be included in the Israel state. Since not all of them will be included, then the ones that wish to remain in the Palestinian state (Hebron Kiriat Arba for example)shall pay taxes to Palestine and become Palestinians citizens. There is a lot of danger in this plan, but it is the only one that has any chance to work.

contradict what these buffoons are selling. The settlements are not Israel and flogging that as Israel is as dishonest as ignoring how Jews in the West Bank get killed with Arab shootings,drive by shooting,stabbings,lynching and when they avoid confontation by not allowing potential killers in cry apartheid. If Arabs did not practice apartheid there would be no need to prevent situations that will lead to more death. Israel has never claimed the whole West Bank,its your side that claims all of Israel.

That practices Aparthied policies----as in Jews only Housing/enclaves and Jews only Roads and Mimistries og Religious affairs whose only affairs they lok after are those of Israeli Jews. Now sue me jackass. Who cares what you think---Apartheid Apologist.

That practices Aparthied policies----as in Jews only Housing/enclaves and Jews only Roads and Mimistries og Religious affairs whose only affairs they lok after are those of Israeli Jews. Now sue me jackass. Who cares what you think---Apartheid Apologist.

draw your own conclusion and try to create an argument. Above all avoid answering the points made to you. There is more to this conflict then you make out by evading anything that does not suit you.You dont like apartheid look at your home team.Look what happened to Jews that wondered in to some Arab villages, look what happens if somebody sells land to Jews.Look how Arabs practice apartheid against their Palestinian brothers to keep this conflict going. Re Amira you can build any big picture,prove anything you want if you ignore anything that contradicts the picture you are trying to create.

It's good to have events especially when it is organized by researchers and analysts. It improves the truthfulness of their claims. But i think they should do it in Israel. It is not fair that the world knows what's going on and the people inside Israel are oblivious. I pity those those people inside. No one should hate them because they're brainwashed just like supporters of Alqayda. But same as what happened to the Nazi regime, the Zionist system will disappear. I just feel sorry for the people that will be left behind afterward!

...That this conference is illegtimate, at York University, Toronto for example, by the fact that it seeks to prove a one sided argument, while forbading other opposing views and thoughts to be heard. I agree, many pro Israel supporters often shoot the messenger, but the question my friend. What options exist, when there is a hate filled conference that purposely doesn't allow another side to be heard. One that is on a topic of high dispute? What other recourse is there, after exhausting a peaceful one of trying tobe included and argue an opposing view, what other recourse is there but to state having been denied a legitimate voice, that if the conference wishes to silent this voice, that is it illegitimate? It's like Carter's book all over again, he puts an inciteful title for the purpose, as he states, to stimulate debate yet refuses to ever debate it, it deligitimizes, aside from his factual errors, his work. Disagree, please do, but explain why, see the difference?

For all you "thinkers" (i have better words but Haaretz wont print them)out there - Apartheid was the law - there is no law in Israel preventing the indigenous Arabs from anything. Why dont all you "liberals" start looking at the rest of the world (lets start with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Emerites, Syria) and look at their policies towards the Palestinians (and their own population). Once you have cured them, turn to Israel!

"Anyone who has visited the West Bank can see clearly the situation has similarities to aparthied south africa. Anyone who denies this is dishonest or ignorant" I am neither dishonest or ignorant, so I'd like to think, what I am stating is that if you say that the Settlements are illegal because they are built on land that is not part of Israel, then why are the peoples there, Palestinians, by your argument Israeli Citizens? The simple point that Israel is OCCUPYING and not ANNEXING means exactly that, that the persons there are not part of the sovereign state as such why should they enjoy the equal rights and privileges of citizens? illegal act S, doesn't force israel to annex all of WB and give citizenship, it is just Illegal act S. You are taking act S and construing it to Act A, whilst maintaining a paradoxical argument. Ibrahim, your argument is clearly false now doyou not see it, or how do you ignore without being as you've stated ignorant or dishonest

Mary I suggest that you learn a little bit of history as then you will not come over as an ignaramous. The arabs were not forced out, they were sent out by the orders of the Mufti (Mufti - Moslem).

Qatzrin is not in Israel --it is in Occupied Syrian Territory. See UNSCR 497 for clarification. Eitan is part of the "Unholy Trinity" Zionism---racism and greed. And you????.

It is true that every country has the right to determine who gets into the country and who will be granted citizenship. It is also true that it is totally shameful for any country to do it on the basic of a person's religion. Would you be as permissive of another country discriminating against admission and citizenship of Jews?

If people say that WB-JS are not part of Israel, and as such the settlements there are illegal, and can be construed as movement of persons by occupier into occupied lands. Okay, let's accept that argument for a moment. if that is the case then how is Israel an Apartheid state to WB and Gaza? when those lands by the same admission are not part of Israel, as such why do the persons their deserves rights of Citizen in Israel, WHEN THEY ARE NOT, CITIZENS LIVING IN ISRAEL. So if Israel Apartheid week is therefore not about settlements and WB why are speakers at these events discussing it? For example Roo, made a point about how israel apartheid week isn't about WB-Gaza but Israeli Arabs, as such then why does the conference focus, especially here in TDot, on WB-Gaza? The lack of a unified language as to how and why Israel is an apartheid state, coupled with the fact that much of those arguments re. settlements-apartheid are false, cast doubt on the aims of the conference

in the USA,still enjoying colonialist domination. He hangs around with Zionists and has been brainwashed by them. Read the following extract from one of his recent posts. Morris is also an apologist for none other than Oliver Cromwell who murdered 500,000 Irish people ---because they were Catholics. Hope this explains Mr Valentine for you. "The UN is ploughing old ground by re-addressing what was, at best, a controversial report (Goldstone) issued by controversial people, on the conduct of a war which inflamed those worst passions in both adversaries. The UN would better serve the interests of Israel and the Palestinians by enquiring on the conflict`s root causes. It may ask: Did Hamas violate Israel`s sovereignty through rocket attacks? Did Hamas endanger Israeli civilians? Did Israel repeatedly warn Hamas to cease doing so? How else should a sovereign nation respond to such repeated provocations?MV

If the stories are true, Mossad t-shirts and sweat shirts are the most popular items for teenagers and young adults at the moment. Everyone wants to be part of something brave and just even if you/we do not always understand it.

Unfortunately instead of making peace and developing their countries they are hell-bent on destroying Israel and you conjure crap about apartheid! Very absurd. The Islamic dictatorships and world have misled their own residents (the word 'citizen' is reserved for democracies) into thinking that Palestinians have it so bad. This is merely a ruse to prevent these residents them from thinking about their own personal plight under brutal dictatorial regimes.

But worth a try.

Pressure should be applied to them to do so. Pressure, too, should be placed on Israel to make compromises. Only then can we find peace and an end to oppression.

And failed ideas, ideologies, and causes.

My felicitations on a well-written and well-reasoned posting.

Anyone who has visited the West Bank can see clearly the situation has similarities to aparthied south africa. Anyone who denies this is dishonest or ignorant. Israel needs to end the occupation. The settlers can stay, as Salam Fayyad has said, if they agree to pay taxes and live under Palestinian law. I hope a final peace deal includes the right of these settlers to stay where they are and I hope many choose to do so. The future state of Palestine could use their tax revenue and their society can benefit from diversity. The situation today, however, is ugly. It is aparthied. It is a disgrace to Israel and the jewish people.

Self defence. If sharing highways results in death of Jews, then they won't be shared. Period.

"They are free to do as they please, but it's atrocious," he said of the participating Israelis. "I think they don't understand the analogy they are making... which is insulting to those who suffered under apartheid." Those who suffer and live under apartheid are best to know what apartheid is. For one, can any Zionist Jew honestly say to a Palestinian living in the occupied territories " you are free to do as you please"? You are "free to go where you please"? That's the crux of the problem and therefore, what is insulting is someone living in Britain telling Palestinians and Israeli Jews, in this case those three honorable distinguished Israeli academics and civil right advocates - that they don't know what they are talking about when they label Israel as an apartheid state. Who is best to know? A British apologist for Israel or an Israeli who fought against DEMOLITION of Palestinian homes? Why would any Jew want to stop the IDF from demolishing a Palestinian home? Can any Zionist person answer that question without questioning the sanity and loyalty of that person? I think not. It is a sad commentary indeed.

found in a number of other countries. In some countries the leftist/progressive component of it is much stronger than the Islamist or the traditional anti-Semite, while in other countries the Islamists tend to be the strongest component. But I think you are right in that in the UK there is a balance among all three elements: Classic, Progressive, Islamist.

these kids have more morals then the old gezzers in congress and the knesset

The law of return is not an apartheid law,it gives the Jewish people the right to emigrate to Israel,it does not bar other religions or people from coming to Israel. You should look it up and try to understand its meaning. I would hate to have you as a lawyer,if you realy are one,which I doubt.

Yes! Start with your medicine cabinet. Discard everything made in Israel immediately. Enjoy your resulting headaches, infections, coughing, sneezing, red eye, diarrhea, constipation, skin blotches, liver failure, thyroid problems, unwanted pregnancies, flatulence, hypertension, hives, anal itch, bad breath, menstrual cramps, hemorrhoids, toenail fungus, acne, .... and don't forget to tell your friends to do the same.

Observer - so Saudi Arabia is not racist, it allows non-Muslim doctors to treat the ill Muslims! Wow! And it allows non-Muslims to pray as long as they do not do this in public! Wow! Your claims against about non-freedom of Christians and Muslims to pray in Israel are blatant lies... go to any outside area where Arabs labourers are working across Israel, and you can see them take out their blankets and pray on the street when the prayer time arrives. You cannot get more public than that. What ISN'T allowed is for JEWS to pray on the Temple mount (Al Aqsa) in Jerusalem since this would offend the Muslims there.

If you have a situation, where so called illegal (without permit) built Arab houses are regularly destroyed and its inhabitants thrown out, while illegal (even according to Israeli law) Jewish houses, namely the settlement ouposts aren't, then that is indeed called Apartheid. If two people are treated very differently only for ethnical reasons, that is called Apartheid, not more, and not less.....

It won't stand and the sooner you figure this out,the better deal you'll get. One man, one vote or get the hell out of the occupied territories...or sink like a stone.

America has given Israel substantial political, military, and financial support over the decades and continues to do so. This is a defacto endorsement of Israeli actions and policies. The fact that Israeli Jews allow the Israeli Arabs to exist and have some basic services is not the same as having equality between Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs. It is not the number of instances of equality that make apartheid. It is the number of instances of inequality. Even one instance of inequality should put American support of Israel at risk, as it has in other nations.

... Insuling the True North Strong and Free. The article stated that calling Israel and Apartheid state was close to Hate Speech. Yes we do not have unlimited rights in Canada, its Section 1 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Known as the REASONABLE LIMITS CLAUSE. The idea being that there must be some reasonable limits on freedoms or we risk having minimalized freedoms. So HATE SPEECH in Canada, is defined as, "Hate propaganda" means "any writing, sign or visible representation that advocates or promotes genocide or the communication of which by any person would constitute an offence under section 319." Under section 319, an accused is not guilty: (a) if statements were true, in good faith from religious texts, for public debate or if for the purposes of showing that they cause hate. So this conference is happening, but it walks a thin line. GO AND READ DON'T INSULT MY HOME WITH YOUR NONSENSE, ITS A SHAME THAT IN TODAY'S DAY, WITH SO MUCH TECH YOU ARE SO IGNORANT

Gaza is not part of Israel, no israelis or employees of Israel's government live or work there. it's all about Jews' right to be living in Tel Aviv.

Didn't know. Debate has to be a two way street, I cannot criticise those trying to ban this week if they themselves aren't allowed to have a week to show Israel in a positive light. Hats off for pointing that out. However I still believe that there is a tendency for Israelis and Israel firsters to shoot the messenger without addressing the message.

The world should speak up. The violaters should be caged. Salaam/Shalom

sure thing....sorry to see your memory in such bad shape... 17 @ #76 "Antisemitic gathering organized by propalestinian etc" Antisemitism is the hatred of Jews. Now please provide something, ANYTHING, that shows they hate Jews. Thx

that even a simpleton ought be able to answer. I did not say what you'd like me to have said, or anything else you'd like to presume, fabricate, mis-interpret, mis-quote, or suppose. I asked if there were many non-Jews (Muslims) living in the illegal settlements... shouldn't be hard to answer. Go ahead... thx

i personally know blacks from SA who did say that white government was much better for blacks then extremely corrupt incompetent black government of today. SA OF TODAY HAS BIGGEST CRIME rate in the world and much more poverty, less investment and less whites etc.

The old south African regime never used white phosphorus bombs and helicopter gunships against their black population. Not even when the US government labeled Mandela and the ANC to be "terrorists".

Saddam Hussein was a good dictator who we armed to counter Iran. That is why he was tolerated. Also the carrot Sadddam wielded was quite fat and juicy It's oil innit?

The Onario MP who proposed to condemn the IAW is actually a racist person who once said "there is no such thing called palestinian people". The New Democrates of Ontario have condemned this vote! Today, all over the globe free Jews, Muslims, and all fair people are starting the IAW with the hope to inform others about the crimes committed against the Palestinian people. Hear o'Israel: The world is getting to know your true face!

"Would leftist knee jerkers ever question anything the Arabs do,have done or promise to do.?" Very happy to. Arab states need to get out of their medieval mindset and join the 21st century. I think a lot of Arabs know that anyway. Now, do you think right-wing Israelis would generally prefer an Israel without Arabs? If so, that's a bit of an apartheid mindset. And even though today's Israel is not an apartheid state, there's a lot of separateness on the West Bank and maybe the future of Israel is apartheid. "Read Amira Hass and show where she has EVER bothered to take an overview of the whole situation?" Just because you concentrate on detail, rather than an entire picture doesn't mean you're wromg, does it Pete? So to repeat, what do you think of her expose of the occupation. Interesting huh?

I don't know how thus week is in UK but in Canada the universities end up cancelling the pro israel events and speakers Mi biggest qualm with the week is exactly that, it rubs under the guise of free speech and thought whilst allowing no discussion or opposing views This year Pro israel events at York university in Toronto were cancelled for fear of security to the pro israel- Jewish students following the events of last year if it is to be honest debate that is great if it is one sided propaganda that never prooves itself as true emanating from a govt. Sponsored location than its unjust. It's the balance this conference ignores that delegitimizaes it

I hope the counter campaign will make use of PA President Assas's admission that Pals fled in 1948 fearing retribution for the many Arab massacres of Jews in the previous half century, and also mention the 800,000 Jews pushed out of Muslim lands beginning in 1948 -- how microscopic Israel integrated all and sundry Jews, while 57 Muslim states kept the Pals in refugee camps. This is our opportunity to reply and give students the chance to hear both sides and make their own judgment. Free speech works both ways.

Last year my cousin is at university in the UK and the student union decided to hold one of those traditional Israel bashing debates. They decided to hold the debate on a Saturday morning so there would be minimal jewish attendance and the majority of people there were most likely to be either the people with an open mind who were not going to hear much from the other side because of the fact most jews would not be there or it was the Israel bashers who have their minds made up before they entered the room. So they try to rig the debate as far as possible in favor of the anti Israel people but then they say it was an honest and open debate. This Israel apartheid week is using big words which make Israel sound really bad even if the defenition they are using is wrong but it sounds good if you want an excuse to just have a go at Israel. During the Saddam Hussain years there was only a fraction of the condemnation of him and the way he treated his own people as there was of Israel WHY

"Do you know the "truth" about Israel?" If you have to ask me that question, then you need glasses. So whatever you do in the West and in Israel this week, try doing some of that in your home countries sometime, but substitute their names instead in your protests and see what happens. Then you'll learn something!

The neo-con Zionist grip on Harper has intensified! Canada is no longer the country that's glorious and free. How can it be when it bans free speech!

May not be an apartheid regime but it is institutionally racist. Ehud Olmert, Israel's former prime minister, admitted racial discrimination was rife in a speech to the parliament in December 2008. "It is terrible that there is not even one Arab employee [out of 900] at the Bank of Israel." Of the civil service, he added: "There is no arguing that some government ministries did not hire Arabs for years." Government statistics show that 12.5 per cent of all Arab college graduates are unemployed, nearly four times the figure for Jewish graduates. Then again on 12/11/2008 haaretz reported. "Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday decried the "deliberate and insufferable" discrimination against Arabs at the hands of the Israeli establishment, during an appearance before a Knesset panel in Jerusalem." http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1036798.html

Tom h, you made a statement that goes beyond normal discussion. Majority of the Israeli know well that some homes of Palestinians were destroyed as a result of the fact that inhabitants of these houses were suicide terrorists killing innocent people only because they were Jews,like German Nazi were killing Jews only because they were Jews. Those who promoted Apartheid Week made terrible contribution to Hitler Nazi propaganda - their efforts will make a cause of Palestinian people even more complicated. Those people lead Palestinians to the catastrophe.

"What law in Israel keeps apart arabs of any religion and Israelis of any religion?" There are 2 sets of laws in the West Bank- one for Jews and the other for Arabs. Apartheid starts from this.

"Apartheid Week?" Come off of it. I attended some of these events the last two years - it was nothing but a misinformation campaign with very few people actually attending - and most leaving less than half-way through it. The reality is simple: if Palestinians wish to improve their situation - STOP condoning terrorist acts and harboring terrorists. Stop lobbing rockets. Speak peace in your Mosques instead of hate. Stop sending Hamas fighters to Iran for training." Do you know, for a while I thought you were a calm. rational critic of Apartheid Week and then I read your last line and the mask fell off entirely. "Better yet, pack up and move across the Jordan." Just a word on Hasbara. If you're trying to make Israel look like a lovely place, don't end with a call for ethnic cleansing of Arabs.

Israel has every right to want to regain a respectable status.....that will come when it abides by it's International obligations and abides by International law and upholds its UN Charter obligations and agreements. It is because Israel chooses to consider itself exempt from these things that it has fallen from grace. The Greater Israel dream will never be accepted in a modern era....it is the dream of a bygone age and it is also against declarations made at the time of Israels Sovereignty. I could understand Israels protestations if only one nation was telling you you are wrong....but the majority of the World does not support what you are doing. Minimizing your illegitimate acts by pointing finger elsewhere does nothing to detract from the fact that what you are engaging in is wrong and only fans the flames of conflict. Israel as has already been said has declared war on itself and creates its own conflicts when peace is there to be had.....try it....you might like it...far cheaper.

to take an overview of the whole situation? Any body can chuck a headline and report only from their ideological bias. Dead Israelis is not "peaceful resistance".How many dead "zios" is enough for you?

the law of return is part of israeli national law on immigration. all sovereigns have the right to determine who will be admitted to the state and who will be granted citizenship. every country does so.

anything the Arabs do,have done or promise to do.? The reality is Israeli Arabs vote,elect members to parliament,become judges,university professors, professionals,all the facts you anti "zios" cannot cope with,as it contradicts your whole ideological world order. Israel is there,head and shoulders above the mob you pump for daily.Dont bother with your usual "you want us to judge Israel like them" etc.The fact is you people dont judge them at all or the effect of their actions.

May not be an apartheid regime but it is institutionally racist. Ehud Olmert, Israel's former prime minister, admitted racial discrimination was rife in a speech to the parliament in December 2008. "It is terrible that there is not even one Arab employee [out of 900] at the Bank of Israel." Of the civil service, he added: "There is no arguing that some government ministries did not hire Arabs for years." Government statistics show that 12.5 per cent of all Arab college graduates are unemployed, nearly four times the figure for Jewish graduates. Then again on 12/11/2008 haaretz reported. "Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday decried the "deliberate and insufferable" discrimination against Arabs at the hands of the Israeli establishment, during an appearance before a Knesset panel in Jerusalem." http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1036798.html

... enjoy the way the word "apartheid" makes Israel1sters froth at the mouth. Let's be clear: to call the situation inside Israel proper apartheid is an abuse of the term. Yes, there is institutional, state-supported discrimination, but it is nothing like the apartheid system. But what the Israel1sters don't seem to get is that (1) that it's not "apartheid" doesn't make it all right; and (2) that what happens in the Occupied Territories is indeed remarkably like apartheid. Moreover, they don't understand the political effectiveness of using provocative terms, even when those have only a distant relationship with objective truth. For that they could learn from the settlers' movement, whose talk of "anti-Jew discrimination" is even further from the truth, but seems - alas - to gain some sympathy in Israel. Not, of course, in the rest of the world.

Apartheid means separateness. If Israel wants to counter such developments as Apartheid Week, it needs not just counter-propganda. It needs a positive vision of Israel's future that it can sell to the world. I'd love to hear from Bibi and his ministers that they have a vision of a modern, western democratic state in which both Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs can fulfill all their potential, but that's not what I hear. I hear from them a vision of Jewish past and a Jewish future, and while clearly, Israel proper, excluding the West Bank, is not an apartheid state yet, I wonder how many Likudniks could say hand on their heart that they don't want to be separated from all Arabs?

Very good letter, kol hakavod!

Sir, Who are "they"? I did not mention anybody ("they") who "hate Jews". Please, clarify your request.

Israelis and Israel firsters yet again attempt not to address the message. They try to shoot the messenger. At least there is a realisation that they have lost the argument.

Being a non-Jew, and having been to Israel-- I think that anyone who has never been to Israel, can even being to understand an inkling of what is going on there. I won't even begin to claim I have a full understanding of the rift between Israelis and Palestinians-- and I don't think these people who get their news from Fox, CNN, MSNBC, BBC, whatever-- should even begin to think they have an idea of what is going on. All I do know is that Israel is a beautiful country, and I'd like it to stay that way. :)

"Apartheid Week?" Come off of it. I attended some of these events the last two years - it was nothing but a misinformation campaign with very few people actually attending - and most leaving less than half-way through it. The reality is simple: if Palestinians wish to improve their situation - STOP condoning terrorist acts and harboring terrorists. Stop lobbing rockets. Speak peace in your Mosques instead of hate. Stop sending Hamas fighters to Iran for training. Better yet, pack up and move across the Jordan.

"I need to know when the law was made,by whom and the date and number of this law." It's called the Law of Return. Look it up!

One can look no further than all the Arab Countries. Christians in Iraq asking the government to give them protection from Muslims. (The BBC yesterday).

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1153043.html "39 army raids, 28 arrests: Just another day in the West Bank" It's a very interesting article about the hidden effect of the occupation on Palestinians and really needs to be read before people start attcking Apartheid Week.

In the 50's there was a joke going around that optimists study Russian and pessimists study Chinese. Now the joke should be altered: the optimists study Chinese, the pessimists study the Koran.

... are self-inflicted !

These people are nothing short of VIOLENCE instigators. They must KNOW that by promoting this nonsense they will spark fury and VIOLENCE by Muslims together with other groups. Jewish people's lives will be threatened, this will manifest in form of random attacks. This will be on the rise due to their lack of consideration for other Jews living outside of Israel - unlike them of course - so they are not effected !! All they can think of is their self - aggrandizement, their egos being stroked in world universities. The violent effect of these lectures will be THEIR fault. They can smile then.

All the Israelis in this article belong to fringe-groups, tiny radical groups who no one takes seriously beside their own adherents. They belong to the weird side of the political map and the weird side of the human mind and shouldn't be taken seriously.

Even if in the territories the situation resembles the end result of apartheid, calling it "Israeli Apartheid Week" is misleading. Within Israel proper, Arabs have just as many civil rights as do Jews. They can vote, can serve in public office, they have local autonomy, can attend university, can join the military, etc. By using the name quoted above, it makes it seem like Israel itself (i.e. Israel proper) is an apartheid regime which is simply not true. Also, in the west bank, the roads aren't Jewish only; they are Israeli only. If you have Israeli citizenship, be you Arab, Jew, Druze, or whatever else, you can use those roads.

"Universities across the globe"... I'm sorry did I miss something? Did the UNIVERSITIES organize this? I doubt it. "University campuses....are marking"....again. Doesn't the correspondent know that on any given day dozens of events are organized on campuses? "more than 40 cities"....oh my god, that leaves only a couple of thousand that aren't having events of this kind.

Smack on the money there. I dont know much dutch but I think apartheid means apart. You cant fool the world anymore or at least New Zealand Israel.

Quotes, verbatim, anything valid will do....

Shakespeare's language made it plain that a rose by any other name smells as sweet. Apartheid stinks. Israel has stuck its foot in it, and then stuck its foot in its mouth.

"Uhhyyyyyy really frightening, isnt it CJ? Israel is such a dangerous place .." If you say so. Apartheid need not be dangerous. I notice you didn't even attempt answer to the question in my post. (UNSC) "No sanctions against Israel.. that means Israel abides by the law" No, it only means Israel is protected by the Veto vote. The laws still stand, possible breaches of law still stand, only action has been prevented. "..sanctions will be issued against Iran, because Iran is against the law" Actually the sanctions on Iran are an attempt to ENTICE it to stop enrichment, very likely to stop Israel attacking it. They're based only on suspicions. Just like Iraq. You should also understand sanctions. At present it is the sanctioners who are forbidden to deal with Iran. Iran can deal almost with whoever it pleases within the NPT and weapons agreements. "Crystal clear" If you have no idea of what you're talking about, of course.

Instead of addressing the laws which favour Jews over the Arab population (marriage, planning permissions etc), the agenda seems to be to criminalize any criticism of Israel. Not sure it works, though.

Instead of addressing the laws which favour Jews over the Arab population (marriage, planning permissions etc), the agenda seems to be to criminalize any criticism of Israel. Not sure it works, though.

last weekend Gadaffi declared jihad on Switzerland, bc her citizens voted "no" to minarets in a democratic referendum. "Apartheid" is all holding one*s ground against the Muslims. Therefore I guess the next "apartheid" week will be held against Switzerland. Surely the universities across the globe will support Gadaffi at this one, too.

Its funny how all the right wingers quickly ignore the arabs being evicted from their homes in order to give homes to jews, how they also all ignore all the land being stolen from palestinians so jews can build more homes, how they ignore the seperation barrier (apartheid wall), how they only give arabs 10% of the water versus 75% to jews, if tomorrow Israel and palestine were to become one state, would you allow the arabs to vote and run for prime minister ? (they would win considering the demographics) Its fine continue to ignore these details and more and pretend ur not a racist state, the whole world watches and sees for themselves the truth.

"Fighting for our very existence"? I know that Israeli politicians can't seem to let go of this old favorite, but realistically, it hasn't been applicable in quite some time. And legitimacy? You've got a long ways to go before you'll convince anyone that ?Israel is fighting for that. Matter of fact, of late it's appears to be working towards acheiving the exact opposite. And I seriously doubt if blackballing and alienating its progressives, intellectuals, and human rights advocates is going to help matters any.

Directly under attack by Israelis and Israel firsters. Yet again, we see Israelis and their supporters not attacking the message but attacking the messenger

The object of the BDS is to destroy Israel as a Jewish sanctuary. 'Apartheid', West Bank etc are mere tools which lure unsuspecting activists to help in destroying Israel. Anyone who lived in Apartheid South Africa knows very well that the analogy with Israel is nonsense. It is simply kicking below the belt for want of better ammunition.

"We are deaing with traitors from within the camp" Indeed? And what normally happens to traitors -"silence them"?,execute them? Use the Dubai hit squad to take them out? It is the next "logical" step isn't it? Labels like "terrorists" and "traitors" are the means to justify state persecution and erode democratic and international law. The illegal west-bank settlements are partially justified for "security reasons"- See how the state manipulates its population thro fear to get them to agree to acts, restrictions & laws they would utterly reject if they weren't afraid.

David have you been living in an other planet? Come and let me guide you trough your beloved Israel and show you the real Apartheid life the Pals and Bedoins are facing every single place and moment of the day. As it does not end there I will show you how the Ashkenazim behave towards the Safartim or the Black Ethiopian Jews.Israel is a land where I woul not tolerate to see my own children grow up. Haq Purim Sameah

If the activists really wanted to liberate occupied Palestinian land and give the natives freedom in their own homeland, then they would at least MENTION the territories on the Jordanian-Occupied East Bank of Palestine. The vast majority of historic Palestine is on the other side of the Jordan River and always has been. Similarly, the vast majority of Palestinians are in Jordan on the East Bank - and always have been. That the anarchists only accuse Israel without even mentioning Jordan, merely confirms that they are anti-Israel and not pro-Palestinian. P.S. Try visiting most any Arab or Islamic state and then tell us about racist Apartheid...

groups with participation of "neturei karta" of "academia" is normal both for enemies of Israel and tolerant Israeli society. Nothing new- Some Jews participated in "Tehran conference on non- Holocaust" and in Stalin's antisemitic policies. It would be racist to insist Jews do not have traitorous scoundrels.

When a state like Israel is established and maintained as a Jewish state then apartheid-like discrimination is built into its very heart. Religion is the major discriminatory factor; but race is also,IF one considers the Jews a particular and indentifiable ethnic group.The Law of Return applying only to Jews is a clear example of this religious & perhaps racial national & legal bias. I was in Israel in 1990 before the intifada and I was struck then by the appalling treatment of Palestinians in Israel proper. There is little doubt in my mind that Israel is as close to an aparthied-like state as exists in the world today.

This is truly a insult to those who suffered and died under Apartheid and a gross misrepresentation of the situation and conflict in Israel. How old are these people? If they are too young to remember maybe they should read a history book and if they are older they should know better. Shame.

After so much international terror, most people side w/ Israel. We see how those who hate Israel more than their own lives have exported their terror to other nations and we hate it and them for doing so. Many nations may have to close their borders to pals or their sympathizers we can't afford more terror by those who wish to destroy both Israel and America.( for starters) The goal to destroy freedom doesn't sit well for those who are free.

Since you're an "expert" on apartheid. How many Arabs are prohibited from voting? What Arabs are prohibited from having high-level jobs like Supreme Court Justice, Cabinet minister, university professor, etc.? What Arabs are prohibited from labor strikes? what Arabs are prevented from using "Jew-only" public facilities? Is there a separate Ministry of Arab Education? Oh, and by the way, I mean all of the above in Israel, not in places like Lebanon which does have many laws such as those against Palestinians.

Brand ... roads The only reason is that there are separate roads is because Arabs shoot at cars with Israeli license plates. Jews ... "class." Everyone has to pass through checkpoints. It's even non-sensical for security reasons to do otherwise. Jews ... IDF. Libero-fascists like you also ignore the IDF forcing evacuations from communities in Judea and Samaria. Or keeping Jews out of Arab villages. Jews build immense colonies on occupied land, Arab houses are demolished. There are rectangular objects filled with paper called "books." Some of these "books" are called "dictionaries." Despite the arduous task, use one to find the definition of "immense." Also, while the area disputed, allowing only Arabs to live there is racist. Of course, racism is the central axiom for Israel bashers like you.