Inappropriate behavior for Jews
The arrest of Iz a-Din Badran, MK Azmi Bishara's aide, due to suspicions that he organized trips by Israeli Arabs to Syria without a permit, testifies to the hardheartedness of the Israeli security system, which does not distinguish between issues of a human-humanitarian nature and issues of security and politics.
By Nazir MajaliThe arrest (which has since been reduced to house arrest) of Iz a-Din Badran, the parliamentary aide of Balad MK Azmi Bishara, due to suspicions that he organized trips by Israeli Arabs to Syria without a permit, testifies to the hardheartedness of the Israeli security system, which does not distinguish between issues of a human-humanitarian nature and issues of security and politics.
Those Israeli citizens whom Badran is suspected of helping traveled to Syria in order to meet family members that they had not seen for 57 years. Most of these citizens are elderly people who became separated from their family members in 1948 in the wake of the expulsion or flight from Israel (depending on whom one asks). Since then, they and their relatives have not met, in spite of the fact that each of them knows where the other lives. These people suffer from daily trauma. A person who lives in Nazareth, for example, has great difficulty digesting the fact that in the 21st century he cannot see his brother or sister, who lives about a two-hour drive away. He lives in constant fear that he will die before he sees his loved ones. These are first- or second-degree relatives - brother and sisters, cousins, uncles and aunts - and even childhood friends. People on whom separation inflicted deep wounds that have not healed during all the intervening years. Many of them in fact died before receiving an opportunity to meet with their loved ones again. The others live in the hope that they will fulfill their dream one day.
And finally, after years of being buffeted between fears and hopes, they received the opportunity to meet their loved ones, thanks to MK Bishara. The meetings were very moving and provided them with moments that they will never forget.
These meetings did not cause any damage, security or otherwise, to Israel. The people who participated in them had no intention of harming Israel. On the contrary, the felt gratitude to the state of Israel and thought that it was turning a blind eye to the meetings for humanitarian reasons. They, in their thousands, returned to Israel full of admiration for MK Bishara, for the Syrian government and for the Israeli government.
MK Bishara, in welcome cooperation with the Syrian authorities, gave them the opportunity to see their loved ones. The Barak government, as well as the first Sharon government, ignored the meetings, as though they considered them a human need that could not be prevented. Among Israeli Arabs, this behavior on the part of people whom they view as knowing only how to expel, occupy, destroy and kill - at least when it comes to them - actually aroused special admiration. By its silent consent to the meetings, the government also enabled Arab citizens to understand the feelings of Jews who were separated by historical circumstances. Each time the Israeli media publicize a story about Jewish family members who met after decades of separation, because of the Holocaust or for other reasons, we are moved, and understand the tremendous joy felt by the relatives.
The encounters between Arab citizens and their relatives in Syria are no less moving. Only people without feelings could wish to prevent these meetings, or to punish those who help to make them possible. And for the Jews, who have had terribly harsh experiences of separation, it is simply inappropriate to cause a similar injustice to other peoples.
The Israeli government would do well to rethink the matter, and to give immediate permission for the meetings to be held. In effect, it should even thank MK Bishara and his aide. They are not only serving their people and helping to carry out a humanitarian mission of the utmost importance, they are also serving the state of Israel. Each person who dies before being allowed to see beloved members of his family will reinforce the hatred and alienation between the two peoples and will strengthen the war-mongerers on both sides. And in contrast, every encounter between families will arouse feelings of gratitude and appreciation on the part of the families on both sides of the border.
The writer is a commentator on Israeli affairs for Arab television stations and the newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat.
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Israel is not a democracy? Why? Because they don't have to count and recount the votes?LOL Ariel Vader Vs Bushinvader? LOL
"Arabs should not be made to pay for the expulsion of Jews", well said, but let me ask one question: "Who would blame the expulsion of Millions of Jews, that most of them live in Israel, from Arab-Muslim lands?". I would like you to study little closer the relationship of the creation of Israel in time when the Jews from ME lands have to go through an internal cleansing from their Arab compatriot. This is the HIstorical Prespective that one has to bring into account. Of course you brought certain assertions that have nothing to do with actual reality on the ground: such as a cohesive Arab community in Israel, prior to its establishment, that were loyal to any concept. As you may see even today's Israel reality, a clan can take over a piece of land , due to the work opportunity in the approximate environment, and call itself a Bedoiun Village. That was exactly what happened when European Jews joined the ME Jews that inhabited Israel, opened up work opportunities for Arab throughout the region: so you have :Sudanese, Syrians, Jordanian many, many Egyptians, coming to Israel to take advantage of the work opportunities creadted by the enterprise Jews from Poland, Germany and so on. Have a good time reading more about this side of history in many publications.
What is this man doing on an Israeli website if jews make him sick ? Are there no Canadian websites ?
Whatever happened to Jews in Morocco, Algeria, Tunis, Egypt, Yemen, etc is not the fault of Palestinians. We weren't running the show in those countries. Also, plenty of Jews were not forced out of their homes, but rather their love for "Zion" is what caused them to leave the Arab countries. For those who were expelled it was done by Yemenis and other Arabs, surely not Palestinians. Save the blame for others. We definitely are not Yemeni, Tunisian, Moroccan, etc. They can pay reparations just like Israel can pay reparations to the Palestinians expelled. You think any Palestinian American will return to Palestine considering most of us here live above the average median income? I truly doubt it. Regardless, Israel must leave all the occupied territories of 1967, and East Jerusalem with it's Muslim and Christian places are to be part of Palestine.
I'm not saying allow every single refugee back, after all many refugees who went to Europe of the U.S. are living quite well, especially those in the U.S. However, once Israel at least in principal can admit to the injustice and expulsion or cause of flight of Palestinians, then maybe such recognition will lead to a peace. I'm not for destroying the Jewish character of Israel, but I'm surely not against the death of Palestine, who's last inhabitants were by far majority Arab. Israel was created by bloodshed, no matter what way you put it. They knew with the start of Zionism they were going to have to get rid of the Arab indegenious population, and the Arabs would not sit by and allow European and Zionist imperialism to take over their country. Just look at reality. As of right now, there is that big beautiful structure known as the Dome of the ROCK which towers Jerusalem. It's creation was not due to Arabs expelling Jews (the Romans are at fault for that) and the Arabs should not be made to pay for the expulsoin of Jews by Romans.
The reason is simple. I don't think there are many Jews interested in returning to those Arab and north African lands whence they came. Many have fond memories of their childhood there and remember some of the good things, but the majority would not return. Receiving compensation is another story, and addressing this issue is absolutely necessary, as is addressing the issue of compensation for those who actually lost property in Israel when they fled. I do not think that alowing Palestinians to return to Israel (in the way you are suggestion that Jews return to Arab lands) is a viable option.
Amin, The way the Palestinian people were forced from their homes to accommodate Israelis in 1947 was another crime against humanity and there must be reconciliation. Israel ought to help you reclaim your Arab village. That's the right thing for them to do. In addition, I favor sending the Israeli settlers back to their country of origin. They have no legal right to Palestinian land. Their presence in the Palestinian territories was built upon a falsehood that must come undone. Dutch
Why stop them from traveling to Syria? Encourage it and let them stay there! If they want to go to Syria so bad, offer them a permanent deal
Since you have stated : "An Israeli Arab and an Israeli Jew do not have the same rights.", Could you please cite and explain Israeli laws that grant significantly greater rights in Isreal proper to a citizen of Israel who is Jewish over a citizen of Israel who is Muslim?
Who would want to read his Biography? His readers from Al-Ahram and Al-Jazeera (his two main bread-earners)? This an article titled: "My Personal Experience with the Israeli occupation" http://www.p4pd.org/lifestories1.html (I think this is the one you're looking for. It is more like a mini-Bio. Sole purpose: show the hatred against his Jewish/Zionist 'rapists' and 'occupiers' that he has harboured since childhood!) Another 'useful' site: http://www.israelipalestinianprocon.org/Biosind/khalidamayreh.html Here's another: http://electronicintifada.net/cgi-bin/artman/exec/search.cgi There's no shortage of info on this guy. Just Google to your heart's content! I also found this, while going through countless links! I'm sure you'll find it as interesting as I did! http://www.free-lebanon.com/LFPNews/BBC/bbc.html Best regards. p.s.: I think there is photo of him in one of these links.
It's just another "cousin" of ours pretending to be an Yid in this free for all talkback for the sake of the Delusional,Misinformation Palestinian Propaganda Machine.
blue70: If you are serious about the issues at hand then please explain to me the following two items: 1. In the identity cards of Israelis, ethnicity is specified: Jew, Arab, Druze, Bedouin. Of course being Jewish in Israel opens many doors to you that are closed to "others". 2. Israel recently passed a law prohibiting Palestinians from marrying Israelis. Please stick to these points and refrain from citing terrible country X that is worst than Israel. I have been to Israel several times and have been fooled before but I won't be fooled again.
Amin and others, Palestine/Israel never belonged to one group. It was a country which was conquered many times, and people came in or out, and changed their religion for different reasons. For example the people of Hebron were Christians, but they changed to islam because they refused to pay the jizyah to the Muslims. Most probably they were Jews in the begining. I visited Emmaus, called by Arabs Imwas, many times. I condemn the destruction of this village as well as the destruction of more than 400 villages by the zionists. I am for the return of the Palestinian refugees home, including the people of Emmaus/Imwas. Now concerning the Jews, many lived in the Arab and Western countries for more than 2000 thousand years. Many came to Palestine/Israel for different reasons, whether legitimate or not. Many are attached to this country for religious reasons, and many of them are obliged to live in this land because Israel refuse them to leave it. But I am against the expulsion of those who live in Palestine/Israel for the only reason they are jews, and in the same time I am against the immigration of all Jews, Christians or Muslims to Palestine/israel for the only reason that they are religously attached to this land. I am for one democratic state with equal rights for all, regardless of their religion. Palestinian refugees should be allowed to come back, although many will not do. Many of the inhabitants will also leave the country as they did in the past. Immigration should be regulated by law, without any privilege to any religious group. I am for the return of the Jews to their countries of origin, including the Arab countries, but I am against their expulsion from where they are now for the only reason of being Jews. I suppose you are also against the expulsion of the Muslims from the Western countries for the only reason that they belong to the religion of Muhammad who came from Arabia. When you say Palestine belongs to Muslims, you are wrong as those who say that Palestine belongs to Jews, or to Christians, or to Druze, or to Samaritans. Palestine belongs to its inhabitants, whatever is their religion. Adn non one should be deiscriminated for his religion. PEACE WILL BE THE FRUIT OF JUSTICE (Isaiah 32:17).
Is there any real comparison between the really sad state of Jews TRAPPED in the Syrian police state unable to immigrate or visit Israel and the subjects in Majali's article? Of course not. Is it appropriate it to bring it up? Of course, given the failure of Israeli Arabs to protest the conditions of Jews in arab countries. Your deliberate ignorance is no excuse.
Amin, feel free to go to where your not-so-distant ancestors came from - present-day Syria, Egypt or Lebanon. Your sense of "justice" is totally different from the will of the international community, which in 1948 had voted to create the two states, Palestine and Israel, decision, which you, Palestinians had rejected and left yourself in limbo since then.
There are Vickery's to be found in every city and every country. Unfortunate. On behalf of Canada, I wish to apologize for his behavior.
Oh really? That's interesting, considering that most Israelis are completely secular and don't live by Jewish principles at all, other than some vague cultural sentiment.
Israel is a theocracy run by generals. Ayatullahs Sharon, Barak, Rabin and ther list goes on. This is a country that is supposed to be the light upon nations. It has become the dark shadow upon Jews, Palestinians and teh rest of the world. Israel is not my country and it will never be.
Yoram, of course the plight of Syrian Jews is just as dispicable, but the article is about another subject. Do you believe that every single issue can be addressed in a one page article? Stick to the issue at hand. Also, how can you demand sympathy for Jewish victims when you give none to non-Jews? I suppose the word hypocrite can describe you as well.
No Chanah, a democracy is a political system in which all have equal rights and equal say in the functions of the government. An Israeli Arab and an Israeli Jew do not have the same rights. Israel is a confused theocracy masquerading as a democracy, much like Iran. In Iran, one is declared as anti-mullah so all action is justified in the name of protecting the state. In Israel, the murder of civilians is implicitly condoned by the state using security as a blanket reason for murder and religious discrimination.
you got that right...bigoted too.... http://www.bluestarpr.com/docs/gay.pdf
unfortunatly Canada has a lot of biggots....
for your information ``GOOD JEWS ``ARE ALL ZIONISTS... You should learn to tolerate us minorities in OUR country of Canada....who died and left you arbiter??? Canadians are usually tolerant...What happened to you???? http://www.bluestarpr.com/docs/gay.pdf
The charade is over.The so called political correct fight for peace and justice is discarded.The veil has been lifted so we can see your real face.The face of ugly extremism: "Chanah said: "He wants the Jews out of Israel." You are wrong on one little point. You should have said "out of Palestine". And you Mr. Daoud? Vickery are wrong on another little point.El Birawi may speak on behalf of Palestinians but does and can he speak on behalf of Iraqis,Yemenis,Algerians,Tunisians and morrocnas who have to accept those Jews and give them abck the houses,proprties and businesses which were stolen from them. What about the Ashkenazi Jews?Oh I forgot they don't deserve a country or a place to live. What about the millions of Germans,Greeks,Armenians,Tibetans,Indians,Turks descendants of peoples displaced from East Prussia,Turkey,Cyprus,Greece,Tibet,India and Pakistan.Shouldn't they have the right to go home to their ancestral lands? What about the Maori in New Zealand?Shouldn't they get their country back:Aetioroua [The Land of the Long White Cloud].I mean what are the European,Anglo New Zealanders doing there.The Maoris too want the English out of New Zealnd or rather out of "Aetiorua"
"It is time to put an end to the israeli apartheid laws against the non-jews and treat all the inhabitants of Palestine/Israel equally, regardless of their religion". Read Nusseibah's message #97 to find out what Jews can expect if Israel woud do what you sugest. Shouldn't Arabs put an end to their fanatical and genocidal extremism too? Are you happy with THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOUR?
"Perhaps we Palestinians should be the very first to promote the right of return of Jews to their homes in Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, Syria, Yemen among others." El-Birawi was being generous, a common quality among Palestinians. He was speaking of Jews native to the Middle East, or Oriental Jews. Chanah said: "He wants the Jews out of Israel." You are wrong on one little point. You should have said "out of Palestine".
Dutch, sarsh expelled Ishmael from her house because of the disruptive nature of ishmael on Issac, which he has continued to do to this very day. Three years ago the Rand Organization{non jewish think tank in Washington) gave Henry Kissinger and 2 other political scientists a $500,000.00 dollar grant to find out who is the cause and what can be done to stop terrorism in the world?? It was supposed to remain secret but the head of the Rand Organization(who was fired because of his action here) released it to the Washington post. Kissinger suggested that the entire Saudi population be expelled and the oil feilds taken away from them PERIOD!! A group of jews paid $14,000,000 for the hot houses left in the Gaza, for the benefit of the 3,000 palestenian workers and the Palestinian economy. 24 hours the very workers burnt it to the ground.. That's the true nature of Ishmael and sarah then as Kissinger today understood too well. ANd u dutch should study your history.
if the arabs didnt attack Israel in 1967, there would be no occupation. The arabs shouldnt pick battles, loose, then cry. Having said that, i hope one day, the arab nations will take in the palestinians just as Israel took in 1 million jews kicked out of arab lands.
.."you people go back to Belarus, Chernobyl, or other lands without people for peopel without lands" You are the best example why Israel needs to have a strong army backed by nuclear deterrence to protect the Jewish people from genocidal maniacs such as yourself and your role model Ahmadinajad. As for Zeev,assuming that he is serious about his messages he is the best exmaple of a self hating Jew [assuming that he is Jewish} with a huge chip on his shoulder who would happilly scarifice his people for the sake of political correctness from the comfort of his peaceful traquil abode on the shores of Lake Leman.
Aren't you glad that Amin embodies the "justice" you crave to impose upon Israel. You're so courageous. What a conscience!
Thank you David for your comment about Canadians giving their land back to the indigenous American peoples. Most people do not understand that the Muslim call for removing the Jews from Israel would be analogous to a Hispanic demand of Americans and Canadians to give their land back to Spain. It just doesn't make a lot of sense...
The difference between Ari and Chanah is a day and night. While one see there are wrongs to be addressed and that both Jews and Palestinians have greivances, Chanah is only concerned and fearful that Arab Jews may chose to go home. Well, Arab Jews can have it both citizens of Israel and citizens of Morocco or Algeria. In the same way that Palestinians can also be citizens of the state of Israel/Palestine and any where else. Yes, we do need to address of injustice on both sides. Why not? Perhaps Chanah can provide an answer?
Avrum What are you talking about man? Where and with whom do you think these people are we dealing here? Not a simple question for you to put surely! Sorry,but I find the whole thing absolutely pathetic. S
Highly recommendable for you to read http://english.daralhayat.com/opinion/02-2004/Article-20040213-b0af2017-c0a8-01ed-004e-5e7a700b8749/story.html http://www.aljazeerah.info/Opinion%20editorials/2003%20Opinion%20Editorials/July/6o/The%20Wall%20Its%20Implications%20And%20Dangers,%20Azmi%20Bishara.htm
Fox This person who calls himself David is not what he says he is believe me. He turns arround in his devious way,apologizes,typically in a whining way to get into your good books.Then he would surely stab you in the back without a thought! Never trust the likes of him! Just ignore it because it isn't genuine at all I assure you. S
The borders enforced upon us are artificial ones, placed there by your occupying predecessors A free and liberated Middle East will one day be reality thanks to the Mehdi and the return of Jesus. (pbuh)
Have you realized how a short time ago they started calling the Israeli Arabs "Israeli Palestinians"? It is not only that article I linked. I have also seen it here, on these talkboards by some contributors. Get well. I think I am going to sleep in a while. I'm worn out.
Amin Get something straight.Emmaus is the correct name and nothing to do with any Jewish realtors you ignorant man. The name was,and still is as it was then,nothing can alter history.It is the likes of you that tend to do this. It is in your mentality and your nature.Poor things I really feel sorry for you. You may want to twist the historical fact but it is futile to deny it. The name derives from ancient Syrian/Greek= during the period of the Greek Empire.Nothing at all to do with Israel or the Jews.Please pick a book on ancient history before you make such silly assumptions. Haven't you had any education at all? Goodbye S
Its ironic how your screen name implies peace and liberty , but you advocate the Violent removal of and Imprisonemnet of a man who's only crime was the reunification of family members torn apart by violence and war.
rustam, it is a crazy thing to respond to nazi like dutch. forget it, i would prefer to discuss things with goebbels than with khalid, dutch, nusseibe, addis, prince, wikkery etc. stop to recognize them. period.
If I understood El-Birawi correctly, he proposes that all Jews from Arab and North African countries return to those lands where they would be accepted with open arms, and he believes that they should then be compensated. "Perhaps we Palestinians should be the very first to promote the right of return of Jews to their homes in Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, Syria, Yemen among others." He wants the Jews out of Israel.
Both of you should be speaking for yourselves only and not for the collective Palestinian "we": Amin - ".....and you people go back to Belarus, Chernobyl, or other lands without people for peopel without lands" El-Birawi - "I think the Jewish community always enriched the Muslim and Arab culutre, they are part of our world, and they should be." I'm not going to even comment on Amin's declaration, but El Birawi - you apparently think that Jews are okay in the Middle East as long as there is no Israel. We "enriched" the Muslim culture did we? And what thanks did we get. As long as we are "enriching" and "contributing" and doing good for others then we have a right to breathe. But as soon as we want to be ourselves, live according to how we want to live without being at the mercy of other nations (who invariably and repeatedly turned against us when our presence was no longer use ful or convenient or advantageous) then you object. If you like us so much and think that we are so wonderful, you should be happy for us that we are finally home after wandering for 2000 years. The Jewsih people are a nation and as has an independent state. You claim not to believe in citizen rights dependent on religion. You are correct. 20% of Israels citizens are not Jewish. Jordan, however, has a law against granting citizensship, or even selling land, to Jews. So please first apply your principles to your own peoples before applying them to Israel, which has ever right to decide who and who not to grant citizenship to.
Many countries in the ME were "created" this last century. Why no call to return all the lands there to the original inhabitants? Why did the PLO not object when Jordan OCCUPIED the land before 1967? Any Pal please respond.
Fox You've said it,YES OH YES!Let all the doors be wide open,OPEN FOR EVERYONE! What the blazes is going on,what are they thinking of? How can this be happening and who in hell is really in charge here.If it wasn't so pathetic I'd laugh my head off,honestly. Sorry,but this is getting too much like a comedie-francais. Which brings me to the point.Please read Kim's posts to me and you will have it all confirmed for good measure.I have just been there,but since I knew what to expect wasn't very surprised. A belated Hgsameah S
thanks for your acknowledgement of the need to settle accounts regarading jewish property left behind in arab countries. My grandparents were from Algeria. Like all jews, their property was confiscated. Today, it would worth a lot of money. UNtil this issue, like many others are addressed, there will be no justice for jews or arabs.
Israel is a racist apartheid dictatorship, not a democracy.
I don;t understand how his boss retains his saet in the Knesset? He should move to the PA and run there...I appreciate Israel's sense of fair play but allowing Bishira to rant against the state should be illegal. He sounds like a Hizbellah member//, not a mmebr of Israeli government.
Hi KJJ, I sincerely hope you have a great Chanukah. David/Daoud
Any one with some knowledge of the Middle East can and should know that the odds are in favor of a Jew going home to his country than a Palestinians going back to his. The entire world support the Jew to go home, while the world does not bother to enforce the so many resolutions in favor of the Palestinians going home. Of course if and when the Arab Jews go back home, it will upset the very idea of Zionism. I support the right of Jews in the Arab world as citizen as a matter of the right thing to do, since I do believe that citizenship and rights should not be based on religion or ethnic origin. Perhaps we Palestinians should be the very first to promote the right of return of Jews to their homes in Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, Syria, Yemen among others. I think the Jewish community always enriched the Muslim and Arab culutre, they are part of our world, and they should be.
Zeev. in your last post, you cite the village of Emmaus. Emmaus is really the Arab Imwas, where my family originates. It was always, is and will be Imwas, and never was, is, or will be Emmaus. Emmaus is just a name dreamed up by clever Jewish realtors. I am not crazy for wanting my property and all of Palestine back. Your kind of justice, in which I share Imwas with Nussbaum, is not justice. Real justice, as recognized by the international community, is that I get all of Imwas back, and you people go back to Belarus, Chernobyl, or other lands without people for peopel without lands
Orquest I injured myself on the ice a few minutes ago,can hardly type. Please see Kim's posts to me. S
Fox I was deeply disturbed by your response and I have to admit that my understanding is very one sided. I have great sympathy for the Palestinians of the West Bank, having lived among them for more than two years. I wish you were a more typical example of Israelis. You sound to me more of a good Jew rather than a zionist. I wish only the best for you and your family, but I have greater feelings for my friends in Nablus who are suffering because of the Israeli occupation that you apparently support.
They openly call for Israels destruction and expect to be trusted.? What an inane article.It is just a forum for venting spleen.
I have also seen Khalid, Amira Hass, Gideon Levi, the ISM on the same websites.
I'll now look for that biography. If I find it, I'll let you know. Have you seen the article about the "wall" by Knesset member in one of those sites I linked? He must also be in the ISM.
Kim, Thanks for the link. It's enough to make you want to scream. Have a happy new year.
Arabs are demanding humanitarian gestures, while not even wanting to give Israel information about MIA Ron Arad. Sweep before your own door.
If it wasnt for the ARABS who are the ones responsible for blocking access and recognizing Israel and actually making steps to move towards diplomacy instead of trying to make problems, than it could have been much simpler.... Today in Syria, there is 250 Jews living, in fear and hostilities..... Theyre movement is restricted, there communication with families in France, Israel or USA is restricted, yet.. Nazri has the guts to insult Israel/jews on that issue
Kim, I don't support Hamas' killing like I don't support the Israeli Army killing. But I can understand why Hamas rejects the legality of Israel. Israel is still not legal under the terms of UN 181 & UN 194. However, I am glad to see Hamaswilling to tolerate it and their desire to join the political system. I think that's very good news. Israel should work with the process--not fight it. Remember, the Stern Gang members joined the IDF when it was formed. Thus militant groups do assimilate and change their ways, Cheers! Dutch .
ha ha ha ha.....
..Most American revile poor Benedict Arnold as a scondrel...but for for him... today we in America might be drinking tea, singing "God Bless the Queen" and avoiding the dentist. For it was Arnold who played a crucial role in the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, which persuaded France to help defend the colonists in the Revolutionary War.
Dutch, So you believe that Israel is a shadow of darkness compared to other nations. I think you need to take a tour of Syria, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Iran, Pakistan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, China, North Korea, Tibet, Iraq, ... Make sure you take a flashlight and give up whatever it is that you have been smoking.
.. and South Koreans should go to North Korea, Americans to Cuba,North Koreans to the south, Japanese to the Kuriles,Eritreans to Ethiopia.. but let's start with the Jews first. They have always been the scapegoats of history, so in the season of goodwill, let's keep the tradition!!
Hey Kim Thank goodness I managed to get it.In french it so happens but there it was, in black and white. You know what,when some people here give us many web sites an I try them I never seem able to access them.I usually go tot Google.But this time I went straight through to the "Site" and it worked. The one I really want to see is:Khalid's biography that some people have mentioned,but did not give the name of the site.It certainly was not in Al-Jazeera... Regards S
I have first hand knowledge of how Jews treated in Muslim countries. Overall treatment of non-Muslims by Muslims with a few exception where it suited a purticular leader have been horrendous. All you have to ask is what happened to the once very large and ancient Jewish communities in the middle East under Muslim rule. Even before 1948 it had been severly diminshed. Jews are now all but extinct in the middle east outside of Israel. Just because Muslims claim that they respect Jews does not make it so.
You are biased against Israel, Dutch. Aren't you an ISM member? You say Israel belongs to the "Pals" and that the whole Palestine (since Roman times to 1948)belonged to them. Is that why you support the Hamas and co.?
KJJ, At least, I have shreds of my goodwill left --Israel has nothing. There's not a church, a peace group, a university, a stockbroker or a sports organization that will endorse its illegal occupation and settlements and targeted killings.. Instead of being a light upto the nations Israel represent a shadow of darkness in the world. Dutch
I am constantly amazed at our Israeli government to have/allow these people to serve as members of the Knesset get paid and enjoy all the perks. But,on the other hand I well remember in Lyndon Johnson's biography quoting on the subject of The FBI Director,THAT he'd prefer having him "inside the tent pissing out" rather than "outside the tent pissing in".Deluded as some of us seem to think perhaps our Israeli leaders are not as naive as we may think eh? Time will tell and hopefully we will be more vigilant and remember what the intentions of our enemies may be and act well in advance! S
This one is also interesting (not censored) http://luccas.eu.org/?dispid=6 June 20, 2004 "The Israeli Palestinian Knesset member Azmi Bishara denounces the colonialist and Apartheid policy of the Israeli governments"
Dr. Freud, What about Israel's heartless founding mother Sarah who sent Ishmael's mother out of the house and into the desert because she was jealous and suspicious of her. What a heartless role model she is for humanity or compassion. Dutch
Unless he renounces his double standards he must resign from his post,or be thrown out forthwith.We cannot have enemies within and without! And you Daoud from Canada,I suggest you keep out of it. You cannot serve two masters,either one or the other.Just be a good canadian boy and abide by their rules there! As for this Bishara,the insidiousness of his ilk should poscribed forever. S
Hi, S. Please read my previous post and also take a look at this link. As you can see, it is censored by the UN. Please look at "Auteurs" (on top of the page, on the right). http://luccas.eu.org/index/pays/mot14.html
The Man, What about a government that plays every trick in the book to build illegal settlements instead of making peace for their people which places them more at risk for suicide bombings. If that isn't evil and sinful enough in itself. Then they place a defenseless Palestinian population under an Israeli boot and gun and deny them their lawful and just rights to their land and wish to poison their prospects for a Palestinian state with a formaldeyhe plan. That government i feel should be considered part of the axis of evil. Dutch
Rustam, please go back to the history books, and you will see that it was Christian Europe that prosecuted and killed the Jews in the millions. While agreeing that the Arab and Muslim world is not a heaven for all, it is much better for Jews than any where else.
Mr.jingle This Bishara should either be imprisoned or better still deported without any further prevarication. Why even discuss the subject? The evidence shows what he did with an ulterior motive and the dire consequences for our security. THROW THE BOOK AT HIM! NEXT TIME-IF NOT ALREADY COMMITTED,ENTRY OF FURTHER TERROR GROUPS WILL BE THE RESULT. S
Nazir Majali is conmpletely right. Sharon should act quickly to return things to the way they were under the Barak and Sharon I governments.
On MK Bishara and others http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/762/re7.htm
Think about it, even if you are the most peace loving Arab in the world. Remember the wedding in Amman? The Syrian-Iraqi- Connection? Please spare us the Khalid BS.
Sorry about the presentation of my previous post. I am sure that you got the idea, that I was in a hurry to put my 2 cents worth of input.
We are in the state of war either we trust or we don't trust, and frankly we don't trust one single arab; if you send your own children to explode who can even begin to trust you? not even God him self. Stop the niceties and adress terrorism among your people.
Though I read your posts with great pleasure, I do have to make an exception to your last post where you trying to explain the historical traditional bent of the "dark skinned Jews"(excuse me I am not attributing this designation to you but to Wikery)does not include University education. Please allow me to remind you that Maimonides was instructed, educated in the first worl University Kairouen of Fez ( though maybe Al Azhar, the Great University of Cairo would like the dispute the crown) And the greates Rabbis and Poets and Jewish judges that have come out of it, way when Poland , Russian and the rest of Ashkenaz world was still in the shtetl. Now, I don't want to carry on the great literature produced by the descandant of "the dark skinned Jews" throughout the world and centuries. Let jus leave it at that this time, maybe we might have time to expand on the actual social and economic reasons of the dissemination of the artistic creativity of the same people. Thanks.
Any Israeli Arab in a desperate need to meet a Syrian relative can easily arrange for a get together in Jordan, Egypt or a number of other countries. Heck they can even do that in Gaza now. This is more that can be said about the Syrian Jews being held hostage by the Syrian regime. MK Bishara is a traitor who openly calls for hostility towards the country whose parliment he is a member of. He clearly does not believe in the rule of law and is a subversive. It is amazing that he is still in the Keneset rather than a jail cell. It is unthinkable that an Amrican doing what Mr. Bashara has done would be walking the streets let alone serve in the congress.
You are suggesting that the million Jews who were expelled from Arab countries and whose properties were confiscated as well their decendants return to their countries of origin. Before extending the offer to us to return and be further persecuted can you tell us whether all the Arab and Islamic countries are willing to modify their laws to make non-Muslims fully equal citizens? If the answer is yes please start now with the existing non-Muslim populations. Can you make sure that the copts in Egypt are not persecuted and killed. That they have equal rights. That they can become judges, mayors etc.? You might even consider to give equal rights and treatment to minority Muslim pouplations (Shiites in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Sunnis in Iran). How about some humane treatment of fellow Muslims in Sudan?
Pompous and pink you love to speak of the "dark skinned" Jews. David from the Vickery wrote "if Israel didn`t impose so many restrictions on Arabs who try to elevate their economic situation the problem of poverty would be less." Actually David, I would say that if the Arab community as a whole in Israel was as into education, as the children at my son's mixed Arab-Jewish school then the Arabs would be just fine. the fact of the matter is that education was not a priority for many of these farmers for generations if not the melenium. the idea of university as a natural end to education is a European and american concept, and is finally taking hold throughout Israeli society. I know quite a few Arab Israelis and they are well educated and making a heck of a lot more money than I am. Your silly genralizations are the product of a lazy mind which makes no effort to seek the truth. If you would focus on why Haaretz does not hire Arab reporters this would be an interesting question, the answer would probably be numbing. Heck David I really wish I was ignorant, then I could find your comments interesting, here is another quote sir, David the occupier wrote; "Also poverty is not restricted to the Arab population but exists big time among the dark-skinned "Jewish" peoples that Israel imports for demographic reasons." what a load, eh! I also happen to be married to a woman of "dark-skin". I like dark skin, my wife is beautiful and far more intelligent than pink skinned you. Her family was not imported to Israel. They came because they wanted to...needed to. They are doing well, most of the family is doing just fine thank you. But I must admit that my Ashkenazi roots are still more into the importance of university learning more than they are. this is not racism, this is the culture. The European Jews came here educated, from moment go they were in control and for generations have seen their children populating the universtiesk, this is a priority. Simple as that, priorities. Then you go on to discuss moral decay of secular society, cute. Especially when Israel's murder rate is the same as Vancouver's, its numbers of rapes lower. And yes women still feel comfortable taking a walk after midnight in "decaying" Tel Aviv.
What are the rules and regulations of travelling abroad for residents of Israel. MKs should know. If the rules do not allow visits between Syria and Israel then families should plan to meet at a mutal common country. Am I being too simple here ?
Oh are we not horrible? How low have we fallen? Woe is me on this one-day=-after-X-mas-day. It is true the falling of a tree on Palestinian soil, has been deemed worse than simple rape and as henious as the slaughter of a family. Yes this is what the insanity has come to. Apartheid, ethnic cleansing, Nazi tactics, all this garbage is being tossed at us from all directions, pop-cultures evil ogre. AND if all this was not horrible enough, on this day when we commemorate the tsunamis ( a zionist plot) we are now faced with the disgusting crime of preventing tourism. Oh my god! How could we. Many an angry frothing diet-leftist is going mad, trotting out the court in the Hague, winding up the machinery of rhetoric and bastardization. Israel the evil one is not allowing Arabs to visit their relatives in Syria, a country which we still happen to be at war with. The Horror! Fine, so these folks are not allowed to visit their relatives. In the spirit of the birth of Jesus, and the Festival of light and miracles let us open the gates of Syria to Jews who would like to visit their Syrian relatives as well. While the ball is rolling their are many Libyan Jews who have not been back to Tripoli for years. while they are at it Kdaffi Duck can give them back their properties as well. They can even visit the Palestinian physician who is jailed for evily passing on the AIDS virus to Libyan children. No, No, let President Katzav go back to visit his home in Iran. He can take Mofaz with him and Dan Halutz, all former Persians. then there are the Iraqi Jews, who would love to go back to Bagdad, dressed in Jackets and ties, to sit in their former coffee haunts. Throw the gates of the middle east open, let the traffic go both ways, when this glorious day happens I will feel badly for those poor Palestinians who only wanted to visit their relatives in Syria.
again...YAWN....
the ism mole thinks he can hurt by use of the hilarious "oh so secular society" boy the mole is daring.
How punative Israeli officials have become. Imagine, arresting a man whose only crime was helping to bring some people who were kept apart by their cruel policies. it's inhumane. Dutch
"Also poverty is not restricted to the Arab population but exists big time among the dark-skinned "Jewish" peoples that Israel imports for demographic reasons." Do you want to give a reference to support your claims. Actually, poverty is most prevelant amongst two groups; Arab Muslims and Orthodox Jews. So which group is Israel discriminating against.
does james trickery feel that he is thus qualified to preach to us? is he without sin? did not canada behave shamelessly in somalia? did not canadian troops as part of the united nations in africa behave abominably on many occasions? does the ism mole think that if canada were fighting this war they would behave better then they behaved in africa under the un flag? jesus told the offender "go and sin no more" sound advice david james trickery.
has it occurred to the ism mole that israeli families would much rather keep their children at home with them then send them to the army? does david james trickery think israeli parents like the idea of their off-spring being turned into instruments of war? why does this man insist on telling us what we should do about our problems?is it not up to israel to settle? has it occured to the ism mole that israeli parents crave peace?that if they knew peace were obtainable on almost any half reasonable terms they would throw out any politician standing it the way of this peace?
Barry, if Israel didn't impose so many restrictions on Arabs who try to elevate their economic situation the problem of poverty would be less. Also poverty is not restricted to the Arab population but exists big time among the dark-skinned "Jewish" peoples that Israel imports for demographic reasons. Israeli Arabs are not responsible for the moral decay of Israeli oh-so-secular society.
Syria is still at war with Israel, continuing to use the proxy Hezballa militia to attack Israel. Syria also allows various Palestinian terrorist organizations to use its territory. The Hamas leader, Mishal, resides in Damascus. For the above reasons, Israel must be careful of espionage by Syrian, Hezballa or Hamas agents. Thus, it is perfectly reasonable to restrict visits by Israeli citizens to Syria.
It was probably possible for American Jews to visit our relatives in Romania during the period of Ceausescu, however, the Romanians probably also received a visit from the "securitate" (secret police.) Today, it is almost impossible for Cuban exiles to visit their relatives in Cuba, and the cubanos most definitely are not coming to visit their relatives in the United States. If Syria would ever make peace with Israel like Egypt did, these travel issues could be covered in a peace treaty.
may i remind you that jesus said: judge not lest you be judged. this also applies to ism moles.
This article is a non-issue. If Israeli Arabs want to meet Syrian relatives, why cant they mutually agree to meet in Paris? Cuban Americans and Cuban citizens often meet in Canada.
david james trickery is an ism mole.why is this ism mole coming to this site every day including on christmas and boxing day? why is this righteous man's conscience not telling him that there are are huge tragedies in the world to attend to?why is this ism mole so obsessed with israel? if this righteous man is so intent on doing good why does he not contact the united states which has huge problems on its hands in iraq? has he written to the new york times on a daily basis?is it just the jews that bother him?
"I also know that the doors of the Arab world are open to Jews, even those with Israeli passport to come back to their homes." There are a million Iraqi Jews and thier descendants in Israel, US, and EU. Even with US Army enforcing some measure of democracy in Iraq, are the doors of Iraq open for the Jews to come back to thier homes? The trouble with many Arabs is that you believe in your own lies.
I think it is outrageous that our enemeis are allowed to come and go as they please. Maybe the gov't should have allowed them to leave and stay in syria, and not return. That would solve the poverty problem. Israel's problem is not with the ones who want to go, its with the ones who want to stay.
Israel? A democracy? No. Israel? A religous state? No. Israel? A state that cannot make up its mind about what is right, but has the worst trappings of so many political systems, including the worst of all--Ariel Vader Sharon? Oh, the last one is not a question.
"This is why Ishmael, the forefather of the arabs, is reffered to in the bible as a "beast of a man"." Dr. Freud, a shmart man like you should know that you do not make a statement (above) without providing a reference. Where in the bible does it refer to Ismael as "a beast of a man"?? I'm sorry but all I can think of are those crazy settlers in Hebron...and you dare to talk of beasts?
Well I am not a member of ISM. What makes you think there is any kind of shame attached to ISM activities?? They do good, in much the same way that Christian Peacemaker Teams do in Iraq and in Palestine. Israeli efforts to discredit ISM did not succeed, which is a fact you seem to have missed.
they receive a large portion of the transfers made by the state to the poor.and they abuse the state.and they plot and plan terrorist attacks.
Be careful, you misspeled my name. Sure, there is already number of groups on the ground, composed of persons that are studying the complexity of the situation, not for the Israelis from various Arab-Muslim to return to their countries of origine (to return to systems that consider the Jews as Dhimmis, please spare me your so called the equitable justice), but to claim the possessions our fathers and forfathers left there. It was not the Zionism that drove the Jews of Mehdi to leave their countries of centuries old eshtablishment: Proof look at Brasi, Argetina, Mexico, North America all of Europe. They all have one thing in common is to allow themselves and their progeniture to grow and develope in a very open and equale society where they will be considered full fledged citizens with rights and obligations; not jus being the Jews of the Bay, The Emperor or the Jews of the King. No, my friend all the Jews from around the world and in Israel would like to get from their Arab-Muslim government is to recognise the legal demand for the return of the Trillions and Trillions of property belonging to the Jewish people, and nothing else. Yes , as the world becomes so small, everyone is desirous in visiting other countries and other cultures. There is no desire to return from Zion to the Lands of the Mehdi. Good luck to you in your endeavours, which will not include the Jews from Arab-Muslim lands.
he appears on the sattellite stations posing as an expert on israel.this in addition to getting a salary as a member of the knesset. he is abusive of the jewish state and his audience laps it up.
david james trickery should be open with the site.he is a full fledged ism member.
"Inappropriate behavior for Jews" for Haaretz = Jews trying to stay alive and live in Israel.
Compassion? You mean like the compassion the arabs show captured (and dead)Israeli soldiers and reservists? Don't they hold up their bloody intestines and gouged eyeballs in blood lust excitement for all to see? How about some respect for the dead (and theirliving relatives) by returning their bodies for proper burial. This is why Ishmael, the forefather of the arabs, is reffered to in the bible as a "beast of a man".
While I know that AlMoghraby is not your real name, I know the family quite well, nevertheless, you should have read all my posting that covers the issued of Arab Jews, who left the Arab countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Syria and Iraq among others. I have proposed an international commission to look at the claims of all the Jews who left the Arab world and look into details the background and the events leading to the Jews leaving the Arab world. I have also called on many occasions for the rights of Jews to return to the country of their origin and to claim whatever they left behind. To me, this is a matter of rights and is non-negotiable. Are you willing to support such an independent international commission that will look at all the claims of Jews from Arab world. I also know that the doors of the Arab world are open to Jews, even those with Israeli passport to come back to their homes. Iknow opening of the files on the plight of Arab Jews will be like opening a pandora box and you may find things about your Zionism that you will not be very happy with. It is only fair for you to go back to your country.
"I`m getting sick of some of you people." then dont write - nobody listens to you anyway do yourself a favour - there must be save a rain forest or a whale or a seal somewhere. saving palestinians is not your forte in life BM
G-d`s choosing the Jews came with the proviso that they be "a light unto the world" This "Chosen people" nonsense is primarily a Christian concept of Jews, I don't know many, if any, Jews who go around thinking of themselves as "chosen" (Maybe a few religous wackos, but the Palestinans have those too, those who claim G-d gave them Palestine as a Wafq)) And our claim to live in a homeland, the same as anyone else, is not based on "choseness".
So in other words, we are not allowed to be the same as other people. We are different, the other. We have a special mission. And if we are not perfect, then we are not entitled to the same rights as others. Stop dehumanizing the Jews. You should get out more and try to meet some real Jews. I think you'll find we are not creatures from another planet, but the same as you, some good, some bad. Do you know how much misery people with attitudes like yours have caused in the world, and not just to Jews. If you only knew.
Though as a human being who has suffered his parents, his grand parents in the hands of the Muslim,kicked out of their pessesions like hundred of thousand of Jews in the Arab-Muslim lands (ocuupied by the Saudis from the 7th century onward), I have the utmost compassion for you, unfortunately our neighbours in the land where we lived for centuries, have not even asked us whetherwe needed any assistance. But your story is not completely without a recourse. In the same breath that you reminding us that there was a Israeli Jew who succomb to corruption, and you have triumphed the "terrible, inhuman Israeli recklenessnes", your story is full of holes. But we are talking of some people who will not stop from ignoring the common sense and spreading about the Israeli Jews all sorts of a thoushand stories, whether they are made up or even remotely connected to the reality. Sorry man,be careful about spreading your personal biography around, you might believe it.
Only a small minority of Jews believe that their right to establish a homeland in Israel is based on G-d. Don't you know that Zionisim was predominately a secular movement, and most Israelis are secular. When are bigots like you going to stop fetishing the Jews and treat us like everyone else.
This article really raises the absurdity level to a new high...Now Israel isn't even allowed to require that its MP's abide by the laws of the land. The Arabs have really figured out what our weaknesses are and the left is all too willing to fall into their psychological game playing. Jewish guilt. If it wasn't so pittiful it would be laughable.
1) The phrase "A light unto the world" is open to varied interpretations, many of which are not based upon moral supremecy. 2) Jewish claim to lands between the Jordan river and the med. sea is justified by history (past and recent)as much as by mythology. You can't dig around in the ground just anywhere and find Hebrew inscriptions, Jewish mosaics, specifically Jewish ritual baths, and Jewish bones. 3) If you are getting "sick of some of you people", then stop seeking out these people. You live in Canada, it is some 5,000 miles away from Israel. Is someone forcing you at gunpoint to read the yammerings of basically anonymous folk in the comment section of an Israeli online newspaper? Shall we call the police?
r you talking about the laws of dhimmitude whereby arab muslims persecute non muslims or the gender apartheid of the arab world. please explain which of the above 2no evils you are taking about.
In answer to your usual diatribe against the Jews: "Well if this is what you believe, what makes you think that the Jews have any claim on the land of Israel? G-d`s choosing the Jews came with the proviso that they be "a light unto the world". I`m getting sick of some of you people." History, language, culture, religion are my claims .... exactly the same as say the claims of arabs in the M.E, Greeks in Greece etc. Now, what is that makes you think that the whities have any claim on the land they stole from the natives and renamed Canada ?
Or the Jews remaining in Arab countries? Will Addis, Mazen, and Vickery be writing to arab papers in those countries about their mistreatment or refusal to allow them to go to Israel? No, they won't, because "human rights" concerns stop when it comes to the Jews. Right fellows? Where is a Majali article on that? Too hard to write on Majali?
I will always remember the pain and sufferings of my late parents when the Israelis refused to give residence permit for my retired father to stay in his house in El-Bireh with my mother. Both retired to El-Bireh after 25 years of living in the US. My father for years had to travel to Cyrus every three months to get a tourist visa. In the end he scummed and gave a substantial bribe to an Israeli who arranged for him the residency permit, to be with his old wife and in his own house, not in a settlement or a stolen home, but his own house. Well, there will always be two laws, perhaps three, one for Jews, superior to all others, and the other laws are for the no so fortunate one who happens to be non-Jews. What else one can say. It is best to leave it at that.
Hence, these relatives are just PLO fascists who are part of an enemy state. Meeting them is treason.
"The notion (by both Jews and non-Jews alike)that Jews should be some sort of moral vanguard for the world is racist, damaging and should be dispelled once and for all." Well if this is what you believe, what makes you think that the Jews have any claim on the land of Israel? G-d's choosing the Jews came with the proviso that they be "a light unto the world". I'm getting sick of some of you people.
It is a human tragedy that there is no peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Many attempts have been made to create a way to facilitate the human communication between various parties that have been affected by the conflict, at no avail. Sure, Israel as a democratic country should facilitate the continued connection by creating an environment conducive to a human fulfilment. But Israel has laws and regulations that have to be obeyed, whether Jews or Arab. It is on this level that the whole sorry story has to be viewd. In the 21st century ( an idea remarked by the writer) there are many ways of conducting contact with cousins, and family not seen for quite a while: Technology, also Jordan and Egypt. So, please without getting into Mr. Bisharas' past behaviour, and in the actual fact that many Israeli Arabs who were able to be reunited with their brethren in visiting with them in countries with which Israel has no diplomatic relations, kindly check the basic element of your story. The groups have not follow the laws that do apply to Jews as wwell as to any citizen of the State of Israel. That is the basic which ought to orient the writer to the question, why do they have to entrave the laws of the land, a democratic land. The point in contest is not the visit of the Israeli Arabs to Syria, but it is the fact that they did it without paying any regard to the laws. Please, again don't try to make an accuse a victim...
One of the most basically mistaken perceptions of democracy is that it means that everyone has the right to do as he pleases without any repercussions. False. Democracy includes obligations as well as rights and that the the basis of the Law and adherence thereto. Without laws there is no democracy - only anarchy. One of the most basic principles of democracy to upholding and adherence to the law, and anyone in a democracy who violates these is infringing upon the rights of others. Those who break laws should be punished in order to safeguards the rights of those who uphold the law. This is part of democracy.
It is. The yes-no-maybe-resignation of Qurei is a farce, which has no place in any society. We are not playing her with dolls and trains, you ahve to run a country.
I am all for family reunions between Israeli and or Palestinian Arabs region wide, as long as this is the only thing which is on the agenda. As soon as Arab MK's start joining anti-Israeli meetings, this should have consequences for them. Critizising Israel is one thing, conspiring against it is another thing. No civilized European state would allow its MP's to do such a thing. Dutch politicians have been forced to resign for less worse offences.
one rule applies and that is self-defence and not taking any chances. i take my lead on this one from the arabs themselves....they butcher each other because they dont trust each other.....therefore, i dont trust them and israel shouldnt either. and i'm right and you can call me a racist but it doesnt suddenly change what i have said from right to wrong
Dear Mazen, I'm sorry I upset you, you're right on every point. At the same time I'm sorry you have no sense of humor and so misunderstood me completely. Now it's your turn to apologize for making me feel bad.
The critized behavior can perhaps be considered inappropriate. However, it is (positive) discrimination to believe Jews should behave in a 'more appropriate' manner simply because they are believed to share similar experiences. Inherent in this statement is a belief that Jews should behave better than everyone else. The notion (by both Jews and non-Jews alike)that Jews should be some sort of moral vanguard for the world is racist, damaging and should be dispelled once and for all.
Although I can't see the security threat you are talking about , but I agree with you regarding those who want to reunite with their relatives, but I think we will disagree on the terminology: they should RETURN, not emigrate.
This is not the first time that Israeli politicians bahave in an immoral way. Should I remember you: - the destruction of 400 palestinian villages? - the expulsion of their inhabitants for the only crime of being non-jews - the uprooting of thousands and thousands of olive tress, - etc., etc., etc, etc., etc.... It is time to put an end to the israeli apartheid laws against the non-jews and treat all the inhabitants of Palestine/Israel equally, regardless of their religion. PEACE WILL BE THE FRUIT OF JUSTICE (Isaiah 32:17).
Iz a-Din Badran was not around when the Holocaust took place, so I guess it would be impossible to demand from him to rescue Jews during the Holocaust. Even the Jewish Agency did not resue Jews in the Holocaust, and you are demanding that a person who was not born at that time to rescue Jews? Did the Syrian govenrmnet protest the expulsion from Spain? This could be new for you; but the Syrian government did not exist then, there was no independant state called Syria then. An besides, even if there was one, I think they would have protested the expulsion from Spain since most of the expellees were muslim. Believe it or not, most of them were muslim, and Jews were expelled because they were part of the Arab community in Spain that was expelled then. Yes Daniel, you have to admit it, Jews don't have a monopoly over suffering, other also suffer, others could be victims. Daniel, I think you should put more thought into what you write here, this is not good for your image, after all, what will the "goyim" think? That the son of Israel is not smart and not well read in history?
I think the author has forgotten that Israel and Syria are still in a state of war. Israeli citizens traveling to Syria are liable and most probably do give information to the Syrian authorities. Perhaps if these relatives want to be united they should emigrate.
Unlike your "democracies" in which you pay to brake the law
Humanitarian gesture! Did Iz a-Din Badran rescue Jews during the Holocaust? Did the Syrian government protest the Expulsion from Spain? The goyim only think of themselves. We will never forgive! We will never forget!
Remember Capucci? the senior church cleric also delivering humanitarian services to the "poor palestinians?" And what did they ( the naughty boys in the IDF)find in the trunk of his car?? Automatic rifles and other weapons... These people have brought lies and deception into an art form.
Syria is Israel's enemy. If our 5th column is so hell-bent on visiting our enemies, then they should move there. They already support them, so why not just complete it? It's really quite simple.
If this were purely the humanitarian story presented in this article there might be some justification for the breaking of the law. But of course it is not that. It is a political story and Osmi Bashara outdid himself in Syria calling for an end to Israeli democracy and for Jews to go back to Europe( perhaps including those who did not come from there) So it is yet another of the thousands of instances in which anti- Israel Arabs take advantage of a situation of real human need and exploit it for political advantage. Bashara more than his assistant should be , if not in jail, then deprived of Israeli citizenship and deported to the Palestinian Authority.
I would be more sympathetic if the Israeli Arabs did not support the Al Aqsa Intifada and so many were not caught beign trained in Syria to participate in terrorism in Israel. We are at war with Syria, and when the Jews of Syria can visit their relatives in israel without fear we should consider reciprocation.
While generally speaking I agree with the writer the these visits do not consitute any threat to the security of Israel, saying that the visitors who were able to see their brothers and sisters felt gratitude and admiration for the Government of Israel is a far reaching conclusion. One should always bear in mind that this government is continuing the same racist policies that led to the expulsion in 1948, and the same governmnet in the one that consistantly proclaims, in every possible occasion, that there is no such thing as the right to return. Thanking the governmnet of Israel for "allowing" these visits is like thanking a criminal because he only raped the victim and did not kill her.
They did the same thing to Mr. Raad Salah even to a jewish girel Tali Fahima. What do we expect from the only democracy in Middle East?