In the United States today, it just isn't possible to have a civil debate about Israel, because any serious criticism of its policies is instantly countered with charges of anti-Semitism. Think Israel's tactics against Hezbollah were too heavy-handed, or that Israel hasn't always been wholly fair to the Palestinians, or that the United States should reconsider its unquestioning financial and military support for Israel? Shhh: Don't voice those sentiments unless you want to be called an anti-Semite — and probably a terrorist sympathizer to boot.
How did adopting a reflexively pro-Israel stance come to be a mandatory aspect of American society? Ironically, skepticism — a willingness to ask tough questions, a refusal to embrace dogma — has always been central to the Jewish intellectual tradition. This tradition remains alive in Israel, where respected public figures routinely criticize the government. When we stifle any kind of rational, open, honest debate we all lose
2006-08-31 22:33:16 · 13 answers · asked by That English Dude 2 in News & Events ➔ Current Events
You are absolutely right. It is impossible to express any misgivings about Israel or the United State's support of Israel without the majority of people crucifying you as a rabid anti-semite. Where does this indoctrination begin? Well, it starts in government-funded schools, it is further affirmed by a biased media (Jew controlled), and a government that supports and covers for Israel at all costs. And of course, your peers are products of the same society, so they parrot and repeat these deeply ingrained views. Is it any wonder why no other nation on earth understands where we're coming from? We can't even acknowledge that without people telling us to get out of the country, or "if you don't like, leave!", or labeling other nations like France and Germany as "*******" for not seeing it "our" way.
With regards to Israel in particular, I've found that most of the people speaking on the subject have absolutely no idea of what they're talking about. Most do not know how Israel was formed (in 1947, after WWII, during land partition agreements), most are blissfully unaware of Israeli acts of terrorism against these United States, most notably the bombing of the USS Liberty and the Lavon Affair, although there are literally dozens of others. Most are completely oblivious to the facts surrounding the turmoil in the Middle East right now--they recklessly label anyone who is so poor they can only arm themselves with rocks as "terrorists", while accepting the murder of innocent civilians by tanks as a "military operation". They are unaware that Hezbullah did not enter Israeli territory to kidnap two soldiers as reported only in American and Israeli media--the truth, which is well known by the UN and other nations, is that Israeli tanks were embarked on a covert mission within Lebanon's borders, they were attacked (self defense), and two soldiers were taken as prisoner's of war (hostages?).
I'm afraid it's a lost cause to even try and debate this issue in the United States without fear of being labeled a terrorist or an anti-semite. The second coming of the third reicht is upon us.
2006-08-31 22:43:36 · answer #1 · answered by surfinthedesert 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
To be perfectly honest, I'm skeptical of your claim that any criticism in the US of Israeli actions or policies gets censured by being labeled as anti-semitic. Personally, as an American living in the US, I've seen/heard numerous people state they felt Israel didn't respond to Hesbollah during the most recent crisis in the most appropriate manner and I failed to hear one charge of anti-semitism in response (though obviously there were people who disagreed which is always going to be the case in a pluralistic society). Perhaps the problem you refer to occurs only in the circles in which you find yourself rather than in the entire US as a whole.
2006-09-01 07:22:45 · answer #2 · answered by KDdid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for your eloquence. Only in family circles can these issues be discussed. There can be no public statements made in regards to these rather controversial actions on the part of Israel because the door slams shut immediately. It's almost frightening how completely the powers-that-be are able to silence all opposition to anything Jewish. Open and free discussion and a balanced perspective is, I believe, imperative to Israel's long-range survival.
2006-09-01 07:09:32 · answer #3 · answered by Babs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Luckily I am from Australia and I can say those things and not be beaten down with anti-semitic barrages. I do believe the Israeli's were too heavy handed in what they did and the way they did it.
By entering another country by force without the invitation of that country is "invasion" plain and simple. They should have been condemned by all countries and forced to withdraw sooner or face the consequences.
2006-09-01 05:39:29 · answer #4 · answered by Dave D 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's a very thin line here in the US. The lawmakers are making it nearly impossible to critisize Isreal in your speech or actions. There are jews that speak out against the gov't of Isreal and their policies. Just as there are Americans who speak out against their own gov't's policies. That doesn't make them unamerican. There are jews and there are zionists. The jews are the people of the bible, while the zionists are the corrupt politicians serving Isreal for world domination...
2006-09-01 11:04:20 · answer #5 · answered by Tom B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
of course there is.
The Israeli people are way to easy to throw around the words Racist and Anti Semite. I have a Jewish friend who dislikes Israeli. One time he refused to serve an Israeli at my previous job. Immediatly the guy was calling out that he was a racist. He just pointed to his name badge and said can you read I am Jewish. It sure shut him up.
2006-09-01 05:42:42 · answer #6 · answered by peter gunn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I sure hope so, because I'm not happy with some of the actions Israel has taken is the past few weeks, but I'm certainly not anti-semetic. My ex-husband was Jewish.
2006-09-01 05:36:41 · answer #7 · answered by valmay 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Depends on how one expresses himself. Israeli people debate
different points of view with each other, on how they feel things
are being done. Sarcasm won't help your argument.
2006-09-01 09:04:10 · answer #8 · answered by Tegghiaio Aldobrandi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you criticize Israel you are anti Semitic period
2006-09-02 03:02:25 · answer #9 · answered by acid tongue 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would completely agree with you , Their actions can be classified as Terrorism
2006-09-01 05:43:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋