Prominent politicians on the left, right, and center were vocal in their opposition to the bill, including Dan Meridor and Benjamin Begin (Menachem Begin’s son) who ended three years of public silence since resigning from politics to call the bill “undemocratic” and “unworthy.”
All referred to Israel’s declaration of independence, which guaranteed equal rights for its Arab citizens, and clearly expressed their view that Zionism must be inclusive.
The bill drew on a previous High Court ruling that allowed the
creation of Bedouin-only communities to preserve their unique traditions.
The Palestinian Authority, in contrast, considers it a capital offense to sell land to Jews. See shocking statements by Palestinian officials forbidding the sale of land to Jews: http://www.likud.nl/viol01.html
You know it doesn’t matter, you don’t see Australian Aborigines militarily occupying parts of Australia do you? And they were living here as the sole occupants from well before Judaism was invented, right up until the europeans invaded. Nor would you condone white farmers being forced off of land violently in Zimbabwe by the previous occupants, yet they have very simular arguements, in principle, to justify their violence and theft. No, history is written by the winners. The forcible exodus (I’m not too clear on what happened) of Jews from that region was no more or less immoral then Israel forcing the Palestinians out of their homes and out of their country which has now been all but annihilated to make why for a society that treats non-jews and non-christians as second class citizens. In Israel a Palestinian can not even be a citizen, as citizenship is only granted to those who serve in the military where they will be subjected to a culture of anti-islamic hate and racism. Palestinians are not allowed to join the Israeli military, because the Zionist movement have long seen Islam as it’s enemy, the same cannot be said of the bulk of Islam in reguards to Judaism.
PS~ My interest in this conflict is not a religious one, but a political and humanitarian one. Power and responcibility are directly proportional. In reguards to the conflict in question, Israel has virtualy all the power, the money, and international support. The Palestinian authority cannot even protect its leader from Israeli tanks, yet we are expected to believe that this organisation has the power to prevent extremists from exercising their agendas when the mighty Israeli army cannot? No, sadly Arafat probably hasn’t half the power we are led to believe. The only way to end the terrorism is to tone down the hatred on both sides, this CANNOT be achieved through violence or continued occupation or futher repression of the broken Palestinain spirt. Diplomacy and reconciliation are the best ways forward, but Israel and America must at least live up to the promises they have already made in recent years, if the peace process produces to results, then a down-trodden would-be suiside bomber might have his/her hope for a better future rekindled.
The man is extremely racist, probably guilty of war crimes in Labanon, Sharon happy condoned the non-lethal ethnic cleansing Isreal commited when they told tens of thousnds of palestinian to leave their homes or suffer violence or death.
WHile Sharon is a particularly wonderful person, I fail to see how that makes him unusual or at all special in the Middle East.
They would if they thought they could pull it off. Hell, I’d probably support them.
A. The Jews were up against the Roman Empire (who, frankly, were just acting like Romans - we bear them little ill will). The Romans already had a country (Rome); the Jews didn’t.
B. It was never really “their country”… but I shouldn’t really go there.
Legally, they’re equal. I admit that they’re sometimes treated like second class citizens, but frankly, what minority isn’t. anywhere in the world? Being a minority sucks.
And what’s with the comment on Christians?
Huh? Israeli Arabs - Palestinian living within the '67 lines - are Israeli citizens, vote, and currently have about 10 outspoken members of Knesset (out of 120). Military service is not required for citizenship, and many Jews don’t serve.
As for the military: the IDF does not promote any sort of “culture of anti-islamic hate and racism”, and as a veteran I’m insulted by your implication. The Israeli Army is a non-political, non-idealogical body which promotes a culture of professionalism, service, brotherhood and love of country. It does not brainwash the teoops like certain other armies. That’s not to say that some IDF soldiers aren’t racist - they just generally bring their attitudes from home. If you have any proof otherwise, I’d like to see it.
In fact, from what I’ve seen, the U.S. military is far more racist, with their silly cadence songs, blatent homophobia and nicknames like “Gook” and “Sand-N****r”.
Besides, lots of non-Jews - including Muslims - serve in the IDF.
Palestinians are not allowed to join the Israeli military for obvious security reasons, which I won’t apologogize for.
The Zionist movement has seen anyone trying to hurt it as ther enemy. For a long time, it was the Arabs - not the Moslems. While adnittedly the movement made some serious mistakes in its past, you can hardly say that the Arabs welcomed the Jews with open arms.
Anyway, what’s this obbsession with the “Zionist Movement”, anyway? It’s sooooo 1940’s. You should be talking about Israel, which is a country. Zionism is simply the Israeli term for patriotism.
Again, you seem to be stuck in the past - in this case, the 19th century. I’d say that nowadays the “bulk of Islam” does not think very highly of Judaism.
That’s good, because it isn’t a religious conflict.
Uncle Ben? Is that you?
A country of 6 million has more power than 500 million Arabs?
Yep, those oil wells near Beersheba have been pumping out gallons by the million. I mean, really. The Saud Gang could use the Israeli GNP as pocket change.
Israel is supported by the U.S. Period. Nobody else. The Palestinians are supported by the entire Muslim world, the EU, and most of the rest.
HAMAS doesn’t have tanks.
And yes, The PA can do what the IDF can’t, because it’s much, much easier to police your own society than to regulate a conquered population. Arafat knows who all the extremists are, knows what their goals are and knows where they live - his people are in close contact with them. All he needs to stop them is some goons with guns (which he has) and the will to do it.
And if Arafat really doesn’t have the power, than why should we talk to him?
Or to kill all the terrorists. The Palestinians may think life is cheap, but the Israelis know that bullets are cheaper.
Frankly, if you could assure me that the Palestinains, as a society, will someday accept the permanant existance of Israel, maybe I’ll do what you say. right now they’ve convinced me that they want us annehilated, and just lack the means to do so.
So does Arafat.
Actually, it’s hope that sends him out to kill - hope that someday he’ll defeat Israel. Only after we ground any remainder of hope out of him will he be ready to talk peace.