John Scrivener, Main Arm
In recent weeks letters have appeared in The Echo accusing me of seeking to ‘stir up hatred against Israel’ and making it ‘look like an evil state’. In each case The Echo has declined to publish my responses. The implication is that Israel doesn’t deserve the criticism, it’s an innocent victim that is being unfairly criticised by someone who is simply prejudiced against Jews.
It is indicative of the self-absorbed nature of Zionist partisans that they invariably consider criticism of Israel to be motivated by irrational hatred, bias and anti-semitism. Nowhere in their tedious propaganda is there a glimmer of compassion for the Palestinians or an awareness that concern for the plight of Palestinians motivates critics of the Zionist agenda.
Thank you, John, for standing up for Palestine and, by doing so, incurring the wrath of Israel apologists who would have us believe that Israel is a beacon of civilisation in the Middle East. As you correctly point out nothing could be further from the truth. One has only to read Ilan Pappe’s “The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine” or “The Forgotten Palestinians” to realise the enormity of Israel’s crimes. Jewish human rights organisations like Jewish Voice for Peace, B’Tselem, Breaking the Silence, +972, Gush Shalom supply all the evidence one could wish for an accurate picture of what life is like for Palestinians so there is really no excuse for Israel supporters both in Israel and outside to be ignorant unless, of course, their ignorance is self-willed.
At least, unlike John, you provide references for your views.
Yet it is curious that living so far from the conflict, as I assume you do (Australia?), you somehow determined with great conviction that Jews and Jewish groups who speak against Israel are credible (Jewish Voice for Peace is not even based in Israel), while those who support Israel are not.
Ilan Pappe, for example: I would challenge anyone to watch this video about “The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine” and conclude that Pappe is a credible historian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1_dc2wuteg
But the larger point is that if you are only scrutinizing Israel and not looking at what the Palestinians (and Iranians) are saying and doing, then you are only looking at half the picture. Unhelpful.
Again, there are millions of pro Israel Muslims and pro Israel Palestinians who hold the Palestinian leadership more responsible for the plight of the Palestinians civilians who without doubt would benefit more than anyone from a lasting peace between the two peoples. This one sided ranting and Israel bashing that comes from the two of you who are clearly best mates is of no benefit to anyone and simply promotes hate. Get another hobby!