Before I start there is something that must be said: Israel does not represent the Jewish peoples (yes peoples, plural), Israel only represents Israel. People outside of Israel who are culturally, ethnically and/or religiously Jewish are not represented by the Israeli government, Israeli people, or the actions of Israel. And those three are different categories. One can be ethnically Jewish but not culturally Jewish, one can be culturally Jewish but not ethically Jewish, and one can be culturally and/or ethnically Jewish but not religiously Jewish. “How can someone be Jewish but not of the Jewish religion?” a dumb ass would ask. How many people who celebrate Christmas are not Christian? Christmas is big in Japan but only 1.1% of people in Japan are Christian, and there are Jews celebrate Christmas. One can embrace traditions that originate in religions and not believe those religions, as Secular Jews and Atheist Jews have done. It’s not just Jewish people, there are people who call themselves Cultural Muslims, and in the west most people who are non-religious, agnostic or atheist still have traditions that come from the Christian religion. The world is complex and nuanced, get over it. To call any criticism of Israel antisemitism is no better than judging or blame a Jewish person living in Arkansas for the actions of Israel, they are both the height of stupidity, as is a Jewish person supporting Israel just because they are Jewish.
On the current conflict, this letter written by Albert Einstein in 1948 says its best.
Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times is the emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the “Freedom Party” (Tnuat Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties. It was formed out of the membership and following of the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvinist organization in Palestine.
The current visit of Menachem Begin, leader of this party, to the United States is obviously calculated to give the impression of American support for his party in the coming Israeli elections, and to cement political ties with conservative Zionist elements in the United States. Several Americans of national repute have lent their names to welcome his visit. It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughout the world, if correctly informed as to Mr. Begin’s political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents.
Before irreparable damage is done by way of financial contributions, public manifestations in Begin’s behalf, and the creation in Palestine of the impression that a large segment of America supports Fascist elements in Israel, the American public must be informed as to the record and objectives of Mr. Begin and his movement.
The public avowals of Begin’s party are no guide whatever to its actual character. Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future.Attack on Arab Village
A shocking example was their behavior in the Arab village of Deir Yassin. This village, off the main roads and surrounded by Jewish lands, had taken no part in the war, and had even fought off Arab bands who wanted to use the village as their base. On April 9 (THE NEW YORK TIMES), terrorist bands attacked this peaceful village, which was not a military objective in the fighting, killed most of its inhabitants (240 men, women, and children) and kept a few of them alive to parade as captives through the streets of Jerusalem. Most of the Jewish community was horrified at the deed, and the Jewish Agency sent a telegram of apology to King Abdullah of Trans-Jordan. But the terrorists, far from being ashamed of their act, were proud of this massacre, publicized it widely, and invited all the foreign correspondents present in the country to view the heaped corpses and the general havoc at Deir Yassin.
The Deir Yassin incident exemplifies the character and actions of the Freedom Party.
Within the Jewish community they have preached an admixture of ultranationalism, religious mysticism, and racial superiority. Like other Fascist parties they have been used to break strikes, and have themselves pressed for the destruction of free trade unions. In their stead they have proposed corporate unions on the Italian Fascist model.
During the last years of sporadic anti-British violence, the IZL and Stern groups inaugurated a reign of terror in the Palestine Jewish community. Teachers were beaten up for speaking against them, adults were shot for not letting their children join them. By gangster methods, beatings, window-smashing, and wide-spread robberies, the terrorists intimidated the population and exacted a heavy tribute.
The people of the Freedom Party have had no part in the constructive achievements in Palestine. They have reclaimed no land, built no settlements, and only detracted from the Jewish defense activity. Their much-publicized immigration endeavors were minute, and devoted mainly to bringing in Fascist compatriots.Discrepancies Seen
The discrepancies between the bold claims now being made by Begin and his party, and their record of past performance in Palestine bear the imprint of no ordinary political party. This is the unmistakable stamp of a Fascist party for whom terrorism (against Jews, Arabs, and British alike), and misrepresentation are means, and a “Leader State” is the goal.
In the light of the foregoing considerations, it is imperative that the truth about Mr. Begin and his movement be made known in this country. It is all the more tragic that the top leadership of American Zionism has refused to campaign against Begin’s efforts, or even to expose to its own constituents the dangers to Israel from support to Begin.The undersigned therefore take this means of publicly presenting a few salient facts concerning Begin and his party; and of urging all concerned not to support this latest manifestation of fascism.
In a letter to the Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry on the issue of Jewish immigration to Palestine Einstein said
I have served as witness before the Anglo-American Inquriy [sic] Commission on Palestine for the sole purpose to act in favor of our just cause. But it is, of course, impossible to prevent distortion by the press. I am in favor of Palestine being developed as a Jewish Homeland but not as a separate State. It seems to me a matter for simple common sense that we cannot ask to be given the political rule over Palestine where two thirds of the population are not Jewish. What we can and should ask is a secured bi-national status in Palestine with free immigration. If we ask more we are damaging our own cause and it is difficult for me to grasp that our Zionists are taking such an intransigent position which can only impair our cause.
Einsteins fears have proven to be prophetic (metaphorically speaking). Israel has become a fascist nation and the current genocide is the latest result of that fascism. But the truth is Israel was condemned to fascism from it’s beginning in 1948. It’s start as an ethnocentric state it doomed from its inception to becoming fascist. Any state that is ethnocentric, cultural-centric, or race-centric state will either loose these or fall to fascism.
Diversity is a necessity in democracy. Any stable democracy needs a variety of ideas, which requires a verity of people, which requires a variety cultures. Without a variety of ideas people end up with an echo chambers and in echo chambers and echo chambers have a tendency to radicalize people. By being an ethnocentric state it created echo chambers where radicalization occurred pushing Israel towards fascism. This was worsened to by conflict between Israel and Palestinians, a conflict exacerbated and prolonged by Israels ethnocentrism.
There is no question that Hamas is an evil organization, but that doesn’t justify the actions of Israel, in fact it’s the past actions of Israel that has fueled Hamas and other terrorist organizations. These terrorist organizations exist in response to Israel’s actions. That does not justify the actions of the terrorist organizations either. Nothing in this situation is justified. It is all bad on all sides. The truth is all of this descends from Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people, which comes from Israeli ethnocentrism and fascism. If Israel had treated Palestinians as complete equals under the law, with all the rights and freedoms any Israeli would have this would not be happening. But then Israel would not be a “Jewish” state.
This will not change until Israel changes and Israel is not going to change from inside. It would take international pressure to change the situation but that is not going to happen right now as too many governments support Israel.
Part of the Header image came from Google Maps.
C.L. Who Writes 
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