Israel: Clearly The Most Racist Country
yosi
Posts: 3,038
For those who need a reminder not to blindly accept the received wisdom on this forum:
Watch Israeli President Reuven Rivlin’s Moving Anti-Racism Message
Rivlin joins 11-year-old George Amira, whose anti-bullying video went viral
By Yair Rosenberg|October 1, 2014
This past Saturday, George Amira, an 11-year-old student in Tel Aviv, became an overnight celebrity in Israel when he posted a plaintive video protesting the bullying he was experiencing in school over his appearance and high-pitched voice. In a simple 90-second clip, with no spoken words, Amira displayed the slurs he’d been subjected to on pieces of paper: “homo,” “cheerleader,” “doesn’t belong with the boys.” “Look at me, then at yourselves,” he wrote on a sign. “We are exactly the same.” Amira’s video went viral, racking up over 8,000 Facebook shares and airtime on Israeli television, as well as plaudits for bravery from Israel’s education minister, Shai Piron.
One person who was moved by Amira’s message was Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who has made anti-racism advocacy a cornerstone of his political work, and served as a vociferous defender of the rights of Israel’s 1.7 million Arab citizens long before he was sworn in as the country’s 10th president in July. This week, Rivlin met with Amira and his family, and commended the youth on his courage. The two then filmed a message modeled on Amira’s video for the entire country, condemning “violence, hostility, bullying, and racism.” It was released this morning, just days before Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. Watch it below with English subtitles (click the caption button on the bottom-right if not already enabled):
Rivlin’s video is part of a growing anti-racism effort being spearheaded by Israel’s leadership, in the wake of disturbing outbreaks of racist violence and demonstrations in the country, directed against both Arabs and African migrants. In August, Rivlin told Jewish leaders that he would be embarking on anti-racism crusade, saying, “This is a terrible evil and a disgrace to Israeli life, which must find ways to isolate and uproot it.” Earlier, the country’s Justice Ministry under Tzipi Livni produced an edgy anti-discrimination ad which juxtaposed a haunting rendition of Israel’s national anthem with scenes of social exclusion. Livni herself spoke out forcefully against anti-Arab racism and incitement on social media during the recent Gaza conflict, while the country’s education minister Shai Piron devoted the opening weeks of this school year to an anti-racism curriculum.
Here's the link if you want to see the video:
http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/185824/watch-israeli-president-reuven-rivlins-moving-anti-racism-message
Watch Israeli President Reuven Rivlin’s Moving Anti-Racism Message
Rivlin joins 11-year-old George Amira, whose anti-bullying video went viral
By Yair Rosenberg|October 1, 2014
This past Saturday, George Amira, an 11-year-old student in Tel Aviv, became an overnight celebrity in Israel when he posted a plaintive video protesting the bullying he was experiencing in school over his appearance and high-pitched voice. In a simple 90-second clip, with no spoken words, Amira displayed the slurs he’d been subjected to on pieces of paper: “homo,” “cheerleader,” “doesn’t belong with the boys.” “Look at me, then at yourselves,” he wrote on a sign. “We are exactly the same.” Amira’s video went viral, racking up over 8,000 Facebook shares and airtime on Israeli television, as well as plaudits for bravery from Israel’s education minister, Shai Piron.
One person who was moved by Amira’s message was Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who has made anti-racism advocacy a cornerstone of his political work, and served as a vociferous defender of the rights of Israel’s 1.7 million Arab citizens long before he was sworn in as the country’s 10th president in July. This week, Rivlin met with Amira and his family, and commended the youth on his courage. The two then filmed a message modeled on Amira’s video for the entire country, condemning “violence, hostility, bullying, and racism.” It was released this morning, just days before Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. Watch it below with English subtitles (click the caption button on the bottom-right if not already enabled):
Rivlin’s video is part of a growing anti-racism effort being spearheaded by Israel’s leadership, in the wake of disturbing outbreaks of racist violence and demonstrations in the country, directed against both Arabs and African migrants. In August, Rivlin told Jewish leaders that he would be embarking on anti-racism crusade, saying, “This is a terrible evil and a disgrace to Israeli life, which must find ways to isolate and uproot it.” Earlier, the country’s Justice Ministry under Tzipi Livni produced an edgy anti-discrimination ad which juxtaposed a haunting rendition of Israel’s national anthem with scenes of social exclusion. Livni herself spoke out forcefully against anti-Arab racism and incitement on social media during the recent Gaza conflict, while the country’s education minister Shai Piron devoted the opening weeks of this school year to an anti-racism curriculum.
Here's the link if you want to see the video:
http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/185824/watch-israeli-president-reuven-rivlins-moving-anti-racism-message
you couldn't swing if you were hangin' from a palm tree in a hurricane
0
Comments
Regrettably, I put the onus on the president to not tolerate racism - and not only (though especially) when it is leading to divisiveness within a country. And to be fair, at least this response is more noble and less deflective than that of the American president after the Ferguson shooting (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/obama-mistrust-police-corroding-america-25814152). In my opinion - neither are enough, but I'd love to be proven wrong.
Personally, if I had started this thread, it'd be entitled "Israeli President desperately attempts to snuff Israel's recognized racism problems". In order for the power of groupthink to come into play and actually alter social opinion, I'd say it's pretty critical for Israelis to recognize the validity of a racism problem within their own borders.
As an addition, this was specifically about racism towards Israeli non-Jews at the hands of Israeli Jews. I'd also love to see Rivlin start to work on bridging the trust between Israeli Jews and non-Jews by trying to reach the Arabs and African migrants (and solve issues they perceive): if Jews should be held to the standard that they must recognize innate or societally-indoctrinated racism within Israel, so should non-Jews. There ought to be an authentic and class-undivided coexistence within the state if the leaders of the Palestinian regions and the remainder of the Arab world could ever be expected to enter meaningful and long-lasting peace negotiations with Israel (especially if certain parties are being requested to lay down their arms).
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
I truly don't think that a long-lasting peace can come into existence given how many years of animosity have ensued, without some form of training in 'empathetic thought process' . After all, if coexistence and equality can't be demonstrated and/or guaranteed between Arabs and Jews within Israel, why would an Arab in Gaza or the West Bank or East Jerusalem trust a Jew? (PS, what is the politically correct way to refer to the part of Israel that excludes the Palestinian regions?) I feel like a broken record, but I can't stress enough how much I believe that trust, in spite of history, must be given and received between Jews and Arabs, in order for a justice that feels just to all involved is obtained.
And in addition to this, a belated Shana Tova to you and your family, and if you fast - have an easy one.
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
bibi alienated a bunch of countries this week at the un.
he is digging the graves or rational israeli citizens.
just sayin.
"Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
I believe that Israel isn't any more or less racist than any other country however tensions between Israel and the rest of the Middle East makes continued hostility with Palestine an easy sell for most Israelis. Having said that, it's not as if those feelings of animosity are intirely misplaced as I'm sure that Palestinians likely feel the same way about Israel. Almost 70 years of conflict is bound to stir negative, racist feelings on both sides. That much bad blood is going to be nearly impossible to wash away. The real difference of course is that Israel is operating from a position of privilege with an infinitely superior military force backed by the most powerful country on the planet. The conflict between Palestine and Israel is like a battle between a mouse and a lion. Israel isn't the victim here; they are the bully.
It's hard to play the victim when you're holding a killer hand.
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4577613,00.html
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
With regards to the rest of your statement, I don't think anyone here would claim that racism is exclusively about religious intolerance.
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
www.amazingathletes.com/northchi
http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/the-jerusalem-approach-20140912
And thanks for posting that, Yosi, I'll be sure to look through it hopefully today or tomorrow.
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
The Hamas Charter, for example, is written in a very sensationalist way. Things that jump out at me as needing revision in order to agree with Khaled's Meshaal's statements that Palestinians are ready and willing to coexist with other religions:
-In Article Two, there are two Islamic concepts mentioned that would likely be seen as less than agreeable by Jews - "the spreading of Islam", and "conversion to Islam". I'm not in a position to say whether these notions are accurate to Islam, but I can say that psychologically, Jews do not recruit from outside of Judaism, and this would create a disconnect. If someone wants to convert to Judaism, they are welcome to, but most forms of Jewish missions take place from within Judaism (i.e. programs that try to strengthen bonds between a Jew and his or her culture, rather than attempting to explain Judaism to non-Jews).
-In Article Three, the reference to Jihad is certainly one which would be seen as contentious. It seems there is disagreement amongst the Muslim world in regards to what a Jihad really means, but I think it was you, Byrnzie or fuck who mentioned the fact that true Islam actually proposes that communicating with non-Muslims present opportunities to learn from people outside of the Islamic faith. My understanding of a Jihad is that it represents a resistance force to wrong-doing: I see nothing wrong with that concept, but perhaps it could be clarified within the Charter that the Hamas definition of Jihad does not involve indoctrination or suppression of free will as retribution to said wrong-doing. This would serve to assuage the Israeli security concerns.
-In Article Six, the Charter refers to an attempt to "raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine, for under the wing of Islam followers of all religions can coexist in security and safety where their lives, possessions and rights are concerned". I disagree with Muslim rule over the region just as I disagree with Jewish rule over the region, because both notions present a sense of superiority and don't represent true coexistence. I would expect the Israeli government would feel the same: calling for a return to secular rule independent of religion would seem to be the most equitable. It should be noted that this specifically addresses coexistence with other religions, for anyone who claims that the Charter refers to the abolishment of Jews (and not just Israel).
-Article Eight refers to the Qur'an as the future constitution of a Palestinian state. This could not do, for the same reason the Bible could not be viewed as the constitution of Israel.
-Article Eleven refers to the necessity of Islamic Sharia governing the land of Palestine which it justifies because it is considered an Islamic Waqf - again, this represents the notion of religious superiority and can not be allowed: and any presence of equivalent acts within Israel should be condemned.
-Article Twelve suggests a right to Muslim land with a tightly correlated nationalism and religious creed. Just as I question Israeli right to Jewish land based on biblical claim, Palestinian Muslims need to be held to the same standards and it is wrong to refer to the rightful attainment of it based on claim from the Qur'an.
-Article Thirteen is blatantly anti-peace, and calls for fighting for liberation. Since the definition of liberation is Muslim rule, this seems no more or less fair or equitable than Israeli Jews fighting for their perceived right to Jewish rule - which Hamas readily condemns.
-Article Fifteen specifically utters the words "It is necessary to instil in the minds of the Muslim generations that the Palestinian problem is a religious problem". This can not be the case when it comes to resolution. I condemn that notion when Jews say that it is an attack on Jews' rights to be Jews, and I feel the same way here. This problem needs to be viewed as a humanitarian problem first and foremost.
-Article Sixteen compares Zionism to Nazism. I'm not going to touch this one with a ten foot pole, but if you make a sensationalist remark for the sake of making a sensationalist remark, you are going to offend and instil anger - instead of reasonable response. This is a form of semantics that deviated from moderatism which could breed civility, instead opting for something known to be a sensitive topic which could breed sensitivity, anger, and a diminished credibility.
-Article Twenty-Two ventures into conspiracy theory territory, claiming Jews were responsible for WWI and WWII, the League of Nations and eventually the UN and the Security Council. A constitution must not allude to unproven notions, that's simply not fair.
-Condemning the PLO for its promotion of secularism is an attack on a secular future for the region. It is an unacceptable solution for Israel to allow Islamic superiority instead of Jewish superiority - neither party has this right. If changes happen, they must be changes which shift towards secularism.
-Article Thirty-Two states that "Leaving the circle of struggle with Zionism is high treason, and cursed be he who does that". This is thought control at its finest, with severe ramifications for civil disobedience. As always, I feel that undue or unethical indoctrination is worthy of condemnation.
These must be addressed by Hamas representatives. When you look for the trends, it all boils down to one concept which must be observed:
It is not acceptable to condemn Jewish rule while calling for Islamic rule. When there are conflicting opinions of who has claim to the land, it seems clear to me that secular rule is the only option for the one-state solution that Hamas proposes in its document. For a two-state solution, both Israel and Palestine would have to have absolutely 100% set in stone borders, and take a strongly anti-expansionist stance, as for a permanent solution, one party's liberties may not be infringed upon by another.
I put the onus on Khaled Meshaal and other senior Hamas operatives to address these issues, so that SkeeterB and many other Jews can stop saying "but they want to kill us" (which is a legitimate concern in light of witnessing evidence like the Hamas Charter - the closest thing to a constitution that the Palestinian regions seem to have at the moment).
What I will say is that the Hamas Charter was written in 1988 and Meshaal has stated that it is a "piece of history and no longer relevant, but cannot changed for internal reasons". I find this to be bullshit, and think it ought to be revised. He is right, however, that it is largely irrelevant, if only for the reason that it was written in 1988, and that Netanyahu still leads the country's aggressive suppression of Palestinians and their liberties today - 26 years later.
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
www.amazingathletes.com/northchi
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
That being said, to your last point, is the US hijacking planes, beheading innocent people, etc? I consider acts of terrorism those that the people have to hide their plans and purposefully go only after innocent civilians. The US clearly doesn't do that. They announce everything they're doing, whether it's right or wrong and normally, the intent is not to kill innocent civilians. That being said, the irony is that the US chastised Israel for not pinpointing their attacks, but I assure you that innocent civilians are getting killed in their current airstrikes against ISIS, so it does bug me that the US speaks out of both sides of their mouth. My guess is that we have different views of what a terrorist is, so no need to really go into that.
The issue on this message board is the fact that it seems like Israel can do no right and the Palestinians have done nothing wrong. I do appreciate that you pointed out flaws in the Hamas charter, but there are some here that feel that Palestinians have done absolutely nothing wrong. I don't read everything on here since believe it or not, as a huge Pearl Jam fan, my life doesn't revolve around this board anymore (it did when I worked in a boring corporate office). However, for some to just attack Israel and not take any blame on the Palestinians side is very narrow minded and it's very difficult to have any type of civil discussion with these certain people. It would be nice to see both sides. I've spoken to some and have gotten a better understanding of the Palestinian point of view. I feel that there are some who could care less what the Israeli point of view is.
www.amazingathletes.com/northchi
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
And no, the US aren't hijacking planes or beheading innocent people. But how can you honestly say that dropping of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or the dissemination of spray dioxin in Vietnam, even consider the weight of their actions in regards to loss of innocent life? That to me is unequivocally terrorism. In fact, it's terrorism done in such a cowardice way so as to prevent any feelings of guilt or remorse: from that distance, you don't see the faces of the men, women, children, babies, that you've melted, maimed, and deformed.
As for your last paragraph, I actually agree with you about your later sentences. I know I can get preachy on this topic, but universal empathy must be practiced in order for any tangible change to occur. Empathize with all parties involved in a conflict, learn about why they feel and act the way they do, and then encourage those involved to do the same thing. Sometimes I forget how few Israeli perspectives are around here, and that's largely because back in the real world, I'm very much living within a Jewish community which is notoriously pushy when presenting Israeli opinion pieces.
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1