Unprecedented Demonstration in Jerusalem of Christian Schools

ComeAndSee ^ | May 21, 2015 | Christian Website from Nazareth

[Mrs. Don-o]

I suppose it matters why the Muslim parents want their children in the Christian school. If it's to eventually control them and make them Sharia compliant, then that's bad. But if they like the curriculum and value the quality of the education --- and can put up with the Christian environment with all its accoutrements (I notice the group picture was taken in a Church sanctuary--- icons and crosses abound) I wouldn't object. At least they're learning to accept nuns and priests as teachers; and before that, on a more basic level, Christians as human beings.

[Mrs. Don-o]

"There are certainly real Arab Christians in Israel, but there are many counterfeits."

No doubt. Take care, then, not characterize them all according to a single negative stereotype.

[Mrs. Don-o]

The article you cite was written by Dr. Yohanna Katanacho, the Jerusalem-born Academic Dean of the Bethlehem Bible College. The author identifies himself as "a Palestinian Christian who is not for any form of violence whether it is state violence or terrorism." It is clearly labeled an opinion piece.

Do you think that publications which would publish such an opinion piece or a similar one, should be banned on FR? That would exclude all of the major media source in the United States, and most in the world. It would probably even ban a great many Israeli publications.

Or do you think that the article about endangered Christian schools, by a different author and on a different topic, should be excluded because they are somewhat adjacent to each other? Was it perhaps contaminated by proximity?

I disagree with your point of view.

[UnwashedPeasant]

As you certainly know, “anti-Semitism” means anti-Jewish, regaredless of the word origin.

The writer of the article on I cited on that anti-Semitic website was absolutely not written by a Christian, even if he calls himself that. A real Christian does not equate Hamas terrorists with Christian saints. Your defense for that article is bizarre.

It is fine for you to post articles from anti-Semitic hate sites. FReepers post from Leftists sites all the time, but they rarely defend them the way you are doing now.

[UnwashedPeasant]

"So any criticism of the State of Israel is anti-Semitism? This on a website that regularly criticizes the actions of our own state."

Criticism of the state is fine. But the article is from a pro-Hamas site and has no credibility.

Not all criticism of the state is equal. When the Left criticizes the state, it is wise to view it with suspicion. There is plenty if criticism of the state from the Left (e.g., on NPR), and it is kooky.

When the Left criticizes Israel, it is motivated by a hatred against Israel and against God.

[Mrs. Don-o]

"As you certainly know, “anti-Semitism” means anti-Jewish, regardless of the word origin."

That's a legitimate point, and one which ties in well with my point. You have not shown that this website is either anti-Jewish or anti-State of Israel.

This website, Come and See, the Christian Website from Nazareth has posted over 875 articles (yes, I counted--- and there are more articles at their Facebook page.) They are all of interest to Christians in Israel as well as in surrounding Muslim-majority lands. They cover a big variety of topics, including

• Biblical archaeology,
• local politics,
• criticizing the vandalism against Christian cemeteries and sacred sites;
• reporting the ISIS murder of 21 Copts;
• decrying the Ottoman slaughter of the Armenians "genocide";
• deploring the expulsion of Christian missionaries from Syria and Algeria,
• applauding Baptists, Evangelicals, Druzes, Catholics, Orthodox and other regional minorities working together for common concerns;
• reports on water and agricultural development
• business and employment news
• upcoming religious conferences,
• holidays and recipes from different cultures,
• the plight of Christian "guest workers" in Islamic lands,
• the plight of refugees, including Christians, Yazhidis, and Muslim-related minorities fleeing from ISIS, etc. etc.

One of these articles you object to.

This particular article does not, however, say what you told us it says. It does not "equate" Hamas terrorists with Christian saints. It does not advocate or justify violence. It is not anti-Semitic hate, and the website is not an anti-Semitic hate site.

And you presume to judge that the author is not a Christian? Who do you think you are? Some pseudo-St. Peter in a fright wig, checking everyone's religion passport at the Pearly Gates?

I notice you also said that the Catholic canonization of two humble and holy women, 19th century Palestinian nuns, was anti-Semitic propaganda. Anyone who has read the articles in question, AND has read your remarks, can see very well where you're coming from.

Most FReepers are not bigots. I don't think most of us care to go there.

[UnwashedPeasant]

"Most FReepers are not bigots."

You got that right! Anti-Semitism is almost non-existent on FR. That is why I bothered to call it out. FR is very pro-Israel, anti-Hamas, anti-Islamofascism.

[Mrs. Don-o]

"You got that right! Anti-Semitism is almost non-existent on FR... FR is very pro-Israel, anti-Hamas, anti-Islamofascism."

We're in agreement here.

The article at the top of this thread,however, is not anti-Semitic.

The article you objected to --- which was not this one, by the way --- is not anti-Semitic.

And the website they which published them both --- Come And See, the Christian Website from Nazareth, is not anti-Semitic.

Saying "anti-Semitic" or "racist" or "white privilege" or "hate group" is a conversation-stopper, a way to bully people into silence with hot accusatory language, especially when the label is applied with no evidence, with insufficient evidence, or against the evidence.

Broad-brush prejudices, political detraction and calumny are pretty common around here, unfortunately, but that's against God's commandment:

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."

[Petrosius]

“Come and See” is not the pro-Hamas site that you claim. Nor is it even Leftist site. It is simply a Christian website in the Holy Land. It is a voice for a beleaguered minority. I would advise you not to demonize all criticism against the actions of Israel as being motivated by hate.