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Why Does the Left Hate Israel?
www.chronwatch.com ^ | 2/21/03 | Cinnamon Stillwell

Posted on 02/21/2003 7:15:36 PM PST by SeenTheLight

I’ve asked myself on many occasions: “When there are so many other countries in the world that do injustice both to their own people and to others, why does the Left focus so exclusively on Israel?”

What about China’s occupation of Tibet or Syria’s occupation of Lebanon? What about the repression and tyranny of the Arab nations surrounding democratic Israel, including the Palestinians who, let’s not forget, practice honor killings, lynch “collaborators,” suppress the media, and whose leaders funnel funds meant for the people to terrorists?

The real reason the left hates Israel is two-fold. First of all, they have been hijacked by Palestinian Nationalism and secondly, they don’t like uppity Jews. And to mollify those who will immediately claim that anti-Israel sentiments do not amount to anti-Semitism, let me just say that I don’t buy it.

I’m not sure when Palestinian Nationalism began to seep into the Left’s dogma, but it appears to have been in the last 15 years or so. I first noticed this trend during a protest of the Gulf War, where I saw pro-Palestinian propaganda with a distinctly anti-Semitic edge to it. It was around this time that the term “Zionists” began to be used as a fill-in for all Jews who simply supported the continuing existence of the state of Israel and as such, were deserving of contempt. In short, “Zionist” became the politically correct term for “Hebe.” The years since have only solidified this pattern and these days, the anti-war protesters are more hateful than ever.

I’ve had the unique experience, while taking part recently in counter-protests, of witnessing the wrath of the Palestinian Nationalists up close and personal. The graying hippies wearing Intifada T-shirts and spitting in my face, women in burkas unfurling Palestinian flags in front of my signs, Arab-American teenagers telling me they want to “kill all the Jews,” and being called a “Zionist Pig,” are just a few of the precious moments I’ve taken home from “peace” rallies. This is the ugly side of the anti-war movement, among others, and they don’t want it publicized.

Indeed, the formerly celebrated Jewish liberal Michael Lerner, has recently been excommunicated for daring to criticize A.N.S.W.E.R., the main organizer of the anti-war protests. This is apparently a no-no among a movement that doesn’t tolerate dissent. Lerner also committed the crime of refusing to consign Israel to the dustbin of history. He didn’t go along with the program and for that, he became persona non grata.

The Left only likes Jews as long as they’re victims, passively marching to the Nazi death camps, or in this case, to the Mediterranean Sea. They can deny that they’re anti-Semitic by pointing to their loyal Jewish comrades, who fail to recognize their enemies. These Jews are acceptable because they either want the destruction of Israel too or at the very least, won’t stand in the way. But give a Jew a gun or God forbid, a tank, and suddenly they become the enemy. The Left, it seems, prefers suicidal Jews to tough ones.

The Left demands nothing of the Palestinians and everything of the Israelis. What, besides anti-Semitism, accounts for this double-standard? The anti-war crowd can continue to try and claim the moral high ground when it comes to questions of war and peace, but none of it will ring true, so long as their blatant hatred for Jews festers in the background.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Israel; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: antisemitism; counterprotest; israel; jews; left; palestinians; zionist
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1 posted on 02/21/2003 7:15:37 PM PST by SeenTheLight
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To: American Preservative; deeel-me-in; Drango; jiggyboy; nastypumps; rogue yam; SeenTheLights Mom; ...
Sound familiar, counter-protesters?
2 posted on 02/21/2003 7:17:16 PM PST by SeenTheLight
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To: Yehuda; yonif; sarasmom
Just guessing you might be interested in this, from past comments...
3 posted on 02/21/2003 7:18:35 PM PST by SeenTheLight
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To: SeenTheLight
Good post. I am 50. Seems when I was young (in my teens), the left still loved Israel for its Kibbutzim and secular (liberal) Jews.

But, that was when the Left could still produce some semblance of moral indignation (and really mean it) at various injustices.

Now, their outrage is always make-believe and patently political at its root.
4 posted on 02/21/2003 7:22:28 PM PST by BenR2 ((John 3:16: Still True Today.))
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To: SeenTheLight
Read and agree. However....

WHY DO JEWISH PEOPLE OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE DEMOCRAT?

Lara, putting new meaning into the fact that the Clintons hosted Arafat more than any other HOS.
5 posted on 02/21/2003 7:25:13 PM PST by LaraCroft ('Bout time)
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To: SeenTheLight
When I was in High School, the book to read was "Exodus" My God how Isreal was revered in those days. And to answer your question as to what happened between then and now, I think it goes like this: One fine day in the the mid sixties American liberals woke up to the horrifying fact that Isreal was one very gutsy little conservative country. Shortly thereafter, a 180 occurred.
6 posted on 02/21/2003 7:29:53 PM PST by StACase
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To: LaraCroft
WHY DO JEWISH PEOPLE OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE DEMOCRAT?

Some of us are trying to change that trend. The Republican Jewish Coalition comes to mind, among others. Just like African-Americans, Jews need to wake up and cross over to the light. BTW, all this hatred from the left and their Democratic buddies is only helping the cause!

7 posted on 02/21/2003 7:34:27 PM PST by SeenTheLight
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To: SeenTheLight
I think the Jewish people are waking up.
8 posted on 02/21/2003 7:35:46 PM PST by tessalu
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To: tessalu
Judging from Sharon's approval ratings, I would say you're correct!

They didn't like him till he got into office and realized that force actually worked.

9 posted on 02/21/2003 7:57:00 PM PST by what's up
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To: tessalu
I don't think so. Not at all. Strangely enough, when I discuss the Israeli/pali issue with Jewish friends, I swear that I think I've entered the "Outer Limits". EACH one of them sounds like they could be P.R. agents for the PLO. Honestly, what I really think has happened is that they are (subconsciously) SO wanting to be 'liked' (because of the reprehensible image that the media has painted over the years) that they've practically become manikan-like in their replies to things...spewing forth the same lies that the lamestream media has programmed them to state. The answers are practically dumbfounding, devoid of ANY logic or reasoning or principle. Indeed, some of them seem torn between their (inner and REAL) attachment to their heritage, and their desire to be 'accepted', so they start alluding to their romantic attraction to Buddhism.

One told me that the reason that Christians are supporting the Jews in Israel is because he's sure they want someone ELSE to hate. (Good thing there aren't any Jewish bigots, eh?) When I said, "no, perhaps they have a 'problem' with people MURDERING innocent people, do you think?", he was speechless (as he SHOULD have been).

Anyway, another said, "ohh, but they [the Israelis] have sooo much land in Israel, can't they share it?" (I'm NOT kidding; my eyes must've dilated in sync with my head shaking in disbelief at that logic). I (nicely) said, "what?!" So much land?! They have a patch! Look at Egypt and Saudi Arabia!" She smiled, sweetly, and said, "oh, yes, I guess so." Duh. And, she started talking about how 'lovely' and nicey-nice Buddhism is.

I had a (Jewish) boyfriend who couldn't STAND my supporting Israel's right (and moral duty) to protect itself against the homicide-bombers. The closer we would get to discussing Judaism AND the situation in Israel TODAY, the more he would 'run' with his new-found lovefest with Buddhism (yet, he had not the calm that one would expect if he actually WAS Buddhist). We actually broke up over it!

10 posted on 02/21/2003 7:59:38 PM PST by DontMessWithMyCountry (It's serious business being an American in America these days.)
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To: LaraCroft
Good post. Well said.
11 posted on 02/21/2003 8:01:13 PM PST by Dubya (JESUS SAVES)
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Comment #12 Removed by Moderator

To: SeenTheLight
well heck, this's easy. If "the enemy (fundamentalist Islam) of my enemy (fundamentalist Christianity) is my friend," then it stands to reason that "the friend (God's chosen people) of my enemy (fundamentalist Christianity) is my enemy." The Left's motivations are usually absurdly easy to discern.
13 posted on 02/21/2003 8:22:52 PM PST by Objective Reality
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To: SeenTheLight
The reason liberals hate Israel: Because it is essentially an American protectorate; Israel also affords us an important base of intelligence in the Mid East. Liberals hate America. Israel is an extension of American ideas including the control of the Christian/Jewish holy land. Liberals hate western religion; Jews and Christian get to enjoy the romance of the Old Testament without obstruction if we jointly control Jerusalem. Western Religion is the backbone of modern civilization. It gives us faith and hope for the future. I personally like it that way and am glad that the west controls that small piece of heaven.
14 posted on 02/21/2003 8:23:25 PM PST by Porterville
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To: iamnotaradical
for every Isreali killed in a terrorist act, at least four Palestinians are killed in either retaliatory measures, or just plain "housekeeping")

I'd take out a hundred Palis for every suicide bomber. I'm not Jewish. My message to those with an axe to grind would be meet me on the battlefield or at negotiating table, but never take it to innocents.

Terrorists are not warriors, they are a cancer and should be dealt with accordingly.

15 posted on 02/21/2003 8:24:37 PM PST by budwiesest
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To: iamnotaradical
sigh. Learn to spell, twentysomething.

P.S. - Oh yes, he IS your President.

16 posted on 02/21/2003 8:25:19 PM PST by Objective Reality
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To: DontMessWithMyCountry
I had a (Jewish) boyfriend who couldn't STAND my supporting Israel's right (and moral duty) to protect itself against the homicide-bombers.

Weep not for that loser (although to be honest, that description could have fit me as little as two years ago!)

Good psychological insight in your comment, in my opinion.

17 posted on 02/21/2003 8:27:10 PM PST by tictoc
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To: iamnotaradical
The only difference is, if you don't like Sharon, you can wait around a few years and vote him out of office (Israel is a democracy by the way). As a quasi-dictator of a non-existent country, Arafat has outlasted his opponents by decades, and kneecaps anyone who dares oppose him. At least Sharon is accountable (he resigned as Defense Minister over Sabra & Shatilla, which I assume is the reason you call him a thug).
18 posted on 02/21/2003 8:28:21 PM PST by GunRunner
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To: GunRunner
Screw it, Israel is and always will be, it's prophecy, it will be that way till end of times. What the left doesn't realize is that those willing to protect Israel are 100 times more zealous than any one who would try to diminish the rights of Israel. The voices of discontent who denegrate the leadership of Israel are irrelevant. Even Lieberaman, Mr. Left himself, would turn the sands of the Sahra to glass before letting Israel fall.
19 posted on 02/21/2003 8:34:32 PM PST by Porterville
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To: iamnotaradical
Putting Sharon and Arafat on the same footing is a familiar, though faulty, tactic of the left. Sharon was democratically elected, while Arafat is a dictatorial thug. Throughout the "peace process," a succession of Israeli Prime Ministers have had only one representative to consult with on the Palestinian side. Beyond that, the differences are too numerous to list here, but considering your post, you wouldn't believe me anyway.

The "cycle of violence" you mention is another falsehood. The Palestinians commit terrorist acts and the Israelis respond. Notice how suicide bombings stop when the IDF gets tough?

And why should the "speaker" or writer, as you say, retract her blanket claim of anti-Semitism? Did you not read the experiences the writer described from the so-called peace rallies? Perhaps it is a generalization, but when no one speaks out about the anti-Semitism from within the movement, it can be inferred that they're going along with it. And that's not good enough.

20 posted on 02/21/2003 8:37:36 PM PST by SeenTheLight
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