Ten tips against anti-semitism

[turquino]

Ten tips against anti-Semitism

Eric Krebbers and Jan Tas | 05.06.2003 23:46


Activists wishing to criticise the Israeli state must be careful not to descend into anti-Semitic reasoning. Here are 10 tips to avoid anti-Semitism in discussions, articles, leaflets and demonstrations.

. Always also criticise moslim fundamentalists and never justify the suicide bombers.

Hamas, Jihad and Hezbollah are not liberation organisations, but religious fascists. Historically, anti-Semitism is a central element of the Islam, just as it is of Christianity. Moslim fundamentalists call for all Jews to be killed, and are thus extremely anti-Semitic. Anyone who refuses to categorically distance themselves from these fascists and their opportunist methods, whether for anti-imperialist or other reasons, legitimises anti-Semitism. Anyone who ignores the attacks on random Israeli citizens, considers them in some way understandable or justified, is underwriting the anti-Semitic logic behind them, namely that Israeli Jews are always guilty - regardless of whether they agree with their government - just because they are Jewish.

2. Oppose anti-Zionism

Anti-Zionists wrongly claim that Jewish nationalism, Zionism, is per definition on the extreme Right. In reality, Zionism has many different currents, some of which are progressive. Anti-Zionism only opposes Jewish nationalism. Palestinian or Arab nationalism is embraced. However, all forms of nationalism have the same reactionary function. They all produce myths to emphasise the unity of "nations" and to hide the oppression of workers, women and people who do not fit into the nationalist scheme. Elites use nationalism to harness the population for their fight against other elites. In this sense, Jewish nationalism is not fundamentally different from Arab or Dutch nationalism. It is important to combat nationalism at home, and not to do the elites a favour by fighting nationalism in other countries. In addition to this, it is anti-Semitic to, from a European perspective, declare Jewish nationalism to be the main problem. The solution lies in the principle of anti-nationalism and in the support for joint Israeli-Palestinian initiatives for resistance from below.

3. Do not use the term genocide and do not call Israel the biggest abuser of human rights

Israel is one of the many countries which gravely abuses human rights. Many of the national "liberation movements", such as the PLO also abuse human rights, and will continue to do so once they have their own state. Various states in the Middle East, including Syria, Iran,Saudia,Egypt,Libya,Morocco and Sudan also abuse human rights on a massive scale. The much more limited scope of the Israeli abuses of human rights do not justify the title of the biggest abuser of human rights. One sided criticism of Israel smacks of anti-Semitism. Furthermore, the term genocide is exaggerated with regard to Israeli violence. Jenin can not be compared to Rwanda or Yugoslavia. What is more, Israel does not seek the systematic eradication of the other side; unlike the muslim fundamentalist organisations. If for example Hamas had its way, all Jews would be driven into the sea or gassed. Incidentally, more criticism in the direction of human rights abuses on the part of the Dutch government would not go amiss either.

4. Never compare Israel to Nazi Germany

Mercifully, the Shoah is a unique event in human history. In Nazi Germany 6 million Jews were systematically slaughtered. Comparisons between this and other mass murders do no justice to the unimaginable and horrific dimensions of this crime against the Jews. European claims that the Shoah was just like the current Israeli policies of occupation in effect rehabilitate the Nazi's. This could create a space in the future for the re-emergence of the extreme right. And the suggestion that the Israeli's are no better than Hitler can also provide a retrospective justification for the Shoah. "Hitler forgot one: Sharon", was one of the slogans chanted at a pro-Palestine demo in Amsterdam in April 2002.

5. Do not hold "the Jews" accountable for the actions of the Israeli state

It is nonsense to hold "the Jews", "the Palestinians" or 'the Dutch" collectively responsible for anything. There are always huge contradictions inside any "nation". Many Jews in Israel and in other parts of the world deplore the Israeli state violence. Generally, they have little influence over it. Those who claim that people in Israel do not protest enough against the state violence should realise that the Israeli Left, like the Left in other parts of the world, is in a crisis. It is anti-Semitic to demand specifically of the Jews that they adhere to higher political and moral standards. Those who nevertheless hold all Jews responsible for the Israeli state violence, open the way for anti-Semites to attack random Jews and Jewish targets.

6. Do not use anti-Semitic stereotypes

Throughout history, Jews have been portrayed as baby killers and rapists, as demons who poison water supplies, as greedy bankers and speculators and as spineless intellectuals. When the Palestinian solidarity movement employs such stereotypes against Israel, the mobilising effect will be enormous, because of the fact that anti-Semitism everywhere has deep roots. But if a movement does this, it no longer has a place in the Left.

7. Condemn ideas of a pro-Israeli conspiracy

Oft heard suggestion of a pro-Israeli conspiracy in politics, culture, the economy and the media are classic elements of anti-Semitism. Regardless of whether they concern the Dutch or the global context, such allegations lie in the tradition of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion", a fraudulent text dating from 1900, claiming that Jews were conspiring to gain world domination. In cartoons the conspiracy was depicted as a giant octopus, holding the world in its deadly tentacles. Today there is much talk of the so called "mighty Jewish lobby" which is alleged to control the media and keep criticism of Israel off the agenda.

8. Do not call Israel an unnatural state

Since nationalism gained ground in Europe and humanity was suddenly divided into "nations", "the Jews" have been regarded as the opposite of a "nation". As such, anti-Semitism is a fixed part of nationalism. In nationalist mythology, "the Jews" represent the evil nemesis of all the good characteristics of the "own nation". Whilst the "own people" were supposedly rooted in the soil of an "own land", the Jews would roam the earth forever and never belong anywhere. According to this logic, a Jewish state would be "unnatural" by definition. For this reason, it is anti-Semitic to pretend that the Palestinians per definition have a real link to their land, whilst the Israeli's per definition do not. The Israeli state is just as "natural" or "unnatural" as any other state.

9. Do not challenge the right of existence of Israel

It is logical for the radical Left to challenge the existence of states and it is equally logical to criticise ones own state. However, Europeans who wish to abolish the state Israel first are caught up in anti-Semitic reasoning. After all, Israel is the state where the European Jews who survived the Shoah sought a safe haven. Now that anti-Semitism internationally is on the increase, many Jews consider Israel the only place on earth where they can flee to in the last resort. By challenging the very right of existence of the state Israel, the feelings of insecurity amongst Jews will only increase. Instead, the Left in Europe should counter anti-Semitism in this continent, so that Jews can feel safe here at home.

10. Never blame Israel for anti Semitism

Anti-Semitism is obviously the responsibility of the anti-Semites. Anti-Semitic thought is deeply rooted in both Europe and the Arabic world. Attacks on Jewish targets have occurred for centuries, also in the Middle East. Anti-Semitic ideas and attacks can therefore not be caused by the existence of the state Israel or by the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel is at best the latest excuse for anti-Semites. Holding Israel responsible for anti-Semitic beliefs is a version of the old idea that "the Jews" are to blame for everything. The same goes for blaming the Jewish secret service, the Mossad, for attacks on Jewish targets in the Middle East and in Europe.
----
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2003/06/71312.html

[Sam_b]

This is all bullshit.

Why should we refrain from criticising the right of Israel when, at least for me, I don't believe it should exist? All that this is is ridiculous liberal pussy-footing around the problem, and the majority of these 'ten tips' is to not offend supporters of Zionism.

[FreeFocus]

Turquino, you agree with this?

[apathy maybe]

1 . Always also criticise moslim fundamentalists and never justify the suicide bombers.
Not criticising suicide bombers or Muslim fundementalists does not make one an anti-Semite.


2. Oppose anti-Zionism
The notion of Zionism as put forward by many something to oppose. The notion of Zionism as understood by most people is of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. I can oppose the present state of Israel, and not be anti-Semite.


3. Do not use the term genocide and do not call Israel the biggest abuser of human rights
Saying that Israel is the biggest abuser of human rights is not anti-Semitic, even if it is incorrect.


4. Never compare Israel to Nazi Germany
Saying that Israel is "no better" then Nazi Germany is a fucking stupid thing to say. However, comparing the tactics of Israel to that of Nazi Germany is not anti-Semetic.


5. Do not hold "the Jews" accountable for the actions of the Israeli state
This is fucking obvious to anyone with half a brain who actually uses it. (And applies to Israeli citizens as well.)


6. Do not use anti-Semitic stereotypes
If you use anti-Semetic stereotypes, then maybe you should look at yourself and question whether you really are not-racist.


7. Condemn ideas of a pro-Israeli conspiracy
Well, I will leave this one up for debate.


8. Do not call Israel an unnatural state
I would suggest that all states are "unnatural", but to single out Israel is fucking stupid, and possibly bordering on the anti-Semetic.


9. Do not challenge the right of existence of Israel
Why not? Actually, like the above. However, fifty years challenging the right to exist of Israel wouldn't have been anti-Semitic in and of itself.


10. Never blame Israel for anti Semitism
I didn't realise anyone did. But if they do, they are fucking stupid.


Over all, some of these are fucking stupid, some are fucking obvious, and some I would put at border line.

[turquino]

Turquino, you agree with this?
Yes, but with the possible exception of #3 because i think Israeli human rights abuse deserves international attention criticism even if critics are human rights abusers themselves.

[Wanted Man]

This is crap. I'm surprised someone bothered to translate it, as it was written in Dutch originally, I believe. It's zionist apologists who could use some tips. Well, just fucking off will do fine, for now. The author of this article also writes for the fine anti-racist website "De Fabel van de Illegaal", which is cool. But these tips are a reactionary pile of garbage and should be trashed. What I think of these commandments:

1: No, not as long as zionists apologize for Israeli violence. Also, this point is discriminatory against muslims and christians, as well as historically wrong. Oops.
2: No, opposing zionism is essential.
3: Maybe. But why is it only wrong to use rhetorical exaggeration against Israel? They may not be committing actual genocide, but Israel is certainly built upon ethnically cleansed areas.
4: Maybe. But again, while this comparison is usually inane, Israel doesn't need special protection from it.
5: Duh. But zionists will never take the same attitude towards 'the Palestinians'.
6: Duh. But I've also seen 'leftists' post pictures of an Israeli soldier defending a mother with a baby, while a Palestinian 'towelhead' 'terrorist' is hiding behind one. Again, one-sided. Why?
7: Duh. But the Israeli lobby is very real. That has nothing to do with the strawman 'The jews control the media'. Of course zionist lobbying should be exposed. Why shut up about it, because it offends crusty old 'leftists'?
8: Maybe. Once the zionist propaganda that Palestine was 'a land looking for a people' ends.
9: I question the right of Israel to exist. In fact, I don't think it should exist at all. What now?
10: Blaming Israel for anti-semitism is wrong, but it doesn't exist in a vacuum either. It's no different from morons who hate all Americans because of Iraq, while shutting up about their domestic bourgeoisie. Still, it's not a one-sided thing. Certainly, people in the Middle East don't start (wrongly) hating Jews because it's in their evil Arabic blood... The tendency towards anti-semitism of those who face Israeli oppression every day should be opposed, but their anti-zionism should not.

[turquino]

I sometimes think the left becomes too preoccupied about Israel and Palestine, and that makes it unfortunately easy to adopt extreme positions that are out of line with emancipatory politics. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not unimportant, but consider that the war in the Congo killed more people than any other conflict since WWII (and overwhelmingly civilian), but received a fraction of the activist attention the Second Intifada got. And in another example, i believe a Maoist group in the Philippines signed a declaration that claimed Zionism and Jewish influence constituted the single biggest threat to the world's people. :thumbdown:

[turquino]

You should apologize for the bourgeois propaganda that is the OP, not quit making excuses now and backpeddling. Zionism is just Jewish petitebourgeois fascism. Zionists see Jews as racially superior and all others as 'goys' (chattel, slaves), and they support using military aggression funded by foreign sources of exploited superprofits to control and repress the Palestinian people.

Your article put forward the put that 'progressive' groups are Zionist, which is patently false, considering that any support of the bourgeois state is reactionary, not progressive.
i'm not backpedaling any. Zionism is a belief in a state for Jews in Israel, so how is that basically different from Palestinian nationalism? It is a fact there are far-right, even fascist extremists on both sides. There is nothing exceptional about Jewish nationalism that warrants anti-Zionism. Anti-Zionism is bad because it plays right into the hands of neo-nazis and islamic fascists who want to wipe out Jews by wiping out Israel.

[Zurdito]

zionism is the belief that Jews from across the world need to seperate themselves from the communities they live and go to establish a majority-jewish homeland on land stolen from the palestinians, based on a biblical legend.

so I don't think being anti-zionist is anti-semitic, in fact I found this article pretty low quality

[Sam_b]

Zionism is a belief in a state for Jews in Israel, so how is that basically different from Palestinian nationalism?

Because the Palestinians didn't artificially create their state on stolen land and displaced and killed thousands.

[Pirate turtle the 11th]

Who ever wrote this is a dolt.

[Holden Caulfield]

Who ever wrote this is a dolt.

seconded!

[Red_Dialectics]

seconded!

Thirded.

[bleedingheart]

It's a very, very good article. Most leftists have a naive view that anyone who fights west/Israel must be the good guy, the oppressed and the abused.:crying: That's clearly NOT the case with Islamic militants who butcher innocent westerners and Israelis. The Islamic militants are NOT opposing the west for the same reasons that we-the leftists-are opposing them. These militants don't care if you're capitalist or communist, as long as you're non-Muslim, you're a second-class citizen. This is how they view the world, look at the treatment that minorities receive in Middle East nations.

Surprisingly, the left doesn't say a word about the atrocities committed in 50 odd Muslim countries, but instead focus on tiny Israel.:rolleyes: No wonder, we're never taken seriously. Shakespeare would say our hypocrisy beggars all description.

As to likening Israel to Nazi Germany, give me a break. Most Muslim countries oppress their minorities, which is almost identical to what they did in Nazi Germany. But speak on this, and you'll be accused of Islamophobia. As for human rights abuses, of course, only Israel qualifies, despite the fact that stoning, flogging, and such practices are quite common in Islamic societies.:rolleyes: Double standards.

[BobKKKindle$]

As to likening Israel to Nazi Germany, give me a break. Most Muslim countries oppress their minorities, which is almost identical to what they did in Nazi Germany.

Comparing Israel to Nazi Germany (as well as South Africa during the Apartheid era) is a valid comparison, because the Israeli government maintains an extensive system of ethnic discrimination whereby Arabs who hold Israeli passports are not given the same rights as Israel's Jewish inhabitants.


These militants don't care if you're capitalist or communist, as long as you're non-Muslim, you're a second-class citizen

Do you have any evidence to show that this assertion is actually true? Iran is clearly a theocracy which operates in accordance with the values of the Qu'ran and other Muslim holy texts which are seen as the basis for a just system of government, and yet, contrary to what you might expect and what you seem to be assuming, Iran is home to a large Jewish population (around 25,000, which is the largest Jewish population in the Middle East outside of Israel) who are free to practice their religion without interference from the state and also have political representation in the Iranian parliament. This invalidates your opportunist claim that Islamic militants treat non-muslims as "second class citizens".


That's clearly NOT the case with Islamic militants who butcher innocent westerners and Israelis

When has an Islamic militant organisation ever "butchered" innocents? Can you cite a single case study which shows that this has occurred?

[turquino]

Do you have any evidence to show that this assertion is actually true? Iran is clearly a theocracy which operates in accordance with the values of the Qu'ran and other Muslim holy texts which are seen as the basis for a just system of government, and yet, contrary to what you might expect and what you seem to be assuming, Iran is home to a large Jewish population (around 25,000, which is the largest Jewish population in the Middle East outside of Israel) who are free to practice their religion without interference from the state and also have political representation in the Iranian parliament. This invalidates your opportunist claim that Islamic militants treat non-muslims as "second class citizens".According to wikipedia Iranian Jews face discrimination like other religious minorities; and are not permitted to serve in the judiciary or senior government/ military positions.


When has an Islamic militant organisation ever "butchered" innocents? Can you cite a single case study which shows that this has occurred?
You're kidding right? How about the 60 tourists massacred in Luxor?

[PRC-UTE]

Surprisingly, the left doesn't say a word about the atrocities committed in 50 odd Muslim countries, but instead focus on tiny Israel.:rolleyes: No wonder, we're never taken seriously. Shakespeare would say our hypocrisy beggars all description.

That's interesting, cos I know quite a few on the Left who oppose both Zionism and support workers in predominantly Muslim countries who are fighting against the anti-worker laws of their own state; Iran specifically.

I wonder where you're getting your information about 'the left'.

[Andy Bowden]

I largely agree with folks sentiments here opposing some of these "tips". The unfortunate thing is I think it's neccessary for Pro-Palestine activists to make out clearly what genuine anti-semitism is, as it unfortunately does exist albeit on the fringes.

For example, Gilad Aztmon and Israel Shamir are two notable figures who defend the Palestinians but are also anti-semitic.

[FreeFocus]

Ten tips against anti-Semitism

Eric Krebbers and Jan Tas | 05.06.2003 23:46


Activists wishing to criticise the Israeli state must be careful not to descend into anti-Semitic reasoning. Here are 10 tips to avoid anti-Semitism in discussions, articles, leaflets and demonstrations.

. Always also criticise moslim fundamentalists and never justify the suicide bombers.

Hamas, Jihad and Hezbollah are not liberation organisations, but religious fascists. Historically, anti-Semitism is a central element of the Islam, just as it is of Christianity. Moslim fundamentalists call for all Jews to be killed, and are thus extremely anti-Semitic. Anyone who refuses to categorically distance themselves from these fascists and their opportunist methods, whether for anti-imperialist or other reasons, legitimises anti-Semitism. Anyone who ignores the attacks on random Israeli citizens, considers them in some way understandable or justified, is underwriting the anti-Semitic logic behind them, namely that Israeli Jews are always guilty - regardless of whether they agree with their government - just because they are Jewish.

Random attacks are understandable, but never justified. Most things in the world can be understandable, even if they're senseless and ridiculous. So, for example, an Israeli who hates Arabs is understandable, since it stems from historical national circumstances and the very establishment of the state, and also given the Arab-Israeli conflict, obviously. That doesn't make it acceptable. There's nothing anti-Semitic about that. Furthermore, while all those groups listed are, essentially, religious fascists, who else is there to defend Palestinians from Israeli aggression? Also, consider the fact that Israeli aggression prompts more Palestinians to join these organizations because they have little other choice, who may or may not agree with the hard line ideology of the groups' leaders.


2. Oppose anti-Zionism

Anti-Zionists wrongly claim that Jewish nationalism, Zionism, is per definition on the extreme Right. In reality, Zionism has many different currents, some of which are progressive. Anti-Zionism only opposes Jewish nationalism. Palestinian or Arab nationalism is embraced. However, all forms of nationalism have the same reactionary function. They all produce myths to emphasise the unity of "nations" and to hide the oppression of workers, women and people who do not fit into the nationalist scheme. Elites use nationalism to harness the population for their fight against other elites. In this sense, Jewish nationalism is not fundamentally different from Arab or Dutch nationalism. It is important to combat nationalism at home, and not to do the elites a favour by fighting nationalism in other countries. In addition to this, it is anti-Semitic to, from a European perspective, declare Jewish nationalism to be the main problem. The solution lies in the principle of anti-nationalism and in the support for joint Israeli-Palestinian initiatives for resistance from below.

I don't embrace any kind of nationalism, really, but nationalism is useful as a tool for oppressed groups. Back before 1947 (and even today), I would have agreed that European Jews had the right to reconnect to Palestine, since there are historic cultural ties to the land and also to the surrounding Semitic peoples. There are strong links between Judaism and Islam. Therefore, I would support the right to reconnect by settling and reintegrating into the natural fabric of the region. I DO NOT support ethnic cleansing to create a state. At most, in Palestine, a binational state should have been founded from the get go. Today, I support as a realistic solution right now a one-state solution, which would necessitate joint Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiatives.


3. Do not use the term genocide and do not call Israel the biggest abuser of human rights

Israel is one of the many countries which gravely abuses human rights. Many of the national "liberation movements", such as the PLO also abuse human rights, and will continue to do so once they have their own state. Various states in the Middle East, including Syria, Iran,Saudia,Egypt,Libya,Morocco and Sudan also abuse human rights on a massive scale. The much more limited scope of the Israeli abuses of human rights do not justify the title of the biggest abuser of human rights. One sided criticism of Israel smacks of anti-Semitism. Furthermore, the term genocide is exaggerated with regard to Israeli violence. Jenin can not be compared to Rwanda or Yugoslavia. What is more, Israel does not seek the systematic eradication of the other side; unlike the muslim fundamentalist organisations. If for example Hamas had its way, all Jews would be driven into the sea or gassed. Incidentally, more criticism in the direction of human rights abuses on the part of the Dutch government would not go amiss either.

I don't think Hamas has such a genocidal program (gassing all Jews or otherwise killing them). While all the other states in the region engage in atrocious violations of human rights, only those US client states get away with it (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Israeli, etc). Israel is the most egregious offender in terms of repeatedly violating international law and commiting war crimes with impunity (Turkey is also of this number), thanks to US protection.


4. Never compare Israel to Nazi Germany

Mercifully, the Shoah is a unique event in human history. In Nazi Germany 6 million Jews were systematically slaughtered. Comparisons between this and other mass murders do no justice to the unimaginable and horrific dimensions of this crime against the Jews. European claims that the Shoah was just like the current Israeli policies of occupation in effect rehabilitate the Nazi's. This could create a space in the future for the re-emergence of the extreme right. And the suggestion that the Israeli's are no better than Hitler can also provide a retrospective justification for the Shoah. "Hitler forgot one: Sharon", was one of the slogans chanted at a pro-Palestine demo in Amsterdam in April 2002.

In terms of scale and efficiency, the Nazi killing machine was unique, but by no means was it unique in terms of goals or methods. Just by scale and the systematic organization of it. That chant at the rally was ignorant, and can by no means be tolerated or justified. In terms of just the logic of domination and subjugation, the Israeli occupation can be likened to the Nazi machine, but the comparison can't be taken too far because it would get ridiculous at some point (only thousands of Palestinians have been killed, not millions). For example, what the hell else can the strangulation of Gaza be compared to?


5. Do not hold "the Jews" accountable for the actions of the Israeli state

It is nonsense to hold "the Jews", "the Palestinians" or 'the Dutch" collectively responsible for anything. There are always huge contradictions inside any "nation". Many Jews in Israel and in other parts of the world deplore the Israeli state violence. Generally, they have little influence over it. Those who claim that people in Israel do not protest enough against the state violence should realise that the Israeli Left, like the Left in other parts of the world, is in a crisis. It is anti-Semitic to demand specifically of the Jews that they adhere to higher political and moral standards. Those who nevertheless hold all Jews responsible for the Israeli state violence, open the way for anti-Semites to attack random Jews and Jewish targets.

I agree. People are ultimately responsible for themselves and can't be held morally responsible for the actions of others, unless they condone the atrocities and behavior. That's not to say the average right-wing Israeli is as culpable as say, Sharon or Olmert, but they need to be opposed on an ideological basis. They have the right to believe what they want, as long as they're not inciting or engaging in violence against Palestinians or other Arabs.


6. Do not use anti-Semitic stereotypes

Throughout history, Jews have been portrayed as baby killers and rapists, as demons who poison water supplies, as greedy bankers and speculators and as spineless intellectuals. When the Palestinian solidarity movement employs such stereotypes against Israel, the mobilising effect will be enormous, because of the fact that anti-Semitism everywhere has deep roots. But if a movement does this, it no longer has a place in the Left.

The left needs to draw a strong distinction between the term "Israeli" and the term "Jew." There's an obvious difference, Israel is a state, Jews comprise an ethnic (or religious, depending on what you want to argue) group. Of course, generalizations are off the bat logically weak, since there are exceptions, so even portraying "Israelis" as "baby killers and rapists" is wrong, since it would be implying universality. Let's face it, though, Sharon would be a baby-killer, there's no need to cover that up to try to appease right-wing extremists or apologists.


7. Condemn ideas of a pro-Israeli conspiracy

Oft heard suggestion of a pro-Israeli conspiracy in politics, culture, the economy and the media are classic elements of anti-Semitism. Regardless of whether they concern the Dutch or the global context, such allegations lie in the tradition of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion", a fraudulent text dating from 1900, claiming that Jews were conspiring to gain world domination. In cartoons the conspiracy was depicted as a giant octopus, holding the world in its deadly tentacles. Today there is much talk of the so called "mighty Jewish lobby" which is alleged to control the media and keep criticism of Israel off the agenda.

First off, there is a strong Israeli lobby in the US especially, but they only get traction because Israel is a client state and is vital to US imperial interests. So I don't think Israelis control anything, I think they're the ones getting controlled, although they just play along as junior partners in imperialism.


8. Do not call Israel an unnatural state

Since nationalism gained ground in Europe and humanity was suddenly divided into "nations", "the Jews" have been regarded as the opposite of a "nation". As such, anti-Semitism is a fixed part of nationalism. In nationalist mythology, "the Jews" represent the evil nemesis of all the good characteristics of the "own nation". Whilst the "own people" were supposedly rooted in the soil of an "own land", the Jews would roam the earth forever and never belong anywhere. According to this logic, a Jewish state would be "unnatural" by definition. For this reason, it is anti-Semitic to pretend that the Palestinians per definition have a real link to their land, whilst the Israeli's per definition do not. The Israeli state is just as "natural" or "unnatural" as any other state.

All states are unnatural, and one founded on exclusivity is even more so. Palestinians have ties to the land. Israelis have ties to the land now. Any solution that doesn't involve reconciliation is doomed. Period.


9. Do not challenge the right of existence of Israel

It is logical for the radical Left to challenge the existence of states and it is equally logical to criticise ones own state. However, Europeans who wish to abolish the state Israel first are caught up in anti-Semitic reasoning. After all, Israel is the state where the European Jews who survived the Shoah sought a safe haven. Now that anti-Semitism internationally is on the increase, many Jews consider Israel the only place on earth where they can flee to in the last resort. By challenging the very right of existence of the state Israel, the feelings of insecurity amongst Jews will only increase. Instead, the Left in Europe should counter anti-Semitism in this continent, so that Jews can feel safe here at home.

Actually, many Jews are staying away from Israel, increasingly viewing it as a failed enterprise that, 60 years later, is still trying to "fight invaders" and justify its existence. I agree, counter anti-Semitism where you are, but put it in the broader context of anti-racism and anti-imperialism. All settler states should have their existence challenged and questioned.


10. Never blame Israel for anti Semitism

Anti-Semitism is obviously the responsibility of the anti-Semites. Anti-Semitic thought is deeply rooted in both Europe and the Arabic world. Attacks on Jewish targets have occurred for centuries, also in the Middle East. Anti-Semitic ideas and attacks can therefore not be caused by the existence of the state Israel or by the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel is at best the latest excuse for anti-Semites. Holding Israel responsible for anti-Semitic beliefs is a version of the old idea that "the Jews" are to blame for everything. The same goes for blaming the Jewish secret service, the Mossad, for attacks on Jewish targets in the Middle East and in Europe.

This is another one of those things where it's understandable but unacceptable. A Palestinian whose parents died in an Israeli air strike, who can't get a job in Gaza, it's understandable if they grow up with anti-Semitic leanings. That doesn't excuse it though, obviously, and they need to learn a thing or two and use logic. Israeli actions exacerbate anti-Semitism. I repeat, however, that does NOT excuse the anti-Semitism.
----
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2003/06/71312.html[/quote]

Basically he wants the left to capitulate to right-wing fanatics and people who abuse Jewish oppression for their own ends. In essence, whatever spineless criticism he could present after eliminating a few of the truthful points he suggested avoiding, would really amount to apologetics for Israel. So, he'd basically be trading illogical anti-Semitism for illogical notions of Jewish exceptionalism.

[SamiBTX]

Ten tips against anti-Semitism

Eric Krebbers and Jan Tas | 05.06.2003 23:46


Activists wishing to criticise the Israeli state must be careful not to descend into anti-Semitic reasoning. Here are 10 tips to avoid anti-Semitism in discussions, articles, leaflets and demonstrations.

. Always also criticise moslim fundamentalists and never justify the suicide bombers.

Hamas, Jihad and Hezbollah are not liberation organisations, but religious fascists. Historically, anti-Semitism is a central element of the Islam, just as it is of Christianity. Moslim fundamentalists call for all Jews to be killed, and are thus extremely anti-Semitic. Anyone who refuses to categorically distance themselves from these fascists and their opportunist methods, whether for anti-imperialist or other reasons, legitimises anti-Semitism. Anyone who ignores the attacks on random Israeli citizens, considers them in some way understandable or justified, is underwriting the anti-Semitic logic behind them, namely that Israeli Jews are always guilty - regardless of whether they agree with their government - just because they are Jewish.

2. Oppose anti-Zionism

Anti-Zionists wrongly claim that Jewish nationalism, Zionism, is per definition on the extreme Right. In reality, Zionism has many different currents, some of which are progressive. Anti-Zionism only opposes Jewish nationalism. Palestinian or Arab nationalism is embraced. However, all forms of nationalism have the same reactionary function. They all produce myths to emphasise the unity of "nations" and to hide the oppression of workers, women and people who do not fit into the nationalist scheme. Elites use nationalism to harness the population for their fight against other elites. In this sense, Jewish nationalism is not fundamentally different from Arab or Dutch nationalism. It is important to combat nationalism at home, and not to do the elites a favour by fighting nationalism in other countries. In addition to this, it is anti-Semitic to, from a European perspective, declare Jewish nationalism to be the main problem. The solution lies in the principle of anti-nationalism and in the support for joint Israeli-Palestinian initiatives for resistance from below.

3. Do not use the term genocide and do not call Israel the biggest abuser of human rights

Israel is one of the many countries which gravely abuses human rights. Many of the national "liberation movements", such as the PLO also abuse human rights, and will continue to do so once they have their own state. Various states in the Middle East, including Syria, Iran,Saudia,Egypt,Libya,Morocco and Sudan also abuse human rights on a massive scale. The much more limited scope of the Israeli abuses of human rights do not justify the title of the biggest abuser of human rights. One sided criticism of Israel smacks of anti-Semitism. Furthermore, the term genocide is exaggerated with regard to Israeli violence. Jenin can not be compared to Rwanda or Yugoslavia. What is more, Israel does not seek the systematic eradication of the other side; unlike the muslim fundamentalist organisations. If for example Hamas had its way, all Jews would be driven into the sea or gassed. Incidentally, more criticism in the direction of human rights abuses on the part of the Dutch government would not go amiss either.

4. Never compare Israel to Nazi Germany

Mercifully, the Shoah is a unique event in human history. In Nazi Germany 6 million Jews were systematically slaughtered. Comparisons between this and other mass murders do no justice to the unimaginable and horrific dimensions of this crime against the Jews. European claims that the Shoah was just like the current Israeli policies of occupation in effect rehabilitate the Nazi's. This could create a space in the future for the re-emergence of the extreme right. And the suggestion that the Israeli's are no better than Hitler can also provide a retrospective justification for the Shoah. "Hitler forgot one: Sharon", was one of the slogans chanted at a pro-Palestine demo in Amsterdam in April 2002.

5. Do not hold "the Jews" accountable for the actions of the Israeli state

It is nonsense to hold "the Jews", "the Palestinians" or 'the Dutch" collectively responsible for anything. There are always huge contradictions inside any "nation". Many Jews in Israel and in other parts of the world deplore the Israeli state violence. Generally, they have little influence over it. Those who claim that people in Israel do not protest enough against the state violence should realise that the Israeli Left, like the Left in other parts of the world, is in a crisis. It is anti-Semitic to demand specifically of the Jews that they adhere to higher political and moral standards. Those who nevertheless hold all Jews responsible for the Israeli state violence, open the way for anti-Semites to attack random Jews and Jewish targets.

6. Do not use anti-Semitic stereotypes

Throughout history, Jews have been portrayed as baby killers and rapists, as demons who poison water supplies, as greedy bankers and speculators and as spineless intellectuals. When the Palestinian solidarity movement employs such stereotypes against Israel, the mobilising effect will be enormous, because of the fact that anti-Semitism everywhere has deep roots. But if a movement does this, it no longer has a place in the Left.

7. Condemn ideas of a pro-Israeli conspiracy

Oft heard suggestion of a pro-Israeli conspiracy in politics, culture, the economy and the media are classic elements of anti-Semitism. Regardless of whether they concern the Dutch or the global context, such allegations lie in the tradition of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion", a fraudulent text dating from 1900, claiming that Jews were conspiring to gain world domination. In cartoons the conspiracy was depicted as a giant octopus, holding the world in its deadly tentacles. Today there is much talk of the so called "mighty Jewish lobby" which is alleged to control the media and keep criticism of Israel off the agenda.

8. Do not call Israel an unnatural state

Since nationalism gained ground in Europe and humanity was suddenly divided into "nations", "the Jews" have been regarded as the opposite of a "nation". As such, anti-Semitism is a fixed part of nationalism. In nationalist mythology, "the Jews" represent the evil nemesis of all the good characteristics of the "own nation". Whilst the "own people" were supposedly rooted in the soil of an "own land", the Jews would roam the earth forever and never belong anywhere. According to this logic, a Jewish state would be "unnatural" by definition. For this reason, it is anti-Semitic to pretend that the Palestinians per definition have a real link to their land, whilst the Israeli's per definition do not. The Israeli state is just as "natural" or "unnatural" as any other state.

9. Do not challenge the right of existence of Israel

It is logical for the radical Left to challenge the existence of states and it is equally logical to criticise ones own state. However, Europeans who wish to abolish the state Israel first are caught up in anti-Semitic reasoning. After all, Israel is the state where the European Jews who survived the Shoah sought a safe haven. Now that anti-Semitism internationally is on the increase, many Jews consider Israel the only place on earth where they can flee to in the last resort. By challenging the very right of existence of the state Israel, the feelings of insecurity amongst Jews will only increase. Instead, the Left in Europe should counter anti-Semitism in this continent, so that Jews can feel safe here at home.

10. Never blame Israel for anti Semitism

Anti-Semitism is obviously the responsibility of the anti-Semites. Anti-Semitic thought is deeply rooted in both Europe and the Arabic world. Attacks on Jewish targets have occurred for centuries, also in the Middle East. Anti-Semitic ideas and attacks can therefore not be caused by the existence of the state Israel or by the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel is at best the latest excuse for anti-Semites. Holding Israel responsible for anti-Semitic beliefs is a version of the old idea that "the Jews" are to blame for everything. The same goes for blaming the Jewish secret service, the Mossad, for attacks on Jewish targets in the Middle East and in Europe.
----
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2003/06/71312.html



I agree. Like, why should I pay for America's crimes?
I didn't do it! Should we put civillians on trial for the crimes of their government? I think not.

[Trystan]

I have a 11th tip: don't join the SWP or their propaganda front, the STWC.

I'm left wing, that means I don't march with Hezbollah or Hamas. :)

[Sam_b]

I have a 11th tip: don't join the SWP or their propaganda front, the STWC.

And the sectarian returns. Got any proof that Stop the War is a front organisation?


I'm left wing, that means I don't march with Hezbollah or Hamas.

You're a left communist who doesn't have any understanding of national liberation movements, and have been roundly defeated when challenged on this in a previous thread.

[Sendo]

12th tip: don't criticize Israel.



(being sarky! please don't restrict me)

[Trystan]

And the sectarian returns. Got any proof that Stop the War is a front organisation?


"Sectarian" nothing. I don't belong to a party or any group with an official position on this issue, so I don't see how I could be considered "sectarian".

As for the STWC: Why did they deny the "Hands off the People of Iran" campaign affiliation? Either they're worried about losing reactionary support because they have a group working inside them that supports the progressive elements inside Iran, or they're (i.e. the SWP) are worried about some "threat" posed by CPGB.


You're a left communist who doesn't have any understanding of national liberation movements, and have been roundly defeated when challenged on this in a previous thread.

I have a fairly good understanding of aforementioned the "liberation" movements. Nasrallah has declared that he intends to kill all Jews. Take the following quotes, for example:


"if [Jews] all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide."


"What do the Jews want? They want security and money. Throughout history the Jews have been Allah's most cowardly and avaricious creatures. If you look all over the world, you will find no one more miserly or greedy than they are.".

Hamas are no better.

Are these the kind of people that a "left-wing" party should support?

[Sam_b]

As for the STWC: Why did they deny the "Hands off the People of Iran" campaign affiliation?

Because HOPI wanted to make Iran the sole priority of STW, at the expense of the questions of Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as using their platform at the conference to denounce groups in STW that they didn't like.


Are these the kind of people that a "left-wing" party should support?

Weren't all these arguments dealt with by a number of people in a previous thread, where you happened to get owned by a number of people?


I have to go to work in a few minutes, so i'll keep it brief, and try topost more when I get back from my other job tomorrow night. However...

I think Trystan's poor analysis and grasp of the imperialist problem is very similar to some of the lines peddled by other left groups in Britain with regard to the Iraqi resistance. By this I mean that certain groups, notably Worker's Liberty, who won't support the resistance unless it is completely flawless: secular, socialist and of the right line of this too.

Unfortunately, the people of Iraq and Lebanon, not to mention Palestine, are forced into any resistance they can to protect themselves and their families. Trystan's very brief and, as Yehuda has rightly said,(I'll try to respond to your comments tomorrow!) incorrect analysis fails to address the grassroots movement from below in Lebanon and with regards to the like of Hezbollah and Hamas. The leadership of these organisations is deeply reactionary, yes: but, and the very big but. is that working class people have seen them as defending their communities from imperialism and massacre, and thus have taken up arms allongside them in resistance. Do you honestly think that everyone in Hezbollah is an 'Iranian stooge' that condones the hanging of homosexuals? The important thing is that change to the system can be made once these countries are free of imperialist threat and occupation, rather than trying to organise a completely unified, secular and socialist working class front. Communities are united under Hezbollah to resist Israel's murders, and its the job of socialists and trade unionists to make the arguments inside the organisation to build and put forwards the socialist program after it has effectively defended itself.

I'm on the side of those oppressed by imperialism. The question is, are you?

You can either be an armchair sectarian (and I don't give a fuck if you're in a party or not, if you think that a prerequisite is being in a party and otherwise you can troll your bullshit on here and not be accused then you're wrong) and denounce the working class in these areas as being 'Islamofascists' or the like, or you can actually get active in antiwar organisations and start having a decent Leninist analysis of imperialism.

[Trystan]

Because HOPI wanted to make Iran the sole priority of STW, at the expense of the questions of Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as using their platform at the conference to denounce groups in STW that they didn't like.


Yeah, sure they did. But according to Andrew Murray HOPI are "entirely hostile to the Coalition". When they fly Islamic flags, I would have to agree. 'Denouncing groups in STW that they didn't like"? So what? Each group has its own tactics and views. I don't see why criticisms shouldn't be made.


Weren't all these arguments dealt with by a number of people in a previous thread, where you happened to get owned by a number of people?I must have stopped reading the "argument" somewhere along the line, which is not unusual with me when it comes to rhetoric from the Islamo-Trots. Apologies.

[Sam_b]

I think that conference is not the place to be criticising other activists when important issues are at stake. And I can't take you seriously into you stop dumping your sectarian catchphrases into every single thread. 'Islamo-Trots'. Its almost a good thing that you're not involved in any serious political movements!

[Chapaev]

Always also criticise moslim fundamentalists and never justify the suicide bombers.
The people of the Near East are conducting a struggle for national liberation. No option is off the table for the attainment of national liberation. Even the United Nations General Assembly has legitimized the struggle of the Palestinians.


Hamas, Jihad and Hezbollah are not liberation organisations, but religious fascists.
This kind of rigid sectarianism has no place in the movement for social and national liberation. By any reasonable measurement, Hamas and Hezbollah are legitimate groups promoting a progressive set of policies. Marxist-Leninists struggle against all manfistations of dogmatism, to say nothing of imperialism, colonialism, apartheid, and zionism. It is disturbing indeed for zionist agents to inflitrate and subvert the revolutionary movement, as demonstrated by calls of 'abandon anti-zionism.', 'condemn Islamofascism', 'Defend Israel's right to exist'. It would not be too shocking if these pro-zionist subversives are on the payroll of Mossad.


Historically, anti-Semitism is a central element of the Islam

There is no history of anti-Semitism in the Near East. Until Zionism obliterated the Jewish communities of the Near East, Jews always lived peacefully with their Muslim and Christian blood brothers in the Arab countries. To characterize Islam as anti-Semitic is particularly bizarre, for Islam has the utmost reverence for Jewish religious figures such as Moses. If the Wailing Wall still stood in Jerusalem, it was as a monument to the tolerance and reverence of 1300 years of Islamic guardianship.



Anti-Zionists wrongly claim that Jewish nationalism, Zionism, is per definition on the extreme Right.

Zionism is a most reactionary variety of Jewish bourgeois nationalism. It is a nationalistic ideology, represented by a ramified system of organizations and a policy expressing the interests of the Jewish big bourgeoisie, which is closely linked with the monopolistic bourgeoisie of the imperialist states. Modern Zionism is militantly chauvinist, racist, and anticommunist.

Zionism's main policy has always been one of struggle, both open and covert, against socialism, the international communist and national liberation movements. Immediately after the victory of the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia, Zionism unleashed an active struggle against the Soviet state. After World War II (1939-45), amid a further intensification of the overall crisis of capitalism, the anticommunism of international Zionism assumed still broader dimensions.

Zionism is a prolonged and tragically successful invasion conducted by an alien people under imperialist auspises, ending in the expulsion of most of the original inhabitants of Palestine.



However, all forms of nationalism have the same reactionary function.

Nationalism of an oppressed nation has an overall democratic content directed aginst oppression, and Communists support it as historically justified at a given stage. It is expressed in the striving of oppressed peoples for liberation from imperialist oppression, for national independence and national rebirth.


3. Do not use the term genocide and do not call Israel the biggest abuser of human rights
Israel was responsible for genocide, as the UN General Assembly resolutions on the massacre of Sabra and Shatila demonstrate.


4. Never compare Israel to Nazi Germany
The aggressive history can be reasonably compared to Nazi Germany, whether it be the blitzkrieg against Egypt and Syria in June 1967 or the ongoing colonization of the Palestinian territories. The Nazi occupation of minor countries like Denmark during the period 1940-45 was probably more humane than what has been going on in Palestine for the past 60 years.


5. Do not hold "the Jews" accountable for the actions of the Israeli state

While not all Jews are responsible for the actions of Israel, the fact is that the vast majority of them support the criminal behavior of their regime. The vast majority of Israeli Jews, for example, support bombing Iran.


Throughout history, Jews have been portrayed as baby killers and rapists, as demons who poison water supplies, as greedy bankers and speculators and as spineless intellectuals.
To link Jews to banking and speculation is not just an anti-Semitic caricature. Many serious scholars who have studied anti-Semitism say that the fact that European Jews were predominantly bankers, money lenders, and brokers to a large extent fuelled anti-Semitism in eastern Europe.


7. Condemn ideas of a pro-Israeli conspiracy
It is not a paranoid delusion to correctly state that Israel is an imperialistic, expansionist, and meddlesome power that conspires to exert its influence on sovereign states. To hold Israel at least partially responsible for the aggression against Iraq and the imperialist plots against Iran is hardly anti-Semitic paranoia.


8. Do not call Israel an unnatural state

For a state to be established, a nation would have to exist. According to Marxism-Leninism, there is not a Jewish nation.

Very few of the Jewish colonists in Palestine have a legitimate historical claim of inhabiting the land. In ancient times Jews converted Arabs, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans and later the peoples of Maghreb, Italy, Spain, and France. Russian Jews are descended from Khazars. Many Jews who remained in Judea and Galilee became Christians. Spanish Jews were exclusively composed of converts. There simply is not a Jewish nation. Rather, the Jewish communities around the world have been part of other nations such as Spaniards, Hungarians, Arabs, and others.


9. Do not challenge the right of existence of Israel
Scholars such as international law professor John Quigley have thoroughly discredited the legitimacy of the Zionist entity in Palestine.


10. Never blame Israel for anti Semitism
Zionism has undeniably been a major contributor to the spread of Zionism. Zionist leaders, expounding ideas of the “age-old” nature of anti-Semitism, call for Jews to isolate themselves from other peoples; in this way they have in effect increased and continue to increase anti-Semitism and utilize it in their own interests.

[Yehuda Stern]

I'm with everyone here who says this article is a bunch of crap. It's Zionist bullshit and I hardly find it surprising that it's land of origin is Holland. These guys would feel quite comfortable in any left of center Zionist party.

[Sendo]

To link Jews to banking and speculation is not just an anti-Semitic caricature. Many serious scholars who have studied anti-Semitism say that the fact that European Jews were predominantly bankers, money lenders, and brokers to a large extent fueled anti-Semitism in eastern Europe.


That's right. It was a universal theme throughout all cultures (including the Hebrew tribe pre-Diaspora) to despise usury and unproductive elements of society. However, many Jews became bankers for the same reason that Mexicans clean up horse shit at a horse race track: it's the only work they can get, very often. They fulfilled a niche, and one that people must begrudgingly use (b/c there was no state bank). The roles got more ingrained and made things worse.

To not mention the reason why Jews became bankers could be anti-Semitic. I mean, there has to be a reason why this happened. To leave that blank implies that it was a conscious group decision orsome racial defect.

[redturk]

What aout the ties of the American right with the benifit of Isrial? Does anyone think we have a reason to attack Iran?Its for the benifit of all mid-eastern jews.

[Hiero]

The list is crap. It reduces colonialism to merely a political thing that some leaders choose. Colonialism in this sense is the existance of Israel and the dispostion and occupation of Arab people.