I have been very careful about what I say to whom and on what platform on this whole situation. I wish I didnāt feel like I had to, but I do feel like I have to. I got into a pretty heated discussion with a Jewish friend of mine the other day, who believes Israelās response is not only right, but the only possible response. Thankfully, I felt free to express my opinions with her without fear that she would accuse me of anti-Semitism or even think less of me, but it was still an uncomfortable conversation. But Iām not posting jack shit about this conflict on Facebook.
(Their) actions appear to align more with the Republicansā ongoing Banon-esque strategy to undermine democratic institutions, cultivate division, stoke fears of an immigrant invasion, and escalate a religious and cultural conflict against Muslims and the left.
The divisive language from the right has blurred the lines between Hamas militants and everyday Palestinians living under their control, further escalating already high tensions in the U.S.
The reactionary American right, like the extreme right in Israel find common ground in their anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant stances. Both factions also see this as opportune moment for Israel to annex and ethnically cleanse the West Bank and Gaza.
One has to wonder about the nature of support Israel might receive from a potentially, vindictive Trump White House. Would right-wing Israelis continue to back Trump as he takes an isolationist stance?
Itās a time for choosing
The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza requires each of us to make a choice.
And as for why something so seemingly obvious needs to be constantly restated . . .
Right?
Iāve tried to figure out my own feelings on the matter and itās still pretty muddled.
At the end of the day, I think itās because itās not possible to tell if someone is anti-Hamas if all they do is say āend Israeli Apartheidā and thereās a deep fear that itās just a dog whistle for a unknown but large percentage of people and that it could radicalize many of the rest.
That fear is magnified with reports about people chanting hamas slogans āfrom the river to the seaā or āGas the Jewsā (wtf Australia), antisemitic images conflating all Jews with Israelis or the Israeli government, synagogues and Jews being attacked, how little mourning there were for the dead Jews and how quickly the Palestinian protests were organized.
Even though I abhor the situation Palestinians are in and see Israel as an oppressor and deeply dislike and distrust the Israeli government, thereās a little voice that whispers how many places were safe for Jews right up until the massacres began.
I donāt know. Thereās probably more. Like I said, itās muddled.
About two weeks ago:
A motion to censure her was introduced a week ago:
Speaking in parliament on Monday about the motion:
So, in conclusion:
At least the federal NDP seems to have her back. I know a lot of Ontario (former) NDP supporters are really upset by this.
It wasnāt originally a Hamas slogan.
No matter which side they claim to support, people who conflate the nation of Israel with the Jewish faith are not to be trusted. When they start talking about Jews instead of Israel, thatās when I start to worry. Luckily, conscientious people know the difference.
Does someone being pro or anti-Hamas matter to end this situation, because itās really an intolerable one that should not exist. Human rights should not depend on people believing all the exact right things. We donāt take away basic human rights to fascists in this country, for example.
Also, BABIES ARE BEING KILLED right now in Gazaā¦ are they pro or anti-Hamas? Do we need to wait to see if weāre to protect their rights to live, based on what they might believe when they are adults? We canāt see inside someoneās head to decided if they hold ideas we disagree with, and we shouldnāt not base their access to basic rights on that.
Do you though, because you seem to be basing their right to exist on whether or not YOU think theyāre good people.
Plenty of people do not do that, including the many Jewish people, even the many Israelis who oppose the occupation.
The same should be said of people who conflate the Palestinians and Hamas.
[ETA] This is worth a listen, if youāre at all interested in the structure of the Palestinian leadership/politics under occupationā¦
Tomorrow, 1A plans to do a show on Israeli domestic politics.
