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The Necessity of Israel
Jul. 19th, 2006 02:30 pmAfter my previous entry, my buddy, ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
mcroft, asked:
Are there any circumstances, hypothetical or real, under which you would be opposed to the survival of Israel?
As a Jew, I was taught that the survival of Israel was critical. I understand that this is a form of brainwashing, similar to being taught religion as a child, but that is the way it is. I have been raised to believe in the importance of the Right of Return, in case of an emergency.
Historically, we have seen Jews chased out (or otherwise eliminated) from many countries or communities. With nowhere to go, the Jewish community has been reduced time and again. How many times must this happen before Jews are no longer a viable race?
The historical, read: biblical, significance of the location of Israel only serves to muddy the waters. I don't know if I would be amenable to choosing another location as the "Jewish State," but I am sure that this is not a possibility, so I don't really need to determine my feelings around that choice.
Perhaps if I were not in a country where diversity is no longer being valued, and where one (frighteningly religious) group appears to be in charge of all three branches of the government, I would not be as aware of the precariousness of my situation. Unfortunately, as this country creeps (or speeds, depending on your point of view) toward fascism, I am more and more aware of my position as an outsider.
Of course, Israel is in a no-win situation. They are being attacked from all sides by nations and religious organizations that are intent on their destruction. Their enemies do not play by civilized rules of engagement, and so there is no way that they can protect their population without getting dirty. After decades of this kind of warfare, I’m not surprised that they have become similar in some ways to the groups they are fighting.
At this point, there are many things that Israel does that I cannot get behind. However, I still believe that they are more right than they are wrong, and that they are trying to live in peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.
So, under what circumstances would I be opposed to the survival of Israel?
I can’t think of any. Perhaps someone else can. I'm open to the discussion.
mcroft, asked:Are there any circumstances, hypothetical or real, under which you would be opposed to the survival of Israel?
As a Jew, I was taught that the survival of Israel was critical. I understand that this is a form of brainwashing, similar to being taught religion as a child, but that is the way it is. I have been raised to believe in the importance of the Right of Return, in case of an emergency.
Historically, we have seen Jews chased out (or otherwise eliminated) from many countries or communities. With nowhere to go, the Jewish community has been reduced time and again. How many times must this happen before Jews are no longer a viable race?
The historical, read: biblical, significance of the location of Israel only serves to muddy the waters. I don't know if I would be amenable to choosing another location as the "Jewish State," but I am sure that this is not a possibility, so I don't really need to determine my feelings around that choice.
Perhaps if I were not in a country where diversity is no longer being valued, and where one (frighteningly religious) group appears to be in charge of all three branches of the government, I would not be as aware of the precariousness of my situation. Unfortunately, as this country creeps (or speeds, depending on your point of view) toward fascism, I am more and more aware of my position as an outsider.
Of course, Israel is in a no-win situation. They are being attacked from all sides by nations and religious organizations that are intent on their destruction. Their enemies do not play by civilized rules of engagement, and so there is no way that they can protect their population without getting dirty. After decades of this kind of warfare, I’m not surprised that they have become similar in some ways to the groups they are fighting.
At this point, there are many things that Israel does that I cannot get behind. However, I still believe that they are more right than they are wrong, and that they are trying to live in peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.
So, under what circumstances would I be opposed to the survival of Israel?
I can’t think of any. Perhaps someone else can. I'm open to the discussion.
