Antisemitism vs. Antizionism
Posted by Nathan in Uncategorized, tags: America, Austria, Economist, German, Israel, Simple, Zen
In another outstanding article, which makes the Economist worth the hefty subscription price, there is an analysis on the difference causes for the rift in support for Israel between America and Europe. While going through historical detail on the basis of left vs. right politics and how both have changed in all three locations cause realignment over time, there is an interesting position posited:
Some Americans blame rising anti-Semitism in Europe, which they also attribute in part to its growing Muslim population. But there is a difference between being anti-Semitic and being anti-Israel. And in any case, it is not obvious that anti-Semitism is a big factor. In central Europe, for example, there seems to be both greater anti-Semitism and more support for Israel. And some polls suggest that more Americans think Jews have �too much influence� in their country than do Europeans.
I used to think you could be anti-Israel and not antisemetic. But in seeing how Jewish Israel is my mind was changed. I do not see distinction between the two concepts or states of being. If there were no Israel there would be more Jews living in other nations and I wonder how that would change the sentiment of the local populations towards Jews. The fact is Europe is antisemetic. Europeans invented the concept. I am certain in stating that there are a large number of Europeans who were glad to see Jews go - and by go I mean killed, expelled, and “willingly” emigrate to America and Israel.
I tend not to be a moral relativist and thereby I view war, death and destruction, and aggression as morally reprehensible not matter who is involved. However, Europe has very little moral ground upon which to stand and wag a finger at Israel. I do not need to list the actions by nation and century, we all know the history. However, even if you can dismiss this, you have to wonder what Europe will do when it is 60% Muslim (I would relish the chance to see the look on Ferdinand & Isabella’s face) or how Germany would react if France started kidnapping citizens and lobbing missiles across the border.
If you want to see how this is manifested in a modern European psyche, observe how suspicious England still is of France and Germany or of the rest of continental Europe as a whole. If, still, you wish to dismiss my argument, then imagine a situation where France, oh wait, France is a bad example, so let me suggest Germany. What might happen if Switzerland were moderately hostile and Austria and Poland called for your destruction while funding an army in Denmark to “snipe” at your citizens with missiles? Do I need to continue this thought experiment?
I was once told, by a wise man, that transference is the bane of human existance. It prevents us for judging people and situations for what they really are, or are not. This is the concern with anti-Zionism. Is it actually antisemitism transferred to the State of Israel from the People of Israel? There is no simple answer to this question. I am certain some people use this transference as an excuse to mask their hatred of Jews, however, at the same time I know Jews who are deeply troubled by the actions of the State of Israel and care deeply for the People of Israel. In fact they deride the State’s actions precisely because they are so concerned with the People. If you want more proof of this check out my long running letter battle in AdBusters or the writings of Tikkun.
While I do see both sides of this issue. I come to two conclusions: Poison the water and you should have killed them all in 48.
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