Frequently asked questions
Jump to a question:
Zionism?
Zionism is a nationalist movement that emerged in the 19th century to enable the establishment of a homeland for the Jewish people in Palestine.
Why is Judaism against Zionism?
The opposition of many Jews to Zionism stems from various factors, including religious beliefs, ethical considerations, and political ideologies. Here are some reasons why Judaism may be against Zionism:
1. Religious Interpretation: Some Jews interpret religious texts and teachings in a way that opposes the Zionist movement. They may believe that the establishment of a Jewish state goes against certain principles of Judaism, such as the concept of exile or the belief that Jews should await the coming of the Messiah to return to the land of Israel.
2. Ethical Concerns: Many Jews, both inside and outside of Israel, have ethical concerns about the actions of the Israeli government and the impact of Zionist policies on Palestinians. They may oppose practices such as the occupation of Palestinian territories, settlement expansion, and the treatment of Palestinians as second-class citizens, viewing them as inconsistent with Jewish values of justice, compassion, and equality.
3. Political Opposition: Some Jews oppose Zionism on political grounds, believing that the establishment and maintenance of a Jewish state through the displacement of indigenous Palestinians is unjust and unsustainable. They may advocate for alternative solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such as a one-state solution or a binational state where Jews and Palestinians can coexist as equals.
4. Human Rights Advocacy: Many Jews are actively involved in human rights advocacy and social justice movements, both within Israel and internationally. They may speak out against Zionist policies that they perceive as violating the rights of Palestinians and advocate for a just and equitable resolution to the conflict based on principles of human rights and international law.
5. Solidarity with Palestinians: Many Jews express solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle for self-determination, equality, and justice. They may reject Zionist narratives that erase or downplay the suffering of Palestinians and seek to amplify Palestinian voices and narratives in their advocacy efforts.
Overall, the opposition of certain Jews to Zionism reflects a diverse range of perspectives rooted in religious, ethical, political, and humanitarian considerations. While Zionism continues to be a dominant ideology within Israeli society, there are Jews who actively challenge and resist its principles and practices, both within Israel and in the broader Jewish diaspora.
Anti-Semitism?
Antisemitism refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or cultural group. Throughout history, antisemitism has manifested in various forms, including verbal and physical attacks, discriminatory laws and policies, stereotypes, conspiracy theories, and scapegoating.
Are you anti-Semitic if you criticise Zionism or Israeli crimes?
Criticising Zionism or the policies and actions of the Israeli government does not inherently make someone antisemitic. It's important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of political ideologies, governments, and their actions, and bigotry or prejudice against individuals based on their Jewish identity.
Zionism is a political ideology advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland, and like any political ideology, it is subject to critique. Similarly, governments, including the Israeli government, can and should be subject to criticism for their policies and actions, as with any other country.
However, criticism of Zionism or Israeli policies can cross into antisemitism if it employs antisemitic tropes, stereotypes, or language, or if it demonises or delegitimizes Jews as a whole. It's crucial to critique actions and policies, not individuals based on their identity.
It's also important to recognize that antisemitism exists independently of criticism of Israel or Zionism, and efforts to combat antisemitism should not be conflated with efforts to stifle legitimate criticism or debate about political issues.
"Jews against occupation"?
"Jews against occupation" refers to individuals who identify as Jewish and actively oppose the Israeli government's policies and actions regarding the occupation of Palestinian territories. This movement includes Jewish activists, organisations, and individuals who advocate for an end to the occupation, the promotion of Palestinian rights, and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
These individuals may engage in various forms of activism, such as organising protests, advocating for policy changes, supporting boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaigns, and raising awareness about the human rights abuses experienced by Palestinians living under occupation.
The term can also encompass Israeli citizens who refuse to serve in the Israeli military due to their opposition to the occupation. These individuals, known as "refuseniks," reject mandatory military service as a form of protest against the Israeli government's policies and actions in the occupied territories.
Overall, "Jews against occupation" represents a diverse and vocal segment of the Jewish community that seeks to challenge and change Israeli policies they view as unjust or harmful to Palestinians and the prospects for peace and justice in the region.
Why are Israel and its allies using anti-Semitism accusations to silence criticism of Israeli or Zionist crimes?
Accusations of anti-Semitism are sometimes used by Israel and its allies to delegitimize and silence criticism of Israeli policies and actions, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This tactic is often employed as a form of propaganda to discredit dissenting voices and avoid addressing the substantive issues raised by critics.
There are several reasons why this strategy is utilised:
1. Weaponizing Identity: By equating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism, proponents of this tactic seek to exploit the historical suffering of Jewish communities and conflate legitimate criticism of a state's policies with bigotry against an entire ethnic or religious group.
2. Deflection and Avoidance: Rather than engaging with the specific criticisms raised about Israeli actions, accusing critics of anti-Semitism allows Israel and its supporters to deflect attention away from the substance of the criticism and instead focus on the alleged motives of the critics.
3. Protecting Political Interests: Labeling critics as anti-Semitic can be a way to maintain political support for Israel and its policies, particularly among Jewish communities and allies who may be sensitive to accusations of anti-Semitism. It serves to reinforce solidarity within certain political circles and discourage dissent.
4. Undermining Legitimacy: By portraying critics as motivated by prejudice rather than genuine concern for human rights or international law, Israel and its allies seek to undermine the legitimacy of the criticism and discredit the voices advocating for change.
However, it's important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and actual instances of anti-Semitism. Criticizing Israeli government actions or advocating for Palestinian rights does not inherently equate to anti-Semitism. Genuine criticism of Israeli policies should be evaluated on its merits, rather than dismissed through accusations of bigotry.
Why do Palestinians want to destroy Israel and drive Israeli Jews into the sea?
This is the question asked most frequently by Israelis and Zionists. We'll answer the question indirectly by asking the question below:
Are you aware that Israeli Zionists, during the 1948 war, pushed over tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees into the sea?
...follow the link
Why did Arabs reject the proposed UN GA partition plan which split Palestine into Jewish and Arab states?
The 1947 UNGA proposed partition plan for Palestine is often used by Israelis and Zionists to obscure facts from those new to the argument. As demonstrated below, the myth has been concocted to legitimise Israel in the eyes of many Jews and Western people. It should be noted that each of the facts below can be independently verified either from the Zionist archives in Jerusalem or from the British Mandate books... Follow the link
Why did seven well-equipped Arab armies attempt to destroy the poorly armed and newly founded 'Israeli Jewish state'?
The baseless myth, of how the Arab armies wanted to destroy the 'Jewish State', has been propagated in all sectors of Israeli society, especially in its school system, military boot camps, and media. As it will be proven below, this myth was deemed necessary by most Zionists to legitimise their continued USURPATION of the Palestinian people's political, civil, and economic rights.
Often, when Israelis and Zionists are confronted with facts contrary to their liking, they counter by accusing the sources of fabrication or being part of the "anti-Semitic" Arab propaganda. To avoid such "distractions", we'll directly quote two of the most prominent pro-Zionist historians, Martin Van Creveld (the renowned Israeli military strategist and historian) and... follow the link
Isn't it true that Palestine was empty and inhabited by nomadic people?
From the early stages of Zionism to the present, Zionists have propagated the myth that the most important land bridge in human history (Palestine) has been empty and destitute for two thousand years until it was later developed by the Israeli Jews. To facilitate such disinformation, the Zionists adopted the following slogan to entice European Jews to emigrate to Palestine:
"A land with no people is for a people with no land".
Had the Zionist leadership admitted the existence of an indigenous people, then they would have been obliged to explain how they intended to displace them. To disprove this baseless myth, let's quote Ben-Gurion (the first Israeli Prime Minister)... follow the link
1930 Palestinian women protest in Jerusalem against the British Mandate
Is it true that Palestinians never had either a state, or any distinct culture or language of their own?
For a moment, let's all pretend:
that the concept of nation-state isn’t a recent human political construct, and
that 90% of current nation-states didn't burst onto the scene in the last 130 years, and
this political construct is 2,000 years old as Zionists make it to be, and
that the Israelites weren't twelve competing tribes and they were united in a single nation-tribes 2,000 years ahead of humanity... follow the link
Nativity Church, 1945
Is it true that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East?
Is it true that Palestine was destitute until the Israelis made its desert bloom?
Why has the Zionist movement selected Palestine for its Settler Colonial Project?
The Zionist movement, which emerged in the late 19th century, aimed to establish a national homeland for the Jewish people. The selection of Palestine for this purpose can be attributed to several factors:
1. Historical and Religious Significance: Palestine holds immense historical and religious importance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is considered the biblical land of Israel, and Jerusalem, located in Palestine, is a holy city for all three Abrahamic religions. This historical and religious connection made Palestine a focal point for the Zionist movement.
2. Persecution of Jews in Europe: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jews in Europe faced increasing anti-Semitism and persecution. The Zionist movement, led by figures like Theodor Herzl, sought a solution to this problem by establishing a Jewish homeland where Jews could live free from persecution. Palestine was chosen due to its historical ties and symbolic significance.
3. Herzl's Vision: Theodor Herzl, considered the father of modern political Zionism, articulated the vision of a Jewish homeland in his book "Der Judenstaat" (The Jewish State) in 1896. Herzl considered Palestine a suitable location for the establishment of this state, believing that it would provide a solution to the "Jewish Question."
4. Imperialist Support: The geopolitical landscape and the support of major imperial powers, particularly Britain, played a crucial role. The Balfour Declaration in 1917 expressed British support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This endorsement by a major imperial power gave momentum to Zionist aspirations.
5. Available Land: At the time of the Zionist movement's inception, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was perceived as weakened, and the idea of settling in Palestine seemed plausible to Zionist leaders, especially with the support of imperial powers.
These factors converged to make Palestine the focal point for the Zionist settler colonial project, ultimately leading to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The consequences of this historical development continue to shape the complex geopolitical situation in the region.
How can an atomic and heavily militarised settler colonial regime like Israel persuade allies to victimise itself?
An atomic and heavily militarised settler colonial regime like Israel can persuade allies to perceive it as a victim through various means:
Narrative Control: Israel has a sophisticated public relations and media apparatus that allows it to control the narrative surrounding its actions. Through strategic messaging, Israel can frame itself as a small, vulnerable nation surrounded by hostile neighbors and facing existential threats. By highlighting instances of terrorism, rocket attacks, or regional instability, Israel can portray itself as a victim defending against aggression.
Historical Narratives: Israel often invokes historical narratives of persecution and the Holocaust to garner sympathy and support from allies, particularly Western nations. By emphasising the historical plight of the Jewish people and framing Israel as a refuge for survivors of genocide, Israel seeks to evoke empathy and solidarity among its allies.
Diplomatic Influence: Israel leverages its diplomatic relationships and alliances to garner support from key allies, particularly the United States. Through lobbying efforts, diplomatic persuasion, and military partnerships, Israel cultivates strong ties with influential countries that provide political backing and diplomatic cover on the international stage.
Why would the common interest between imperial power as the US and settler colonial power as Israel be declared as common values in western mainstream media?
The notion of shared values between the United States and Israel is often framed in terms of democratic principles and the fight against terrorism, but it's essential to recognise that these values may not always align with actions on the ground, particularly concerning the treatment of Palestinians.
While both countries may espouse democratic ideals, actions such as displacement, occupation, and military aggression undermine these principles and raise questions about the consistency of their commitment to democracy and human rights. The policies implemented by Israel, including apartheid practices and ethnic cleansing, contradict the democratic values that both nations claim to uphold.
In reality, the alignment between the United States and Israel is often driven more by strategic interests and geopolitical considerations rather than shared democratic values. The United States provides significant military and diplomatic support to Israel, viewing it as a key ally for hegemony over the petroleum-rich Middle East; the US wants oil and pro-western "stability", not democracy. This strategic partnership may lead to compromises on democratic principles and human rights concerns, particularly concerning the Palestinian issue.
Therefore, while the rhetoric of shared values may be invoked to justify the alliance between the United States and Israel, it's crucial to scrutinise actions and policies that undermine democratic norms and human rights, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel funds a massive public relations effort to bolster a massive armaments sector.
Israel invests significantly in public relations campaigns to support its defencee industry, which is one of the most advanced in the world (4 billion dollars US aid annually). These PR efforts serve multiple purposes:
1. Promotion of Defence Products: Israel uses PR campaigns to showcase its military technology and capabilities to potential buyers worldwide. By highlighting successful operations, advanced weaponry, and innovative defence systems, Israel aims to attract customers for its arms exports.
2. Reputation Management: Given the international scrutiny of its actions in the Occupied Territories, Israel utilizes PR to manage its global image and address criticisms of its military operations. PR campaigns may seek to justify Israel's security measures, portray its military actions as defensive rather than aggressive, and emphasize the threat posed by trivial clashes with militant groups in the region.
3. Political Influence: PR campaigns can also be leveraged to garner political support from allies and sympathetic governments. By framing its military operations within the context of counterterrorism or national security, Israel seeks to rally diplomatic backing and fend off international condemnation.
4. Domestic Support: Public relations efforts may target the Israeli population to maintain domestic support for defence policies and military actions. By emphasizing the necessity of strong defence measures, the government seeks to bolster public confidence and solidarity.
5. Economic Benefits: The defence industry is a significant contributor to Israel's economy, and PR campaigns highlighting its achievements and global market share can promote investment, job creation, and economic growth.
However, these PR efforts often face criticism from human rights organizations and advocacy groups, which accuse Israel of using propaganda to whitewash its human rights abuses in the Occupied Territories and to deflect attention from violations of international law. The effectiveness of Israel's PR campaigns is a subject of debate, with supporters crediting them for enhancing Israel's security and economic interests, while critics argue that they perpetuate a narrative that justifies oppression and violence against Palestinians.
How Israeli citizens can justify the lack of freedom, apartheid practices, and oppression towards Palestinians?
Ingredients for the recipe:
Victimization of the perpetrator (Israelis are born to be the only victims) + Supremacy notions + Dehumanization of Palestinians + Economic/military Convenience, mixing all with Mystical Promise, in equal parts.
Remember to take it consistently throughout the day/night, and share it with friends and children.
Not Allowed to Return to Their Homes