Indoctrination
&
Brainwashing
Israel: Based on Culture of
FEAR
Vital for Zionist Project Survival
Injected Daily in Israeli Citizens by State Propaganda
Fear makes it difficult for Israeli to connect with Palestinians and their suffering.
It makes apartheid more acceptable. Blindness & indifference become justified.
Victimised the
Settler Coloniser / Oppressor
Israel structure is founded on Culture of Fear and Victimisation
The victimization narrative within Israeli society plays a significant role in fuelling settler colonial aggression against Palestinians. This narrative is deeply ingrained in Israeli culture and has been used to justify and perpetuate the oppression of Palestinians.
1. Historical Trauma and Collective Memory
Israeli society has been deeply affected by the historical trauma of the Holocaust and other instances of anti-Semitism. This collective memory of persecution and victimization has been instrumentalized by the Israeli government and nationalist groups to justify aggressive policies towards Palestinians. By framing Israel as a vulnerable and perpetually threatened entity, the government seeks to garner support for its policies, including the expansion of settlements and the use of military force.
2. Culture of Fear
The victimization narrative fosters a culture of fear within Israeli society, where citizens are made to believe that they are under constant threat from external forces, including Palestinians. This culture of fear is perpetuated through media, education, and political discourse, creating a siege mentality that justifies aggressive actions against perceived enemies.
3. Military Conscription and National Identity
The obligatory enrolment in military service immediately after school reinforces the victimization narrative by instilling a sense of duty and sacrifice in Israeli youth. Military service is seen as a rite of passage and a way to protect the Jewish state from existential threats. This militarized national identity is deeply intertwined with the victimization narrative, as Israelis are taught to see themselves as soldiers defending against external aggression.
4. Dehumanization of Palestinians
The victimization narrative is used to dehumanize Palestinians and justify their oppression. Palestinians are often portrayed as existential threats to Israeli security, terrorists, or enemies of the state. By framing Palestinians as the aggressors and Israel as the victim, the government and media perpetuate a narrative that justifies settler colonial aggression, including land confiscation, home demolitions, and military occupation.
5. Propaganda and Justification for Violence
The victimization narrative is exploited by the Israeli government to fuel settler colonial aggression through propaganda. Incidents of violence or resistance by Palestinians are often portrayed as unprovoked attacks against innocent Israelis, further reinforcing the victimization narrative and justifying harsh reprisals. This narrative of victimhood is used to garner international sympathy and deflect criticism of Israeli policies and actions.
The victimization narrative within Israeli society is instrumentalized to fuel settler colonial aggression against Palestinians. By framing Israel as a perpetually threatened entity and Palestinians as existential threats, the government and nationalist groups justify aggressive policies and perpetuate the cycle of violence and oppression in the region.
Dehumanised the
Colonised / Oppressed
The dehumanization of Palestinians within Israeli society is a crucial aspect of the settler colonial project and plays a significant role in how Israelis perceive and justify the control and oppression of Palestinians. There are several factors that contribute to why Israelis may not see the suffering of Palestinians and why dehumanization is foundational to the settler colonial project
1. Historical Context and National Identity
Israelis have been raised in a context where the Zionist narrative emphasizes Jewish victimhood and the need for a Jewish homeland as a response to historical persecution, particularly the Holocaust. This narrative fosters a strong sense of national identity and solidarity among Israelis, which can lead to a lack of empathy or understanding towards the suffering of Palestinians, who are often perceived as a threat to Israeli security and existence.
2. Security and Fear
Israeli society is characterized by a culture of fear and insecurity, perpetuated by decades of conflict with Palestinians and neighboring Arab states. This culture of fear is reinforced by the Israeli government through security measures, military presence, and media narratives that portray Palestinians as terrorists or enemies of the state. As a result, many Israelis may view the control and oppression of Palestinians as necessary for their own security, and may not fully recognize or acknowledge the human suffering caused by these policies.
3. Political Ideology and Nationalism
Israeli nationalism and the ideology of Zionism prioritize Jewish interests and the maintenance of a Jewish majority state in the land of Israel. This ideology often leads to the dehumanization of Palestinians, who are viewed as obstacles to Jewish sovereignty and control over the land. Dehumanizing Palestinians allows Israelis to justify policies such as settlement expansion, land confiscation, and military occupation as necessary for the implementation of the settler colonial project.
4. Media and Propaganda
The Israeli media often portrays Palestinians in a negative light, emphasizing incidents of violence or terrorism while downplaying or ignoring the systemic discrimination and human rights abuses faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation. This one-sided portrayal of the conflict perpetuates stereotypes and biases against Palestinians, making it easier for Israelis to justify the control and oppression of Palestinians.
5. Normalization of Occupation
The long-term occupation of Palestinian territories has led to the normalization of control and oppression within Israeli society. Many Israelis have grown up with the occupation as a constant reality, leading to a desensitization to the suffering of Palestinians and a normalization of discriminatory policies and practices. This normalization makes it easier for Israelis to ignore or justify the human rights abuses committed against Palestinians.
The dehumanization of Palestinians is deeply rooted in the historical, political, and social context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This dehumanization allows Israelis to justify the control and oppression of Palestinians as necessary for their own security and survival, while ignoring or rationalizing the human suffering caused by these policies.
Settler Violence = State Violence
B’Tselem – The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories
Opposing the Narrative
Brainwashing
Gideon Levy
discusses the concept of
discusses the concept of
"Hasbara"
(Israeli media manipulation)
and its operation within Israeli society.
and its operation within Israeli society.
"Hasbara" refers to Israel's public relations efforts aimed at shaping international perceptions of the country, particularly regarding its policies and actions. Levy explains that while "hasbara" is primarily directed outwardly, towards the international community, a similar form of propaganda exists within Israel itself.
Within Israel, Levy describes a form of systematic indoctrination or "brainwashing" that begins from early childhood. He explains that individuals are raised with a set of values and beliefs that portray Israelis as perpetual victims, inherently right in their actions, and exempt from universal standards of law and morality. This indoctrination instills a sense of victimhood, entitlement, and exceptionalism among Israelis, which justifies actions such as the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Levy contrasts "hasbara," which aims to defend Israel's actions to the outside world, with the deeper and more pervasive form of indoctrination that exists within Israeli society. He describes how this indoctrination shapes individuals' worldviews and perceptions, making it difficult for them to see alternative perspectives or question the prevailing narrative.
Levy also criticizes the role of the Israeli media in perpetuating this indoctrination, suggesting that it serves as a significant collaborator in shaping and reinforcing the dominant narrative.
Overall, Levy argues that the systematic indoctrination within Israeli society goes beyond mere propaganda ("hasbara") and operates at a deeper level, influencing individuals' beliefs and perceptions from a young age. He highlights the challenges in helping people see through this indoctrination and recognize the truth behind the prevailing narratives.
Huge PR for Huge Arm Industry
Israel funds a massive public relations effort to bolster a massive armaments sector.
Israel invests significantly in public relations campaigns to support its arms industry, which is one of the most advanced in the world (annually pouring in 4 billions US aid). 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.
The Hannibal Directive
The Hannibal Directive: What Really Happened On October 7th
Hannibal Directive is a controversial Israeli military protocol that aims to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers by enemy forces, even at the risk of causing harm to the soldiers themselves.
It allows for the use of disproportionate force, including artillery and airstrikes, to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers, even if it means endangering their lives.
The directive is rooted in the belief that the capture of Israeli soldiers by enemy forces could lead to prolonged negotiations or concessions that may undermine Israeli security interests.
The similarities between the ancient Masada massacre of 73 CE and the modern Hannibal Directive lie in their respective aims to prevent Jews from falling into enemy hands
The Masada massacre and the Hannibal Directive both involve extreme measures to prevent Jews or Israelis from falling into enemy hands.
Masada
When the Romans breached the fortress in 73-74 CE, they found that the Jewish had chosen to slaughter their own children, women, and men rather than surrender.
A Free Trip to Israel
“Join us for 10 incredible days in Israel. Explore the best beaches, trek the deserts, tour ancient sites, and enjoy mouthwatering cuisine, conveniently presented without acknowledgment of its Palestinian roots or the native population, whom you won't have the chance to meet.
At sunrise, experience firsthand how ancient Jews in Masada chose to slaughter their own women, children, and men instead of surrendering to the Romans. This act is considered heroic.
For those seeking deeper insights into diplomacy and humanity, perhaps a reconsideration of this journey is in order.”
PS. You are not supposed to fraternize with natives behind the Wall!!
Indoctrination of young Jews
to become future Settler Colonial Zionists
Jews born abroad are granted citizenship and offered incentives like Birthright free trips to settle on Palestinian land, while native Palestinians who have been displaced are denied the right to return to their homes.
Displaced and Not Allowed to Return to Their Homes
