Israel is a nation state like any other nation. There are good and bad things about its history and its current policies and military actions. As an American I have found many the occasion to disagree with the policies and actions of my country and Im still grateful to live here and proud of much that we do as a nation. As someone born in Germany I have learned to accept the truth of the crimes and atrocities of the Nazi era and still love the people and culture that is my heritage. None of us on this planet, if we go a few generations back are free of collective responsibility for some evil perpetrated on another people. We humans have treated each other abominably since the beginning of time. So, why is it impossible to criticize the policies and actions of Israel without feeling like Im about to step on a land mine and lose half my Jewish friends? I am not against Israel, I have friends in Israel and many more who love Israel. I understand the dream of a Jewish homeland and the need to fiercely defend its right to exist. I want nothing more than a just two state solution to this crisis that would allow both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, perhaps one day as friends. What I dont understand is the need to maintain this myth of Israels unconditional goodness, this insistence that it has the kindest soldiers in the world and is always beyond reproach. I have friends with a sticker on their door that reads, We support Israel here. and the message is clear, that no criticism is ever allowed, no honest introspection is tolerated....and this is dangerous because it separates the Israels and some Jews from the rest of us..We are all the same, all capable of horrendous violence and great good and we all need to face our fears and demons and not project them out on the rest of the world....I share this with love and a desire for authentic connection with truth and with one another.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 16:19:57 +0000
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