Your Commentary: A young Jewish Canadian studying in Israel shares his story
- January 13, 2009 1:01 PM |
- By Your Voice
Bio/About: My name is Freeman Lewin, I am currently on a two month intensive high school program in a small city in Israel called Hod Ha'Sharon. I am 17-years old and a senior at Frances Kelsey Secondary School in Mill Bay, British Columbia.
My take: When Britain was bombed by the Germans in the second World War, the British Air Force went and bombed cities in Germany saying, "Stop your bombing or we'll kill more civilians." When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1942, the United States dropped the most deadly bomb known to man on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. When Israel is attacked for years, they sit and they wait. They pace and they plan. They ask their
citizens to understand their dilemma, for they know that to stop those attacks from the Gaza Strip, from Lebanon, from the West Bank, would be international suicide.
Photo of author with classmates at the JNF tree planting farm.
What is the difference between Israel and Britain, or Israel and the USA? For years Katusha rockets have been falling on the cities of Ashdod and Sederot, but still the government practices restraint. They tread lightly on soil that once was their own; they defend the land they have left. They plan for the day when "enough is enough."
Today, and yesterday, tomorrow and the next, there will be meetings in secret rooms on how to lessen the civilian impact on innocent civilians. They will plan on how to safely conduct humanitarian aid within Gaza. They will save lives and mourn casualties, and they will understand that whatever they do they will be looked upon as oppressors of a people. In their heads they will mourn for the people who do not understand, the ones who honestly believe in their heart of hearts that Israel came down too hard on the men and women who had and still have the ideology that Israel, the Jewish state should be obliterated.
Author and classmate on the Gilboa mountains, west of Jerusalem.
When the ground troops finally entered Gaza they knew that lives were at stake, but they were not doing it for themselves, they were there to lessen the impact on innocent civilians. It had been decided that air strikes on Hamas compounds were causing to much destruction of civilians' lifestyles, the tactics used by Hamas were too
detrimental to those who had no involvement. So they went in, not in an effort to kill civilians but in an effort to get rid of the men and women involved in deadly terrorist activities. One is not innocent if they are old ladies carrying guns and shooting at soldiers; one is not innocent if they let Hamas shoot rockets from their hospital; one is
not innocent if they incite violence.
So who are you, the international community to decide what is right or wrong without all the facts? Who are you to think that Israel is the oppressor? As a young man living in Israel I am shocked to see the amount of hatred directed towards a country that is merely trying to defend its people. Do you, the international community say a word
about the civilians whose lives are torn apart day after day by terrorism against Israel? Do you ever take a second to think of the reasons Israel is in Gaza? Or do you believe the propaganda? Do you see the little girls crying on TV and think "The Israelis! The scum of the earth!?"
It amazes me to see how a population, so devoted to enlightenment can still unleash such baseless hate. As a Jew will I be subject to anti-semitism when I get home? Will we really step back in time and let such ignorant taste and media rule our lives again? When I walk in the Holy Land, I see beauty, true and pure. I see history and morals held in highest esteem. I touch the kotel (Western Wall) and pray for peace in the world. I don't see a country in the middle east ravaged by war. I see a country united in a fight for its existence, and that is beauty. Remember what Yitzhak Rabin said minutes before his assassination, "Peace Is possible."
Do you have a different take? Send us your story. Or, submit your comments below.
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Comments (54)
My respect to you and and the people of Israel right now fighting not only the terrorists in Hamas but an irrational bias - unfortunately being perpetuated by western media - against the only Middle-Eastern democracy who have an obligation to provide peace and security for its people.
I think it's far too easy for people to complain about the situation between Israel and Hamas, when most of them don't live there, or ever will live there. And for an odd reason, the most vociferous opponents of Israel complain about innocent Gazans being killed, without even considering the civilians of Israel, or granting them the same right to life they urge Gazan citizens must be given. Let's not forget that during WWI and WWII that many civilians died on all sides of that conflict, some accidentally, and some with extreme prejudice. That is why it's called war.
I also don't see the IDF shooting blindly into crowds intentionally to kill civilians, while the whole world knows Hamas' intent in this arena. I have to side with the country that has taken a lot of abuse from all its neighbours and still hasn't resorted to the kind of genocide they have suffered from historically, and are constantly threatened with from the likes of Hamas and other radical Islamic militant fanatics.
After all, it would be very easy for Israel to respond with an over the top assault rendering the Palestinian issue moot, but they haven't. As a matter of fact, the only country on the planet with a history of using its nuclear arsenal is the USA. I doubt very much that Hamas or other like minded religious fanatics located in the Middle East with access to these weapons would hesitate to use them as bargaining chips, if not just fire them off as soon as they are acquired.
I think we should just let Israel finish clearing out Hamas. Once the people of Gaza decide that peace is preferrable to having Hamas lob rockets, things will return to normal just like the West Bank. Because for all the propoganda stating how prison-like the environment is there, I have yet to see any pictures reminding me of the Sudan or Darfur, Dresden after the firebombing, or Auschwitz.
What young Freeman doesn't understand is Arafat's legacy, he was a master at influencing public opinion even though he was a corrupt crook who played both sides of the fence for his own gain, just look at the millions of dollars that he stole from his own people and that his wife walked away with after his death. His legacy lives on today with the condemnation of the Israelis in some circles of world opinion and that will never change, anti-semitism has been around since ancient times will be around for long time to come so get used to it young Freeman you will have to live with it your whole life.Good luck in your studies and come home safe.
Hi Freeman,
The death of civilians on both sides break my heart. Even the death of soldiers because they too are humans and the sons of mothers and fathers.
War is a horrible thing. But what Israelies don't understand, this is the price you pay when you uproot people from their land, steel their homes, oppress and descrimate about them.
Israel needs to become a true democracy. It should follow the example of Canada. It should recognize the rights of the muslims and christians living there as equal as the right of the jews. And it should allow the return of the Muslims and Christians the zionist jews expelled.
We have an expression that describes exactly your peoples behaviour. It goes like this in english.
Haven't you been to the West bank, did you spend time on the Palestinian side and lived as a Plaestinian.
Thank you Freeman, for an account of what you see, which echoes what I hear from my family every day.
In the Diaspora it is a propaganda war. The media will only show the images that sell. Unfortunately the Israeli side of the story is harder to sell because they forgot that Israelis were subject to bus bombings, club bombings, front-end loader attacks, and an endless rain of rockets. They forgot that Israel faces the threat of extinction the second it lets its guard down. It's easy for a bunch of people thousands of kilometers away to criticize when their normal daily routine doesn't include running to the nearest bomb shelter.
My cousin who is studying film animation wants to move to Canada from Israel, but is afraid that there is too much anti-Semitism here. I'll rephrase that. She is more scared of the anti-Semitism she will face in Canada than the constant threat of terrorism. What does that say about Canada's image?
Have fun in your 2 month stay. I did the same when I was 17 as well. Undoubtedly the greatest experience in my life.
Just because history is a blood soaked one that is glorifying power maintained by "winning" a war, is no reason to justify violence as absolutely the only answer to resolving land conflicts. Everyone has a right to exist and have a home. The problem is borders and control...always by those with the money and means to rule. We are bearing witness to what happened to native populations around the world..some were erased. Let's not call our civilization "enlightened" it cannot be as it continues to apply the same old rule of war.
BTW...Good for all you guys/gals who can return to an ancestral homeland, claim citizenship, and be immersed in your religion and historic culture.
You have a special opportunity.
There are millions of people who cannot do so, including native populations around the world who have also endured holocausts by the millions but did/do not have the means to describe what their ancestors endured. How many countries have they lost?
Others who also endured "holocausts" in the last century were those three million+ people in India 1948 when the British decided to divide the country in two.
What about those scattered indentured workers shipped out to colonies after the Asian and Irish famines of the 19th century?
Can they claim rights to citizenship in the old countries?
That is why we live here and are supposed to develop "enlightened" societies disengaging with the old wars. After all, this was supposed to be the "new world" of freedom and democracy for all, not recycled wars and power struggled. So, I will remain loyal to Canada and watch my ancestral country from the distance.
I forgot, forgive me AFRICA...I meant to add this CONTINENT ..to the list of holocausts that continue to today after centuries of pillaging and raping of its' land and resources including its' peoples - shipped to build societies elsewhere. Can their descendants go back to their origins to claim ancestral land? Land claims are interesting. What can we expect in Canada I wonder? Will I have to give up my home to a Mississauga Native if one day a claim is made in my area?
You shouldn't care what the rest of the World thinks. You should care what G-d thinks. And when you look at the suffering of the Palestinians caused by the harsh sanctions, and now the bombing, it's easy to see the G-d would never approve.
Samera:
"I forgot, forgive me AFRICA...I meant to add this CONTINENT ..to the list of holocausts that continue to today after centuries of pillaging and raping of its' land and resources including its' peoples - shipped to build societies elsewhere. Can their descendants go back to their origins to claim ancestral land?"
Hells yeah. It's called Liberia. And more recently, Ethiopia has put up with a bunch of doped up Rastas, even though probably none of the ancestors of the descendants of North American slaves were from Ethiopia. Didn't work out that well for Liberia though.
And anyways, it only works if you have a strong desire to return to your land of origin and the place is economically attractive. With Liberia the desire was really strong, but only in a minority of people. Canadian Natives live in Canada already. But if their descendants lived somewhere else, I wouldn't object to Canada giving them an easy path to citizenship (unless they had a criminal record or whatnot). It would be one thing we could do for the original inhabitants.
Good Morning Freeman,
I was so pleased to read your comments relating to Israel's situation and why they had to act. You are the embodiment of what it is to be a thoughtful, insightful, and considerate individual. As both a parent and grandparent, I applaud your famly for having raised you in an environment which allowed these values to thrive. Be well.
We are asked if we ever stop for a second to ask how Israeli's feel. It may seem like a beautiful paradise to many Jewish people, the only problem is that it was taken from the legitimate owners. In addition, the displaced Palestinians who lived there are under a brutal occupation. The state of Israel is being accused of heinous war crimes which cannot be denied and appear to be breaking every part of the Geneva convention. It is unfortunate that Israeli's have lost the memory of Rabin whom is quoted. The present Israeli government is now seen as a rogue state totally out of touch with world morality.
Hello Freeman, My wife, Esther and I grieve for all the families from both sides in this fight, who are fearful for their children and spouses. Life is so precious, and one day very soon, this war will be over, but not until the population says, "Enough." It happened in Ireland, finally after 50 years or more of fighting by the terrorist IRA, who were led by killers and thugs.
The same is now taking place with Hamas, who care nothing for civilian casualties, even at the expense of destroying everything they claim to be fighting for. We pray for peace in your country and for others who also must crave an opportunity to lay down rockets and guns supplied by perhaps Iran and Syria. Shalom.
Let me tell you my sweetheart, whenever we see US, Britain, and Israel…we see borders, walls, and wars. Biggest example is what the British did to India, africa, and middle east.
The only way to live in peace is by living together, talking to each other…..does Isreal allows non jews to live in Isreal!!!…..Gaza is just a big huge camp whom ppl were removed by force from their land…..
Your comments are valid and crutial.
Recently my family has lost a dear loved one.
One whom honour and respect are a breathe away from greatness. He was a RCMP and municipal Police Officer who lost his greatest battle with cardiovascular concerns. Probably brought by years of stess and anguish. But, he knew how to dream...and even though he had good dreams that may not have all come true, he and we are glad that he had them.
I HAVE FRIENDS OF JEWISH, SCANDINAVIAN, HUNGARIAN, RUMANIAN, UKRAINIAN, ITALIAN, GERMAIM, ORIENTAL, SPANISH AND MEXICAN AND AMERICAN AND FRENCH BACKGROUND. We are all connected.
The greatest of connections is not political it is simply love. Love thy neighbour as thou theyself. And respect each others culture and religion and land. The grains of love are pure. \jane e shankorik, 9:24pm Alberta, Canada
Maybe you should live on the other side of the border for a while and live like them and see how Israel has pretty much taken away all their rights!Israel, to this day, continues to make illegal colonies on Palestinian land! They Israeli land was increased by 5% just in the past year alone! i just cant understand how Israelis don't see that these people that have been living like prisoners have the right to this land that you call your own! I just don't see how its fair and a group of people can come and take over a land and displace its people, by 100s of thousands, just because its a so called "promised land"...what about the Palestinians who have been calling this land their home for 1000s of years? I don't have anything against Israel as a nation. I would be all for them if they treated everyone the same and not Arabs and second class citizens! I'm sorry about right now all I can say is....SHAME ON ISRAEL!!!
Thank you all for your comments. In response to Ginan ( I usally dont respond) do you not know the reson behind the refugge issue in Gaza and the west bank? The reason this occered was when Israel was formed as a state the surrounding Arab countries told Arab civilians to move out due to an immanent attack, they moved into Egyptian and Jordainian run refugee camps and were treated as underclass citizens.
Israel did not want to alianate people they did not want to force them into refugee camps it was the surrounding arab countries that put them into this situation. Please to everybody in the world,get informed from historical facts not just political agendas.
Waiting patiently?? Give me a break, Israel has been a tyrrany in the region, ever since it was put there. Why dont' you tell us about the nice settlements versus the constantly harrassed Palestinian in their scattered villages?
Why don't you talk about the numerous checkpoints the Palestinians have to go through each day? Why don't you talk about the way the Palestinians are made to live like second class citizen's?
Why don't you talk about the appartheid style government? Jimmy Carter just made that all up? It sickens me that CBC would help propogate such lies.
Yeah and for all you morons who call Hamas terrorists... firstly they are a democratically elected government which is under attack by a state that has more UN resolutions against them then any other state in the world!... IT WAS NICE TO HERE HOW YOU SEE THINGS BUT SORRY WE CAN'T IGNORE THE FACTS FREEMAN!
BASELESS HATE?? REALLY? Oh Don't use Anti-Semitism as a defense you're hi-jacking the term from jews. You are not Jewish you are Zionists! Judaism doesn't doesn't tell you to take over the Palestinian's land. They lived in peace for 100's of years before Israel was put there. The one and only cause of this injustice and unrest is the simple fact that Israel exist.
I did not say Jew's exist I said Israel Understand the difference! You Israeli's actually use Jew's as a defence and are giving them a bad name.
Israel is a complete lie. It's not a Jewish state. (It's Zionist,racist,illegal, against Judaism). IDF is not a 'Defense' force. It's a terrorist force with a name used to sound defensive.
Israel is an occupier! It can never be a defence force when it's in someone else's country. (i.e. the West Bank). You love manipulating with words don't you. Nice twist to the story.. Israel is just like the US and Britain. What you didn't mention is that Germany attacked Britain. Japan attacked pearl harbor. What doesn't work for Israel is that it is an OCCUPIER! It has forced the Palestinians into a fraction of their land.
STOP THE LIES! and CBC STOP PROPOGATING THESE LIES FOR THE ZIONIST. THIS ARTICLE BRINGS YOU DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF FOX AND CNN.
Regarding your question, "Do you see the little girls crying on TV and think "The Israelis! The scum of the earth!?" Actually, no I don't see the little girls crying on TV.
Israel is not allowing any foreign journalists into Gaza right now. I am sad and frightened by what is going on and reading your words has frightened me even more.
You should be frightened as well because you, like the rest of us, are being fed information by the people we trust to tell us the truth and we are being given very limited amounts of truth.
I think, when a truth is perverted enough it is not unreasonable to call it a lie. The truth is, it is wrong to kill another human being. And, as my mother used to say, "Two wrongs don't make a right."
A very well written analysis of Israel's recent military incursion, unfortunately made necessary by Hamas terrorists. I am very proud that you are Canadian. I hope the rest of your stay in Israel is prosperous, peaceful and edifying. Good luck in your studies.
What most westerners do not realize or want to hear is the REASON for the Palestinians useless actions of firing rockets into Israel. The past year has been a living hell for them. Living in the world's largest prison. DENIED medical care, ability to travel, income, jobs, a future... what would your psyche be reduced to? Without a cry for help that gains the attention of the world (which you see in your newspapers today) the suffering would go on for years to come.
Unfortunately for us jews, the world's hate towards us grows every day and with the killing of every innocent. Who'll be surprised or even speak up when another Hollocaust occurs and we are on the receiving end.
The true answer lies in peace and understanding. Diplomacy and a war to change the hearts of both sides is the ONLY answer.
I am a Christian Canadian. So what's your point.
Unfortunately; this young man & his family have been brainwashed by their Government, the same as we here in Canada are brainwashed by the States. In attempting to understand the current situation, I read (available through google) "The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict, published by Jews for Justice in the Middle East", rather than the U.S.version, which is the only way to get the truth.
As a Canadian senior originally from Britain, I myself have worked both for and with many Jewish people, whom I found to be no different than anyone else. As far as the conflict is concerned, I truly feel for the Jews, as they are unfortunately being critisized for something they themselves are not doing, as it's the Zionists and their Government who supports them; that have created this problem. Hopefully more people will begin to realize this and not hold the innocent Jews responsible, infact many both in Israel and around the world are actually opposed to this and Freeman need take comfort from this fact. Freeman, don't listen to what your Government is saying, read how the world is reacting, especially how many of your own people, who are not Zionists, are opposed to this slaughter. Good luck in your studies and have a safe trip home to B.C.
Israel’s “response” to Gaza, just like its “response” to Lebanon, is insanely out of proportion, and PSYCHOPATHICALLY CASUAL about its massive extermination of human life.
Israel keeps making the insulting claim of self-defence. Personally, I’m sick to death of hearing war-mongers condescend to the public as if we’re too stupid to recognize the difference between self-defence and an OFFENSIVE MASSACRE. Terrorizing people WITH the political support of your friends is STILL TERRORISM to the people who are EXPERIENCING the terror.
In an alleged attempt to wipe out a group that hates Israel, Ehud Olmert is terrorizing a much larger group that may otherwise have been neutral (or at least non-violent) into hating Israel, which begs the question: What’s step TWO, dumb-ass? It is beyond moronic to address the problem of having SOME enemies by generating countless MORE enemies.
Israel’s current leadership is certifiable: If the fact that Hamas is killing innocent Israelis doesn’t turn Israelis against their own government (and why would it), then how could the fact that Israel is killing innocent Palestinians possibly turn Palestinians against Hamas (as Israel has claimed to believe it will)? It’s a brainless and dishonest theory which only exists as a pathetic excuse for maniacal vengeance.
Israel’s actions are completely indefensible, and if they don’t qualify as a war crime then the definition of “war crime” needs to be broadened.
To all the right-wing kill-or-be-killed lunatics who can never seem to slake their blood-lust: The only blood anyone has the moral right to condone spilling is THEIR OWN.
Poor child, and truly Canadian Freeman Lewin, dear to our hearts.
I believe that until an entire populous understands these words for themselves, take it into their hearts to be > : Good,Considerate,Humble,Charitable,Understanding,Patient, Selfless,Noble,Creative,Caring,Giving,Honest,Truthful,Openminded,Reliable,Moderate,
Loving,Forgiving,Thoughtful,Helpful,Polite,Calming,Affectionate,Kind,Clean,Pure harted,Warm,hearted,Predictable,Constant,Healthy,Trustworthy,Compassionate,
Right,Balanced,Tender,Worthy,Undeceiving,Intelligent,Satisfying,Appreciative,
Content,Fair,Nonejudgmental,Holy,Sacred,Dignified,Pleasant,Comforting,Peaceful,
Quiet,Lovable,Natural,Honorable,Transparent,Generous,Healing,Gracious,Merciful,
Soothing,Smart,Faithful,Reasonable,Perfect,Willing,Loyal,Meek,Fearing,
Serving,Clear,Absolute,Graceful,Volunteering,Beneficent,Sublime,Benign,
Celestial,Moral,Decent,Candid,Serene,Benevolence,Tolerance,Gratitude, Charming, Positive,Admirable,Appealing,Delightful,Genial,Eternal,Thankful,Sympathetic,Commendable,Consoling, Impressive,Tactful,Cooperative,Welcoming,Well,Divine,Praiseworthy,
Confidant,Sensible,Sensitive,Gentle,Straightforward,Respectful,Wise,Sharing,Loving,
Supportive,Reasonable,Benevolent,Modest,Fearing,Safe,Sincere,HopefulInoffensive,Polite,Unpretentious,Unthreatening,Ambiguous,Legal,Clear,Accurate,Harmless,Friendly,
Therapeutic,Soothing,Appropriate,Harmonious,Proper,Glorious,etc...
and understand the consequences of being / acting upon these >
: Evil Bad,Anger,Carelessness,Hatred,Vanity,Cruel,Blasphemy,Lying,Stealing,Stubbornness,
Maniac,Narrowmindedness,Gluttony,Hypocrisy,Manipulative,Deceiving,Confusing,
Misleading,Cunning,Damning,Uncaring,Impurehearted,Egoistic,Abusive,Rude,
Faithless,Resentful,Unforgiving,Obnoxious,Ruffian,Destructive,Incoherent, Uncooperative,Obstructive,Annoying,Intrusive,Loud,Disrespectful,Crazy,Greed,Incontrollable,Impatience,Selfishness,Unholy,Inconsistent,Upsetting,Untrustworthy,Blunderer,
Unpredictable,Unhealthy,Selfrighteous,Pathetic,Ridiculous,Killer,Ruthless,Imbalanced,
Indignant,Lazy,Procrastinator,Stupid,Dumb,Inconsiderate,Jealous,Envious,Unreasonable, Unhappy,Miserable,Frightening,Controlling,Demanding,Judgmental,Shameless,Bully,
Tormenting,Fearless,Torturous,Detestable,Egoistic,Scary,Improper,Perverse,Gross, Terrifying,Obsessive,Harming,Polluting,Devastating,Merciless,Ugly,Insulting,Disloyal
Dangerous,Lustful,Insincere,Trickery,Extremist,Disgraceful,Immoral,Mortal, Sickening,
Draining,Conceited,Ruining,Hopeless,Helpless,Cheater,Dishonorable,Avoid,Spoiled,
Bitchy,Faulting,Bitter,Arrogant,Intrusive,Brutal,Inconsiderate,Unpleasant,Uncomfortable,
Troubling,Grotesque,Foolish,Negative,Venomous,Blatant,Bossy,Nasty,Shameless,Disgusting,Offensive,Flagrant,Grief,Obtrusive,Pretentious,Guiltless,Threatening,Paranoid,
Depressing,Briber,Oppressive,Criminal,Unambiguous,Confining,Unreliable,Bluffer,
Impetuous,Unwise,Lame,Impairing,Disgusting,Ailing,Toxic,Contradictive,
Unappreciative,Agonizing,Debilitating,Irritating,Infectious,Problematic,Disturbing,Excessive, etc... at any instance,
there will always be division and confusion in the world, inflicted unto humans, no matter the ancestries, beliefs and religions. God speed on all your returns to Canada.
(Copy right, all rights reserved by artist Diane St Jean) permit > CBC is ok to use.
Not everyone swallows the 'sanitized' version of things that comes from Hamas and it's supporters. Some of us are indeed smarter than that.
Personally, I think Israel has showed far more patience in this situation than I ever would.
OK. Now go and live in Gaza for a couple of years and let us know how you make out there.
Yes, I see your point alright but you must remember that I, indeed all people of European stock, carry an anti-Semitic strain deep in our psyches. Unfortunately for Israel, the Western mind is basically anti-Semitic. Europe evolved in a culture that grew out of the Catholic teachings that deplored the Jew. Even Protestants like Martin Luther shouted from the pulpit that Jewish Synagogues should be burned and their people driven from the land--a practice still in vogue.
When those leaders most admired and most respected
advised us to condemn the Jew, the curse became part of our Western culture. That, in my opinion, means all of us.
That this bias exists in our culture is,I suggest, shown by the unusual outcry against Israel when violence occurs in that region compared to our much more laid back attitude towards similar violent encounters that are occurring throughout the world.Even the genocide in Rwanda did not elicit anywhere near the letters of outrage in Canada that the Jews can draw.
Luther would laugh in his grave if he could know how effectively he had engineered our attitude towards the Jewish people. Words written in stone, from the Bible on, carry their hate-filled memes far beyond their author's own demise .
agm
=======================================
"What shall we Christians do now with this depraved and dammed people of the Jews? ... I shall give you my faithful advice. First, that one should set fire to their
synagogues . then that one should also break down and destroy their houses .Then one should drive them from the country."
(Martin Luther; Collected Writings, XX), 1520
Freeman Lewin said: "do you not know the reson behind the refugge issue in Gaza and the west bank? The reason this occered was when Israel was formed as a state the surrounding Arab countries told Arab civilians to move out due to an immanent attack, they moved into Egyptian and Jordainian run refugee camps and were treated as underclass citizens. Israel did not want to alianate people they did not want to force them into refugee camps it was the surrounding arab countries that put them into this situation."
Early Zionist took the land by first purchasing, then later by mass massacres, terror and force. It's true that Arab countries asked the Palestinians to flee in order to avoid being killed like the rest of the population. Just like now, Israel is asking the palestinian civilians in Gaza to leave their homes for their safety in order not to come under fire. When all the fighting is over, the Palestinians should be able to return to their homes in Gaza, right?.
In the case of the refugees, Israel did not allow their return and many of those still live in gaza, in the west bank and several arabic countries.
If Israel did not want to alienate those people and have them stay in camps, then:
-Why did Israel confiscate their homes, farms, and business after they have left and gave it to jewish immigrants?
- Why Israel to this day still block their return to their homes?
- And why does Israel nullify their citizenship of country they were born in?
Simply because Israel wanted them to be uprooted.
Read SHLOMO BEN-AMI Israel Foreign Minister under Ehud Barak own words:
(In 1948, what was born was a state, but also original superpower in many ways. We have prevailed over the invading Arab armies and the local population, which was practically evicted from Palestine, from the state of Israel, from what became the state of Israel, and this is how the refugee problem was born.....The reality on the ground was that of an Arab community in a state of terror facing a ruthless Israeli army whose path to victory was paved not only by its exploits against the regular Arab armies, but also by the intimidation and at times atrocities and massacres it perpetrated against the civilian Arab community. A panic-stricken Arab community was uprooted under the impact of massacres that would be carved into the Arabs’ monument of grief and hatred.)
To hear the interview, go here:
http://www.democracynow.org/2006/2/14/fmr_israeli_foreign_minister_shlomo_ben
In response to Ginan's comment- "War is a horrible thing. But what Israelies don't understand, this is the price you pay when you uproot people from their land, steel their homes, oppress and descrimate about them.
Israel needs to become a true democracy. It should follow the example of Canada."
Right, there have been no people in Canada that have been uprooted from their homes, had their land stolen, or have been oppressed and discriminated against.
The fact is, every country has fought countless wars to get the land that they have, at the price of the original inhabitants. There are a few differences with Israel.
A) Jews lived on this land before it was ever "Palestine".
B) It was legally mandated to be given back to the Jews after WWII.
C) Most other countries settled their major land claims hundreds of years ago. Israel is left to settle theirs in front of the world.
If one wants to talk about the Arabs having a right to act violently because they have been displaced, I suppose that means that any aboriginal person or other group that has been moved around also has the same right? So, in Canada, you would have no issues with the natives sending rockets and suicide bombers into Montreal?
So many events since 1917 revealed the brutality, cruelty and unfairness of the Zionist. Unjustly murdered or assassinated Palestinian/Lebanese civilians, by the Zionist army, include thousands of women and children. Wounded patients are mostly in critical situations. Here are some examples of massacres in the last fifty-four years:
- 22/07/1946: King David massacre: 90 murdered
- 05/01/1948: Semiramis massacre: 19 murdered and 16 wounded
- 09/04/1948: Deir Yassin massacre: 250 murdered
- 11/08/1948: Dahmash mosque massacre: 350 assassinated
- 07/02/1952: Sharafat massacre: 10 brutally murdered
- 14-15/10/1953: Qibya massacre: Terrorist attack, 56 demolished, 67 murdered by Ariel Sharon.
- 29/10/1956: Kafr Qasime massacre: 43 murdered
- 03/11/1956: Khan Yunis massacre: 275 murdered.
- 17/07/1981: Beirout massacre: 150 assassinated, 600 wounded.
- 17/09/1982: Sabra and Shatila massacre: 3000-3500 savagely murdered in 62 h hours by the leading army of Ariel Sharon with Unit 101.
- 08/10/1990: Al-Aqsa mosque massacre: 23 murdered and 850 wounded
- 18/04/1996: Qanna massacre: 109 assassinated and 116 wounded.
These are couple of examples (massacre) that occurred several time a year. They are rarely mentioned because the Western media do not consider them as atrocities. In Sabra and Shatila's massacre, the bodies of the Palestinian refugees were found in terrible conditions. Robert Fisk, a well-known British journalist working the Independent Daily newspaper in the Middle-East, experienced the tragic scene of 17/09/1982 and described:
“But there were women lying in houses with their skirts torn up to their waists and their legs wide apart, children with their throats cut, rows of young men shot in the back after being lined up at execution."
A British medical doctor working in Beirut at the time graphically described the carnage:
"Besides being shot dead, people were tortured before being killed. They were beaten brutally, electrical wires were tied round limbs, eyes were dug out, women were raped (often more than once), and children were dynamited alive."
To everyone who is responding to this article in a negative way, i thought i should let you know that you don't have a lot of your facts right. I have been living here in Israel for 2 months now, learning its history, seeing how people are interacting, and keeping up with the news. Freeman and I both are on the High school program and for anyone to say that us israelis are not giving peace you obviously dont know what your saying. Many Arabs, Christians, and many other cultures are living in PEACE with each other here. We even have TWO Arabs in office. Israel has been willing to compromise and make peace for almost 100 years now. What the media doesn't show you is that we are trying, but sad to say, the Palestinians and many others, do not accept our offers, and in return they terrorize innocent civilians, Israel is not oppressing anyone. We want peace just as much as you do, but, "it takes two to tango."Israel has been patient, and will continue this until we all live in peace.
Freeman this is a great article!
Mr Lewin when was the last time you ate food? When was the last time you had a drink of clean water? Are both your parents employed? Do you have to go through several checkpoints a day when you go to school? Are allowed the freedom to travel anywhere in your country at any time? Wake up and grow up.
There is no doubt that İsrael is a state much different than any other. I too am a Canadian studying in the Middle East. Its amazing how much the people of Turkey, who from the day I got here had always been vibrant supporters of the İsrael's right to exist as a beloved ally are in mourning. Protests are everywhere here and a feeling of loss I'd didn't think I could find here. Yet they continue to support İsrael's right to exist vibrantly. Its something beyond my understanding. You are a brilliant young man and I'm sure you will serve our country well. But God I wish they could find another way. The blood of a Muslim is as red as ours. But to us from failing hands comes the torch...I do not support the way İsrael is solving its problems, and I wish you the best.
This piece was not biased at all, was it? But what can you expect from an ideological 17 year-old raised on Jewish propaganda?
You talk about the "truth", Freeman, so here's some truth for you to deal with: Israel is AS MUCh to blame as the Palestinians in this ongoing war. To claim otherwise is disingenuous and naive.
"What is the difference between Israel and Britain, or Israel and the USA?"
Israel Britain and the USA are not big concentration camps.
This is how the Vatican defines Gaza.
I agree. God bless you.
Freeman, please do some research with an open mind free from religious othodoxy....there is a major difference between being a Jewish person and a Zionist zealot. Check into the behaviours of groups such as the Haganah..and you will see how similar their terrorist behaviour was to Hamas. And while you are at it, read the untold story of a real hero - a Dutch Jew called Jacob de Haan.
if you look at how the map has changed for Palestine since 1948 you will see that the Palestinians haved ended up on small bits of land similar to First Nations reserves in Canada. for those posting here, please do some research on the history of the region. go back 100 years or so to see what has happened and how and why.
use Primary information sources. don't rely on the media or on voices that may be biased.
and for those in Israel. you may know how it is where you are. I know that many Israelis have said they had no idea what is being done to the Palestinians.
both sides have to stop. the land claims and settlements need to be addressed by legal due process. and people need to know their facts.
“When Britain was bombed … Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
Please, please do not tell me that you are justifying Israel’s acts with horrifying and never-to-be-repeated mistakes of our past! They were wrong (and these countries are not proud of what happened) and so is Israel.
“Today, and yesterday, tomorrow and the next, there will be meetings in secret rooms on how to lessen the civilian impact on innocent civilians. They will plan on how to safely conduct humanitarian aid within Gaza.”
The evidence, though, says everything contrary to your imaginations.
“They tread lightly on soil that once was their own”
And is that the reasoning you use to keep pushing deeper into Palestinians settlements illegally?
“they were there to lessen the impact on innocent civilians.”
Then Israel needs to recruit better soldiers because they failed miserably!
“if they let Hamas shoot rockets from their hospital;”
Don’t make up stuff kid! You and Israel have no evidence to back it up. Heck, you would even say that the UN warehouse and school were also used by Hamas. Do you think that the rest of the world is as cynical as you?
“So who are you, the international community to decide what is right or wrong without all the facts?”
Yes, we don’t have all the facts because Israel keeps lying to the world that it keeps buying. Mind you, if the international community was as horrible as you purport, they wouldn’t have sit back and let Israel kill 350 children (who were secretly hiding in their homes, hospitals and schools and shooting at Israel – I mean seriously!)
“The Israelis! The scum of the earth!?"
Not that I know if this is true. But even if it was true, do you expect roses from them after you make their daily lives a living hell? Chase them in their houses and beat them up. And if that wasn’t enough, pour phosphorous and drop bombs on their heads. So, if one girl lost her emotions and yelled out hate speech, that justifies all the killing?!
“It amazes me to see how a population, so devoted to enlightenment can still unleash such baseless hate”
Do you mean baseless muteness? And for the ones you are complaining about: Do you really really really expect us to sit back and not be moved by the pictures of burned and maimed children?
“As a Jew will I be subject to anti-semitism when I get home?”
I am sorry but how do you draw that conclusion? Because a few people would choose to stand up against Israel’s actions, they will, by default, subject you to anti-semitism? Stop selling this ignorance because no one is buying it anymore.
“I see history and morals held in highest esteem.”
Then you need glasses because killing of women and children and innocent men is not moral!
"Tasha from Israel/America wrote :
........ I have been living here in Israel for 2 months now, learning its history, seeing how people are interacting, and keeping up with the news. Freeman and I both are on the High school program and for anyone to say that us Israelis are not giving peace you obviously dont know what your saying. Many Arabs, Christians, and many other cultures are living in PEACE with each other here. We even have TWO Arabs in office. Israel has been willing to compromise and make peace for almost 100 years now. What the media doesn't show you is that we are trying, but sad to say, the Palestinians and many others, do not accept our offers, and in return they terrorize innocent civilians, Israel is not oppressing anyone. We want peace just as much as you do, but, "it takes two to tango."Israel has been patient, and will continue this until we all live in peace.*
Tasha, I would assume you are young and naive just as any other teenager in the U.S. You cannot offer a true peace proposition when you are occupying someone's land, deny their rights, deprive their basic needs, humiliate them anyway you can, assassin any Palestinians you seem fit using U.S. high tech weaponry (it is less barbaric than suicide bombing, isn't it ? ) When Israel one day conquered by superpowers (I hope it will come soon), all Israelis innocent civilians confined in a restricted area, all rights denied, your friends and family will be publicly humiliated everyday. Whoever dare to stand up and revolt will be perceived as “Terrorist” and executed. But….. but these superpowers is willing to offer peace terms to you (how divine)… only if you give up your revolution against these superpowers and admit their right to exist in Tel Aviv (they are living in your parents heritage home but they claim now is theirs……………) I don’t understand why you would not accept their peace terms. They have tried very hard you know. You should go discuss with your remaining family (most of them have been either killed or Bombed by mistake and of course they are deeply sorry about that.)
As a young Canadian, and Jewish person, as well as a political science student.
The realist perspective that war is inevitable and that violence stops violence, is long exhausted. I understand fear, not as others do, who live in such turmoil. But I recognize that when survival of an individual or culture is at stake, there is fear.
However, I do not understand how building a nation-state on such destruction from either side, on the bloods and bones of others. That is above and beyond building nation-states on the back of others through hegemonic elitism. Is democratic. It is not.
Speaking of Democracy, how can others follow western examples if we not only fail to condone the violence, but support it because private interests, and religious context playing out politically.
The violence and history, is almost impossible to repair, however sustainable peace, has to grow from a lack of violence, and the real want for resolution, not the submission of religious fundamentalists, and violence.
An Idealist, I am. Without such ideals, how are individuals, communities and nations aspire to sustainable positive peace. And life, without the threat of survival at hand.
History, marks the pages where many countries have created apartheid situations, for dealing with conflict. Removing choice, and limiting the actions of innocent civilians, is not the answer. Limiting humanitarian efforts is not the answer.
Should we compare states, like apples and oranges, and their treatment of minorities? Which permits the legitimization of violent acts
We are all humans, and prior to ensuring the sustainability of our mutual existence, we MUST stop waring with each other.
I could only read the first few paragraphs of your essay, before turning away in disgust.
What a failure of analysis and logic! Israel has not been a victim of rocket fire, it has been a perpetrator of war crimes and genocide.
The rocket fire you speak of has been a well-documented retaliation for murders in Gaza (see Haaretz and Israeli Ministry websites). And now, when thousands of people are brutally murdered at the hands of Israelis, there is no twisted logic that will suffice-it is, in the words of many, "indefensible".
Israel is a state likened to the apartheid state of South Africa, only my conception of it is worse. What country can bomb refugee camps with massive firepower, a smile on their faces, and continuous threats to repeat the genocide and blockades?
As Canadians, we must push forward with a boycott, divestment, and sanction strategy. It is already being supported by major unions,scholars, and public citizens.
Freeman, Keep your voice proud and strong. You are very well-spoken. I do think you need to learn more about the source of the Palestinian refugee crisis- Israeli forces did indeed expel some Palestinian Arabs, although claims of ethnic cleansing are simply wrong as hundreds of thousands of peace-loving Arabs were allowed to stay and given full citizenship rights.
Zia, you must check your facts and dig deeper when you make massacre allegations. Just a few of your mistakes:
-The British were warned to evacuate the King David Hotel (just as modern Israel dropped leaflets , sent SMS and phone calls telling civilians to stay away from terrorists).
- re: Deir Yassin: Bir Zeit University has very different numbers - see PBS documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdX3kQKO3wU
- Sabra and Shatila were massacred by Christian phalangists avenging the brutality inflicted upon them by Palestinian terrorists.
The big questions for the international community are:
Why have you not condemned Hamas violence that has deliberately targets civilians for years? Why is the world not crying out in horror at the hate-filled images of Jews portrayed in Palestinian kindergartens and schools?
Why do you not realize that Israel is trying to minimize civilian casualties even by risking Israeli lives on a daily basis? Why not mention over 800 trucks of humanitarian aid that Israel sent into Gaza during daily ceasefires?
Why not recall that the Palestinians could have had their own free state several times by now but reject co-existence in favour of violence? Why has the UN Human Rights Commission condemned Israel 21 times out of the 25 total statements of condemnation while ignoring severe violations of other nations?
Why does the world not know that in Israel all citizens regardless of race, gender, or religion have a right to vote, that there are Arab ministers of parliaments, an Arab supreme court judge, a cabinet member etc. (Kudos to Tasha for raising this point).
Why can the world not see that Israel is fighting for its very existence, and would love nothing more than to lay down its arms?
If Israel dropped all of its weapons today it would be immediately attacked- if the Palestinians dropped their weapons today, there would be a peace celebration tomorrow!
Thanks, Freeman. Just a quick note. Pearl Harbour was attacked by Admiral Yamamoto's task force on December 7, 1941....a year earlier than you cited. This is important because dates are also critical to the story of Israel. Again, thanks, and stay with your convictions.
To Mohammed's comments: "Mr Lewin when was the last time you ate food? When was the last time you had a drink of clean water? Are both your parents employed? Do you have to go through several checkpoints a day when you go to school? Are allowed the freedom to travel anywhere in your country at any time? Wake up and grow up."
Mohammed: Do you realize that Israel sends in Humanitarian support every singe day. They send in food, water, and supplies but sadly Hamas takes most of this support and uses it for their own benefit in their black market.
Have you ever heard of any situation like this where what people call the "opressor" is actually sending in help? Yes, the conditions the palestinians are living are not very good but the conditions they were living in in Egypt and Jordan were even worse.
Did you know that Egypt and Jordan even slaughtered thousands of palestinians uprising in those countries. As far as the the stoppages and checkpoints, the reason Israel does that is becasue Hamas hid rockets and weapons in the ambulances going out of Gaza into Israel.
Mohammed, I understand your sympathy for the Palestinians and the hardships they have to endure but you have to look at both sides of the issue. You have to look beyond and find out why these things are happening. I'm sure you didnt know that Israel offered Palestinians 97% of the land that was the former Palestinian land.(West Bank, Gaza) (the 3% was strategic Israeli settlements for security)
You know how Yasser Arafat answered to that offer? He walked out of the meeting and started some of the worst terrorist attacks on Israel in the history of the state. Either get your facts straight or look at the full picture becasue saying the facts you know now is just being ignorant.
I am an 18 year old student, originally from Vancouver, studying in Jerusalem.
I feel deep sympathy and agony for the people trapped in Gaza suffering through unimaginable misery. My heart is breaking for the million and a half perfectly innocent people of all ages, all stations in life, all types and personalities who are being pounded and ground down beyond anything anyone should ever experience for a moment. I mourn for every death and injury – even for the Hamas fighters and others who would inflict greater pain and suffering on Israelis if they only had the means. Every death is an atrocity. Every injury is tragic.
However, I cannot put all the blame for the suffering of the poor people of Gaza on Israel.
I heard Olmert warn Hamas for a week that if the rockets into Israel did not stop, he would order massive retaliation and that because Israel is so much more militarily capable than Hamas they would suffer terribly. He pleaded with them to stop. And, the rockets continued.
I read that in the first days of the air strikes, Israel killed some ~390 Palestinians (versus “only” 4 Israelis killed) -- a horribly disproportional response. Then I read that roughly 365 of those killed were armed fighters. I can only assume that those fighters would have done even worse to innocent people living in Israel if they had the capability – as they’ve proclaimed repeatedly.
When I saw reports that Israel had targeted and killed Hamas leader Nizar Rayan in his home and also killed two of his wives and a number of his children, I was horrified. Then, watching the Israeli TV news, I saw a clip of Rayan advising other Hamas leaders only days before to stay with their wives and children because (he said) Israel would not attack their homes and they would be safer among the women and children than they would if they went to their bunkers.
I despaired when I heard that Israel bombed a school and killed 30~40 innocents who sought refuge in it. But then I learned that Palestinian fighters launched rockets at Israel right from the schoolyard. I can only think that they knew people had taken refuge in the school and that Israel was bombing Hamas rocket launch sites – so it was inevitable that the school would be bombed.
At the same time, I see on Israeli TV how much Israelis in the south are suffering from continual rocket fire on their homes and communities. This is not trivial. The only reason Israel is not suffering a total bloodbath is because Hamas doesn’t have the capability.
In brief, based on what I know, I simply cannot condemn only Israel at this time. Israel is attempting to put an end to the constant, shelling and rocket attacks on its citizens. Mistakes are inevitable, but the death of innocent Gazans is clearly not the intent. Israel has spent incredible time and money attempting to avoid civilian deaths. They routinely put Israeli soldiers at increased risk, in order to avoid hurting bystanders. This is a line that I find hard to argue with: If Hamas put down its weapons, there would be no more war. If Israel put down its weapons, there would be no more Israel.
From a purely political perspective, Isreal is the only truely democratic society in the Middle East. For those that consider Hamas to be a democratically elected government, they would have to accept and agree with the Hamas Charter ( on Google) that calls for the destruction of Isreal and death to every Jew. If the Palestinians truly elected Hamas willingly, they individually declared war on Isreal. If they don't agree with the direction Hamas has taken them, they should have another election and re-elect Fatah
(yeah, like that's going to happen). The Fatah have agreed that Isreal has the right to exist. Until all Palestinians arrive at that conclusion, they will continue to suffer...and it's their fault.
I whole heartedly agree with you in all you have said. I cannot understand what is happening in the left-leaning west. The west calls evil good and good evil.
Long live Israel!
My name is muslim , and i don't care if your a christian , jew , seeihk etc. , everybody has there thoughts , i respect your relgion you respect my relgion ,no comments . but some relgions say kill muslims for example why do seeihks where a turban on there head and sum lock a braclet around there wrist ? did you ever take the time to figure that up ? in there relgion it says they will not cut there hair and will keep it in a turban untill all muslims are dead ., why ? in muslim relgion we don't say lets kill all the seeihks , we say you have your relgion and we have our relgion , so now india has problems with muslims because in there relgion that's how things are , how can i respect that ? how could that be right ? now thats why there friends with people who hate muslims ,which would be almost every jew and sum christians , lets talk about jews because there the reason why chrisitans have a little bit of hate for us , FREEMAN at the end of your story you said someone said ''peace is possible'' pharoh alexander knows peace is possible you can ask greece and flash back history with a few theory and wonders , but how is there gona be peace if there isn't any respect ? how is there gona be any respect if there isnt any love ? how is there gona be any love if there isn't any real hearts ? there are real hearts there are real muslim hearts real jewish hearts real seeihk hearts real christian hearts real hearts all over but eblis is trippin you out with a few peices of land ,the world is ours meaning for every human , men made the map ,god made the world , so to bring peace back you have to bring men back , and it goes on and on , war isnt the soultion for peace . its the soultion to disaster and you know that, the only way for the world to twurl like a glow of a candle with a beautifull smell , not smoke and bombs , is for the citzens of isreal and the citzens of every other contry involved , to take controll of the situation with there hearts , and solving the situation with the power of knoldge , and when the power of love over comes the love of power thats when the world will be at peace . ( its not about the land its about the better man )and the better man is the man who knows how to takecare of the situation with out swearing , or harming . prey to god that 1 day the moon man will get this message , and read it wisely.
It's really very simple. If Israel is that determined to slaughter as many people in the Gaza strip then they need to do so without ANY aid from the west. No financial aid, no medical aid, no help AT ALL. All Canadian high school students should be pulled out IMMEDIATELY and brought home. If there are Western doctors there helping out, well, bring them home too, because no nation so intent on destruction should have help from Canada.
Oh, and Lee: it's not good vs evil. The reality of war is that it is NEVER good vs evil.
It's 'us' vs 'them'. I'm profoundly happy that I belong to neither side, as I don't particularly care for how any of them treat human lives.
yehuda ? what do you mean by If Hamas put down its weapons, there would be no more war. If Israel put down its weapons, there would be no more Israel.
explain that , cuz thats the most arogant thing i ever read ,it doesn't even make sence , thats like saying , hamas drop your wepons and bend over ,and were gona keep are wepons and shoot you anyways.
Ginan-
Although Freeman and I have both returned from Israel, it seems a bit ridiculous to bring up this "walk in the Palestinians shoes" metaphor. Jews are not welcome in most of the Arab countries in the Middle East, nor would I feel particularly safe in many parts of the West Bank. Before discussing who has the proper ownership of the land, we must examine who it is that calls for the destruction of another people. My hint to you is that it is not Israel. Nor does the terrorist group that runs the Gaza Strip limit their hatred to Israelis. The Zionist Occupier applies to Canadian and American Jews as well. Our mere presence on this program was a crime for them.
Surely many Palestineans have been poorly treated and abused as you say, I do not doubt that. But their own leaders are perpetuating their misery and have never once truly attempted to end their own people's suffering.
The black market that Hamas is running on UN supplies is truly despicable, and the idea that a democratic government would profit off of its own people's pain is hideous. Any supporter of Fatah who is still alive is hard pressed to find any of this food that is intended for the entirety of the people. The Iranian shield of terror is expanding before our eyes and we continue to ignore and fund it (through oil) every day. Until the Palestinean people as well as the Syrians and in turn the Lebanese can push these destructive leaders from their midst, peace will be incredibly difficult to achieve.
Muslim-
I am not entirely sure what is confusing about the statement that Yehuda made. Although we can patter back and forth about the cause and the justification for this operation, we cannot pretend that the Hamas Charter is slightly more violent than Israel's government base. No representative of Israel would ever say that he hopes for the destruction of the Gaza Strip or the death of a single innocent Palestinean. The Hamas Charter calls for the destruction of Israel and death to the Jews.
Thus, if Hamas was not attacking Israel, we would not be having this discussion. I am not saying that there would be no problems, I am just saying that this operation never would have occurred.
""Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us" Golda Meir.