Dan Minette wrote:
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jeffrey Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: "Brin-L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2001 1:21 PM
> Subject: Re: Benjamin Netanyahu on Bush's Speech
> 
> >
> > You know, that's something that REALLY bugs me.  You can't critisize the
> > STATE of Israel without being accused of anti-Semitism.  We're not
> > called racist when we critisize South Africa of wonky AIDS policy, or of
> > religious descrimination when we suggest that Iran needs to improve
> > fiscal policy..
> >
> 
> Sure you can.  If you look at the posts of the three active Jewish members
> of the list, you will see that they have all criticized Israel in one form
> or another. Almost everyone who has defended Israel at all has included
> criticisms too.  But, having nothing nice to say about Israel, while
> excusing far worse behaviour by other countries.  That assymetry is
> suspicious.

I don't disagree that often anti-Semitism can be the source of
anti-Israeli commentary, but its not always the case - I doubt its even
the majority of the cases.  The knee-jerk reaction of the staunch
defenders to accuse anyone who criticizes the STATE of such feelings is
irresponsible nad serves only to halt intelligent conversation.

> Let me ask you, since the peace treaty of last Dec. floundered on the
> Palestinian demand for a "right of return", was Israel morally oblidged to
> agree to that right?  And if so, do you agree that it would cease to exist
> as Israel, then?  And if not, why not?

Sorry Dan - your passion for this potential hot potato of a conversation
means I'm not going to walk into it.. especially not on a list so
charged recently with misinterpretation and anger.

-j-

Reply via email to