EDITOR’S NOTE: A lot of thought goes into each article that the Pioneer posts, actually into the words we use as well (there’s that words matter concept again) … we work hard to make sure all views are heard. Chuck McLaughlin has voiced some strong opinions about the War in Gaza, and others have shared their views. History will decide who’s on the “right” side of this conflict – maybe no one is “right” and that’s why it’s so complicated and confusing for those witnessing the conflict. I can’t help but think of the song lyric, “War – what is it good for? Absolutely nothing …” There are no winners, and so much is lost. Before I decided to use the word “genocide” I did a deep-dive into the word’s origins, meanings and what the leading trusted, moderate news sources were saying about it. The jury is still out (the International Court Justice) on the “official” label of genocide, but one must scroll through pages of news article calling Isreal’s war tactics as genocide. The Pioneer would not spread misinformation, antisemitic, hate speech, bigotry or other attacks on any group, tribe, race or individual person. We want to be a solution – to provide accurate information and education about complicated issues. May is Jewish American Heritage month and I look forward to learning more. See below for a link to Judith Berman-Yamada’s Response, and also links to the American Jewish Committee’s “5 reasons why the events in Gaza are not Genocide” and other sources providing discussion that the ICJ continues to review, and has stated it is “plausible” that Israel’s actions in Gaza are genocide.
By Barbara McLaughlin
If Chuck McLaughlin was ranting then so was Judi Berman-Yamada.
It seems that to some people, if one criticizes the government of Israel in any way that is being anti-Semetic. Is criticizing American politicians anti-American? Isn’t that one of the things we cherish about our democracy? Criticizing leaders does NOT mean one hates the people. And people, whether Jewish or American, are not to blame for the actions of their leaders and I feel it is wrong to do so. Besides voting, citizens have very little power over their leaders.
It also seems to me that the use of the word and criticism of “Zionist” was especially offensive to Berman-Yamada. Yet, historically it was the Zionist movement of the late 19th century that led to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Here’s a view from https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36160928
What’s the difference between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism?
- Anti-Semitism is “hostility and prejudice directed against Jewish people” (OED).
- Zionism refers to the movement to create a Jewish state in the Middle East, roughly corresponding to the historical land of Israel, and thus support for the modern state of Israel. Anti-Zionism opposes that.
- But some say “Zionist” can be used as a coded attack on Jews, while others say the Israeli government and its supporters are deliberately confusing anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism to avoid criticism.
It appears to me that Berman-Yamada agrees with bullet point 3, whereas McLaughlin would agree with bullet point 2.
Regarding Israel and Palestine, here’s my two cents.
I believe that to say that the genocide in Palestine is unconscionable is NOT anti-Semetic. Perhaps I could say it’s anti-Netanyahu. The persecution of the Palestinian people has been going on for at least 75 years. So they have also suffered greatly. What is happening to them now is horrific: 30,000 dead and many starving and displaced. Saying that does not diminish the suffering that the Jewish people have endured. Nor is it saying it’s the fault of the Jewish people. It’s the fault of the leader of Israel. (Check out the book “The Israel-Palestine Conflict: 100 Years of War” by James L. Gelvin)
What I can’t understand is with the horrific history of Jewish persecution, how their leader, Netanyahu, can continue his extermination of the Palestinian people. He seems bent on killing every last Palestinian. And he is supported by the leaders of the Western World, including our President, Joe Biden. That is unbelievable! I would think if your people have been persecuted you would not want to inflict that on others. But the oppressed has become the oppressor. And not for the first time in history so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
I believe it was wrong and from my perspective counterproductive of Hamas to attack Israel. Hamas is not the whole of the Palestinian people just at Netanyahu is not the whole of Israel.
Historically it has been leaders of countries who perpetuate war while it’s the people (of all stripes) who suffer.
Why can’t we all get along????
As Jimi Hendrix said “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
I pray for the day that love is the human motivator, not greed, hate or of love of power.
And John Lennon: “You may say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will be as one.”
https://www.ajc.org/news/5-reasons-why-the-events-in-gaza-are-not-genocide (This article was published in Nov. 2023)
OTHER SOURCES:
ICJ says it’s ‘plausible’ Israel committed genocide in Gaza
NPR – https://www.npr.org › 2024/01/26 › icj-israel-genocide-…
Jan 26, 2024 — The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to ensure its military does not take actions that violate the Genocide Convention, but the …
Key takeaways from UN court’s ruling on Israel’s war in Gaza
AP News – https://apnews.com › article › israel-palestinians-hamas-…
Jan 26, 2024 — … Israel’s war on Hamas … Israel’s devastating military offensive against Hamas amounts to genocide. … Israel’s genocidal war on the Palestinian …
The Limits of Accusing Israel of Genocide
The New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com › … › Palestine, Palestinians
Feb 7, 2024 — “Not every conflict is genocidal. The crime of genocide . . . is a uniquely malicious manifestation. . . . It has been described, correctly, as …
Gaza and the dilemmas of genocide scholars | Opinions
Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com › opinions › gaza-and-the-di…
Feb 3, 2024 — In this sense, Hamas was genocidal on October 7 and is also guilty of luring Israel into its own genocide against the people of Gaza. Zoe …
UN expert says Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, …
Reuters https://www.reuters.com › world › middle-east › un-ex…
Mar 26, 2024 — The 1948 Genocide Convention, enacted in the wake of the mass murder of Jews in the Nazi Holocaust, defines genocide as “acts committed with …
Israel and Hamas war rages despite U.N. cease-fire …
CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com › World
Mar 26, 2024 — A U.N. envoy says there are “reasonable grounds” to believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as the war rages despite a cease-fire …