Good Israelis and Corrupt American Media
By Iqbal Tamimi • Aug 20th, 2008 at 21:23 • Category: Analysis, Grassroots Activism, Israel, Newswire, Palestine, Resistance, Zionism
In the picture, me and Gilad Atzmon, two activists from two different worlds, interested in Human Rights and ethics. The meeting was during a medical aid for Palestine concert in London. I read my poetry while Gilad played Jazz to stitch the wounds of Palestinians.
Iqbal Tamimi/ Palestinian Journalist and researcher in UK and creator of Palestinian Mothers Network
After many years of humiliation and despair experienced by many Palestinians like myself, I took the liberty after moving to the UK of starting an individual project – searching to find out why Israeli’s are very cruel, how come they never see that their acts are inhumane, and how come they know nothing about ethics.
I could not start any dialogue with Israelis while I was residing in any Arab country, because I am a Palestinian and a practicing Muslim. Many Arabs and Muslims are still marked with deep wounds caused by the Israeli occupation not for Palestinians only. The majority of Arabs will not understand my mission if I brushed against their inflamed memories of loss and grief. I have been able to anticipate most people’s reactions, after publishing a few articles about not judging others on faith choice basis, and refusing the ideologies of feelings of superiority thus judging others upon such criteria. I ended up with a large number of e mails calling me all kinds of names, the least of which was ‘praising’ Jews and Christians, and being a bad Muslim woman who does not deserve to wear her Hijab.
The other reason for not being able to start a direct dialogue was due to the fact that some Arab countries already have relations with Israel on members of state level, but ordinary citizens are not encouraged to start communicating with the ‘enemy’. As an example I have created a website
to initiate a dialogue between Palestinian mothers and Israeli mothers to talk about their feelings of loss and grief after losing a child to the war, and to shed some light on the Palestinian Plight. This website was banned in a Gulf country that has many Israeli projects and investments on its territories. Myself and many members of my network wrote to the department concerned in that country, but the answer was that we did not meet their criteria (internet is censored there by people who judge upon their own knowledge and experience what is good for all the citizens to have access for and what is not). Hence such human rights website has been classified in the same basket with porn websites, but of course other websites like dating and half naked women are OK and are not considered harming the ethics of the population like promoting peace might be considered. In short, ordinary citizens are not encouraged to contact Israelis, but influential personalities and investors can. This is another double standard one must stop to investigate in the Arab world.
Being in the UK made things easier for me to spread my concerns on a sheet and fish for answers, because of the large margin of freedom of expression. But I had no hope of finding a Jew with a drop of mercy in his heart. For all I knew, Jews were responsible for tens of massacres against my people. Hundreds of homes were bulldozed to the ground, thousands of people are still inside prisons without standing trials, confiscations of lands are still going on and on a large scale, the grip over Gazan people is tightened and the people are suffocating, uprooting of olive trees is an everyday ritual, and many other atrocities that no list is long enough to accommodate them all.
The first time I found out that not all Jews are inhumane or Zionists was a few years ago when I read one of Gilad Atzmon’s articles. I have translated it to Arabic and added the material to one of my books to share it with other Arabs who do not read English. Then almost two years ago, I met a group of Jewish people in London, they came to protest against the occupation and demand Israel to undo all the injustice done to Palestinians and withdraw from the occupied Palestinian land.
I was also introduced to many other Jewish human rights activists, and people who grew up thinking Israel was "the good guy", people like Mary Rizzo, Eva Ferrero, Avichai Sharon, Noam Chayut from Breaking the Silence Campaign through Israeli mothers who are members of my network. I am able to discover a huge change is going on inside Israel. The young Israeli generation could not live with the double standards and the cruelty they were allowed to practice against Palestinian civilians. They do not hold the hatred and grudges that the older generation bears on their shoulders. They are more educated and more aware of ethics and human rights to a point they started to rebel against their state’s aggressive system.
The first obstacle those peace activists faced and still are facing is not the Israeli state or the Palestinians. To my shock it was the USA media as I was told. In an interview with Avichai Sharon, and Noam Chayut from Breaking the Silence Campaign, they made it quite clear that their main obstacle in their quest to expose the horrors of the military system in Israel was the USA media and its policies. It was not easy for them to talk about their experiences, and how a young Israeli soldier has the full permission to turn the life of any Palestinian to a living hell even without referring the decision to anyone else like a supervisor or a senior. A 20-year-old soldier can end the life of a Palestinian without having to think twice.
Israelis are waking up to the reality that what they are doing is inhumane, cruel and unacceptable. And many of them are trying to get this message across, to stop the military aid pouring from the USA to Israel, but the USA is happy to keep its own citizens in the dark, clinging to the old image it has created for tens of years about the righteousness of Israel and it’s legitimacy of doing what it does, and that Palestinians are terrorists and aggressive creatures. And that those Palestinian youngsters are a mischievous lot, throwing stones at armoured tanks belonging to the Israeli army, MADE IN USA. Someone should make them behave themselves regardless of their age or thinking about their motives.
One starts to wonder, was Israel the best ally of the USA because the Jews of the USA are controlling the media, the Congressional debates, and the financial arena as we were told, which makes Israel the first beneficiary of this relationship? Or is it the other way round, the USA is happy to keep the war flames ignited in the Middle East to keep the market where it sells its destruction toys’ production line in working order, besides making sure that it has a rest house in the Middle East within reach of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan… and other hot climate resorts, and can choose when to tilt its umbrella depending on its agenda for that season.
The USA is happy and content with the confrontations between the Israeli’s and the Palestinians. Because as long as the blood is running, the oil tap will be gushing in the region too. And the USA can be sure of soaking its feet in the wealth of the Middle East while sitting on a sturdy chair overlooking all the back gardens of the Middle Eastern neighbourhoods ignited with hatred, thus sponging all USA produce of military toys, and ready to accept the USA’s military bases on its lands because the good old USA as usual rushes to offer its supportive arm to rescue them in return of a teeny weenie price that would keep those countries sinking in debt, long enough for many policies to be implemented. Such debt will be there for many generations to come, or long enough for the USA to suck the marrow out of their bones, while spying on their home affairs without shedding one drop of sweat.
Naom Chayat, a veteran in the Israeli Forces said in an interview, after minutes of the attacks on the twin towers in USA, the attacks and raids on the city of Jenin in Palestine started. And this is how strongly connected the USA policies are with Israel’s.
I wonder how the USA reacts and feels about the good Israelis and the badly hurt Palestinians trying to knit the first stitch of peace by stretching their arms towards each other with a peace handshake.
Iqbal Tamimi is a Palestinian journalist and poet from Hebron. She is the creator of a vibrant and important activists' network Palestinian Mothers, open to all who share the vision of peace and justice, men and women alike. She is working now in UK.
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Unfortunately after my story was published on indymedia, it was pulled down.
http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/688765
"One starts to wonder, was Israel the best ally of the USA because the Jews of the USA are controlling the media, the Congressional debates, and the financial arena as we were told, which makes Israel the first beneficiary of this relationship?"-Iqbal Tamimi
The problem is NOT "the Jews" but an out of control ideology of empire, supremacy and nationalism that MANY USA 'Christians' support because they do NOT know history nor the tenants of their own religion -such as the peacemakers are the children of God, NOT those that bomb, torture or occupy others.
A big problem in the ongoing conflict are USA Christians, who were brought up to believe the statehood of Israel heralded the second coming of Jesus and who are so afraid to criticize the injustices done by Israel [aided and abetted with USA tax dollars, a supine Congress and a media that is MIA] have ALL contributed to the untenable situation.
Tikkun is Hebrew for mend, repair and transform the world.
Tikkun is also an organization that researched to discover that there are three distinct elements energizing the Christian Zionists:
1. A strong commitment to conservative and ultra-nationalist American politics (so strong, I believe, that if the U.S. were to decide to break with Israel, this part of the Christian Zionist leadership would go along with that and drop its defense of Israeli policies).
2. Dispensationalist religious commitments that lead many of the Christian Zionists to yearn for a cataclysmic “end of history” eschatological war in the Middle East that will precipitate the second coming of Jesus and the Rapture in which all true Christians will go to heaven and all Jews who have not yet converted to Christianity will burn in hell for eternity.
3. A widespread understanding among many Christians that atonement and repentance is needed for 1700 years of murder, rape, and oppression of Jews that was frequently generated by the Church (though, of course, the Evangelicals do not recognize that church as their church). In this category are many Christian Zionists who genuinely feel terrible about what has happened to the Jews and genuinely want to help the Jewish people. Their philo-Semitism is real and sincere. [Rabbi Lerner, Tikkun Magazine page 9, Nov/Dec. 2007]
On June 8, 2007, at the 27th annual American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee’s Washington, D.C. conference, Congressman Paul Findley spoke boldly:
"It is time to speak openly and honestly about Israel. But, in American politics, that is still forbidden…Pity that we cannot seem to shed our fear of Israel. We are afraid to speak out on Capitol Hill, for fear of losing the next election. They are more like trained poodles jumping through hoops than leaders! Why this fear? How did we get here?
“Forty years ago to this day, June 8, 1967 the change occurred, the floodgates opened and money poured into Israel as never before. When President Johnson heard about the U.S.S. Liberty being attacked by Israel he ordered the rescue fighter planes to return to the deck. The rescue mission was aborted and the survivors have said they heard LBJ’s voice tell Admiral Giess, 'Get those planes back on deck. I don’t care if the ship sinks, I will not embarrass Israel.'
“LBJ also threatened to court martial anyone who reported what had happened. Johnson accepted Israel’s false claim of “mistaken identity” and he knew it was a lie. That is when the change began and Israel learned they could get away with murdering U.S.A. soldiers."
Another very good Israeli, and on his way to break the siege of Gaza, is Jeff Halper, Founder and coordinator of ICAHD who moved to Israel from Hibbing, Minnesota during the Vietnam era because he dissented from USA Govt. foreign policy.
When he told his grandmother he was leaving the states, she warned him, "Israel is no place for a nice Jewish boy."
Jeff can no longer count the times he has been arrested for NONVIOLENT acts of civil disobedience against the occupation of Palestine and all of its evils, in particular, the destruction of Palestinian homes.
Jeff wrote, "The siege of Gaza is a form of collective punishment in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The indiscriminate use of military power against civilians and civilian targets has resulted in serious war crimes. But, then, Israel disregards international law with impunity. Witness its defiance of the International Court of Justice ruling regarding the Wall. Who, after all, is going to bring it to justice?
"…we, the unarmed people from around the world who view Palestinians as people enjoying fundamental human rights, are forced to board old boats to do what our governments should be doing: breaking the siege and holding Israel accountable for its actions."
[The Rest:
http://www.wearewideawake.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1003&Itemid=203 ]
"Never doubt that a few, thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead
Eileen, can I just ask, to help maybe clear up why Bristol Indymedia have taken down Iqbal's post – I note you came pretty quick to the defence of 'the Jews of the USA' and personally I agree – we shouldn't tar all people with the same brush, do you think the Inymedia site may have been offended by that? I agree with George Galloway too, he refuses to use the term Jews, when really we are dealing with a few neo-con, raging Zionists, maybe that would be a better expression to use? But talking of which, here's a related article rising the ranks of Digg of late:
Dual Citizenship: Who stands to gain?
khanfactor.com — Today ’s conflicts are centered in the Middle East. America needs to balance foreign policies towards oil producing Arab nations with our goal being peace and stability in the region. This places a burden on our government to be even-handed in our dealings with the Arab world.
http://www.khanfactor.com/blog/?p=484
The great influence that the "Christian right" plays in determining Washington's pro-Israel policy is common knowledge. We must not forget, however, that where it counts – on the ground, inside historic Palestine, in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and the still occupied (according to international law) Gaza Strip – it is Jewish soldiers and the Israeli government who were and are currently directly responsible for the endless and ever increasing horrors perpetrated against Palestinians. There are no American soldiers or so-called American "Christians" on the ground forcing Israel and its armed occupation forces to murder, imprison without charge, ethnically cleanse, torture etc. the virtually defenseless Palestinians. As with all illegal belligerent occupiers, it is Israel who must first be held accountable before the world for its barbarism and gross violations of hard-won humanitarian law, including well documented "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity" committed against Palestinians and other Arabs.
Dear David
Should USA wants Israel to stop such atrocities it can and it will, but USA never even once shown any compassion towards the Palestinian civilians losses. USA is the first supporter and aid supplier of Israel knowing about all the crimes comitted against Palestinians and Lebanese too. USA is responsible almost as much as Israel for every child killed, for every sick person dies in Gaza because of the Israeli siege. In USA they defend dogs rights and fight cruilty against animals, but when it comes to condeming what Israel is doing to the Palestinian children, USA looses its dictionary of compassionate expressions.
Iqbal- you stated "“One starts to wonder, was Israel the best ally of the USA because the Jews of the USA are controlling the media, the Congressional debates, and the financial arena as we were told, which makes Israel the first beneficiary of this relationship?”-Iqbal Tamimi "
I have been asking this quesion for ome time…seeing politicians quiver in the presence of Israeli lobbists during campagin speeches etc. when it came to discussing "preserving Israel's staus" and ongoing USA finacial support. It mazesme the power Isreal hasover the USA…and I ask–why? Is there something hidden which keeps America on it's knee's before Israel's demands??? How did Israel get SO MUCH POWER??? nd, if the USA is supposed to be so powerful–why is Israel basically "lording over theUSA" and the USA does whatever Israel tells it to….hmmmmmmmm…
Also noted however-is Israel's now diabolic missive to attack Iran…the latest I read was that bush stated he would not give them weapons o do this and is discouraging Israel attack. I think this may be the first that the USA did not (yet) give Israel what was demanded…..however, I think USA is wise enough to know a war wit Ira would be catastrophic worldwide…of course howevever, there would be some great financial losses to the USA if this attack were to take place such as in oil….
This does not however address the Palestinian genocide which the USA has allowed to go on…..and in regards to reprtions….the USA does not care nor feel quilty about the millions of Africans that were stolen from their homelands and brought here to be slaves, murdered, burned, lynched, for hundreds of years….nor the Indigenous peoples (Native American's) whose land this was…and who too was subugated to the same treatment as the African's. To the Natives, the earth is deeply connected to their spirituality as the Palestinin's and their earth, Olive tree's, land…yet, where are most of the Native people now…most living on res's, boxes of land -"given" to them by the gov…..the point…history keeps repeating itself it seems with no boundries…..Controlled by greed, power and fueled by riches –genocide continues…and Israel and Usa love affair—I cannot understand that twisted relaionship at all….as a song writer once wrote "when we gonna wake up"…all of us–govts included before it is too late and fighting is thus reduced to sticks n stones as cited by Einstein because the earth is destroyed and too toxic to live in–and we return to JR Tolkins-The Hobbit–living underground.. :(
Respect, peace and love'
EshaAmeena
Hi Iqbal
I am fully aware of Washington's complicity in the crimes against Palestinians and other Arabs. This in no way, however, excuses Israel or its soldiers who are carrying out these crimes on the ground. In the final analysis, it is the man or woman pulling the trigger or dropping the bomb who is DIRECTLY responsible. Israel is a state comprised of individuals with free will. Where the rubber hits the road, it is they who must be first held accountable.
Hi David
The person as a soldier can't be held responsible alone, after hearing many interviews with soldiers it is easy to notice that they are very young, their knowledgecomes from the state education that ignited their minds with hatered. All of them said the system encourage them to inflect the largest amount of destruction and pain on Palestinians. One of them said ' If I do not like a yelloe house for example, I just can tear it down without having to confer with any body'
Those young men are not alone responsible, the state and its policies at the top share the crime. I urge you to watch the following please.
http://palestinian.ning.com/video/video/show?id=1970466:Video:23121
Thank you again for participating in this debate.
Esha Amena Assem,
You ask:
The answer to this question (and many other) are answered in this video which I uploaded last night:
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2008/08/21/missing-links/
'Er, came across this today, which is sort of the other way around but an interesting read none the less & wouldn't mind hearing some of your thoughts on it:
The Growing Influence of Right-wing U.S Politics in Israel
salon.com — The Israeli political world is increasingly weighed down by American dollars and pressure, particularly from conservative American Jews, Evangelical groups and other hawkish political operatives. That comes to the rising dismay of some in Israel, and is potentially dangerous for both countries in terms of swaying politicians' actions and decisions.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/08/21/influencing_israel/
Esha Amena Assem
You say …'the latest I read was that bush stated he would not give them weapons to do this and is discouraging Israel attack. I think this may be the first that the USA did not (yet) give Israel what was demanded'
How very nice of you to believe Bush, for no body does.
Remember darling that he invaded Iraq with a lie…do you recall he said Irq has WMD?
there was none, not A SINGLE evidence was produce.
Do you remember him saying he will just get the DECTATOR and go back home?
Ya… what is he still doing in Iraq?
No body believe this puppet, he can say anything.. the biggest problem with this man is he created anger and hate among many opressed people left with a broken country. Now ordinary American civilians are suffering, they suffer the fears of being attacked just because they are Americans, they are suffering the bleeding budget of their country since they are paying tax and hope of education services, medical care, and so forth… but their Bush is pouring Billions every day to keep the cost for the wars he created in different parts of the world.
I feel sorry for the USA people, they are soooooo naiive. He tells them he is sending their children to protect the honour of their country. Most of those young soldiers do not come back at all, the ones who are lucky enogh come back minus a leg or an arm, mentally and physically tormented for ever.
Hi again Iqbal
Sorry, I must disagree. There is no excuse for individual soldiers carrying out war crimes and crimes against humanity. This was determined at Nuremburg. In this day and age with information so easily available regarding Israel's illegal and immoral occupation, ethnic-cleansing , imprisonment without charge, humiliation, mass slaughter and humiliation etc. of Palestinians, Israeli soldiers and their officers must be held accountable. They are directly responsible and to argue that it is because they have been indoctrinated with hate simply does not hold water in law, logic or morality.