Why should Australians care about what happens in Israel?

Probably because Israel is controlled by religious extremists who have nuclear weapons and the very latest in delivery systems and because these extremists have made threats of nuking Iran. This could lead to nuclear war which might lead to the end of our world.

That's why!

http://www.dangerouscreation.com

lentaubman

"...why should I or anyone in Australia care what happens in Israel?"

Because what is happening in Israel is its brutal occupation of Palestine. Because whilst Israel continues its current policies there will be no chance of peace in the Middle East. Because a secure and peaceful Israel would be good for its citizens and the rest of the damned world! Enjoy what you have and let the indigenous people of Palestine have some peaceful enjioyment of what's left of their land when Israelis stop raping it.

When every other option fails, try the impossible: a secular, single state. Crazy, eh ? I'm not saying that people should fall into each others' arms right away, but just to start taking steps towards a secular democratic federation, and a disavowal of all of the religious fruit-cakes on both sides, Shas etc. on one side and Hamas on the other. Of course, this all would need some foreign peace-keeping force for a time, perhaps a century, and it could be slowly brought about in stages: association, combined Olympic team, confederation, common President, observers in each others' parliaments, whatever, etc.

But sooner or later, Left and Right will have to both realise that there is no place for a religious-based state in the modern world - Israel, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan or whatever. Perhaps those parts of the world will have to have their Thirty Years' War before they reach their Westphalia moment, and slowly catch up with the 21st century. The tragedy is that decent, courageous people like Neve Gordon get ground down in the process.

Rhian,

I am really sorry that you feel that I have exaggerated my comments on this subject. I cannot help but think that whatever your experience is in that part of the world, it would be hard to overtake my study of the Palestine situation for over 42 years. But of course, I could be wrong.

I am also sorry that if you represent the thinking of people who will one day be forced to return land to the rightful owners, the job is going to be harder than I ever thought. Rational argument is generally a great leveller and if there is some aspect of my original post that may be way out of line, please say so. I can be objective in relation to the attitudes of Jewish people through first hand knowledge of many Australian Jews, some of whom have avoided the march to Zionism but sadly many others have been caught up in the efforts to compromise politicians to promote their viewpoint as reflected in our tame and seldom mentioned foreign policy.

Whereas the situation in Australia is relatively harmless when compared to Washington where the Congress and Senate have been totally compromised due to the weak administration of Obama, we must remain vigilant against such intrusions into a sovereign state and its policies, hopefully without corruption.
Sadly this is already in place through the energetic efforts of the Jewish activists in Melbourne, from which no real Australian can gain any pleasure. But historically, it is the way the Israelis work as I am sure you would know, likened by far more knowledgeable writers that I to 'enjoying a parasitic relationship'.

Finally, Rhian, I would like to draw your attention to the comment this week of Rabbi Yosef. I am certain that you are well aware of it.

“God should strike them with a plague, them and these Palestinians. It is forbidden to be merciful to them. You must send missiles to them and annihilate them. They are evil and damnable”

I do rest my case.

Rexw

You have inferred that anyone who condemns your intemperate language means I “represent the thinking of people who will one day be forced to return land to the rightful owners”. Not so. I have not expressed any opinion in support of, or against, Israel’s actions.

This article is about ideological illiberalism. This is equally a vice of Israel’s supporters and opponents.

I don’t condone the words of rabbi Yosef – in fact, they are striking similar to your own. Compare “they are evil and damnable” with they are "an arrogant state based on hatred and malice”. Seems to me you’re both playing the same game, just for different teams.

Sorry Rhian , I got the clear impression that you really were trying to silence .