Demos,

You want to look at the British and Jewish association in “Palestine”!

The Jewish Hagganah, a para-military group, protected British interests against the Arab revolt of 1936-1939.

When Britain faced with German Invasion by Rommel’s forces in North Africa, they desparately sought assistance from the Haganah (Palmach), without which the British would have been defeated.

In 1943, the British created the Jewish Brigade of 5,000 deploying them in Italy in September 1944.

However, the British did not reciprocate protection. In 1939, whilst imposing quotas and restricting Jewish immigration to Palestine (unfortunately, survivors of Nazi camps) the British actively imported Arab labour from other parts of the Middle East.

Understandably, Jews felt betrayed.Yet, even then, the Hagganah helped the British to arrest, interogate, and in some cases deport the Irgun, a Jewish activist group, which occurred during the Saison (or hunting season)

As for the bomb attack by the Irgun on King David Hotel's south wing (British HQ), the British received two phone warnings beforehand, but typically ignoring them as “preposterous” did not evacuate the hotel. The result, ninety one people killed.

As for Israel's supposed land grabs, why did Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in May 2000? Instead of seeing it as an an act of peace, both Syria and Iran saw this a sign of weakness. Hezbollah's secretary, General Hasan Nasrallah immediately uttered yet another war cry.

Keith,

Patently, you are completely ignorant about this subject, so you use abuse. I suppose it is better for readers to think you are very stupid - than you try and contribute - and confirm it.

You are a classic study of neuro-scientists’ “confirmation bias.” And it’s Pavlovian! The mere mention of Israel and you all come out of the woodwork.

Can I please have a clarification on the definition of 'democracy' as applied to Israel? I thought Israel was a relgion-based state using the morals and strictures of the Old Testament - not perhaps a theocracy, but not democracy as I understand it.
This is a serious question - I become very confused when I read that Israel is a democratic island in the midst of non-democratic states. Is it?
Diana Day

Diana, I've asked this question before and it will not be answered directly. It will be sidestepped or rationalized if it gets any response at all. You will be accused of being anti-Israel.

Israel is a Jewish State and will be democratic whilst the majority of the population remains Jewish.

Unfortunately for Israel, the majority of Jewish people live outside of Israel. The Arabs still living in Israel have a much higher birth rate than the Jewish Israelis. The non-Jewish citizens of Israel are growing in numbers, but the Jewish are not.

This is a little issue of which it is not polite to speak of or ask questions about. It is not nice to ask if the democratic rights are equally enjoyed by non-Jewish citizens. For instance, if you marry a non-Israeli, can your spouse live with you in Israel? If you are Jewish or your spouse is, not a problem. Not so if you practice another faith. Including Christian by the way. Don't be deluded that it is only directed at Muslims.

Dannielle

Your personal abusive attack is reprehensible.

While I decry the views expressed you attack, not my views, but me and my motives.

Why are you so special that you can feel justified in undertaking such a course. Most forums would see your comments for what they are and your uncivil views would be deleted.

Perhaps you might obtain a greater perspective and much broader view if you'd actucally made yourself familiar with my views on the topic. Yep some are on the public record.

Here

http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=5358

Here's hoping your disposition and propensity to assume and then personally abuse undergoes the necessary adult change.

Dannielle..keep up with the well researched information cobber!

DIANA... Israel is definitely NOT based on the Old Testament in its legal system.

Israel consists of various pressure groups like most countries.
1/ Orthodox Jews..
2/ Socialists/Atheists
3/ Secularists of various political persuasions.

There seems to be a degree of competition between Jews from Eastern Europe and the more 'semitic' ones from the local area. This is reflected in the political machinations from what I gather.

IF....Israel was run along Old Testament lines, I assure you, there would be not a hint of the 'vile abomination of desolation' on Temple mount (i.e. the mosques) but...watch this space (or..that one) and see how things unfold over the next few decades.

Just to give an idea of how many of the Jews 'feel' about the land, there was a documentary on CNN last night about the 6 day war, and the Jews who went to Hebron, the location of Abrahams tomb, said "Every rock and blade of grass had vibrance of their history".

Even I myself, after reading the Old Testament, specially Genesis and Exodus, my goodness.. I feel a longing for the place as well. I can totally identify with those feelings. I strongly recommend a read of at least Genesis 12 to the end of the book, the story of Joseph, Jacob the brothers.. its a great story as stories go. Of course the greatest part of the story is the redeeming Grace of God.

KEITH.. please view 'Obsession' the rise of radical Islam.
See the Palestinian imam screaming hysterically:

"We once ruled the world, we will do it again. We will rule the White house, we will rule the UK"

Hmmmmmm... I'm sure I've heard THAT kind of rhetoric b4.. from one Adolph HITLER.
And just for a finisher, I suppose you knew that the Wafen SS included 2 divisions of Bosnian Muslims, as a result of the Mufti of Jerusalem visiting Hitler... yep..the 'nazi' connection and 'nazi' mentality is strong and alive and well today.

Manny Waks,

Some think that Israel is not a country but simply a location for money laundering rackets and an offshore tax haven. Israels bombing of Aussies visiting Lebanon last year was a war crime.

While Iran (a former ally of the USA under the Shah) is troublesome one has to remember that the USA aided Saddam in its war with Iran in the 1980's so it is no wonder Iran hates the USA. The Soviets invaded Afghanistan which was the catalyst for Islamic fundamentalism.

The real "Axis of Evil" is Israel, the USA and the USSR/Russia.

Mr Waks you pathetic grandstanding in Melbourne over petty problems on public transport does not impress. Jews do get insulted but so do many others. I have been abused by a drunk on a tram when I told him not to light a cigarette in a tram and earlier when I told a youth to remove his feet from a seat so a lady could sit down but, so what, I got results and "sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you" Manny.