Furor Surrounding Ilhan Omar Remarks Intensifies National Debate Over Israel

[Coyote]

Ignoring the political creation of Israel in 1948 - does anyone believe that Israel treats Palestinians fairly?

It is a complex issue that can’t be boiled down to “fair” and “unfair”.

 

[Lakhota]

Ignoring the political creation of Israel in 1948 - does anyone believe that Israel treats Palestinians fairly?

Why would you want to ignore the creation of the State of Israel? Does it offend you somehow?

I was just ignoring the fact that Palestinians inhabited the land when it was awarded to the newly created State of Israel.

The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict

Vanishing the Palestinians

Book review: "Married to Another Man"

Dr. Ghada Karmi’s latest book Married to Another Man: Israel’s Dilemma in Palestine opens with the problem European Zionists faced over a century ago when they first mooted the idea of a Jewish state in Palestine. They found then that there was already a well-established Palestinian society existing in the land they wished to claim as their own. Hence the message sent back to Vienna by the two rabbis who made the discovery: “The bride is beautiful, but she is married to another man.”

 

[fncceo]

They found then that there was already a well-established Palestinian society existing in the land

A well-established society that included Arabs, Druze, Muslims, Xtians (Catholic, Protestant, and Coptic), Secularists, Buddhists, and pretty much anyone else you can name.

The concept that Palestinian Arabs were the sole inhabitants of Palestine in the 19th and 20th Century is just ridiculous.

 

[Lakhota]

They found then that there was already a well-established Palestinian society existing in the land

A well-established society that included Arabs, Druze, Muslims, Xtians (Catholic, Protestant, and Coptic), Secularists, Buddhists, and pretty much anyone else you can name.

The concept that Palestinian Arabs were the sole inhabitants of Palestine in the 19th and 20th Century is just ridiculous.

Do you have any credible proof of your claim? Are you saying that Palestinians weren't the majority of inhabitants?

 

[whitehall]

Intensifies the debate? Democrats are desperate not to debate our relationship with Israel.

 

[Lakhota]

Intensifies the debate? Democrats are desperate not to debate our relationship with Israel.

Not true. Many of us want to have civil debate about our relationship with Israel, including the favoritism and money showered on Israel while it continues to vanquish Palestinians.

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

Activists have been criticizing Israeli policies towards Palestinians long before the Minnesota congresswoman.

NEW YORK (AP) — For Congress, the allegations of anti-Semitism directed toward Rep. Ilhan Omar have no precedent. Yet on college campuses, in state legislatures and in many other venues nationwide, the polarized debate about Israel is a familiar conflict and likely to intensify in the months and years ahead.

Fueled by a wave of youthful activists, including many Jews aligning with Muslims, criticism of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians has grown in volume and scope, with persistent calls for boycotts and disinvestment. Pro-Israel organizations and politicians have countered with tough responses, and efforts to reconcile the differences have gained little traction.

Among those fearing escalation is Deborah Lipstadt, a history professor at Emory University and author of a new book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now,” about the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States and Europe. She calls herself an optimist, but she says it’s hard to be hopeful in the current political climate.

“Leaders on the left and the right are using this phenomenon as a way of drumming up support, claiming they’re victims,” she said. “I fear it will get far worse before it gets better.”

Congress has never experienced this kind of furor involving a Muslim member accused of anti-Semitism.

Omar, a freshman congresswoman from Minnesota, sparked turmoil within the Democratic caucus with her criticisms of Israel and suggestions that Israel’s supporters wanted lawmakers to pledge “allegiance” to a foreign country. Divided Democrats eventually drafted a resolution that condemned a wide range of bigotry and did not mention Omar by name.

One of the first two Muslim women in Congress, Omar supports a contentious part of the overall dispute — the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, or BDS, which promotes various forms of boycotts against Israel.

More: Furor Surrounding Ilhan Omar Remarks Intensifies National Debate Over Israel

This is a debate worth having - and long overdue. Arabs are also Semites, so anti-Semitism also applies to Palestinians. Does anyone not think that Palestinians have been discriminated against? What do you think?

It is a debate worth having, demonstrating that warranted, appropriate criticism of Israel is not "anti-Semitism."

 

[fncceo]

Intensifies the debate? Democrats are desperate not to debate our relationship with Israel.

Not true. Many of us want to have civil debate about our relationship with Israel, including the favoritism and money showered on Israel while it continues to vanquish Palestinians.

Vanquish?

The conflict has been at an impasse for 50 years.

 

[fncceo]

Activists have been criticizing Israeli policies towards Palestinians long before the Minnesota congresswoman.

NEW YORK (AP) — For Congress, the allegations of anti-Semitism directed toward Rep. Ilhan Omar have no precedent. Yet on college campuses, in state legislatures and in many other venues nationwide, the polarized debate about Israel is a familiar conflict and likely to intensify in the months and years ahead.

Fueled by a wave of youthful activists, including many Jews aligning with Muslims, criticism of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians has grown in volume and scope, with persistent calls for boycotts and disinvestment. Pro-Israel organizations and politicians have countered with tough responses, and efforts to reconcile the differences have gained little traction.

Among those fearing escalation is Deborah Lipstadt, a history professor at Emory University and author of a new book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now,” about the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States and Europe. She calls herself an optimist, but she says it’s hard to be hopeful in the current political climate.

“Leaders on the left and the right are using this phenomenon as a way of drumming up support, claiming they’re victims,” she said. “I fear it will get far worse before it gets better.”

Congress has never experienced this kind of furor involving a Muslim member accused of anti-Semitism.

Omar, a freshman congresswoman from Minnesota, sparked turmoil within the Democratic caucus with her criticisms of Israel and suggestions that Israel’s supporters wanted lawmakers to pledge “allegiance” to a foreign country. Divided Democrats eventually drafted a resolution that condemned a wide range of bigotry and did not mention Omar by name.

One of the first two Muslim women in Congress, Omar supports a contentious part of the overall dispute — the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, or BDS, which promotes various forms of boycotts against Israel.

More: Furor Surrounding Ilhan Omar Remarks Intensifies National Debate Over Israel

This is a debate worth having - and long overdue. Arabs are also Semites, so anti-Semitism also applies to Palestinians. Does anyone not think that Palestinians have been discriminated against? What do you think?

It is a debate worth having, demonstrating that warranted, appropriate criticism of Israel is not "anti-Semitism."

Criticizing Israel politics isn't antisemitism.

If it were, every Israeli could be labeled an antisemite. No one is more critical of the Israeli government than Israelis themselves.

Perpetuating traditional anti-Semitic tropes, holding Israelis to a higher standard of behavior than those that attack them, not recognizing the illegal tactics of the Palestinians while criticizing Israeli responses, or holding Jewish lives less valuable than those of Israel's enemies is anti-Semitic.

 

[Lakhota]

Activists have been criticizing Israeli policies towards Palestinians long before the Minnesota congresswoman.

NEW YORK (AP) — For Congress, the allegations of anti-Semitism directed toward Rep. Ilhan Omar have no precedent. Yet on college campuses, in state legislatures and in many other venues nationwide, the polarized debate about Israel is a familiar conflict and likely to intensify in the months and years ahead.

Fueled by a wave of youthful activists, including many Jews aligning with Muslims, criticism of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians has grown in volume and scope, with persistent calls for boycotts and disinvestment. Pro-Israel organizations and politicians have countered with tough responses, and efforts to reconcile the differences have gained little traction.

Among those fearing escalation is Deborah Lipstadt, a history professor at Emory University and author of a new book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now,” about the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States and Europe. She calls herself an optimist, but she says it’s hard to be hopeful in the current political climate.

“Leaders on the left and the right are using this phenomenon as a way of drumming up support, claiming they’re victims,” she said. “I fear it will get far worse before it gets better.”

Congress has never experienced this kind of furor involving a Muslim member accused of anti-Semitism.

Omar, a freshman congresswoman from Minnesota, sparked turmoil within the Democratic caucus with her criticisms of Israel and suggestions that Israel’s supporters wanted lawmakers to pledge “allegiance” to a foreign country. Divided Democrats eventually drafted a resolution that condemned a wide range of bigotry and did not mention Omar by name.

One of the first two Muslim women in Congress, Omar supports a contentious part of the overall dispute — the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, or BDS, which promotes various forms of boycotts against Israel.

More: Furor Surrounding Ilhan Omar Remarks Intensifies National Debate Over Israel

This is a debate worth having - and long overdue. Arabs are also Semites, so anti-Semitism also applies to Palestinians. Does anyone not think that Palestinians have been discriminated against? What do you think?

It is a debate worth having, demonstrating that warranted, appropriate criticism of Israel is not "anti-Semitism."

Criticizing Israel politics isn't antisemitism.

If it were, every Israeli could be labeled an antisemite. No one is more critical of the Israeli government than Israelis themselves.

Perpetuating traditional anti-Semitic tropes, holding Israelis to a higher standard of behavior than those that attack them, not recognizing the illegal tactics of the Palestinians while criticizing Israeli responses, or holding Jewish lives less valuable than those of Israel's enemies is anti-Semitic.

You make some valid points. However, Israelis only have themselves to blame for the government leadership they have. Netanyahu is a belligerent hardliner.

 

[WillPower]

Not true. Many of us want to have civil debate about our relationship with Israel, including the favoritism and money showered on Israel while it continues to vanquish Palestinians.

The PLO could stop the "vanquishing" by not rocketing Israel on a regular basis...the are very lucky the IDF doesn't do a hammer-dance on every Pali son of a bitch who stands to fight.

 

[Lakhota]

Not true. Many of us want to have civil debate about our relationship with Israel, including the favoritism and money showered on Israel while it continues to vanquish Palestinians.

The PLO could stop the "vanquishing" by not rocketing Israel on a regular basis...the are very lucky the IDF doesn't do a hammer-dance on every Pali son of a bitch they can target.

Why does the PLO rocket Israel? Don't you think they have legitimate grievances?

 

[WillPower]

Why does the PLO rocket Israel? Don't you think they have legitimate grievances?

They've been offered numerous peace agreements but they turn down every one....They won't say Israel has the right to exist when Israelites were there long before they were. I'll tell you what I told SunniMan earlier....after the Holocaust, the Jews had every right to establish a homeland to defend themselves. You might also recall it was Harry S. Truman, a democrat, who was the force behind getting them that homeland. The Palis could migrate to other ME countries if they weren't such despicable creatures....nobody wants them.

 

[fncceo]

Activists have been criticizing Israeli policies towards Palestinians long before the Minnesota congresswoman.

NEW YORK (AP) — For Congress, the allegations of anti-Semitism directed toward Rep. Ilhan Omar have no precedent. Yet on college campuses, in state legislatures and in many other venues nationwide, the polarized debate about Israel is a familiar conflict and likely to intensify in the months and years ahead.

Fueled by a wave of youthful activists, including many Jews aligning with Muslims, criticism of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians has grown in volume and scope, with persistent calls for boycotts and disinvestment. Pro-Israel organizations and politicians have countered with tough responses, and efforts to reconcile the differences have gained little traction.

Among those fearing escalation is Deborah Lipstadt, a history professor at Emory University and author of a new book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now,” about the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States and Europe. She calls herself an optimist, but she says it’s hard to be hopeful in the current political climate.

“Leaders on the left and the right are using this phenomenon as a way of drumming up support, claiming they’re victims,” she said. “I fear it will get far worse before it gets better.”

Congress has never experienced this kind of furor involving a Muslim member accused of anti-Semitism.

Omar, a freshman congresswoman from Minnesota, sparked turmoil within the Democratic caucus with her criticisms of Israel and suggestions that Israel’s supporters wanted lawmakers to pledge “allegiance” to a foreign country. Divided Democrats eventually drafted a resolution that condemned a wide range of bigotry and did not mention Omar by name.

One of the first two Muslim women in Congress, Omar supports a contentious part of the overall dispute — the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, or BDS, which promotes various forms of boycotts against Israel.

More: Furor Surrounding Ilhan Omar Remarks Intensifies National Debate Over Israel

This is a debate worth having - and long overdue. Arabs are also Semites, so anti-Semitism also applies to Palestinians. Does anyone not think that Palestinians have been discriminated against? What do you think?

It is a debate worth having, demonstrating that warranted, appropriate criticism of Israel is not "anti-Semitism."

Criticizing Israel politics isn't antisemitism.

If it were, every Israeli could be labeled an antisemite. No one is more critical of the Israeli government than Israelis themselves.

Perpetuating traditional anti-Semitic tropes, holding Israelis to a higher standard of behavior than those that attack them, not recognizing the illegal tactics of the Palestinians while criticizing Israeli responses, or holding Jewish lives less valuable than those of Israel's enemies is anti-Semitic.

You make some valid points. However, Israelis only have themselves to blame for the government leadership they have. Netanyahu is a belligerent hardliner.

This has nothing at all to do with the government of PM Netanyahu. The same disproportionate criticisms are raised for both conservative and liberal Israeli governments.

PM Netanyahu is just an excuse.

 

[WelfareQueen]

I think a debate is good to have but it needs to be done without the inflammatory rhetoric of antisemitism and subsequent partisan one upmanship. Unfortunately, like the way Dems used racism, the Pubs are using antisemitism to make political hay. Does either truly want a constructive discussion?

I think as usual people are ignorant of history. In 1948 the Jews offered to split the land 50/50 with the Arabs. The Arabs chose war. They have chosen war ever since.

If folks truly want an honest dialogue this is where things should start.


1948 Arab–Israeli War - Wikipedia

 

[Lakhota]

Activists have been criticizing Israeli policies towards Palestinians long before the Minnesota congresswoman.

NEW YORK (AP) — For Congress, the allegations of anti-Semitism directed toward Rep. Ilhan Omar have no precedent. Yet on college campuses, in state legislatures and in many other venues nationwide, the polarized debate about Israel is a familiar conflict and likely to intensify in the months and years ahead.

Fueled by a wave of youthful activists, including many Jews aligning with Muslims, criticism of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians has grown in volume and scope, with persistent calls for boycotts and disinvestment. Pro-Israel organizations and politicians have countered with tough responses, and efforts to reconcile the differences have gained little traction.

Among those fearing escalation is Deborah Lipstadt, a history professor at Emory University and author of a new book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now,” about the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States and Europe. She calls herself an optimist, but she says it’s hard to be hopeful in the current political climate.

“Leaders on the left and the right are using this phenomenon as a way of drumming up support, claiming they’re victims,” she said. “I fear it will get far worse before it gets better.”

Congress has never experienced this kind of furor involving a Muslim member accused of anti-Semitism.

Omar, a freshman congresswoman from Minnesota, sparked turmoil within the Democratic caucus with her criticisms of Israel and suggestions that Israel’s supporters wanted lawmakers to pledge “allegiance” to a foreign country. Divided Democrats eventually drafted a resolution that condemned a wide range of bigotry and did not mention Omar by name.

One of the first two Muslim women in Congress, Omar supports a contentious part of the overall dispute — the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, or BDS, which promotes various forms of boycotts against Israel.

More: Furor Surrounding Ilhan Omar Remarks Intensifies National Debate Over Israel

This is a debate worth having - and long overdue. Arabs are also Semites, so anti-Semitism also applies to Palestinians. Does anyone not think that Palestinians have been discriminated against? What do you think?

It is a debate worth having, demonstrating that warranted, appropriate criticism of Israel is not "anti-Semitism."

Criticizing Israel politics isn't antisemitism.

If it were, every Israeli could be labeled an antisemite. No one is more critical of the Israeli government than Israelis themselves.

Perpetuating traditional anti-Semitic tropes, holding Israelis to a higher standard of behavior than those that attack them, not recognizing the illegal tactics of the Palestinians while criticizing Israeli responses, or holding Jewish lives less valuable than those of Israel's enemies is anti-Semitic.

You make some valid points. However, Israelis only have themselves to blame for the government leadership they have. Netanyahu is a belligerent hardliner.

This has nothing at all to do with the government of PM Netanyahu. The same disproportionate criticisms are raised for both conservative and liberal Israeli governments.

PM Netanyahu is just an excuse.

The mistreatment of Palestinians has been an ongoing problem.

Israel: 50 Years of Occupation Abuses

 

[WelfareQueen]

Activists have been criticizing Israeli policies towards Palestinians long before the Minnesota congresswoman.

NEW YORK (AP) — For Congress, the allegations of anti-Semitism directed toward Rep. Ilhan Omar have no precedent. Yet on college campuses, in state legislatures and in many other venues nationwide, the polarized debate about Israel is a familiar conflict and likely to intensify in the months and years ahead.

Fueled by a wave of youthful activists, including many Jews aligning with Muslims, criticism of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians has grown in volume and scope, with persistent calls for boycotts and disinvestment. Pro-Israel organizations and politicians have countered with tough responses, and efforts to reconcile the differences have gained little traction.

Among those fearing escalation is Deborah Lipstadt, a history professor at Emory University and author of a new book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now,” about the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States and Europe. She calls herself an optimist, but she says it’s hard to be hopeful in the current political climate.

“Leaders on the left and the right are using this phenomenon as a way of drumming up support, claiming they’re victims,” she said. “I fear it will get far worse before it gets better.”

Congress has never experienced this kind of furor involving a Muslim member accused of anti-Semitism.

Omar, a freshman congresswoman from Minnesota, sparked turmoil within the Democratic caucus with her criticisms of Israel and suggestions that Israel’s supporters wanted lawmakers to pledge “allegiance” to a foreign country. Divided Democrats eventually drafted a resolution that condemned a wide range of bigotry and did not mention Omar by name.

One of the first two Muslim women in Congress, Omar supports a contentious part of the overall dispute — the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, or BDS, which promotes various forms of boycotts against Israel.

More: Furor Surrounding Ilhan Omar Remarks Intensifies National Debate Over Israel

This is a debate worth having - and long overdue. Arabs are also Semites, so anti-Semitism also applies to Palestinians. Does anyone not think that Palestinians have been discriminated against? What do you think?

It is a debate worth having, demonstrating that warranted, appropriate criticism of Israel is not "anti-Semitism."

Criticizing Israel politics isn't antisemitism.

If it were, every Israeli could be labeled an antisemite. No one is more critical of the Israeli government than Israelis themselves.

Perpetuating traditional anti-Semitic tropes, holding Israelis to a higher standard of behavior than those that attack them, not recognizing the illegal tactics of the Palestinians while criticizing Israeli responses, or holding Jewish lives less valuable than those of Israel's enemies is anti-Semitic.

You make some valid points. However, Israelis only have themselves to blame for the government leadership they have. Netanyahu is a belligerent hardliner.

This has nothing at all to do with the government of PM Netanyahu. The same disproportionate criticisms are raised for both conservative and liberal Israeli governments.

PM Netanyahu is just an excuse.

The mistreatment of Palestinians has been an ongoing problem.

Israel: 50 Years of Occupation Abuses

Human Rights Watch is your source? You might as well use Pravda or the NYT.

 

[Lakhota]

It is a debate worth having, demonstrating that warranted, appropriate criticism of Israel is not "anti-Semitism."

Criticizing Israel politics isn't antisemitism.

If it were, every Israeli could be labeled an antisemite. No one is more critical of the Israeli government than Israelis themselves.

Perpetuating traditional anti-Semitic tropes, holding Israelis to a higher standard of behavior than those that attack them, not recognizing the illegal tactics of the Palestinians while criticizing Israeli responses, or holding Jewish lives less valuable than those of Israel's enemies is anti-Semitic.

You make some valid points. However, Israelis only have themselves to blame for the government leadership they have. Netanyahu is a belligerent hardliner.

This has nothing at all to do with the government of PM Netanyahu. The same disproportionate criticisms are raised for both conservative and liberal Israeli governments.

PM Netanyahu is just an excuse.

The mistreatment of Palestinians has been an ongoing problem.

Israel: 50 Years of Occupation Abuses

Human Rights Watch is your source? You might as well use Pravda or the NYT.

This is a delicate topic - so please try to keep it civil. What did Human Rights Watch say that wasn't true?

 

[fncceo]

Activists have been criticizing Israeli policies towards Palestinians long before the Minnesota congresswoman.

NEW YORK (AP) — For Congress, the allegations of anti-Semitism directed toward Rep. Ilhan Omar have no precedent. Yet on college campuses, in state legislatures and in many other venues nationwide, the polarized debate about Israel is a familiar conflict and likely to intensify in the months and years ahead.

Fueled by a wave of youthful activists, including many Jews aligning with Muslims, criticism of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians has grown in volume and scope, with persistent calls for boycotts and disinvestment. Pro-Israel organizations and politicians have countered with tough responses, and efforts to reconcile the differences have gained little traction.

Among those fearing escalation is Deborah Lipstadt, a history professor at Emory University and author of a new book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now,” about the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States and Europe. She calls herself an optimist, but she says it’s hard to be hopeful in the current political climate.

“Leaders on the left and the right are using this phenomenon as a way of drumming up support, claiming they’re victims,” she said. “I fear it will get far worse before it gets better.”

Congress has never experienced this kind of furor involving a Muslim member accused of anti-Semitism.

Omar, a freshman congresswoman from Minnesota, sparked turmoil within the Democratic caucus with her criticisms of Israel and suggestions that Israel’s supporters wanted lawmakers to pledge “allegiance” to a foreign country. Divided Democrats eventually drafted a resolution that condemned a wide range of bigotry and did not mention Omar by name.

One of the first two Muslim women in Congress, Omar supports a contentious part of the overall dispute — the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, or BDS, which promotes various forms of boycotts against Israel.

More: Furor Surrounding Ilhan Omar Remarks Intensifies National Debate Over Israel

This is a debate worth having - and long overdue. Arabs are also Semites, so anti-Semitism also applies to Palestinians. Does anyone not think that Palestinians have been discriminated against? What do you think?

It is a debate worth having, demonstrating that warranted, appropriate criticism of Israel is not "anti-Semitism."

Criticizing Israel politics isn't antisemitism.

If it were, every Israeli could be labeled an antisemite. No one is more critical of the Israeli government than Israelis themselves.

Perpetuating traditional anti-Semitic tropes, holding Israelis to a higher standard of behavior than those that attack them, not recognizing the illegal tactics of the Palestinians while criticizing Israeli responses, or holding Jewish lives less valuable than those of Israel's enemies is anti-Semitic.

You make some valid points. However, Israelis only have themselves to blame for the government leadership they have. Netanyahu is a belligerent hardliner.

This has nothing at all to do with the government of PM Netanyahu. The same disproportionate criticisms are raised for both conservative and liberal Israeli governments.

PM Netanyahu is just an excuse.

The mistreatment of Palestinians has been an ongoing problem.

Israel: 50 Years of Occupation Abuses

The Palestinians spent 20 years under Jordanian and Egyptian control where they were starved, killed, and marginalized.

Jordan killed 4,000 Jordanian Palestinians in 1970 and 1971.

I don't see any proportional outrage here.

 

[WelfareQueen]

Criticizing Israel politics isn't antisemitism.

If it were, every Israeli could be labeled an antisemite. No one is more critical of the Israeli government than Israelis themselves.

Perpetuating traditional anti-Semitic tropes, holding Israelis to a higher standard of behavior than those that attack them, not recognizing the illegal tactics of the Palestinians while criticizing Israeli responses, or holding Jewish lives less valuable than those of Israel's enemies is anti-Semitic.

You make some valid points. However, Israelis only have themselves to blame for the government leadership they have. Netanyahu is a belligerent hardliner.

This has nothing at all to do with the government of PM Netanyahu. The same disproportionate criticisms are raised for both conservative and liberal Israeli governments.

PM Netanyahu is just an excuse.

The mistreatment of Palestinians has been an ongoing problem.

Israel: 50 Years of Occupation Abuses

Human Rights Watch is your source? You might as well use Pravda or the NYT.

This is a delicate topic - so please try to keep it civil. What did Human Rights Watch say that wasn't true?

Everything. Please do not remain ignorant. Read and study. Thank you.