Israel Q.A.

[Beowulf DW]

This is an interesting coincidence. Just last week, there was a bit of a pro-Palestine question and answer session, here at State College. Well...It wasn't pro-Palestine so much as it was against the violence in general, but it came off as pro-Palestine because, according to the figures that were presented (deaths on both sides from late last year to this past January) Israel's kill count was vastly greater than that of Palestine.

The session was given by George Galloway, a member of the British Parliament from what I've heard. Apparently, he was banned from entering Canada because he took a convoy into Gaza to deliver aid, and Canada interpreted his actions as supporting terrorism. So, he decided to have a little Q-and-A to pass the time, I guess.

He said (Keeping in mind that this is his claim, not necessarily a fact) that he'd seen bombed mosques. He was also critical of the United States' stance on the issue, comparing our actions to those of the British Empire.

"You are stealing things in the way we stole things before you,"

Galloway's solution to the problem is what really shocked me. He proposed that Israel and Palestine be merged into a single democratic state where all races and religions have equal votes. When some one challenged him on his proposal (people with opposing viewpoints were encouraged to speak during the session), he responded that this was humorous to be heard in America where numerous beliefs and races coexist. Galloway said, "They will coexist because they have to."

What do you think of Galloway's comments and his proposal?

Also, what is the role of religion in this conflict and Israel as a whole? Specifically, what are the opinions of Israelis on interaction between the Abrahamic religions?

 

[The Infamous Scamola]

Galloway's solution to the problem is what really shocked me. He proposed that Israel and Palestine be merged into a single democratic state where all races and religions have equal votes. When some one challenged him on his proposal (people with opposing viewpoints were encouraged to speak during the session), he responded that this was humorous to be heard in America where numerous beliefs and races coexist. Galloway said, "They will coexist because they have to."

Why is his solution shocking?

 

[Beowulf DW]

Galloway's solution to the problem is what really shocked me. He proposed that Israel and Palestine be merged into a single democratic state where all races and religions have equal votes. When some one challenged him on his proposal (people with opposing viewpoints were encouraged to speak during the session), he responded that this was humorous to be heard in America where numerous beliefs and races coexist. Galloway said, "They will coexist because they have to."

Why is his solution shocking?

The idea that two bitter enemies can form a single nation with any degree of stability is a bit of a stretch for me.

 

[The Infamous Scamola]

Galloway's solution to the problem is what really shocked me. He proposed that Israel and Palestine be merged into a single democratic state where all races and religions have equal votes. When some one challenged him on his proposal (people with opposing viewpoints were encouraged to speak during the session), he responded that this was humorous to be heard in America where numerous beliefs and races coexist. Galloway said, "They will coexist because they have to."

Why is his solution shocking?

The idea that two bitter enemies can form a single nation with any degree of stability is a bit of a stretch for me.

It's not that much of a stretch, I mean 20% of Israels inhabitants today are Palestinian.
The only people who would be opposed to the idea are the Israelian far right and the muslim extremists.

 

[Beowulf DW]

Galloway's solution to the problem is what really shocked me. He proposed that Israel and Palestine be merged into a single democratic state where all races and religions have equal votes. When some one challenged him on his proposal (people with opposing viewpoints were encouraged to speak during the session), he responded that this was humorous to be heard in America where numerous beliefs and races coexist. Galloway said, "They will coexist because they have to."

Why is his solution shocking?

The idea that two bitter enemies can form a single nation with any degree of stability is a bit of a stretch for me.

It's not that much of a stretch, I mean 20% of Israels inhabitants today are Palestinian.
The only people who would be opposed to the idea are the Israelian far right and the muslim extremists.

All it takes is one radically minded group to screw it up for everyone when it comes to race and religion.

 

[Azetheros]

Why is his solution shocking?

Cause there is a lot of resentment among the Palestinians, and asking Israel to merge with them would be tantamount to asking the Jews to all march themselves into concentration camps; Jews would be a strange minority, like Muslims in pre-partition India: too small to defend themselves in Congress, too large to be wieldy, and with a history of resentment on both sides that would mar relations too far to seem reparable. In fact, the partition of Israel is legally based on the partition of India.

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

Galloway's solution to the problem is what really shocked me. He proposed that Israel and Palestine be merged into a single democratic state where all races and religions have equal votes. When some one challenged him on his proposal (people with opposing viewpoints were encouraged to speak during the session), he responded that this was humorous to be heard in America where numerous beliefs and races coexist. Galloway said, "They will coexist because they have to."

I don't think that would work, but he definitely shouldn't be pointing to America to strengthen his case: 700,000 dead, millions displaced, unlimited war on civilians, forgotten international laws, homes burned, cities smashed to their brick-and-mortar, foreign occupation, and 150 years of enmity and violence doesn't help his case at all.

 

[beddo]

Hello everybody,

I'm an Israeli citizen, a reserve solider and nice guy. I've been hearing a lot of misinformation about Israel lately. The latest conflict in the Gaza strip has stirred up many feeling in the world, many of them sadly based on misinformation. I would like to correct that.

Let me begin by stating a few facts about myself just as a basis. I am neither extreme to either left or right in politics when it comes to security. I voted to "Meretz", a left-wing welfare state party, in the last few elections as I agree with their economic views. I'm a graphic designer, but I have heavy interest in both politics and philosophy And I served in the army for four years.

The idea is simple, you ask questions about Israel, I answer. I assume the Israel-Palestine conflict would be most heavily discussed but you can ask anything, And yes Israeli girls are the prettiest there are and we do love our 'humus'.

I will attempt to answer any question fairly and with complete honesty, representing as wide a base of opinions as possible.

Shoot.

What are the attitudes towards Israeli atheists? Is it acceptable to be Israeli and not Jewish?

 

[beddo]

Hello everybody,

I'm an Israeli citizen, a reserve solider and nice guy. I've been hearing a lot of misinformation about Israel lately. The latest conflict in the Gaza strip has stirred up many feeling in the world, many of them sadly based on misinformation. I would like to correct that.

Let me begin by stating a few facts about myself just as a basis. I am neither extreme to either left or right in politics when it comes to security. I voted to "Meretz", a left-wing welfare state party, in the last few elections as I agree with their economic views. I'm a graphic designer, but I have heavy interest in both politics and philosophy And I served in the army for four years.

The idea is simple, you ask questions about Israel, I answer. I assume the Israel-Palestine conflict would be most heavily discussed but you can ask anything, And yes Israeli girls are the prettiest there are and we do love our 'humus'.

I will attempt to answer any question fairly and with complete honesty, representing as wide a base of opinions as possible.

Shoot.

How does a largely Jewish Country which is run by a Government which is near universally Jewish square itself with killing? With war?

Are are Palestinians not to welcome when the religion teach acceptance of 'foreigners'? Why instead of being welcomed are they are oppressed with restrictions on ownership, movement and curfews?

 

[cuddly_tomato]

Syria is facing a serious water shortage issue, and wants to build dams on the headwaters of the rivers to the north in their own country. Israel has threatened to kill a load of them go to war with Syria if they do such a thing.

Would you leave the Israeli army if the Israeli government got involved in such an action?

 

[asiepshtain]

OK. lots of question, just one asi, I'll try getting to everyone but please be patient.

 

[asiepshtain]

Most experts and myself believe that American intervention in the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, Israel has directly contributed to her current international crisis. If true, America should protect its national interest by rapidly phasing out intervention in the region and shielding ourselves at home from radical Islamic influence.

Should America phase out its involvement in Israel? To what degree and how would this affect the Jewish state? What are the benefits and dangers to the United States of continued involvement?

At this moment, should it be the role of America to mediate and broker a peace? What nation or international bodies should be taking this role? What factors or individuals on one or both sides of the conflict directly obstruct the peace process?

Do you like former president Jimmy Carter?

Thank you for being so earnest and mature about these charged and heady issues.

This is a serious question and an intresting one, I'll try answering it to the best of my ability.

The conflict between European-American culture and the Muslim culture has nothing to do with Israel, it is a cultural conflict much larger then us. Israel is the front line of this conflict due to its location within the Muslim states while maintaining European values.
If Israel did not exist I belive the attacks currently targeted at Israel would have been targeted at the USA instead, think major terrorist attacks on the USA every month.

* The next section is completely fictional and based only on my imagination *

Imagine the USA stops all involvement with the middle-east, stopping its funding of Israels military and of Egypt's military ( a less known fact is that the USA supplies arms to Egypt to a lesser degree then Israel ). The Israeli nation has a large reserves but without American funding our military grows weaker constantly, the enormous strain on the country to maintain the funding creates an immediate recession in Israel business. The surrounding nation begin minor border disputes on all borders, sensing an option to expand their sphere of influence. The IDF fights back, but without funding to sustain it, it is slowly worn down. After a few years, the surrounding nations, including Egypt who now has lesser ties to the western world, Decide to wage all out war on Israel. The weakened IDF cannot fight all nations togher, espcailly not Egypt with it's modern USA weaponry.
A major evacuation of Israeli citizens begins from the cities of Tel-Aviv, Haifa, Ashkelon and Ashdod. Sending people by plane and ships to Europe. As the Arab armies conquer these last cities the remaining head of Israeli command, educated on a "Never Again" mentality and the stories of Messada and Samson, enact a final attack. Launching a nuclear attack on Israel itself and all warring nations, Including the Aswan Dam. Killing many millions.
In the aftermath, the conflict between the westren world and the arab nation escalates into war world three.

* The Previous section is completely fictional and based only on my imagination *

As you understand I believe it is in the USA interest to help the peace process in any way possible. As it is for every western country.
In regards to obstacles, the peace process is hindered by radicalls on both sides, of both political and religious types. The greatest single obstacle is Iran.

Irans government CAN NOT suffer a democratic country in its vicinity, it's people are subjects not citizens. Our very existence, as is yours, is a threat to their rule.

 

[asiepshtain]

Syria is facing a serious water shortage issue, and wants to build dams on the headwaters of the rivers to the north in their own country. Israel has threatened to kill a load of them go to war with Syria if they do such a thing.

Would you leave the Israeli army if the Israeli government got involved in such an action?

I never heard about this, but lets say what you're saying is true.

Israel is in a MAJOR water crisis. A dam on those rivers would mean the death of every Israeli citizen due to dehydration. This area is kind of a desert you know. Water is no joke here.

 

[asiepshtain]

What are the attitudes towards Israeli atheists? Is it acceptable to be Israeli and not Jewish?

As an atheist I can answer personally. I have never felt any attack on me based on being an atheist. Wait, I just remembered. When I was 14, I ate something not Kosher and some kid threw rocks at me, only time.

 

[asiepshtain]

How's the weather there?

I like to bring a lighter side to topics like these.

http://www.weathercity.com/il/tel_aviv/

Temperature: 15°C Dew Point: 11°C
Barometer: 101.4 kPa Wind: NW 4 km/h
Humidity: 77 % Visibility: n/a

Tel Aviv Weather Forecast:

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
Tuesday Evening Temperature: 16°C
A mix of cloudy and clear skies.

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Overnight
Temperature: 12°C
Mostly clear.

Wednesday Morning
Temperature: 16°C
A mix of cloud and sun.

Wednesday Afternoon
Temperature: 21°C
Cloudy.

Wednesday Evening
Temperature: 17°C
Cloudy. Windy at times.

 

[cuddly_tomato]

Syria is facing a serious water shortage issue, and wants to build dams on the headwaters of the rivers to the north in their own country. Israel has threatened to kill a load of them go to war with Syria if they do such a thing.

Would you leave the Israeli army if the Israeli government got involved in such an action?

I never heard about this, but lets say what you're saying is true.

Israel is in a MAJOR water crisis. A dam on those rivers would mean the death of every Israeli citizen due to dehydration. This area is kind of a desert you know. Water is no joke here.

I know Israel is in a MAJOR water crisis, which is why they have been stealing all the water from the West Bank and Gaza, and not just from the rivers, Israel has actually been pumping out the West Banks ground water.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060626/taamallah

Syria is a nation where the vast majority of the land is desert and is far away from any water source.

Israel is (mostly) squished up against the Mediterranean. They could easily build plants on the coast for desalinization, but it looks to me like they have no wish to do that while they can steal the water from their neighbours, hoping make their enemies even more desperate and even less likely to seek a peaceful solution to the problems there.

 

[Lios]

How's the weather there?

I like to bring a lighter side to topics like these.

http://www.weathercity.com/il/tel_aviv/

Temperature: 15°C Dew Point: 11°C
Barometer: 101.4 kPa Wind: NW 4 km/h
Humidity: 77 % Visibility: n/a

Tel Aviv Weather Forecast:

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
Tuesday Evening Temperature: 16°C
A mix of cloudy and clear skies.

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Overnight
Temperature: 12°C
Mostly clear.

Wednesday Morning
Temperature: 16°C
A mix of cloud and sun.

Wednesday Afternoon
Temperature: 21°C
Cloudy.

Wednesday Evening
Temperature: 17°C
Cloudy. Windy at times.

Hey, that's actually some pretty nice weather. Rather on-off where I live. It's either freezing cold, or bloody hot.

 

[asiepshtain]

So given that Hamas is to say the least a radical group do you think it's justified for military intervention, if so do you feel it should have been Israeli forces sorting it out, or do you believe there should have been greater measures taken by foreign influences such as the U.N and/or U.S military forces? (Isay U.S as they seem to want to fight terrorism on any level and have come down very one sided on the Gaza conflict.)

Sadly, I don't believe in talking to Hamas, it's a religious fanatic group dedicated to kill everyone I love and know, not a lot of room to maneuver there. Leaving only the military and economic sanctions on Gaza, both of which we tried. Sadly, the civilian casualties in this struggle are enormous.

I don't know what the right solution is, wish I did.

 

[asiepshtain]

I know Israel is in a MAJOR water crisis, which is why they have been stealing all the water from the West Bank and Gaza, and not just from the rivers, Israel has actually been pumping out the West Banks ground water.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060626/taamallah

Syria is a nation where the vast majority of the land is desert and is far away from any water source.

Israel is (mostly) squished up against the Mediterranean. They could easily build plants on the coast for desalinization, but it looks to me like they have no wish to do that while they can steal the water from their neighbours, hoping make their enemies even more desperate and even less likely to seek a peaceful solution to the problems there.

As I said before, this is a subject I'm not informed on but I find the article above to be very biased in both tone and reasoning. Aside from that, building desalinization factories takes about a decade and people usually drop dead of thirst in about 3-4 days. Still not sold.
"hoping make their enemies even more desperate and even less likely to seek a peaceful solution to the problems there" - why the hell would we want that?

 

[bad rider]

So given that Hamas is to say the least a radical group do you think it's justified for military intervention, if so do you feel it should have been Israeli forces sorting it out, or do you believe there should have been greater measures taken by foreign influences such as the U.N and/or U.S military forces? (Isay U.S as they seem to want to fight terrorism on any level and have come down very one sided on the Gaza conflict.)

Sadly, I don't believe in talking to Hamas, it's a religious fanatic group dedicated to kill everyone I love and know, not a lot of room to maneuver there. Leaving only the military and economic sanctions on Gaza, both of which we tried. Sadly, the civilian casualties in this struggle are enormous.

I don't know what the right solution is, wish I did.

So do what do you feel the general populations reaction was to Israel's military advance into Gaza?