Is anti-Zionism peaceful in practice? Is it peaceful in theory? Many will tell you yes.

The way I see it, everyone should want peace. Everyone should feel it in their bones.



There is much I do not understand. I try and empathize, but I find that I can not empathize with the anti-Zionist.

Here's what I don't get...

1.What is someone who is calling themselves an anti-Zionist really saying by that?

Here are my hypotheses:
I'm pretty sure it means that they do not believe there should be a modern state of Israel.
The issue with that is, it exists. Where are all of these people who live there under a functioning government going to go? Do you honestly believe they're going to just pick up and leave the places that some of them lived all their lives? That's like saying, "I don't think Italy should exist." Italy is an established entity (all be it older than the state of Israel, however the primary point of current existence still prevails). We can't distroy Italy (or any other sovereign nation) so why Israel?



Or, are they saying that they do not believe Jews deserve a homeland in Israel?
If that is so, there are many issues with that. Even the "Jews against Zionism" (whom I am guessing more subscibe to the ideal above) agree that Israel is the land of the Jews. Where those people differ is that they believe that a modern/secular state is sinful. They also believe democracy is sinful. They also believe women are subordinate to men. But I digress. Still, even those people acknowledge the fact that, on a religious basis, Israel is for the Jews. They just believe the Jews should live there under a religious kingdom at the time the Messiah comes. Are secular Zionists are going to subscribe to? I don't think so. Generally, they should stop bringing the Satmars/Nurei Kartas up at all, since they are irrelevant to the conversation. (which I shall bring up later) Generally around 80% of Jews in the world can agree that Israel is the homeland of the Jews. Where we all differ is generally the timing and method, generally.



If someone says that it is not the biblical homeland of the Jews and denies a serious pillar of Judaism (not matter what their actual tradition), that's sort of bigoted. If you outright disagree with something on a religious (or lack thereof) basis, that's one thing. Everyone is free to believe what they want. It may sound intolerant to acknowledge other people's beliefs though. But to deny a pillar of Judaism for political ends of creating over 6 million refugees. That's like saying, "I deny that Mecca is a holy place to Muslims. I believe that Muslims should leave Mecca." If someone were to say that, there would be no doubt that they are intolerant. Muslims would be outraged! But it is done to Jews. Not only that, it denies that 3,000 year old history of Jewish existence in Israel (the two temples and the Jewish kingdoms, etc). That is very hurtful.



2. Another issue is: many anti-Zionists claim to just disagree with the way the Israeli government handles things.

In my mind, that doesn't mean anti-Zionist. To be "anti" something, it means you are against. In which case one would refer to 1. But so let me address the point. It is ok to be critical of the Israeli government. I, for one, think Olmert should resign. For another, I also think women in Israel should be granted to give their husbands divorces. But that doesn't mean I think Israel should be distroyed. I just think it should be better. So if you're critical, please, be critical. But if you're trying to help, you're not "anti" anything.



3. Many anti-Zionists claim they have nothing against Jews, just Zionists. But, if you take into accound item 1 and even item 2, that doesn't really compute. You can't deny part of Judaism but still claim to love Jews. That's like saying, "I love Jews, I just can't stand the ones that are too 'Jewish!'" If you want Jews to be killed or even become homeless, you're no friend to the Jews. If you want Jews to deny their religion and, in essence, who they are as Jews, you are not a friend to the Jews.

3 1/2. Then, a lot of time, anti-Zionists will, all the while claiming to love Jews and even have lots of Jewish friends, use anti-Jewish imagery or terminology. For example, they'll call Jews/Israelis Nazis. Does anyone really think that is accurate? Also, they'll make pictures depicting that age old libelous image of the greedy "Jew-troll." You know, the one with the huge nose and elfish pointy ears that is usually oozing blood from his mouth or at least eating a baby? They'll use that sort of imagery in reference to "Zionists" (because they love Jews, just hate Zionists). So if I draw a picture of a Muslim in traditional garb with a bomb strapped to their chest shouting vs from the Q'ran as well as "Death to America!" Am I a friend to the Muslims? I don't think so. In fact, I find the "I love Jews but will use the Jewish blood libel in reference to Zionists" idea offensive, bigoted, hateful, hypocritical, and above all entirely full of it.



4. Often times, as I mentioned already, anti-Zionists will bring up the Satmars/Nurei Karta ("Jews against Zionism") as a sort of, "See! These people are orthodox! You aren't practicing your religion properly! You are sinning!" As if they even knew what the heck they were talking about. Honestly, I find that very offensive and arrogant. It assumes that non-Jews can tell Jews what it is to be Jewish or even how to practice Judaism. That is highly disingenuous to pretend that is some sort of scoring point to make in a discussion. Do I sit and tell Christians how to believe in Christ? I wouldn't dream of overstepping my bounds in such a way. Do I tell atheists how to reject God? How can I even dare? Why, then, should anyone feel justified in saying such things to Jews? It bothers me so much you can't comprehend nor can I put it into words.



Furthermore, and also as I mentioned, the Satmars (as I prefer to call them) are pretty whacked out. They believe a ton of really whacked things. What many non-Jews do not realize is that these people are extremists. "But they're the ULTRA-Orthodox." Yes and no. There are many different kinds of "ULTRA-Orthodox" (a terminology I never understood in the first place). The Orthodox Unioin Is the largest Orthodox organization in the world. They are VERY religious and they just so happen to support Israel. Imagine that. The Jews of Chabad are Chasidic Jews, they support Israel. Imagine that.



Plus, and as I mentioned again, among the whacked out ideas of these "ULTRA-Orthodox" Jews are sexism, racism, and a few other things. They believe a man should sit in the Yeshiva all day while his wife raises children and works to support the family. They believe a woman is an object, able to be bought and sold by men. They believe Jews are superior to other groups. Saying that these people are the "true" Torah Jews is like saying the Taliban is "true" Islam. And we all know that is not true. I humbly ask people to stop referring to Satmars (and the like) as "proper." The very idea is ridiculous.



5. Usually, people who call themselves anti-Zionists tend to be very angry, hurtful, hateful, and just downright mean when you talk to them. They are ultra defensive and get really mad at you when you call them anti-semitic, or more accurately anti-Jewish. I can't understand why they can be so angry after the points I've already mentioned are applied. Perhaps it is the guilt of realizing the ideology they subscribe to isn't so good. But, being humans they defend their righteousness in favor of not taking responsibility for themselves. But even before a conversation descends that far, they tend to have this big ax to grind and are just plain generally unpleasant. There has to be a psychological correlation. You go so far as to simply mention the word Israel or admit to being a Zionist and you stir fervent hatred and contempt. Is it really that great to be so angry and hateful all the time?



6. If there are to be anti-Zionists, how is that to stop anyone from being anti-Palestinian or some other variation of the like? If someone was to say that they are anti-Palestinian, that makes them a racist. Why, then, is anti-Zionist excused, given the above points and this one. The very idea of anti-Zionism is counter to any form of peaceful or honest discourse. It only fuels the cycle of violence and the deep hatred between the two groups. Anyone who claims to be anti-Zionist is not seeking peace, just supremacy.



So my conclusion is that being "anti-Zionist" isn't something people should really be proud of. Perhaps it's not too far off from being anti-something else.

Maybe people shouldn't focus on being "anti" anything and really focus on being for something and helping people.

I just find the idea of anti-Zionism completely counter productive to any form of actual peaceful discourse.



Let us all dream tonight about how we can be PRO-each other.