Opinion
In praise of Nakba Law
Yoaz Hendel
Published: 28.03.11, 11:09
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41 Talkbacks for this article
1. How the hell you dare to make such Quote?!?!
Salma ,   Palestine   (03.28.11)
Yoaz Hendel , you can make Quotes by Nicolae Ceaușecu, Samuel Huntington, Augsto Pinochet, George W. Bush, Muammar al-Gaddafi , etc but Martin Luther King is RED LINE, NOOO WAY to justify the suppression of Palestinian history and memory by his name. I think you should let him rest in peace and not be digging up his grave !
2. Good article.
noa ,   israel   (03.28.11)
3. he's 100% right! Left cries wolf again!
Nadav ,   tlv   (03.28.11)
I would like to add that these same insane Leftist groups have "cried wolf" too many times! they attacked the government for deporting illegal immigrants (which it has every right to do just like all other states) and these same Leftists attacked the law to force Israeli NGOs to publicly disclose if they receive money from Foreign Governments. The Left claimed this was fascism, but it wasn't and Israelis know this. - just more ant-government Marxist and Islamo-fascist "agitprop" learned from the Soviet Union!
4. if it's "free" speech, why should the gov't fund it?
mike ,   israel (formerly usa   (03.28.11)
i speak positive things on behalf of israel, so don't i deserve to be financially supported by the state? of course not. likewise if someone wants to criticize israel they can do it as long as they have words to utter, just don't expect the state to compensate, or even reward, what anyone says either good or negative. sure, the issue of favoritism and discrimination becomes a problem, but this is more of an issue about the state having its creepy fingers wrapped around every aspect of our lives so that withholding funding is indistinguishable from punishing an opponent (look - a criticism!). speech should be free and government should be limited more than it is. but government won't be limited and we have to live with this problem forever.
5. To Salma
Thomas ,   US   (03.28.11)
I guess you forgot that your leader, Abbas sent a letter of moral support to Omar Bashir after the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest for crimes against humanity and committing genocide against the truly indginous African people of the Sudan. So I don't see why you would get up-in-arms over an Israeli quoting a man you would refer to as a "zurga" when some of those Sudanese blacks have found safe haven in his country.
6. Hendal, chief propagandist
Smith ,   TA, Israel   (03.28.11)
The problem with the law is its vague terminology and definitions and Hendal knows it! This law could be used to theoretically withdraw the funding of a historian researching the locations of Arab villages before 1948 where the populations were expelled, or maybe revoking the funding of a mixed-school where the teach the Nakba along with the Independence Day. The fact is that this law will explode in the faces of the Right and Left alike. The Arabs will now davka celebrate the or mourn or whatever the Nakba. It may even include sections not traditionally associated with this movement like the Bedouin in the South and the Druze in the Carmel! The purpose of this law isn't to bring people together it is alienate the Arabs and Jews of this country even more from each other! If a group is really detrimental to the state I am certain there are already laws that prevent its funding from the state like the Islamic Movement Northern Branch. Hendal is propagated the lies of the far-right.
7. Bravo. Good article. Entertaining to watch the terror lovers
Yaawqove ,   Israel   (03.28.11)
squirm.
8. Good article
Claudia ,   Tampa USA   (03.28.11)
Those of us on the outside rarely see any reasonable leftists with the cacophony of what is normal opinion on the left. They seem only to happy to champion any attack on Israel, especially on the right, in the most unrealistic way. So when chaos is evident on the Southern border with Gaza what did the left have to say about the failure of the disengagement? Were these idiots even personally donating money to build bomb shelters for Israeli's living in the target zones of Hamas rockets? I doubt it. The left no longer builds democratic institutions, it only tears them down. They can not be coupled with Zionists that founded the State of Israel.
9. Smith TA re Expulsion: In some cases
Robert Haymond ,   Israel/Canada   (03.28.11)
Arabs were expelled during the struggle of our War of Independence for strategic reasons. Some fled out of legitimate fear for what Jews might do to them (Benny Morris). For the most part, they left out of fear that they would be treated the same way Arabs would have treated Jews, murdered, pillaged, and raped (see the 1929 Hebron Massacre). They left, actually stampeded out of what had become the state of Israel after their leaders, the professional and business classes, left (see Howard Sachar, historian). The reasons for the Arabs leaving are complex and cannot be easily explained by your word, "expelled". Many Arab nations advertised for Arabs to leave and then return after the Arab nations were victorious (see "Stand With Us"). There were also Jewish officials who went from village to village begging Arabs to stay (Sachar). None of this would have occurred, however, had the Jewish state been accepted as opposed to being attacked. You are a frequent contributor to these Talkbacks, "Smith". I implore you to educate yourself more fully with various sources so that you can gain a more balanced and accurate picture of the history of our country.
10. Start with de-funding Ben Gurion "University"
eli ,   J-m   (03.28.11)
Start with de-funding Ben Gurion "University"
11. Whoa, hold your horses there Smitty #6
Tahl   (03.28.11)
"This law could be used to theoretically withdraw the funding of a historian researching the locations of Arab villages before 1948 where the populations were expelled" - Rubbish. You made a huge leap here which is completely detached from reality. The law simply states that the state will not fund those institiutions who view its creation as a disaster, or call for an armed struggle against it. Any other usage will be highly controvercial and counterproductive, and will certainly not pass. "revoking the funding of a mixed-school where the teach the Nakba along with the Independence Day" - How many such 'mixed schools' are there anyway? And again - it's not the teaching about Nakba which is troublesome - but rather the incitement against the state of Israel which is usually attached to it. "The Arabs will now davka celebrate the or mourn or whatever the Nakba. " - Methinks all of them already do it. "The purpose of this law isn't to bring people together" - No one claimed it is. "it is alienate the Arabs and Jews of this country even more from each other!" - No, the purpose is simply to draw a line of how far the state is willing to shoot itself in the foot, in order to stop the constant erosion of its legitimacy. If you don't delegitimize , incite against, and call for an armed struggle against Israel, you are OK. If you do, well it's your perfect right (freedom of speech and all), but don't expect to be financed by the very state you call to destroy. Sound fair to me. Bottom line - would you be OK with your tax money financing municipalities and institutions who call to destroy or at least erode the foundations of your homeland as we know it?
12. In praise of Nakba Law
tz   (03.28.11)
Well said! Hopeful words! Thank you!!!
13. stupidest thinking, proposal and rational. left trying
ralph   (03.28.11)
to hang on by their fingernails.
14. Hendel: Salma, of the Palestinian Territories
steve ,   usa   (03.28.11)
Salma, You invoke the name of Martin Luther King Jr, the American proponent of civil disobedience? Salma your way is airlne hijackings, suicide bombers, the glorification of violence by naming West Bank streets and schools after terrorist mass murderers (specializing in children of course). That's your way, not Reverend King's way. You are the one who crossed the red line. Unless of course, you want to write here that you oppose such violence, oppose the Hamas charter of violence and recognize Israel as the Jewish state. Until then, leave Dr. King alone!
15. What?!
Mark ,   J-lem   (03.28.11)
I am for that law, but author don't understand why there should be left? Then you are far more "right" in political views than I thought. There should be healthy criticism, even if it goes against the state, but to exclude everything? That just doesn't feel right. Those radical left organizations should be closed for good, their fundings checked, and people (radical fanatics) should be jailed. But I for one against healthy criticism. P.S. Article biased as hell. Surprising disappointment.
16. What the "nakba" really commemorates
Kyle ,   Southpark, CO, USA   (03.28.11)
The failure of the Arab League to annihilate the state of Israel, exterminate the Jews, and loot all their property. Losing sucks.
17. #1 - You're welcome to follow MLK's way
William ,   Israel   (03.28.11)
which was equality for all, regardless of race or religion. He also advocated non-violent protests. Claiming MLK for your own seems a bit of a stretch, but then again, even your history is based on piggy-backing on someone else's hard work or notoriety. and speaking of history, MLK was an ardent advocate to truly know one's history in an honest light, because that's the only way they people can move towards the future. You haven't been able to do that either, namely, know that the only reason you celebrate the "nakba is not because of what happened to you, but because Jews survived and beat back the Arab genocide hordes. It's a celebration of Arab humiliation, that's all. and rather than Israel, your target of scorn should be the Arab leaders who used YOU as human shields and scapegoats when they lit the region of fire. Only when you internalize both of those very real, very well-documented facts will you be truly free. Enjoy your gilded cage, chump.
18. #6 - actually, I agree to defund THAT historian
William ,   Israel   (03.28.11)
Look at your post again. "locations of Arab villages before 1948....where populations were expelled" That would connotate that Arabs were expelled by the horrible IDF (indicated a pre-conceived conclusion prior to initiating research). Research has already shown that most who fled did so WITHOUT seeing a soldier, and there were so many Arabs that did stay and nothing happened to them. That type of research, working to feed an agenda with a set conclusion, is not "history" but rather more like activism and is NOT FUNDABLE by the State, nor should it be. Sadly, you're just as myopic as those who oppose this law. The violent protests and waving of "Palestinian" flags by Arabs already alienates them from their Jewish citizens. The Bedouin and Druze already had the opportunity to join and chose not to, for so many good reasons. If you want to bring Arabs and Jews together, work on getting the Arabs to do National Service and join in to build the State, not tear it down using our taxes.
19. #1 - Salma the IGNORANT!
Guy ,   Seattle USA   (03.28.11)
The great Martin Luther King, Jr. was a huge supporter of Israel, and a vocal opponent of the jihad against Israel. Here are just some of his quotes on this subject: "I cannot stand idly by, even though I happen to live in the United States and even though I happen to be an American Negro and not be concerned about what happens to the Jews in Soviet Russia. For what happens to them happens to me and you, and we must be concerned." "Israel's right to exist as a state in security is uncontestable." "Peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity. I see Israel as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can be done, how desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy. Peace for Israel means security and that security must be a reality." "I solemnly pledge to do my utmost to uphold the fair name of the Jews -- because bigotry in any form is an affront to us all." "When people criticize Zionists they mean Jews, you are talking anti-Semitism."
20. #15 - key words: "healthy criticism"
William ,   Israel   (03.28.11)
when was the last time the Left had a "healthy criticism" of anything Israel does? The reason they are so disliked is not because they are an opposing voice, but that they are based on manipulated facts, on delegitimizing 70% of Israeli's population, and often resort to underhanded tactics of sedition and cursing. Nothing in their actions is even close to "healthy criticism" and you know it. Simply allowing them to exist because of an ideology is farcical, and the reason why Arab MKs can freely call for attacks against the State while visiting an enemy country and never fear retribution. Democracy is wonderful but there are obligations that all sides must adhere to.
21. To: No. 1
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (03.28.11)
Martin Luther King was an advocate of non-violence. The ersatz "Palestinians" have engaged in seven decades of unrelenting terrorism. Pretty nervy of you to draw upon Dr. King as a role model. Or are you just too stupid to realize that the ersatz "Palestinians" are the furthest thing from non-violent there is?
22. #1. Martin Luther King condemned Anti-Zionism as racism.
Chaim ,   Israel   (03.28.11)
#1 Salma. Since you claim to revere Martin Luther King, I wonder if you realize that King condemned, in the strongest terms, Anti Zionism as Anti-Semitism and racism. His quotes on the subject are readily available in his biographies and online. Thus it is perfectly fitting for Zionists to quote Martin Luther King. It is far more fitting for "Palestinian" poseurs to quote Hiter, Gadaffi, etc.
23. Two "nakba" celebrations justify deportation.
Chaim ,   Israel   (03.28.11)
The anti-nakba law is a well needed start, but only a start. It is absurd for Israel to tolerate citizens mourning her wondrous creation as a tragedy. Leftist groups who oppose the nakba law make it obvious they are enemies of Israel and should be dealt with as such. The first nakba celebration should merit a strong warning. The second justifies deportation from our land.
24. But Who Decides?
David ,   Boulder, CO USA   (03.28.11)
I understand his argument but he doesn't address who will decide what a harmful view is? If the definition of harmful is too narrow, it could hurt the essense of democracy. It seems the author of this piece is as knee jerk as the those on the Left he dislikes.
25. David #24 the government decides
Gee ,   Zikron Yaakov   (03.28.11)
They are the authority on the budget and how and where it can be spent. Just like in America, we happen to be a democracy - though a lot more liberal than the US.
26. #19 Guy, also ignorant
Kyle ,   Southpark, CO, USA   (03.28.11)
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a friend of Jews, but the "Letter to an Anti-Zionist" has been proven to be a hoax. It has been floating around the Internet for a while and has been completely debunked. Please do not quote from that fraudulent "letter" you only discredit yourself.
27. To: David at No. 24
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (03.28.11)
Promoting celebrations of the Naqba is tantamount to promoting the overthrow of the State of Israel, wouldn't you say? I'm hard pressed to think of a single country where that wouldn't be illegal.
28. How Israeli democracy works
meir ,   TA   (03.28.11)
Advocating anti-Israel opinions, like Nakba, is permitted. That doesn't mean that it deserves public financial support. The difference is crucial.
29. To: Meir at No. 28
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (03.28.11)
Where do you draw the line between allowing anti-Israel opinions and sedition?
30. Reply To # 27 Sarah B
David ,   Boulder, CO USA   (03.28.11)
Many Southern US states just celebrated the Confederate succession of 1861. They were celebrating the potential demise of the U.S. I believe that to be the same as Naqba celebrations. I found these Southern celebrations offensive and stupid, but not criminal. That is the nature of a free society.
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