Opinion  Ray Hanania
Paradise may never come
Ray Hanania
Published: 06.03.06, 08:02
Comment Comment
Print comment Print comment
Back to article
91 Talkbacks for this article
1. Israel is based on complete falsehood
Palestinian ,   HistoryLoveLand   (03.06.06)
This land as other lands in other countries belong its owners. Clearly, most Israelis are occupier. They do not own this land by any legal mean. There is also no religious justification for their claim. If Jews want to use their religion to continue their occupation. then they should stop blaming muslims for that. Palestine has been an arab canaanite land since recorded history started. If you hate this fact, it is your problem. Arabs have been all the time a main part of this land populations before and after Abraham. Ishamelite Arabs the cousins of Jews came only in the seventh century. Jews at the times in which they existed as a major population on this land were never the only exculsive population. They were always a minority here even at the time of Solomon and David.
2. Palestinians don't exist. They are Arabs
Dotti ,   USA   (03.06.06)
who came to the area from the neighboring Arab states in search of opportunity when the Jewish Zionists opened businesses.
3. When will the enemies learn: Israel =3500 years old
bill ,   USA   (03.06.06)
While in the history of this world there has never been a sovereign entity by the name of Palestine. NEVER!
4. Would the Arab who move to the Alps become Alpians?
Palestinian Fantasy ,   USA   (03.06.06)
Or if they move to Sahara they can call themselves the Saharans? Palestine at best is a region and not a sovereign state.
5. The world has bought the Palestinian lies
Donna ,   USA   (03.06.06)
They keep repeating their lies zillion times. Don't underestimate the enemies. There is always a buyer for Palestinian Arab lies.
6. #1 We are not cousins. Please stop dreaming
They Love to Lie ,   USA   (03.06.06)
When Abraham sired Ismael with the Egyptian handmaiden Hagar he did not have a covenant with G-d. He was not the same Abraham during the birth of Itzhak. Abraham who sired his beloved son Itzhak with his beloved wife Sarah was a totally different person as he had the covenant with G-d.
7. Palestine exists?
GaDo ,   USA   (03.06.06)
Can you show it to me on a map? Was there ever a sovereign nation called "Palestine?" If so, where was its capital? Can you name its President/Prime Minister? The answer to all of these questions is no. "Palestine" is a גנאי for the Jewish people. It was the name given to Judea by the Romans in order to not only show they conquered us, but to erase the very memory of our existence from the land. They chose the name of an ancient coastal people (the Plishtim, as recorded in Tanach) who were the enemies of the Jews (it was the Plishtim who were responsible for the death of King Saul and later Samson. (Their name actually means "invaders" in case anyone was wondering.) These people have no relation whatsoever to the "Palestinian" Arabs of today. For centuries, Palestine was the name of a region controlled by various empires (e.g. the Byzantines, Ottomans, British) but no "Palestinian people" emerged until after the six-day war in 1967, when the Arabs realized the practicality of such a claim. Before that, whoever was born in the region was known as a Palestinian, Jew and Muslim alike -- the Jerusalem Post was called the "Palestine Post" (I believe that's still on their masthead. It does not refer to a specific people and it does not refer to a sovereign state. Rather it refers to anyone born in the territory formerly known as Palestine (which includes all of Israel and Jordan). The claim that Palestine does not exist today is not reflective of hatred; it is reflective of accuracy and history. One may certainly want peace and not recognize the existence of a country called Palestine, as it simply does not, and never has existed. Does a Palestinian people exist today? That depends on who you ask, even within the Islamic or Arab worlds. Mr. Hanania, I am disappointed by your article. Perhaps it is people like you who really sow the seeds of hatred.
8. Hope it comes
Mohamed ,   Ramallah, Palestine   (03.06.06)
First of all I think that the director has achieved his goal (or a big portion of his goal) by being nominated. Sure, it would have been much netter if the movie won... but any way some movies win some other lose. About the co-existance issue,, I agree with Ray,, in fact its the Israeli call now to admit that there palestinian people and there is pa;estine so that if really most Israeli as they say seek for peace they need to understand to recognise others right to exist and live as all nations of the world,,, and that will be here not elsewhere, Thanks,, peace and justise for all Mohamed, Ramallah
9. Paradise Now, "A Tale of Arab Lies"
Chanan ,   Jerusalem   (03.06.06)
Lets take a look at some facts, two movies, two story lines, one based on true human emotion, the other on manipulating lies, who won, “Tsotsi”, go figure. When you make a movie that’s intention for all want and reason is to humanize the acts of a barbaric people verses a movie that portrays real suffering and human emotion who wins? Tsotsi of course. I served both countries so I know each situation; I have been involved in both countries politics, and my dear Palestinian brothers you have no Madiba to lead you from the shadow of darkness to the glitter of hope. What is the difference between South Africa and Israel/Palestinian people? Simple South Africans wanted to live in peace, with human dignity; CODESA (http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/history/mandela/1991/sp911220.html) was the cornerstone of what has become the most peaceful transition of power in today’s day and age. There have been no movies, humanizing terrorism from a country that was torn apart, by racism. Again go figure. So my dear Palestinian people tell your leaders to lay down their weapons, put on their suites, and let’s see CODESA 2, bring about change in The Middle East.
10. Jordan is palestine & palestine is Jordan.
Avraham ,   Netivot   (03.06.06)
11. Paradise is on hold
Richard ,   New York, USA   (03.06.06)
I'm sure "Paradise Now" would have won an Oscar if Israel could have worked out a peace deal with the Palestinians. It was not by accident that that movie was nominated for an Oscar. But with the coming of Hamas, paradise for Israelis and Palestinians seems more remote than ever.
12. All corrupt and tyrannical.
22 Arab regimes   (03.06.06)
The Arabs have plenty of choices to pick from but the Jews do not. So, leave the Jews alone in peace. The 2 nations should not mix. It is not good for the Jews. Let your Arab brothers provide you with the best universites, hospital centers, water, electricity, reseach facilities, welfare, social benefits, etc. Since you hate the Jews stay away from the Jews. Don't attach yourself to the Jews. Show your Arab pride.
13. Incredible clip from Al Jazeera
Ram ,   London   (03.06.06)
Could it be some arabs are coming to their senses?????? http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1050wmv&ak=null
14. #2, we existed before most Zionists immigrated
A Bethlehemite ,   Palestine   (03.06.06)
The sooner some of you snap out of your denail, the better chance we may have peace. 1919 First Palestinian National Congress meeting in Jerusalem sends two memoranda to Versailles rejecting Balfour Declaration and demanding independence. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/brits.html DAJANI, AREF (PASHA) (1856-1930) Born in Jerusalem in 1856; mayor of Jerusalem during World War I; in 1918 representative to the Administrative Committee of the Muslim-Christian Association (MCA); became (January 1919) president of the MCA in Jerusalem and through the senior status of the association's Jerusalem branch, the MCA's overall president; under this presidency he initiated the First Palestinian National Congress in Jerusalem (1919), demanding an independent Palestinian government in federation with Syria and rejecting Zionist political claims http://www.passia.org/index_pfacts.htm
15. Stupidity Now
(03.06.06)
The idea of internal struggle is one thing, but it's quite another when you realize all the lives that have been wrecked by avoiding reality.
16. The Land of Israel
Micha ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (03.06.06)
The Romans defeated the Jews and renamed the place Palestine. Prior to that the land was always known by the following names: 1. The Land of Caanan 2. The Promised Land 3. The Holy Land 4. The Land of Israel Palestine was never its name. It is a name imposed upon it by the Romans.
17. A third perspective; reality
Farouk ,   Jerusalem   (03.06.06)
What is it worth to argue as to what or who are, where did they come from or belong the Palestinians and Israelis? Is it just to score points? It will not change anything on the ground. The Palestinians and Israeli alike belong to this land by the facts on the ground today. Whether god promised it or it was stolen or whatever, people of both nations are on it. Both people are trying to live just like any other people on earth. Reality is far stronger than legitimacy on this issue; however legitimacy will be required in the end. We both know what the final outcome is, two states for two nations. Now there are those who do want this to happen claiming power; be it military, spiritual or divine and there are those that who do not know how to make it happen. This is a compromise that both do not necessarily like but will accept. So for those who argue on these talkbacks stop wasting time arguing on what was and focus on what is. We can both choose to live on this land or die on it. Nobody is leaving now or ever. So it is up to the Israelis and Palestinians who accept the power of logic to take charge while the rest should put it to rest.
18. Posters prove Ray's Point
Steve ,   Jerusalem   (03.06.06)
And on a related point, why should Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist *before* Israel recognizes Palestine's right to do the same?
19. Quite unbalanced
Serge ,   Antwerp, Belgium   (03.06.06)
It seems it doesn't make a difference for the author that on one side it is Hammas, that won election and will form the next palestinian overnment, is not only denying the fact that Israel exists, but they also deny Israel the right to exist. On the other side you hav a bunch of militants that deny the Palestinian as a people (but who is calling them to be killed). What the movie concerns, it cannot come from a state called Palestine, because this does not exist yet. In my hometown a singer was labeled from Palestine, but in fact the singer was Israeli, but coming from an arab/palestinian village. This is also not right.
20. #4 - Yes, after hundreds of years they would.
Mike   (03.06.06)
Just like the English who moved to America became Americans.
21. And Israel is Jordan TOO!
(03.06.06)
22. Hateful people are so predictable
threat hunter ,   eisham, israel   (03.06.06)
it is quite telling that the first couple of talkbacks to this article were from people who are so blinded by hatred, that they spell out Ray's point very effectively. it would be funny, were it not for all the hatred, death and violence involved in extremism. Of relevance: http://isreally.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=368 May we all know peace in our time. Shalom
23. #17> Right on the money...
Ian ,   Canada   (03.06.06)
What Farouk has said is exactly the crux of the matter. Regardless of what either side believes, both Israelis and Palestininans are sharing the same small tract of land. The sooner they stop worrying about who has the right to be there, the better. It's like two arguing roomates in a sitcom, who draw a line down the middle of their apartment and say "you stay on your side, I'll stay on mine..." I live in Canada, and when Europeans first came here, the land was already inhabited. There were many different nations of peoples, some who wanted to share the land, some who didn't. It took a long time to acheive a peace with the native peoples, especially after some of the horrible things the newcomers did to them, but eventually they leared to co-exist. History is filled with peoples moving into territories already settled by others...we need to get past our possessiveness and learn that the earth is big enough to support all of us.
24. Should be a Palestine but isn't
steve ,   Baltimore   (03.06.06)
There isn't a Palestine. Sorry. Yes, there should be but the historic opportunity passed at Camp David/Taba. There would have been a Palestine. We should recognize the Palestinians as a people... but, until they get their state, there isn't a Palestine. They need to make the necessary compromises and reform their society so the state can be created. The Israeli populace has shown over and over that they would favor a Palestinian state... and even Sharon. So..... it isn't semantics..or even the ridiculous extreme views of those that won't recognize Palestinians .... it is a fact... the state should be created but it hasn't been...
25. Even the name Palestine is Hebrew
(03.06.06)
The name Palestine comes from the Roman Palastina, who was what Israel was renamed to after the defeat of the rebellion, the orign of that word is in the Hebrew word eretz Paleshet, who the Plishtim/Phlistins are named after, the name Paleshet comes from the Hebrew root Pa-la-sh, meaning invade. The Arabs pronounce it as Filastin as they cannot pronounce Pa. I find it ironic that Palestinians deny the existence of Israel when they themselves are named after a Hebrew world, and even more ironic is that the root of that word is invade and occupy.
26. G-d help the Palestinian people
Kate ,   London   (03.06.06)
Everyone appears to have falled for Hanania's trap - his absurd a priori assumption: that the opposition to the movie was a result of the word "Palestine" and not its content. This is utterly disingenuous. Virtually all the opposition resulted from the film's glorification of suicide bombers and also the complete absence of the victims. Hanania may or may not be against suicide bombings but the film certainly was not. There is also something quite chilling in his final words - an implicit threat that if the Jews do not recognise Palestine (something that has already in fact occurred), then Israel will be destroyed. If Hanania is a "moderate," then G-d help the Palestinian people. I also wonder whether it has crossed his mind that it failed to win an Oscar simply because it wasn't the best movie.
27. Palestinians hatred and self pity
Jorge ,   Tegucigalpa   (03.06.06)
Hey Hanania, when will you really look inside for your shorcomings, if you keep blaaming others for a very backward society, that still treats women as objects, and extrangers, as infidels to destroy and obliterate, and science as a tool of the devil, and advancement as decadence, then you deserve what you"ve got, Hammas is right for you, and time and progress will pass you by, your only asset in this modern world is oil, and that is an accident of nature.
28. holywood
Fares ,   cleveland   (03.06.06)
when holywood fails to see the obvious ,they lose their credibility . they are not a political institution . failing to see the unethical behavior of the zionist and focusing on the palestinian's reaction to the agressor makes hollywood really irrelevent . what we saw yestaerday was a fashion show ,paradise now is in the american's family room ..netflix can't keep up with the demand.
29. Terror Attack in Gaza two hours ago !!
David   (03.06.06)
The murderous zionist terrorist group Tsahal has claimed responsability for the dead of four young arab in the gaza jail !! Free Palestine !!!!!!!!
30. Academy Awards
, LOS ANGELES, USA   (03.06.06)
I attended the foreign film Academy Award nominees symposium-. All actors and directors involved (and more) were present and gave opinions, speeches and what not- The Paradise Now director explained how filming in Nablus- was especially dangerous and hard for him and the crew due to the Israeli occupiers- the tanks, guns and soldiers- He also told the audience that the IDF made all the crew sign papers saying that if a jewish soldier shot them- the IDF would not be guilty- I really think the jews and Israeli immigrants and occupiers have to take a good hard honest look at why the world dislikes them more and more.
Next talkbacks
Back to article