Why Does the Left Hate Israel?

www.chronwatch.com ^ | 2/21/03 | Cinnamon Stillwell

[SeenTheLight]

I’ve asked myself on many occasions: “When there are so many other countries in the world that do injustice both to their own people and to others, why does the Left focus so exclusively on Israel?”

What about China’s occupation of Tibet or Syria’s occupation of Lebanon? What about the repression and tyranny of the Arab nations surrounding democratic Israel, including the Palestinians who, let’s not forget, practice honor killings, lynch “collaborators,” suppress the media, and whose leaders funnel funds meant for the people to terrorists?

The real reason the left hates Israel is two-fold. First of all, they have been hijacked by Palestinian Nationalism and secondly, they don’t like uppity Jews. And to mollify those who will immediately claim that anti-Israel sentiments do not amount to anti-Semitism, let me just say that I don’t buy it.

I’m not sure when Palestinian Nationalism began to seep into the Left’s dogma, but it appears to have been in the last 15 years or so. I first noticed this trend during a protest of the Gulf War, where I saw pro-Palestinian propaganda with a distinctly anti-Semitic edge to it. It was around this time that the term “Zionists” began to be used as a fill-in for all Jews who simply supported the continuing existence of the state of Israel and as such, were deserving of contempt. In short, “Zionist” became the politically correct term for “Hebe.” The years since have only solidified this pattern and these days, the anti-war protesters are more hateful than ever.

I’ve had the unique experience, while taking part recently in counter-protests, of witnessing the wrath of the Palestinian Nationalists up close and personal. The graying hippies wearing Intifada T-shirts and spitting in my face, women in burkas unfurling Palestinian flags in front of my signs, Arab-American teenagers telling me they want to “kill all the Jews,” and being called a “Zionist Pig,” are just a few of the precious moments I’ve taken home from “peace” rallies. This is the ugly side of the anti-war movement, among others, and they don’t want it publicized.

Indeed, the formerly celebrated Jewish liberal Michael Lerner, has recently been excommunicated for daring to criticize A.N.S.W.E.R., the main organizer of the anti-war protests. This is apparently a no-no among a movement that doesn’t tolerate dissent. Lerner also committed the crime of refusing to consign Israel to the dustbin of history. He didn’t go along with the program and for that, he became persona non grata.

The Left only likes Jews as long as they’re victims, passively marching to the Nazi death camps, or in this case, to the Mediterranean Sea. They can deny that they’re anti-Semitic by pointing to their loyal Jewish comrades, who fail to recognize their enemies. These Jews are acceptable because they either want the destruction of Israel too or at the very least, won’t stand in the way. But give a Jew a gun or God forbid, a tank, and suddenly they become the enemy. The Left, it seems, prefers suicidal Jews to tough ones.

The Left demands nothing of the Palestinians and everything of the Israelis. What, besides anti-Semitism, accounts for this double-standard? The anti-war crowd can continue to try and claim the moral high ground when it comes to questions of war and peace, but none of it will ring true, so long as their blatant hatred for Jews festers in the background.

[SeenTheLight]

Sound familiar, counter-protesters?

[SeenTheLight]

Just guessing you might be interested in this, from past comments...

[BenR2]

Good post. I am 50. Seems when I was young (in my teens), the left still loved Israel for its Kibbutzim and secular (liberal) Jews.

But, that was when the Left could still produce some semblance of moral indignation (and really mean it) at various injustices.

Now, their outrage is always make-believe and patently political at its root.

[LaraCroft]

Read and agree. However....

WHY DO JEWISH PEOPLE OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE DEMOCRAT?

Lara, putting new meaning into the fact that the Clintons hosted Arafat more than any other HOS.

[StACase]

When I was in High School, the book to read was "Exodus" My God how Isreal was revered in those days. And to answer your question as to what happened between then and now, I think it goes like this: One fine day in the the mid sixties American liberals woke up to the horrifying fact that Isreal was one very gutsy little conservative country. Shortly thereafter, a 180 occurred.

[SeenTheLight]

WHY DO JEWISH PEOPLE OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE DEMOCRAT?

Some of us are trying to change that trend. The Republican Jewish Coalition comes to mind, among others. Just like African-Americans, Jews need to wake up and cross over to the light. BTW, all this hatred from the left and their Democratic buddies is only helping the cause!

[tessalu]

I think the Jewish people are waking up.

[what's up]

Judging from Sharon's approval ratings, I would say you're correct!

They didn't like him till he got into office and realized that force actually worked.

[DontMessWithMyCountry]

I don't think so. Not at all. Strangely enough, when I discuss the Israeli/pali issue with Jewish friends, I swear that I think I've entered the "Outer Limits". EACH one of them sounds like they could be P.R. agents for the PLO. Honestly, what I really think has happened is that they are (subconsciously) SO wanting to be 'liked' (because of the reprehensible image that the media has painted over the years) that they've practically become manikan-like in their replies to things...spewing forth the same lies that the lamestream media has programmed them to state. The answers are practically dumbfounding, devoid of ANY logic or reasoning or principle. Indeed, some of them seem torn between their (inner and REAL) attachment to their heritage, and their desire to be 'accepted', so they start alluding to their romantic attraction to Buddhism.

One told me that the reason that Christians are supporting the Jews in Israel is because he's sure they want someone ELSE to hate. (Good thing there aren't any Jewish bigots, eh?) When I said, "no, perhaps they have a 'problem' with people MURDERING innocent people, do you think?", he was speechless (as he SHOULD have been).

Anyway, another said, "ohh, but they [the Israelis] have sooo much land in Israel, can't they share it?" (I'm NOT kidding; my eyes must've dilated in sync with my head shaking in disbelief at that logic). I (nicely) said, "what?!" So much land?! They have a patch! Look at Egypt and Saudi Arabia!" She smiled, sweetly, and said, "oh, yes, I guess so." Duh. And, she started talking about how 'lovely' and nicey-nice Buddhism is.

I had a (Jewish) boyfriend who couldn't STAND my supporting Israel's right (and moral duty) to protect itself against the homicide-bombers. The closer we would get to discussing Judaism AND the situation in Israel TODAY, the more he would 'run' with his new-found lovefest with Buddhism (yet, he had not the calm that one would expect if he actually WAS Buddhist). We actually broke up over it!

[Dubya]

Good post. Well said.

[Objective Reality]

well heck, this's easy. If "the enemy (fundamentalist Islam) of my enemy (fundamentalist Christianity) is my friend," then it stands to reason that "the friend (God's chosen people) of my enemy (fundamentalist Christianity) is my enemy." The Left's motivations are usually absurdly easy to discern.

[Porterville]

The reason liberals hate Israel: Because it is essentially an American protectorate; Israel also affords us an important base of intelligence in the Mid East. Liberals hate America. Israel is an extension of American ideas including the control of the Christian/Jewish holy land. Liberals hate western religion; Jews and Christian get to enjoy the romance of the Old Testament without obstruction if we jointly control Jerusalem. Western Religion is the backbone of modern civilization. It gives us faith and hope for the future. I personally like it that way and am glad that the west controls that small piece of heaven.

[budwiesest]

for every Isreali killed in a terrorist act, at least four Palestinians are killed in either retaliatory measures, or just plain "housekeeping")

I'd take out a hundred Palis for every suicide bomber. I'm not Jewish. My message to those with an axe to grind would be meet me on the battlefield or at negotiating table, but never take it to innocents.

Terrorists are not warriors, they are a cancer and should be dealt with accordingly.

[Objective Reality]

sigh. Learn to spell, twentysomething.

P.S. - Oh yes, he IS your President.

[tictoc]

I had a (Jewish) boyfriend who couldn't STAND my supporting Israel's right (and moral duty) to protect itself against the homicide-bombers.

Weep not for that loser (although to be honest, that description could have fit me as little as two years ago!)

Good psychological insight in your comment, in my opinion.

[GunRunner]

The only difference is, if you don't like Sharon, you can wait around a few years and vote him out of office (Israel is a democracy by the way). As a quasi-dictator of a non-existent country, Arafat has outlasted his opponents by decades, and kneecaps anyone who dares oppose him. At least Sharon is accountable (he resigned as Defense Minister over Sabra & Shatilla, which I assume is the reason you call him a thug).

[Porterville]

Screw it, Israel is and always will be, it's prophecy, it will be that way till end of times. What the left doesn't realize is that those willing to protect Israel are 100 times more zealous than any one who would try to diminish the rights of Israel. The voices of discontent who denegrate the leadership of Israel are irrelevant. Even Lieberaman, Mr. Left himself, would turn the sands of the Sahra to glass before letting Israel fall.

[SeenTheLight]

Putting Sharon and Arafat on the same footing is a familiar, though faulty, tactic of the left. Sharon was democratically elected, while Arafat is a dictatorial thug. Throughout the "peace process," a succession of Israeli Prime Ministers have had only one representative to consult with on the Palestinian side. Beyond that, the differences are too numerous to list here, but considering your post, you wouldn't believe me anyway.

The "cycle of violence" you mention is another falsehood. The Palestinians commit terrorist acts and the Israelis respond. Notice how suicide bombings stop when the IDF gets tough?

And why should the "speaker" or writer, as you say, retract her blanket claim of anti-Semitism? Did you not read the experiences the writer described from the so-called peace rallies? Perhaps it is a generalization, but when no one speaks out about the anti-Semitism from within the movement, it can be inferred that they're going along with it. And that's not good enough.

[sheik yerbouty]

Some Jews suffer from "Stockholm Syndrome".

[Wondervixen]

I dont think the left "HATES" Israel. To hate, you have to have that emotion in your soul for your target, and quite frankly, the way the left is always trying to extinguish religion any and everywhere, their "feelings" toward Israel don't exist. It's a case of the leftists doing everything they can to become and remain as ignorant toward ANY God as they can.

They want to know NOTHING about Christianity, Judaism, or any other religion, because if they actually know anything, they could be called to account for their perversions & be judged on it all. Call it "Blissful Ignorance" of any kind of religion for peace of mind...UNTIL they stand before God on Judgement Day, then it'll be "Ignorance of God's laws (where you KNEW BETTER, deep down) is no excuse!" Of course, this is why most go around trying to play athiest & deny the existance of God.

The only other reason some might shun Israel is out of cowardice...If they stand with the bully Arabs that want Israel destroyed, maybe the bullies won't hurt them.

[Toskrin]

Seems simple to me. Israelis are the Haves, Palestinians are the Have-Nots. Libs will always support the Have-Nots.

[Porterville]

I almost agree with you; but the left wishes to know only about the religions that focus on the here and now; this way they never have to aspire for a higher existence only novelty to present themselves as being better than everyone else in the here and now. Since they are by in large too stupid to keep up with the Joneses (which is unimportant to anyone with a brain) they over compensate by dismissing all that is western to show that they could "careless" about western ideas and values. When in actual fact all they want is to be accepted by the western culture. However, their mind are sooo perverse and twisted they fear they can never return to the reality that represent the western culture, because they do not believe in the ability of man forgiveness. To much pride, gluttony, covetousness, etcetera, etcetera.

[sarasmom]

Thanks for the ping, but I still dont get "it".

Theologically, Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was a "Jew".How would the Catholics justify hatred of Jews?

Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah,how could a Christian hate a Jew?

Hindu, Buddist,Pagan peoples have no particular vested ineterest in condoning hatred of Jews, specifically, over any othe monotheist theology.

Who hates the Jews, and why?

I am not trying to bait anyone,I am trying to understand a PC blank out in history.I see nothing in the history of Judaism that could be even moderately considered as justification for anti-semitic activism.What, if anything, am I missing?

I am not interested in neo-nazi explanations.I seek the root cause of this unexplained phenomina.

[Wondervixen]

Lefties don't mess with established religions centuries old all that often...They're more likely to invent their own, where whatever they do is A-OK with "THEIR God".

God Crated Man In His Image...Hollywood Leftists Are Returning The Favor".

[Libloather]

"...why does the Left focus so exclusively on Israel?"

I've always wondered why Jewish folks mainly vote for the Libdem/Chicoms. I may never know...

[SBprone]

The may be some anti-semitic leftists but anti-semitism is not yet a defining characteristic of the left. Especially when so many leftists, at least in the US, are Jewish.

What the left really hates is anybody with the nads and the civilization to face barbarism with armed force and win.

They only hate Jewish warriors.

They still love Jewish victims.

[PhilipFreneau]

Why Does the Left Hate Israel?

Could be because Christians support Israel. The left hates Christians more than they hate capitalism.

[freebilly]

I would like them to remember that for every Isreali killed in a terrorist act, at least four Palestinians are killed in either retaliatory measures, or just plain "housekeeping")

I'm supposed to be upset by this...?

[okie01]

If "the enemy (fundamentalist Islam) of my enemy (fundamentalist Christianity) is my friend," then it stands to reason that "the friend (God's chosen people) of my enemy (fundamentalist Christianity) is my enemy." The Left's motivations are usually absurdly easy to discern.

As facile and clever as your riposte might seem, you have correctly identified a major element in leftist thinking.

[DontMessWithMyCountry]

haha...my gosh, how did you know? were you that fly on the wall that day that i finally had said to him, "you are SUCH a loser" ? lolol!

[GunRunner]

Amen.

[DontMessWithMyCountry]

There's irony in your comments, but also a misunderstanding (imho) of the degree of 'closet' anti-semitism that most definitely is (and always has been) present in the left. Remember, their 'religion' is 'p.c.', so their contempt for the Jews is frequently discovered in a faux pas -- a slip of the tongue at the 'wrong' moment; forwarding emails of anti-Israel (i.e., 'we hate Jews') propaganda (whilst casually dismissing the atrocities committed by Palis (and Arafat)), the Episcopal bishops and clergy in Boston protesting in front of the Israeli Embassy about the 'crimes' of Israel against the Palis (you know, that awful thing that the IDF does after they find innocent Israeli toddlers shot to death while hiding under their beds after a peace-loving Pali murdered their parents in the other room)-- etc., etc., etc.

[NewRomeTacitus]

Indeed, the Moslem population as a whole is dependant on the continuous propaganda programming to ward off rational thought. While many talented and worthy people practice Islam I maintain they'd be far better off following almost any other belief system. The President should handle them like a North Korea or some other stinking ideological carcass.

[SteveH]

Israel is an extension of American ideas

I do not find religious discrimination, curfews, land confiscation, stop searches, checkpoints, and travel restrictions particularly American. What American would stand for that if it happened stateside? As an American, I also wonder why Israel gobbles up the lion's share ($3B/yr) of foreign aid. (Actually, I object to it, all of it).

There are many Palestinian Christians. They suffer in relative stoic silence. You won't hear much, but they suffer the effects of collateral damage and the various forms of religious apartheid that Israel practices. So Christians-versus-Moslems as a reason for denigrating Palestinians is absurd, and people who support Israel in the belief that they are supporting Christian ideals in the abstract seem to me to be sadly misinformed. And yes I've been to both sides.

[LdSentinal]

As a former liberal myself, let me try to give a "simple" explanation on why liberals hate Israel.

1) Israelis are mostly Caucasians (whites) while the Arabs are non-Caucasians (non-whites). A liberal will always choose the non-white over the white group in a conflict. Even if the non-white group expresses murderous rage (as in the case with the Arabs) against the white group, liberals will always choose the non-white group.

2) Israel was formed a little over 50 years ago. In that time, Israel has become the most powerfu and well-developed l nations in the region and more powerful than most countries around the world. Meanwhile, the Arab nations that surround this country continue to live in squalor and have contributed nothing for centuries.

Here's the trigger that drives liberals with utter hatred toward a country barely the size of New Hampshire: The implication from the above paragraph is that Israelis (Caucasians) are smarter than the Arabs (non-Caucasians). Whether or not this is accurate is irrelavant, but the implication is there. Thus, the need to jutsify Israel has an "evil" country, even though it's surrounded by 200 million Arabs that wish it destroyed.

[dennisw]

Because it's not a 3rd world nation and with it's democracy and standard of living it embarrasses the rotten 3rd world nations that surround it. Also because the Eurabia bloc in the UN is so strong and promotes Israel hated.

The left will always support 3rd worlders when they fight developed nations. It's a lowest common denominator kind of thing.

[dennisw]

I just posted the same reasons without seing your post.

[Dat]

The only common thread in who liberals support and who they denigrate is that a liberal will always support the weaker side. It doesn't matter if the weaker side is full of murderer's, child-molestors, or terrorists, so long as they have a cause to trumpet.

[dennisw]

.......various forms of religious apartheid that Israel practices.

Why do you resort to commie buzzwords and sloganeering? Why do you parrot the left?  Every Arab nation has driven it's Jews out while 1.1 million Arabs live in Israel.

[dennisw]

child-molestors, or terrorists, so long as they have a cause to trumpet......

In the left a cause is known as a "struggle". As in the "struggle" to free A of imperialist domination by B. Or the "struggling" peasants of X.

[EGPWS]

Why Does the Left Hate Israel?

Because they are self-sufficient and do a great job of taking care of "themselves" without any help when allowed to so!

[Sabertooth]

The Left hate Israel because because the Left often hate God.

[LdSentinal]

Yeah, pretty much the same argument.

[LdSentinal]

The Left hate Israel because because the Left often hate God.

A Judeo-Christian God perhaps, but not Allah.

[PatL]

>>> A Judeo-Christian God perhaps, but not Allah.

Only because they don't understand that Allah advocates the same thing - the purity of women, the weekly day of prayer, bans on alcohol and pork, etc.

[Bullish]

Buddhism?

Get new freinds.

[freebilly]

You won't hear much, but they suffer the effects of collateral damage and the various forms of religious apartheid that Israel practices.

Gee, maybe the Israelis should behave like some of the democratic Islamic Republics and just kill anyone who isn't the "right" religion....