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165
Israeli Attacked in Thailand by German Tourist, Report Says
Shlomo Sand, in his works such as The Invention of the Jewish People, critiques the historical and ideological underpinnings of the State of Israel and its justification for policies and actions that have led to systemic war crimes. His central arguments include: Historical Fabrication: Sand argues that the modern concept of a Jewish "nation" with ancestral claims to Palestine is a constructed narrative, used to justify the displacement of Palestinians and the establishment of a state privileging Jewish identity over democratic inclusivity. Settler Colonialism: He frames Zionism as a settler-colonial project, which has resulted in ongoing acts of ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and the destruction of Palestinian communities. Apartheid Practices: Sand critiques the legal and political systems in Israel, which institutionalize racial and ethnic discrimination against Palestinians, likening these systems to apartheid. Targeting of Civilians: He highlights the frequent targeting of Palestinian civilians, including in military operations like those in Gaza, as war crimes and evidence of the state’s disregard for international humanitarian law. Global Complicity: Sand emphasizes the role of international powers, particularly the United States, in enabling and legitimizing Israeli actions through military and political support, further exacerbating the suffering of Palestinians. Shlomo Sand's writings serve as a scathing indictment of Israeli policies, framing them as part of a broader historical and ideological project that perpetuates systemic injustice and violence against Palestinians. -
165
Israeli Attacked in Thailand by German Tourist, Report Says
Anti-Semitism vs. Anti-Zionism: Understanding the Difference The conflation of anti-Semitism (hostility or prejudice against Jews) with anti-Zionism (opposition to the political ideology of Zionism) is a deliberate strategy used to stifle legitimate criticism of Israel and its policies. Understanding the distinction is essential for productive discussions on the topic. Anti-Semitism Anti-Semitism is a form of racism that targets Jews based on their religion, ethnicity, or cultural identity. It includes: Discrimination against Jews in social, economic, or political contexts. Hostility, violence, or stereotypes about Jews as individuals or a group. Holocaust denial or distortion. Key Characteristics of Anti-Semitism: It is directed at Jews as a people or religious group. It is rooted in prejudice and hatred, unrelated to political ideologies or policies. Anti-Zionism Anti-Zionism is the opposition to Zionism, the political movement advocating for the establishment and maintenance of a Jewish state in historic Palestine. This opposition can stem from: Political principles: Viewing Zionism as a colonial project that displaces the indigenous Palestinian population. Moral objections: Criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinians and its apartheid-like policies. Religious beliefs: Some ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups reject Zionism, believing that a Jewish state should not exist until the arrival of the Messiah. Key Characteristics of Anti-Zionism: It critiques a political ideology and its real-world implementation. It is not inherently about Jews or Judaism but about the state of Israel and its policies. It can include individuals of all backgrounds, including Jews. How They Are Conflated The conflation occurs because: Political Strategy: Israel and its supporters often use accusations of anti-Semitism to discredit critics of Israeli policies. This creates a chilling effect on discourse. Blurred Lines: Zionism is portrayed as synonymous with Judaism, leading to the false idea that opposition to Zionism equates to hatred of Jews. Definition Expansion: Efforts like the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism include some critiques of Israel as anti-Semitic, reinforcing the conflation. This conflation is problematic because it: Suppresses legitimate criticism of Israel’s human rights violations. Distracts from addressing actual anti-Semitism. Harms Jewish communities by falsely equating Jewish identity with support for Israeli policies. How Someone Can Be Anti-Zionist Without Being Anti-Semitic Human Rights Perspective: Opposing Zionism because it disenfranchises Palestinians and violates their human rights does not stem from hatred of Jews but from a commitment to justice and equality. Support from Jewish Groups: Many Jewish individuals and organizations, such as Jewish Voice for Peace and Neturei Karta, are anti-Zionist. They believe that Zionism conflicts with Jewish ethical or religious values. Colonial Framework: Critiquing Zionism as a colonial project aligns with anti-colonial principles applied globally, such as opposition to apartheid South Africa. This critique targets the system, not the Jewish people. Universalism: Advocating for a secular, democratic state where Jews, Muslims, and Christians live as equals is anti-Zionist but rooted in principles of inclusivity, not hatred. Conclusion Anti-Semitism is bigotry against Jews; anti-Zionism is opposition to a political ideology and its implementation. While anti-Zionism can sometimes overlap with anti-Semitic rhetoric if misused, they are distinct concepts. Conflating them undermines efforts to fight actual anti-Semitism and silences necessary criticism of Israeli policies. It is entirely possible—and indeed common—for individuals to reject Zionism while advocating for Jewish rights and safety worldwide. -
165
Israeli Attacked in Thailand by German Tourist, Report Says
By definition Israel and the USA are the largest terrorist states on the planet. Definition of Terrorism Terrorism is commonly defined as the unlawful use of violence or threats of violence against civilians to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. The United Nations General Assembly, in its 1994 Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism, describes terrorism as: "Criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons, or particular persons for political purposes are in any circumstance unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious, or other nature that may be invoked to justify them." The U.S. Department of State defines terrorism as: “Premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience.” The key elements of terrorism are: Targeting civilians or non-combatants. Political, religious, or ideological motivation. Creation of fear to coerce or intimidate. Israel as a Terrorist State Israel's actions, particularly in its treatment of Palestinians, fit several aspects of terrorism based on the above definitions. Key examples include: 1. Targeting Civilians Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including children, over decades. Civilian infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, and water facilities, is regularly bombed during military campaigns【12†source】【15†source】. 2. Political Motivation The objective of these actions is often to suppress Palestinian resistance, maintain control over occupied territories, and advance illegal settlements on Palestinian land, violating international law【10†source】【13†source】. 3. Use of Fear House demolitions, mass arrests, and checkpoints serve as tools to intimidate Palestinians, destabilize communities, and force them to abandon their lands【15†source】. 4. Apartheid and Ethnic Cleansing The systemic discrimination, displacement, and repression of Palestinians by Israel amount to state-sponsored terror. Numerous human rights organizations have classified Israel as an apartheid state, a status that institutionalizes terror against Palestinians as a governing principle【13†source】【15†source】. The United States as a Terrorist State The United States' foreign policy actions also align with elements of state terrorism. Consider the following: 1. Supporting State Terrorism The U.S. provides over $3.8 billion annually in military aid to Israel, enabling its occupation and operations against Palestinians. This support sustains a regime that systematically targets civilians【12†source】. 2. Unlawful Violence in Foreign Countries U.S. drone strikes and military campaigns in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia have caused large-scale civilian casualties. These actions are justified as counterterrorism but often result in the indiscriminate killing of non-combatants, creating fear and destabilization. 3. Political and Ideological Objectives Many U.S. military interventions are designed to maintain geopolitical dominance, secure access to resources like oil, and protect allied regimes, often disregarding the sovereignty and rights of affected populations. 4. Economic Terrorism Sanctions imposed by the U.S. on countries like Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba are tools of economic warfare. These measures often harm civilians by depriving them of basic necessities, creating widespread suffering, and pressuring governments to comply with U.S. interests. Implications Both Israel and the U.S., through their policies and actions, demonstrate behaviors that fit the definition of terrorism when assessed objectively: Israel enforces its goals through systemic violence, collective punishment, and apartheid. The U.S. uses military might, economic coercion, and global influence to impose its political and ideological will. These actions perpetuate cycles of violence, destabilize entire regions, and create the very conditions in which extremist ideologies thrive, undermining their claimed goals of peace and security. -
64
Why Do Thai P4P Girls Love Getting Tattoos?
Dont you asshats ever get tired of disparaging women with tattoos? like them or don't, they are commonplace with women of all most cultures (yes i realize there are exceptions). You should pretty much be used to them by now. I am one of the very few people I know who doesn't have a tattoo. Certainly most folks under 50 I know, male or female have at least one. get over it. -
86
Denver's nut job mayor to head the resistance.
No need to go judge shopping ! Judgement cometh right quick ! -
57
The '50-50 Race' Pre-Election Polls Were Phony
I read a news article some time back, that Trudeau won the election in Canada, just from the votes in 3 cities. The article suggested that if the popular vote was in the U.S. of A. then New York City and 2 or 3 other cities could elect a President. -
14
Thai language study group "Kaizen" in Chiang Mai (ป.๓-๔-๕).
And, also... What prerequisite vocabulary knowledge is required? Minimum of 5000 words? Or, what is the minimum? -
20
Brits, hope may be on the way: Musk!
I think Musk is more interested in acquiring Hawaiian born citizenship, he can probably afford it. Of course, it is beyond the pale to investigate preposterous birth certs by anyone. Totally forbidden. He could be President in 2028. The second African-American President. And both from Hawaii. Very cool.
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