I really appreciate this article, it is helping me put some verbiage to complex thoughts I have had. as an anti-zionist jewish leader in my community, i think a lot about the need to be discerning in our public messaging vs internal work. too often, anti-zionist jews (especially new ones) let our need for validation take precedent over the Palestinian experience of genocide. and when people bring that up and push back against it, it is taken as a personal attack.
so, once again, i really appreciate this article, because it centers an analysis of POWER and DISCURSIVE MACHINERY. when i tell my comrades to center palestinian voices, it is not saying anti-zionist jewish voices are useless or need to be silenced-- it is saying "there is a time and a place".
It is exactly what is happening especially in the western world where 'allies' take over the movement and Palestinians and Muslims (let's not forget the world stage where it very much is a free for all on Muslim populations, including Palestinians), are not platformed nor given voices or legitimacy. Interestingly, only those Palestinians who have had jobs or education in the west seemingly are mentioned as role models by the same allies, as if the rest of the millions don't matter as much as they haven't ventured to European or European stolen (US, Australia) lands.
It's a continuation of the warning of Malcolm X but much better explained.
100% I saw someone speak at a JVP action recently and she said something along the lines of, "I've never been more proud to be a Jew," speaking in reference to the action, but it rubbed me the wrong way because there's not been another time in history in which Jewishness was used to justify genocide. I support JVP's actions and their voice, but I'm not sure we should be evoking pride right now when genocide is committed in the name of Judaism (by those in power of course). Part of the reason I love the interracial organizing in SNCC, was because there was always an understanding by white members that the organization had Black leadership. This didn't diminish white contribution, but it was necessary in their efforts toward black liberation. Imagine if one of them said in 1964 while organizing in Greenwood, Mississippi, "I've never been more proud to be white." It'd be odd!
I hear you. The solidarity of anti-Zionist Jews or perhaps more often Jews who want to see justice and peace for Israelis and Palestinians and can see that genocide is happening and inexcusable is important - and gives momentum, solidarity and comfort to other Western protestors - especially in the face of the conflation of every resistance to Israel's policies with anti-Semitism. The tone of the article might irritate you - but take a deep breath and consider that overall, the content is rooted in honest appraisal - and, as the author points out, our minor irritations with each other are really a distraction from the urgency of the moment. Perhaps, if anything, the author is calling for focus. Perhaps you are calling for unity in diversity and appreciation. But the latter is in service of the first.
I really appreciate this article, it is helping me put some verbiage to complex thoughts I have had. as an anti-zionist jewish leader in my community, i think a lot about the need to be discerning in our public messaging vs internal work. too often, anti-zionist jews (especially new ones) let our need for validation take precedent over the Palestinian experience of genocide. and when people bring that up and push back against it, it is taken as a personal attack.
so, once again, i really appreciate this article, because it centers an analysis of POWER and DISCURSIVE MACHINERY. when i tell my comrades to center palestinian voices, it is not saying anti-zionist jewish voices are useless or need to be silenced-- it is saying "there is a time and a place".
This is EXCELLENT and a must read for everyone.
It is exactly what is happening especially in the western world where 'allies' take over the movement and Palestinians and Muslims (let's not forget the world stage where it very much is a free for all on Muslim populations, including Palestinians), are not platformed nor given voices or legitimacy. Interestingly, only those Palestinians who have had jobs or education in the west seemingly are mentioned as role models by the same allies, as if the rest of the millions don't matter as much as they haven't ventured to European or European stolen (US, Australia) lands.
It's a continuation of the warning of Malcolm X but much better explained.
Excellent, excellent piece
I still deeply value and am hugely grateful for their inspired voices. These voices are needed..
100% I saw someone speak at a JVP action recently and she said something along the lines of, "I've never been more proud to be a Jew," speaking in reference to the action, but it rubbed me the wrong way because there's not been another time in history in which Jewishness was used to justify genocide. I support JVP's actions and their voice, but I'm not sure we should be evoking pride right now when genocide is committed in the name of Judaism (by those in power of course). Part of the reason I love the interracial organizing in SNCC, was because there was always an understanding by white members that the organization had Black leadership. This didn't diminish white contribution, but it was necessary in their efforts toward black liberation. Imagine if one of them said in 1964 while organizing in Greenwood, Mississippi, "I've never been more proud to be white." It'd be odd!
You came here to be hateful and stupid.
I wonder… do you work hard to be this stupid or is it a family legacy?
I hear you. The solidarity of anti-Zionist Jews or perhaps more often Jews who want to see justice and peace for Israelis and Palestinians and can see that genocide is happening and inexcusable is important - and gives momentum, solidarity and comfort to other Western protestors - especially in the face of the conflation of every resistance to Israel's policies with anti-Semitism. The tone of the article might irritate you - but take a deep breath and consider that overall, the content is rooted in honest appraisal - and, as the author points out, our minor irritations with each other are really a distraction from the urgency of the moment. Perhaps, if anything, the author is calling for focus. Perhaps you are calling for unity in diversity and appreciation. But the latter is in service of the first.