Arthur Camins writes in The Daily Kos about the war in the Middle East:
So many people I speak with are feeling torn and conflicted. They that say they are afraid to criticize either Hamas or Israel for fear of being attacked for taking one side or the other. I say: If you stand for the human rights and dignity of all, the sides to choose between in the latest Middle East conflict are not the Hamas or Israeli governments. Instead, choose their people.
No, the sides to choose between are:
• Accepting the death of innocent civilians as collateral damage as the price of victory of “our side.”
Or
• Finding the path to peace that starts with mutual respect for democracy and human rights for all.
Neither Hamas nor Israel represents that latter choice. Their behavior says the opposite. So, I condemn both without implied approval of either.
If a path to peace, democracy, and human rights for Israelis and Palestinians–and safety for Jews and Palestinians around the world–are the goals, then attempting to determine moral equivalencies between the behavior of Hamas and the Israeli government is a dead-end.
I also see no need for those of us in the United States to promote a one- or two-state solution. That is up to the people of Israel and Palestine, hopefully with a rejection of both Hamas and the Netanyahu governments, rejection of the primacy of any religion over another or none at all.
Anything short of Israeli abandonment of its illegal settlements in the West Bank and assurance of full Palestinian rights is a non-starter.
A lot of digital ink has been spilled over the definitional accuracy of the terms, war crimes and genocide. We can have that debate, but it deflects attention from the necessary condemnations. It abets useless “whataboutism” rather than forging a path forward.
I am not a pacifist, but I explicitly reject two rationalizations for the murder of innocents: Palestinians have a right to resistance by any means necessary, and Israel has a right to defend itself.
I’m not against resistance to oppression, but that does not include murder and hostage-taking of innocent civilians. I am not opposed to defense against attack, but that does not include bombing and depriving innocent civilians of food, fuel, water, and healthcare.
In the current circumstances, both Hamas and Israel claim that the intransigence, crimes, and inhumanity of the other side justifies their actions. They do not.
Condemnation of both Hamas’s and Israel’s actions is the starting point for any moral and political commitments to working across differences to achieve the safety, respect, democracy, and rights that Palestinians and Israelis deserve.
Empathy is a precondition to peace and justice. If we can imagine the pain and grief of Israelis who lost friends, neighbors, and loved ones to the latest Hamas or any terrorist attack, we must also imagine the loss and suffering of Gazans from the Israeli bombing and blockade. We must also imagine being displaced when our land and homes are violently stolen by illegal settlers.
Call your U.S. Senators and House Representatives. Tell them that a ceasefire, a halt to further military aid, and humanitarian aid to Gazans are the necessary first steps.
Arthur taught and led science professional learning and curriculum and assessment development projects for 50 yrs. He writes about education and social justice. He loves spending time with friends and family, hiking, and gardening.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Thanks!
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Arthur, how do you propose Israel should have responded to the 10/7 attacks?
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It seems clear that Hamas wanted to provoke a massive attack, and that it was prepared to sacrifice the lives of Palestinians to get the overwhelming response it sought. Hamas is a terrorist organization. It knew Israel would react with overwhelming force. It’s well-known that Hamas spent hundreds of millions of outside aid (mostly from Qatar) to build miles and miles of tunnels, well stocked with food, water, and fuel for generators. It’s also well known that Hamas stores weapons in bunkers under schools, mosques, and apartment houses. How fast was Hamas to blame Israel for the misfiring of one of its own rockets, which landed in the parking lot of a hospital. The Arab street was inflamed, butbb by ignored investigations showing that the rocket did not leave a crater (as an Israeli rocket would have) and was not fired by Israel. Hamas does not want peace, unless it can conclude with the extinction of Israel “from the river to the sea.”
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That question starts in the middle, ignoring the long history of what led to the empowerment of a terrorist organization in Gaza. Of course, I reject everything about Hamas, but it did not get to the point of being able to attack Israel in a vacuum. I reject also, the behavior of the Israeli government in its inhumane antidemocratic treatment of Palestinians and their continued illegal displacement. So, I can’t speak to what Israel should have done. As I wrote, revenge and killing of innocents is unacceptable and a violation of international law.
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It’s not “starting in the middle.” It’s starting at the key moment of 10/7 and asking what Israel should have done in response. And you have no answer.
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To be even clearer, implicit in your response is that Israel should not have taken any military action at all.
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Arthur Camins
Absolutely correct nothing happens in a Vacuum.
The Election of Netanyahu in the 96 does not happen in a vacuum nor Sharon in 2001. Nor Netanyahu’s return happens in a vacuum.
“If Arafat rejects this, it won’t be a mistake, it will be a crime.”
Not an American nor an Israeli. Certainly not a Jew. Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the Saudi ambassador to the US. Upon viewing the terms Barak offered at Camp David in 2000. But Arafat did not just reject this offer. He walks out and un-leashes the Second Intifada.
As suicide bombing occurred at Weddings, on Busses and other public events and places . Sharon is elected to office in 2001. The same Sharon that resigned in disgrace after 400,000 Israelis 1/7 adults showed up in demonstrations demanding it. That was 17 years before; for allowing the Christian Philange into Refugee Camps in Lebanon to commit a slaughter every bit as brutal as 10/7.
But even Sharon sees the light. In 2005 he dismantled Israeli settlements in Gaza and parts of the West Bank with the military evicting settlers and pulled out of Gaza. Turning it over to the PA.
Only for Hamas in 2007 to take over in Gaza winning an election and a war.
Here are just parts of the Hamas Charter perhaps you can tell me how you would deal with them and large portions of the Civilian population that supported them at least until the bombs started falling.
“[Peace] initiatives, and so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement… Those conferences are no more than a means to appoint the infidels as arbitrators in the lands of Islam… There is no solution for the Palestinian problem except by Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are but a waste of time, an exercise in futility.” (Article 13)
“The Day of Judgment will not come about until Moslems fight Jews and kill them. Then, the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will cry out: ‘O Moslem, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him.” (Article 7)
“The enemies have been scheming for a long time … and have accumulated huge and influential material wealth. With their money, they took control of the world media… With their money they stirred revolutions in various parts of the globe… They stood behind the French Revolution, the Communist Revolution and most of the revolutions we hear about… With their money they formed secret organizations – such as the Freemasons, Rotary Clubs and the Lions – which are spreading around the world, in order to destroy societies and carry out Zionist interests… They stood behind World War I … and formed the League of Nations through which they could rule the world. They were behind World War II, through which they made huge financial gains… There is no war going on anywhere without them having their finger in it.” (Article 22)
“Zionism scheming has no end, and after Palestine, they will covet expansion from the Nile to the Euphrates River. When they have finished digesting the area on which they have laid their hand, they will look forward to more expansion. Their scheme has been laid out in the ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion’.” (Article 32)
“The HAMAS regards itself the spearhead and the vanguard of the circle of struggle against World Zionism… Islamic groups all over the Arab world should also do the same, since they are best equipped for their future role in the fight against the warmongering Jews.” (Article 32)”
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Dear Diane Ravitch, Everyone,
In reading I couldn’t help but think of what I put out this morning, Nov. 6, 2023.
I hope you find it of some interest.
Today let’s go and hit them with uppercuts of joy, jabs of kindness. Let us beat them up with our love.
Love,
Miles Patrick Yohnke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject: Universe of Love
Release Date: Nov. 6, 2023
“Another definition of a hero is someone who is concerned about other people’s well-being and will go out of his or her way to help them — even if there is no chance of a reward. That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero.”
– Stan Lee
“All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal.”
– John Steinbeck
“People say walking on water is a miracle, but to me walking peacefully on earth is the real miracle.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
In 2017, my composition titled: “Universe of Love” was written and released with two supporting visuals by various publications around the world. I’m often asked in private about the first visual that supports it. I thought I’d share with you the back story.
I had written a series of new writings for which I was scouting locations to photograph to enhance the text. Several of my dear friends are photographers and on occasion, I’ll ask them to get involved on specific projects. I choose the photographer for their style and how their energy will flow with the material. I normally talk it over with them, tell them what I’m going for, and we discuss the locations. They’ll often visit the locations in advance to get a feel for the environment.
On Saturday, Sep. 9, 2017, we shot these photographs:
This location is the old “School of Nursing” in Saskatoon. It has a beautiful entrance. I had written an article titled: “Legalize Healthy Living” and the concept was that I would take my shirt off and, in the background, one would see the sign: “School of Nursing.” It would metaphorically represent the idea that if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll find yourself here.
When we arrived at the location on the day of the shoot, we met William and Carl. I stopped and talked, well, listened mostly to William, as Carl & I sat nearby. The photographer, Jenn Diehl was in the moment and shot away (second visual on the page). After listening for a while, I told William that I had to leave. That we had to get our ‘money shot.’ We said our goodbyes and moved on. I took my shirt off and Jenn started shooting. Much to my surprise, William came over and gave me a big, long hug. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever encountered. I could really feel his soul. William left, and Jenn and I never spoke of it. We returned to what we were doing. In the back of my mind, I knew Jenn got something. Artists do that. They’re in the moment. They know where the magic is. Days later, over the phone I asked Jenn if she ‘got it.’ “Yes!” she replied. I said: “good,” I wrote a new poem “Universe of Love” with that photograph in mind. And now you know the story.
William had created another story. Another ‘money shot.’ My hope is that we will all place our money into each other. That we’ll all have a shot at living in peace.
To read “Universe of Love” please click on the link below:
https://salmonstudio.wixsite.com/yohnke/post/universe-of-love
To read “Legalize Healthy Living” please click on the link below:
https://salmonstudio.wixsite.com/yohnke/post/legalize-healthy-living
Please feel free to share this with your friends and colleagues and to post it on any social media that you use. Thanks for caring, sharing, and reading.
As always, love is the way,
Miles Patrick Yohnke
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What a great photo, Mr. Yohnke!!!
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Thank you, Bob!
Thank you for your time reading and viewing everything [then] responding in a positive fashion.
Thanks for taking the extra step. Not just thinking but sharing your thoughts for this is the process that will lead us towards peace. World Peace can prevail.
Bob, everyone,
Below is tomorrow’s newsletter for my followers. I wrote the first one that you read and the one below a few weeks back all leading into this Saturday.
Perhaps Diane will have another post(s) this week that I can add it to. Just to get both in front of as many eyes as possible.
Enough is enough don’t you think? Enough hurting each other!
The war starts inside. The war starts at home. Time people be honest with their feelings and thoughts.
The content below is really heavy. Everything I wrote write is for my departed mother. I was lucky to be able to tell her that before she departed.
What you’ll read has nothing to do about me. I don’t want to bring attention to myself. This to be ‘liked.’ That they liked my writings. They seem to like my mind and some sense of worthiness by it all.
I write because this has to change. How we all live isn’t human. And each one of us has to take ownership of our ways. Have real remorse for our actions. To really be honest with oneself.
Thank you again, Bob for your time, for your reply. Certainly, when I woke up, I didn’t foresee writing any of this. Of having an outlet.
Bob, Diane, you created that.
Everyone, I thank you so much for your time.
As always, love is the way,
Miles Patrick Yohnke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Nov 8, 2023
The Wars Between People Reflect Our Own Inner Conflict and Fear
“You can persuade people to go to war and fight for ‘democracy’ and die leaving a widow and an orphan and children behind (and tell them) that this is serving the greater good – well it isn’t. It’s surrendering to everything evil in the society. But they’ve been persuaded, ‘Oh, it’s a noble thing to give your life for your country’ – f**k that. I spent three years in World War II – the ‘good’ war; I never heard one patriotic word said by an American soldier about anything.”
– Gore Vidal
I thought I’d share my newsletter from last November 8th and where we’ve come since that time.
And we read:
A few weeks ago, CBC television here in Canada did a segment on our Jewish community. The number of hate crimes and harm towards Jewish individuals
have increased at an alarming rate in recent years. A lot of this can be attributed to Donald Trump and the divide he created. He preyed upon peoples’ hurt. Most people are hurting.
You wouldn’t buy a big house if you felt great about yourself, nor would you buy an expensive car if you loved yourself. Such extravagant purchases are often made by people trying to fill a hurt. Resolving our problems comes by lending an ear to all people and for one to be open with their past. Saying it’s “private” and keeping it to oneself not only hurts the individual, but all people involved with that person, and a society as a whole.
I’ve stated before that I would love to take Donald Trump by the hand to grab a coffee and listen to him. I’d do the same with Vladimir Putin and others like him. Something happened to these people which caused them to act like they do. I would love to resolve their deep personal issues, so they won’t create more divide.
I don’t see a black person as black. I see them as a person. I don’t see an indigenous person as indigenous. I see them as a person. I don’t see a gay
person as gay. I see them as a person. I don’t see a Jewish person as Jewish. I see them as a person. I don’t see myself as a white person. I’m just a person like everyone else.
My dearly departed mother and her family were Roman Catholic. Mom’s father was a raging alcoholic. Once, mom wanted to attend a crafts event with her friends from school. It was to be held in the United church. Mom told me her dad became so outraged; he ran after her in the family house shouting: “We are Catholic, not United.” In the background her mom begged him to “stop, stop.” He stopped and then put his fist through the wall. Mom told me he was sober at the time. This was typical of my mom’s daily upbringing. Sadly, so many people can relate as their own lives are similar.
Growing up, I heard so much aggression in the tone of certain people. I’d
often hear them say: “We are this faith” or “Our faith is better than your
faith.”
This has nothing to do with our Creator, does it.
The Olympics are like this as well. False teachings. Our country is better than your country. It is all a divide. This all needs to stop.
“The wars between people reflect our own inner conflict and fear.”
– Jack Kornfield
I have written many articles on the subject of personal development, as well as on resolving the separation which often leads to war. As we approach
Remembrance Day as it is known here in my country of Canada and Veteran’s
Day in the United States, I have included three articles with the hope you’ll read them and share them.
To read, please click on the links provided below. Thank you!
A Silent Yearning (1-minute poem):
https://salmonstudio.wixsite.com/yohnke/post/a-silent-yearning
The End of War (6-minute read):
https://salmonstudio.wixsite.com/yohnke/post/the-end-of-war
Teach Peace (1-minute read):
https://salmonstudio.wixsite.com/yohnke/post/teach-peace
Please feel free to share this with your friends and colleagues and to post it on any social media that you use. Thanks for caring, sharing, and reading.
As always, love is the way,
Miles Patrick Yohnke
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Well, a month later finally some criticism of Israel, even if not from your (metaphorical) pen. But not really good enough. You can’t both-sides this. This didn’t start on 10/7. It started on 5/15/1948 (or before, really, but good enough) when Zionists invaded Palestinian territories and displaced over 750,000 civilians from their homes, killing many thousands as well in an event known to most of the world as the “Nabka” or “Catastrophe”.
Since that time, Israel has killed at least 86,000 Palestinian civilians, and that does not include those who have died from contaminated water, lack of food, inadequate medical treatment, exposure and homelessness as a result of Israel’s embargo, blockade and economic restrictions. They have also stolen nearly all the lands and homes of the Palestinian peoples, cramming 2.5 million of them into the Gaza strip, an area about the size of the city of Philadelphia, while the remainder live under occupation and constant threat of violence and land theft on the West Bank.
As of 1/7, Israel was holding at least 5,000 Palestinians hostage under inhumane conditions, including torture. Many of those prisoners are women and children. Those hostages freed by Hamas, on the other hand, have testified to the humane treatment they received.
You say, “I’m not against resistance to oppression, but that does not include murder and hostage-taking of innocent civilians”, yet what else would you have the Palestinians do that they have not already tried? If someone is standing on your neck, what might you do to get them off?
Furthermore, we need to look carefully at the events of 10/7. To start with, we’re supposed to believe that famed Israeli intelligence did not see this coming? Two years of planning involving 1,500 fighters and Israel didn’t know? I know people’s sense of smell has been dulled by COVID, but even still this doesn’t pass the smell test, especially considering they were explicitly warned by Egypt. So we can only conclude that this was allowed to happen. Perhaps as justification for expelling all Palestinians? Leaked documents seem to confirm this as a possibility: https://truthout.org/video/leaked-israeli-intel-ministry-doc-proposes-expelling-gaza-palestinians-to-egypt/#:~:text=A%20leaked%20document%20from%20Israel's,of%20Gaza's%20residents%20to%20Egypt.
Also, there is growing evidence that Israel greatly exaggerated the horrors of 10/7. There is no evidence of any beheaded babies. In fact, according to Haaretz’s list, the youngest documented deceased Israeli was four years old and only less than two dozen of the dead were children. There is also no evidence of the alleged mass rapes reported by the IDF.
In fact, about half of the Israeli dead were IDF forces and police, so not civilians. Of those who were civilians, there is growing evidence that many were killed by “friendly fire” from IDF forces firing indiscriminately into the crowd. Further, the decision was made to bomb Israeli homes where Hamas forces were holding hostages rather than negotiate for the release of the hostages. So it is categorically false to say that Hamas killed 1,400 Israeli civilians.
Since 10/7, Israel has undeniably killed at least 10,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of them civilians, including 4,000+ children. They have bombed hospitals, ambulances, residential buildings, news organizations, journalists, UN refugee centers, food warehouses, schools and civilian infrastructure including water treatment plants (the types of things this blog was shrieking about when Russia allegedly did such things). They have turned off water, electricity, internet and phone service to carry out their destruction in the dark. Israel ordered the people of northern Gaza to evacuate south (knowing there was nowhere for them to go), then bombed them as they tried to flee.
So, no, I don’t like what Hamas did, but I can’t condemn them for it any more than I can condemn John Brown or Nat Turner. Israel is the aggressor. They are the only side with an army, sophisticated weaponry and the backing of the U.S. I’ll save my condemnation for that side.
P.S., it shouldn’t need to be said, but since it probably does, all of this has nothing to do with Jewish people or Judaisim. Conflating Zionism and the actions of an apartheid ethnostate with Judaism is what’s anti-semitic.
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Dienne,
Hamas is a terrorist organization whose charter declares that its goal is to exterminate the state of Israel. Your readiness to believe the propaganda of a terrorist organization that committed horrific atrocities that were videotaped by the terrorists’ body cams is evidence to me that you are in fact an anti-Semite. Not once have you expressed any regret about Jewish deaths, only Palestinian deaths.
As for me, I think Netanyahu should resign. So do 76% of Israelis, according to the latest polls.
I grieve for the deaths of Palestinian civilians.
I believe in a two-state solution, and hope for the day when Israelis and Palestinians can live together in peace and prosperity.
Hamas does not want a two-state solution. It wants to annihilate Israel entirely.
Please stop sending me emails at my personal address. I delete without reading as I know you are hostile to the very existence of Israel.
Did you know that 900,000 Jews were exiled from Arab countries? They have no home but Israel.
I suggest you read this excellent article by British historian Simon Montefiore: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/decolonization-narrative-dangerous-and-false/675799/
Israel has many internal problems: it needs a government that looks to the future. It needs new leadership. But first it must defend its right to exist. Israel cannot afford to lose a war. One loss means extinction.
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The Montefoire piece is outstanding. You should have posted that article instead of the one by Arthur Camins, who essentially advocates that Israel should have done nothing in response to 10/7.
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I will.
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Dienne,
Does your concern about an “ethnostate” extend to Muslim nations or is it only Israel?
Are you aware that Israeli Arabs serve in Israel’s Knesset? Did you know there are Muslim members of the Knesset?
How many Jews have been elected to the legislatures of Saudi Arabia? Jordan? Syria? Lebanon? Qatar? Egypt? Or any other Muslim nation? Why do you single out Israel for condemnation? Could it be because it’s the only Jewish state in the world?
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Should Jews who fled persecution in Iraq have a “right of return”?
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According to a recent poll only about 25% of Palestinians support Hamas, and the remainder do not. Hamas uses the people of Palestine as human shields. It still does not justify the widespread bombing of Israel, IMO. Israel needs a more ‘surgical’ way to target Hamas while preserving the life and health of Palestinians.
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anti-semitism is holding Israel to a standard that you don’t hold Putin to, because you claim laying waste to Ukraine is fine because Putin does it for a supposedly good reason, but bombing Gaza just because its leaders just sent soldiers into Israeli territory to wipe out entire families just isn’t enough justification.
How long has Putin refused a unilateral cease fire without this anti-Semite demanding he be condemned for genocide? Is it going on 18 months?
But she demands a cease fire from Israel? Because according to her warped logic, Jews are in no danger from an area ruled by Hamas, but Russians are in grave danger from Ukraine?
Saying “I am not an anti-Semite” is as believable as the Republicans who spew hate at BLM claiming it’s not because they are racist that they hate BLM so much.
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Dienne,
I am a Jew but not a Zionist. (https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurhcamins/p/why-i-am-a-jew-but-not-a-zionist?r=1xrx25&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web) I reject Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. I understand the conditions that abet terrorism. But that does not mean I must accept the inhumane actions of Hamas. Explanation is not an excuse. Hamas is a religious-extremist organization that with no respect for the rights of women, LGTBQ people, or democracy. Since they fail to make distinctions between Jews and Zionists, my life would not be safe in their hands. So, sorry I don’t need to take sides between Hamas and the Israeli government. I choose the side that respect the humanity and rights of Palestinians and Israelis.
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Thank you, Arthur.
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Ms. “Putin has no intention of invading Ukraine” keeps the hits coming. As with cultists, ideologues find it possible to believe anything, however incredible, as long it is the gospel according to their Glorious Leaders.
ALICE: There’s no use trying. One can’t believe impossible things.
DIENNE: I daresay you haven’t had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. It’s easy, whatever Hamas and Putin say is true. Whatever Democrats do and say is false. White is black. Freedom is slavery. War is peace. Putin good. Biden bad.
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Bob: brilliant.
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This looks a lot like a “false equivalency.”
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An Israeli cabinet member is OK with using nuclear weapons in Gaza, maybe.
From the Guardian, 11-5-23: The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has disciplined a junior member of his cabinet who appeared to voice openness to the idea of Israel carrying out a nuclear strike on Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the minister concerned – heritage minister Amihai Eliyahu from a far-right party in the coalition government – had been suspended from cabinet meetings “until further notice”.
Asked in a radio interview about a hypothetical nuclear option, Eliyahu replied: “That’s one way.” His remark made headlines in Arab media and scandalised mainstream Israeli broadcasters. end quote
Netanyahu did something right by disciplining the cabinet member who later walked back his comment about the nuclear option. Was this a sort of veiled threat Kabuki style? They don’t need nukes, the conventional bombs are wiping out whole neighborhoods.
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In 2006, “Hamas won 44.5 percent of the popular vote, and the Palestine Liberation Organization-backed Fatah won 41.4 percent. So it was a close election.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/10/30/hamas-flawed-elections-popularity/
Another source reports, “Polls Show Majority of Gazans Were Against Breaking Ceasefire; Hamas and Hezbollah Unpopular Among Key Arab Publics.”
https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/polls-show-majority-gazans-were-against-breaking-ceasefire-hamas-and-hezbollah
So, I think the innocent victims are the 41.4 percent of voters in Gaza that didn’t support Hamas. Those that supported Hamas took a risk just like voters in Germany did in the 1930s when they voted for Hitler before World War II.
One doesn’t have to be a member of Hamas to share the fallout and suffering from the war Hamas started. Those that supported Hamas with their votes may be considered guilty, too.
It is not a secret that Hamas’s primary goal is to destroy Israel as a nation and drive all Jews into the ocean, no different than Hitler’s Final Solution.
War is hell, has always been hell, no matter who started the war, and innocent people will always suffer when caught inside that hell. As long as Hamas survives, Hamas will always be a threat to Israel and its Jewish population and probably Israel’s Arab citizens, too.
“As of March 2023, Israel’s population stands at approximately 9.73 million. Jews make up the majority at 73.5% (about 7.145 million individuals). The Arab community, spanning various religions excluding Judaism, accounts for 21% (around 2.048 million).”
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Lloyd Lofthouse
From May to July of 1944 the bombing of the French coastline killed 20,000 French Civilians. The overwhelming majority of whom were supporters of the allies.
The only way to avoid Civilian casualties is not to start a war.
On March 9-10 1945 the fire bombing of Tokyo killed one hundred thousand civilians, left a million homeless. The targeting Japans war industry in Tokyo. The fact that civilians were going to be slaughtered not even a consideration. The question to ask; did those civilians care that their sons, husbands and fathers committed unspeakable atrocities in China. Causing 15-20 million Civilian casualties since 1937. They seldom do anywhere till the bombs start falling.
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War is terrible. War is a nightmare. Negotiations between parties is always preferable, assuming they are negotiating in good faith. How many innocent civilians did we kill in the firebombing of Dresden, as well as dropping atomic bombs on Japan?
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With apologies to President Lincoln: Almost four score years ago, some survivors of pogroms and holocausts brought forth a new nation.
Now they are engaged in a great war, testing whether that nation can long endure. That battle-field is final resting place for those who gave their lives that that nation might live. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say, but it can never forget what they did. It is for us the living to be dedicated to the unfinished work which they who fought have thus far so nobly advanced. It is for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.
In other words, when you fight a war, you finish it. There really is no such thing as an exit strategy. If you start a war without intending victory, you’re Henry Kissinger or George W. Bush, and all you did was open up a deadly quagmire. And if you’re a Kissinger or a Bush, all the death and destruction you caused was all in vain. Take sides.
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wow
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A pause in operations would be the military equivalent of Hamburger Hill in Vietnam. When you take a piece of land, you keep it. You don’t let the enemy regroup. Ceasefires cause more deaths than they prevent.
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Arthur, I wholly agree with you. It saddens me that this view is not more widely held.
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This column reflects a moral bankruptcy. So sad it comes from educators.
Obviously it is legitimate to criticize Israel’s policy and Israel’s government, to take sides in the conflict surrounding the west bank or the entire Israeli-Arab conflict. Its all fine, both in regular times and in war times. You can also compare Israel and Palestinian Authority actions -Personally I think the progressive debate on this issue is totally biased against Israel, but the comparison itself seems fair enough to me.
But Hamas???? Do you even know what you are talking about?? Hamas is terrorist, murderous, immoral, the complete opposite of anything education is supposed to represent, in so many ways, that I just couldn’t believe my eyes when I read the absurd comparisons above.
Facts:
Hamas invaded Israel from Gaza on October 7th. It is Israeli territory pre-’67. there is no “occupation” in Gaza for 18 years (I am very familiar with the alleged-blockade claim. It is easily refuted), not a single Israeli settlement or a soldier. Throughout the invasion, Hamas deliberately murdered hundreds of innocent civilians, in their houses, in their cars and in an outdoors music festival, including babies, children and elderly. Young women were brutally raped and then killed (or the other way around). We haven’t yet been able to identify all bodies, because some of them are beheaded and many of them were burned, sometimes burned alive. Many others were kidnapped and are held hostages, including a 9 months old baby and few 85 years old people.
Hamas is not a “government”. Its a tyranny, extremely violent and oppressive towards its own people. Don’t take my word for it, who knows – maybe I am also a part of the Israeli “propaganda”. See for yourself what a distinguished religious Islamic council had to say about Hamas, months before the war: https://fatwacouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/English-Version-1.pdf
or what a brave Palestinian from the west bank says about them:
https://www.newsweek.com/im-palestinian-west-bank-hamas-alone-responsible-any-bloodshed-gaza-opinion-1835360
Hamas deliberately uses school and other educational institutions to store ammunition and launch missiles, while putting children and educators in risk. It steals necessary equipment from UN facilities and schools.
Even now, Hamas prevents people from evacuating dangerous areas, so that it can use families and children as a human shield. Yesterday, an Israeli tank had to protect evacuating Palestinian families because Hamas was shooting on them.
Hamas has a clear ideology: Never accept the existence of an Israeli state, destroy it, and kill as many Jews as possible. Hamas glorifies death, not life. Therefore, in Hamas-run schools, pure hatred of Jews and murderous incitement are taught to children. There are numerous proofs and examples for that to supply, to whoever is interested.
Israel has no ideology of killing civilians, and contrary to Hamas schools- you will not find one Israeli school which teaches its students that the fulfillment of their life ambitions is to murder Palestinians and become martyrs. We glorify life, not death, and thus the vast majority of Israelis do not refer to Palestinian children being accidentally killed in war as “collateral damage”, we feel deeply sorry for any loss of innocent life.
Hamas is evil. It is not a “narrative”, its a fact. You can criticize Israel, but you can not compare it to an evil terror organization. It is educationally wrong, it is morally wrong.
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