I don't write diaries or comment much but I enjoy reading DKos and respect and sympathize with much of what I read here, particularly during last year's Democratic primaries. I was proud of this movement and what it represented and its historical political impact. But now....not so much. Let me explain.
The hatred and venom directed at Israel on this site demonstrates a prejudice and bias that most closely resembles a bizarro world version of a foaming at the mouth right wing hate-blog. Perhaps I am sensitive to this because I am a Jew with a very Jewish name, who due to genetic forces beyond my control have the facial features and general appearance of a rabbi right out of central casting. And yes, theistically I am also a Jew.
Yet my wife is Asian (Okinawan), and the majority of my friends are not Jewish. I supported Obama as early as March 2007 and worked on his campaign on the Gulf Coast of Florida raising money and speaking with Hillary supporters and Republicans. I believe that Barack Obama is not a once in a generation candidate, but a once in a millenium candidtate.
I am not the caricature of Zionist imperialism presented by the anti-Israel left. I too mourn the loss of life of the victims, who are predominantly poor Palestinians who continue to find no respite or escape from what must be a hellish existence.
Yet after reading the diaries of the "Chilean Jew" and other progressive Jews who now castigate the Jewish State, one would think that there is a great division amongst Jews regarding Israel. There is not. Whether conservative, moderate or liberal, 99% of Jews very much support Israel notwithstanding the human tragedy of Gaza.
There are divisions amongst Jews (and even within ourselves), but for the most part they run along typical liberal-conservative lines. Conservatives tend to have that Bushian Republican insensitivity toward others who are not exactly like them. They shed no tears for dead Palestinian children and civilians unaffiliated with Hamas. Their indifference is identical to the callous disregard shown by conservatives, both Jew and gentile, for the thousands of Iraqi civilians killed by American bombs.
Whereas liberal or progressive Jews,such as myself, are deeply saddened by all the death and suffering, and genuinely wish there were a better alternative. We wonder if Israel's policies will enhance its security or make things worse for our fellow Jews. Yet none of us take issue with Israel's right to defend itself against existential threats from Hamas, Hizbollah, Iran, Syria, et al.
We cannot understand how those whom we agree with on just about every other issue see the Jewish State as some sort of Nazi or apartheid regime. Is it not the case that every Arab and Muslim nation is also an apartheid state that persecutes not only Jews (although most have either fled or been killed), but also oppresses and kills women, gays, other Muslim sects. We see a terrible double standard that pales in comparison to the alleged double standard of American support of Israel.
But I digress. Why do we support Israel? i don't want get into a historical diatribe about my people's suffering from the Pharaohs to Hitler to Ahmedineijad's nuclear threats. Yet the underlying reality remains that Israel is willing to accept a two state solution and Hamas denies Israel's right to exist. They remain dedicated to eradicating Jews from the Holy Land no less than Hitler sought to wipe out all traces of Jewish existence from the contintent of Europe. That is serious stuff. Not just a land dispute over borders and boundaries, no?
All we want is for Hamas, the Palestinians and the Islamic World to give up their objective of Israel's annihilation and seek peaceful co-existence. That is not the case today. Israel can sit back and obey the admonitions of the other nations and allow Hamas, Hizbollah and a potentially nuclear Iran to gradually achieve their genocidal goal. By responding disproportionately Israel wants those who fire rockets indiscriminately on Israeli cities and villages, engage in suicide bombing of purely civilian targets, or threaten nuclear obliteration, to view such acts the way one might view placing their hand on a hot stove.
Once peaceful co-existence with the Jewish State of Israel is accepted by Hamas, Hizbollah and Iran, anything becomes possible. Yet it is not possible to engage in meaningful negotiations with those whose primary goal is to wipe your people off the face of the earth. Recent history tells us that this type of war against the Jews was successful in Europe and could occur again.
I fear this call to reasonableness falls on deaf ears, not only in the Muslim world but with most of Europe and many of my fellow liberals. In the end, this becomes one more seemingly inusurmountable crisis that has been placed on President Obama's plate. Yet I know in my heart of hearts, Barack Obama understands all of this, and shares my view though not necessarily the views of conservative pro-Israel hawks.
Much like everything else, be it the economy, Iraq, torture, the Constitution, the environment, things may have to get worse before they get better. As the Bush presidency has demonstrated it is always darkest before the dawn. A more evenhanded Obaman approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must balance the need for Israel's long-term security and acceptance of the Jewish State with a sincere desire to improve the lives of the Palestinian people.
This means that my fellow liberals ought to dial down their vehemence towards Israel and look to solutions that account for both sides' legitimate concerns. If the election of Barack Obama has taught us anything it is that no matter how bleak the situation may appear meaningful change, no matter how improbable, can occur. In this case, that means peaceful co-existence and acceptance of a two-state solution. Israel, despite the aerial bombardment and impending ground invasion, can be lead to peace once its enemies give up their genocidal goal of annihilating the Jewish State. Then all things can be possible.
KNOW HOPE.