Words have an uncanny ability to shape our thoughts, our relationships, and even our destinies. But what happens when we wield them like a double-edged sword, using them without truly understanding their meanings? The consequences they may have for certain groups of people can be as treacherous as navigating uncharted waters with the wrong map.
In a world that’s so hyper-obsessed with language (particularly on the Left), you would think that using words correctly would be just a little bit important, no?
In the realm of persuasion, words are powerful weapons, capable of inciting emotions that can rally, manipulate, and divide. The use of emotionally charged language is a powerful propaganda technique that has been wielded throughout history to shape opinions and control narratives, often triggering emotions that villify one side of the conflict. Emotionally charged words – especially those that people cannot readily define – can be a potent tool in the arsenal of propaganda.
Apartheid, Genocide, Colonizers: These are the weapons of choice in the army against “Israel” – but, ultimately, Jews around the world. By systematically misusing language in the 1940s, the Nazis aimed to create a hostile environment that made it easier for ordinary people to accept and even participate in the persecution of Jews. This manipulation of language played a significant role in the broader tragedy of the Holocaust. And now ordinary people are being duped, yet again.
Actually, one may argue that the world has become just a little bit dumber, as everyone with access to the internet believes they’re more knowledgeable than Tom, Dick, or Harry. They, unfortunately, have an ego to go along with it that plugs their ears from being fed the Truth.
In the 1940s, a popular technique of the language used in their propaganda was dehumanizing terminology. In a world obsessed with being “politically correct” and “checking your privilege,” it makes sense that words that paint Israel (or Jews) with a “patriarchal brush” would be selected to manipulate the masses.
But let’s break it down, shall we?
APARTHEID
What does it mean? – Apartheid is a term originally associated with the system of racial segregation and discrimination that was implemented in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. The word “apartheid” is derived from Afrikaans and means “apartness.” The apartheid regime was a legally sanctioned and systematic system of racial segregation and oppression that divided South African society along racial lines, primarily separating the white minority from the black majority.
Why do people think Israel is an “Apartheid State”? –
Critics who argue that Israel’s policies towards Palestinians constitute apartheid often point to issues such as:
- Israeli Settlements: They argue that Israel’s construction of settlements in the West Bank, along with the infrastructure, roads, and security measures that support them, results in a segregated and unequal system for Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied territories.
- Separate Legal Systems: Critics claim that Israel maintains different legal systems for Israeli citizens and Palestinians in the occupied territories, leading to unequal treatment under the law.
- Movement Restrictions: The Israeli government’s control over the movement of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is cited as a means of enforcing separation and segregation.
- Gaza Blockade: The blockade of the Gaza Strip is seen by some as a form of collective punishment, leading to extreme restrictions on the movement of goods and people.
- Citizenship and Nationality Laws: Some critics point to Israeli laws they view as discriminatory, such as the Nation-State Law, which defines Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and has been criticized for its impact on the country’s non-Jewish citizens.
Why is Israel NOT an Apartheid State?
Israel, by definition, is not an apartheid state.
Apartheid, as originally defined and practiced in South Africa, was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that enforced racial divisions between the white minority and the black majority, with strict legal and social distinctions. In contrast, Israel’s challenges and policies are rooted in a complex and multifaceted political and territorial conflict, primarily involving Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel has a diverse population, including Arab citizens, who enjoy equal legal rights and participation in the country’s democratic institutions. In fact, 20% of the population in Israel are Palestinians, who enjoy a full and unrestricted life. Palestinians can live, work, play, and even marry Jews. In South Africa, it was illegal for blacks and whites to interact, let alone marry.
In addition, working papers are given to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank to allow them to make money for their families, as jobs are scarce in the Palestine region (due to the abuse of Hamas). It’s also important to mention that Israel provides Palestinians with additional water, food, and medical aid, which, under the separation agreement (2005), is not required on their part (simply a kindness). Many Palestinians cross the border to receive life-saving medical aid from Israeli hospitals, as Hamas spends aid money on weapons and their own status rather than the infrastructure of their region.
What about the Settlements, Movement Restrictions, and the Blockade?: These are considered to be security measures and are not based on racial categorization – as made very evident by October 7th. Egypt has the same movement restrictions and blockage on Palestine: all borders between two countries do. It’s a way to monitor who is coming in and out and keeping your country safe. The settlements themselves are merely an expansion of the living areas of Israelis close to the Palestinian border and do not exceed into designated Palestinian land.
Despite the valid criticisms of some of Israel’s government’s decisions on land, Israel is, by definition, not an Apartheid state.
Labeling Israel as an apartheid state when it is not can be dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, it oversimplifies a complex political situation, hindering productive dialogue and efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Moreover, it may perpetuate hostility and anti-Israel sentiment, which can, more often than not, escalate into antisemitic attitudes or actions worldwide. Associating Israel with apartheid can create a negative image of Jews worldwide and make them targets of discrimination and violence.
GENOCIDE
What does it mean? – Genocide is a term that refers to the deliberate and systematic extermination or attempted extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It involves the intent to destroy a significant part or the entirety of a particular group, which may include killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, creating conditions leading to the group’s physical destruction, imposing measures to prevent births within the group, or forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. Genocide is widely considered a grave crime against humanity and is prohibited by international law, as established by the United Nations Genocide Convention of 1948 – after the Holocaust.
Why do people say Israel is committing genocide?
Some individuals, organizations, and political movements use the term “genocide” to describe the actions and policies of the Israeli government toward Palestinians in the occupied territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. They argue that Israel’s military operations, restrictions on movement, and settlements constitute a form of systemic violence that amounts to genocide.
Why is Israel NOT committing genocide?
Israel is not, by definition, committing genocide.
The term “genocide” has a specific legal and scholarly definition, as outlined in the United Nations Genocide Convention. Genocide is characterized by the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It involves acts such as killing members of the group, causing them serious bodily or mental harm, imposing conditions that lead to physical destruction, preventing births within the group, and forcibly transferring children to another group.
While the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involves violence, human rights concerns, and territorial disputes, international legal experts and organizations do not generally classify Israel’s actions as constituting genocide. The use of the term “genocide” in this context does not meet the specific criteria and intent defined by the legal concept of genocide.
Israel, according to law, has a right to defend itself. Israel’s army is called the IDF – Israel Defence Forces. Not the Offence Forces; they don’t start battles, they just defend themselves against attacks and respond appropriately to terrorism. Israel does not target civilians with the intent to kill (Hamas targets civilians with the intent to kill), but civilian casualty when a terrorist group hides their weaponry and meeting places near hospitals, schools, and populated neighbourhoods is likely. This is not a genocide.
In addition to this, the Palestinian population has experienced substantial natural population growth over the years. This includes both Palestinians living within Israel, in the West Bank, and Gaza Strip. If Israel were committing a “genocide” of the Palestinian people, they’d be doing a really bad job of it!
One thing that is often ignored is the death toll of Palestinian people in other conflicts besides those with Israel. Of course, we have come to know and expect a double standard for Israel, so let me point out how other countries have contributed to the death or displacement of Palestinians:
- Lebanon: During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which had been established for Palestinians, were often caught in the crossfire (“an estimated 120,000 fatalities and an exodus of almost one million people from Lebanon,” data for Palestinians unknown). The Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982, where many Palestinian civilians were killed, is one of the most infamous incidents. (~3.5k dead)
- Jordan: In September 1970, a conflict known as “Black September” took place in Jordan, primarily involving the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Jordanian government. This led to the displacement of many Palestinians from Jordan. (3k+ dead)
- Kuwait: During the Gulf War in 1990-1991, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, many Palestinians living in Kuwait faced discrimination and were expelled from the country due to the PLO’s perceived support for Iraq. (“100,000 deaths, 5 million displaced persons and over $200 billion in property damage” death toll for Palestinians unknown.)
- Syria (ongoing): Palestinian refugee camps in Syria have been affected by the Syrian Civil War, with some camps facing significant violence and displacement. (~4k dead)
Why does displacement become such a critical talking point for “protestors” only when it involves Israel? Hmm? In addition, isn’t it interesting how no other Arab country wants the PLO in their lands, either? Perhaps they are not so peaceful? Hmm?
COLONIZER
What does it mean? – A colonizer is an entity, often a nation or a group of people, that establishes and maintains colonies in foreign lands or territories. Colonization is the process by which a colonizer extends its political, economic, cultural, and often military control over another region, which becomes known as a colony. Colonization typically involves the subjugation and exploitation of indigenous or local populations, the imposition of the colonizer’s culture and legal systems, and the extraction of resources for the benefit of the colonizing power.
Why do people call Israel a Colonizer State?
Protestors chanting that Israel and Israelis are colonizers and should be dismantled say so because the state was formed late and caused a displacement of people who were already on the land, leading to settlements, Gaza, and the West Bank. Israelis/Jews are viewed as “white,” and the Palestinian people are seen as “brown.”
Why are Jews/Israelis/Israel not colonizers?
Jews are not considered colonizers of Israel (Judea) due to their historical and indigenous ties to the land that extend back thousands of years. The Jewish connection to the region is deeply rooted in religious, historical, and cultural narratives. The land of Israel, particularly Jerusalem, holds profound significance in Judaism as the historical homeland and the location of the First and Second Temples. Jewish communities have lived in the region for thousands of years! Muslims built their mosque ON TOP of the First and Second Temples – this is the action of a colonizing group.
The Zionist movement, which sought to establish a Jewish homeland in the region, was driven by a desire for self-determination and safety, particularly in response to antisemitic persecution in Europe. It aimed to reestablish Jewish sovereignty and revive historical ties to the land, emphasizing a return to a homeland with deep cultural and religious significance. Jews are not white; they are indigenous to Judea (ie. Israel). If you can believe Jesus, a Jew, was likely brown, why does this not extend to the ancestral ties of all Jews?
The easiest way to understand this situation is using the following Canadian example:
– You are a First Nations person. You have been driven out of your ancestral land and home to attend Residential School across the province. You have no choice in the matter; you were forced against your will.
Jews were forced from their homeland from displacement, from genocidal killing of their race, from war, from discrimination. This is why they are all over the world (diaspora).
– The Residential School system tried to assimilate you through aggression, violence, sometimes you even witnessed the death of your friends.
Jews tried to fit into societies but often faced rejection, persecution, and death – particularly from Arab countries, and notably Europe, which they now called home.
– You escape from the Residential School and go on a quest to return to the land you called home, but now there are white settlers there who have made it their home. In an attempt to soothe your (legitimate) rage, the government of Canada decides to split the land in half and give you residential lands.
Jews escaped persecution worldwide and longed to return to their Indigenous homeland, but SETTLERS took it over and made it their home. These settlers were given the option to live alongside Jews in peace upon their return, but they rejected it; they caused a war that led to the settlements in Gaza and the West Bank.
In the words of Hen Mazzig:
“A settler-colony requires a motherland where colonizers are from and to which they send back the neutral resources they steal. They also force the local population to convert to the imperial identity of the occupying force.
The Jews have no “other land” they are Indigneous to but Israel (the British coming to America had Britain, the French had France, and the Arabs had Arabia when they colonized other lands).
[Israel as colonizer has] reversed the empire-nation narrative. Israel is a national entity, while the Arab world is an Imperial one.
You can always tell an empire by a language. Arabic is an Imperial language, like English and French, promoted through settler-colonialism and imperial hegemony throughout the Middle Ages. Since the 20th century rise of pan-Arabism, leaders advocated Arabization policies of Indigenous national groups, whether the Kurds, the Amazigh, or the Sudanese, and sought to permanently reduce the status and power of indigenous religious groups, such as the Copts and Maronites, across the region.
We are so used to “Arab world” that we forget it is a PRODUCT, in modern terms, of Nasser and his encouragement of “Arabization” programs whether in Algeria or Iraq, as well as of the Saudis and other Gulf leaders who have also encouraged “Arab” unity.”
Israelis/Jews have one nation on the planet. There are 55 Muslim countries and 22 officially recognized Arab countries in the world. Islamic conquest has gone on for 1,400 years in over 57 countries.
In addition, as Imtiaz Mahmood points out: “Most Westerners are familiar with the history of slavery, but how many know that Muslims have been the greatest slavers in history? Which is to say, the most prolific takers, buyers, and sellers of slaves in history. Even today, in many parts of the Islamic world, the Arabic word for slave, “Abd,” is synonymous with the slang or informal word for a black man. Although the Muslims took many millions of black Africans as slaves, they likewise took many millions of Europeans and other peoples as slaves from temperate climates further north, venturing as far north as Ireland and Iceland on slave-taking raids.”
Something tells me the Jews are not the colonizer, here!
In a world where words are our most powerful tools, we must handle them with the care and precision they deserve. The peril of using words without understanding their true meanings is not merely an issue of semantics; it has real and far-reaching consequences. Nowhere is this more evident than in the misapplication of language, where reckless rhetoric can fan the flames of misunderstanding and intolerance – particularly to Jews, worldwide, when there is a Middle East conflict.
It is crucial to engage in a nuanced and fact-based discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian issue to promote understanding and peace, while avoiding inflammatory rhetoric that can put Jewish communities at risk. When we misuse words, we risk oversimplifying complex issues and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This isn’t just an abstract concern; it touches lives, including those of Jewish communities around the world.
By recognizing the importance of words, their nuanced meanings, and the potential harm that can arise from their misuse, we can foster a more informed, inclusive, and compassionate world. Let us choose our words wisely, not just for the sake of the Jews, but for the sake of building a more harmonious and understanding global community: one that is rooted in Truth and not misled by emotion.
xx C
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