As a middle aged (to be PC, of course) person, I thought that my ability to be surprised is somewhat dulled by the years. So, in a way, I should be thankful to one Adrian Hamilton for the Indy article Israel has no future as a purely Jewish state. It did surprise me - as an astonishing example of nincompoopery.
One can start one's fisking with the headline of the article, specifically that "purely Jewish" term. Whatever meaning the author assigned to it, he is, probably, unaware of the ethnic structure of Israel, nor did he read the Israeli declaration of independence , which clearly states that, while being a Jewish state, it will also "will uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens, without distinction of race, creed or sex". How well is this promise kept is another matter, but definitely better than the world batting average.
One can also take an exception to the statement that the infamous loyalty oath - as stupid an idea as any politico gave birth to lately, agreed - "is a case of racist discrimination on any interpretation". I bet that Mr Hamilton will be hard pressed to prove it - simply because it isn't racist and there is nothing in his arsenal of poor logic to help him out...
But really, the above is small change. Trifles. Bubkes. What really takes the cake is the following:
The more closely you define Israel as a uniquely "Jewish" state, the less room there is for it to act as a co-operative member of a Muslim majority Middle East.Amazing. Jaw dropping. Fan-effing-tastic. A member of multi-cultural progressive British elite who in any other situation will risk his life for your right to express your personal ethnic "I", even if that expression includes... nevermind, this guardian of human rights states that it's not really a good idea to be "uniquely Jewish" in the midst of a Muslim majority. Not to dwell on the fact that Israel was already defined (in 1948, see above) as "uniquely Jewish" - how does the multi-culti soul of Mr Hamilton allow him even to think in such - really racist this time - terms? How does his soul allow his stomach to keep his lunch while writing this revolting racist crapola? That is, assuming that he has written it after lunch, of course. Because, being a clever man, he has done it, most probably, well in advance of the meal.
OK. Let's move on. Because I have misled you, my dear reader. I have withheld the best part for later. Because, while the previous quote takes the cake, this one takes the cherry from that delicious dollop of whipped cream on top. It's a promise:
Its [Israel's] role becomes that of an enclave which views itself as not just separate but in clear opposition to everyone else about it.So, being Jewish state is just the ticket to be viewed as "opposition to everyone else about". Mmm... good, even brilliant job of exhibiting your inner self, Mr Hamilton, I would say...
Now is the time for a short experiment: in the two quotes above replace "Israel" by "Scotland", "Jewish" by "Scottish" (or "Scotch" - what the heck do I know?) and, of course, "Muslim majority Middle East" by "British majority United Kingdom". Try it out and see if it's palatable...
Cross-posted on Yourish.com
