Gilad Atzmon: For The Sake Of Jewish Sensitivities

in , , , , , , , ,

It occurred to me recently that the Palestinian solidarity discourse is spiritually, ideologically and intellectually driven by some very misleading terminology: crucial notions such as Zionism, colonialism and apartheid (heard in every discussion, and present in every text book about the conflict), are either confusing, or even delusional: I believe that they are there to actually block any attempt to grasp the true spirit and ideologies that drive the Jewish State rather than to clarify the situation.

Read More

Elias Davidsson-I Am A Radical Antisemite And Am Proud Of It

The meaning of the term "antisemite" has significantly changed in recent years.  There was a time when this term referred to those who despised Jews.  Later, the term referred to those who promoted myths about a global Jewish conspiracy to rule the world. Today the term "antisemite" is used by the ruling elite to lambast human rights activists who advocate equal rights between Jews, Christians and Muslims, the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland and the vision of a common, democratic state for both Palestinians and Israelis.  The word "antisemite", which initially conveyed a negative and even sinister meaning, refers now to positive and highly commendable attitudes that can be carried with honour.  One may lament this change of meaning, but one should remember that a word does not carry any particular meaning. It is merely a conventional symbol that refers to external contents.  By convention, society could agree to name animosity towards Jews "xakaculca", democracy "zbzb" and elefants "democracy".

Advocacy for a just and democratic solution to the conflict in Israel/Palestine is grounded on international human rights norms, including the right to equality and the right of everyone to return to her country.  These norms are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (articles 1, 2, 7, 13(2)) and the Preamble of the U.N. Charter.  This advocacy also seeks its legitimacy from the constitutional principles that underpin the Western democratic order.  According to current terminology, as imposed by those who mould public opinion, the word "antisemitism" now refers to human rights advocacy and to the struggle for democracy.  There is no need to combat the new convention. One merely has to adjust to it.

Inasmuch as the term "antisemite" now refers to human rights advocates and radical democrats, I declare myself a radical antisemite.

Elias Davidsson
Bonn, Germany
June 10, 2011

Beyond Words

On the occasion of the Human Rights Day, which also marks the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Al-Haq is pleased to launch its short documentary film entitled “Beyond Words: Palestinian Voices in Search of Justice”.

Through this documentary, Al-Haq is giving voice to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Their stories are but an example of the human rights violations committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory on a daily basis and remain unpunished.

Beyond Words from Al-Haq - Human Rights on Vimeo.

Gilad Atzmon: Palestine Vs. Solidarity Movement

In Logan Hall, I met an old friend of mine, a much respected PSC activist and a very insightful woman. We both knew the truth: the Arab community had supported the event -- but the English and the Jewish activists were just not there. I asked my friend, how is it that all those Jewish fiery enthusiast activists who join every BDS call to boo Israeli artists off stage -- had failed to support the crème of Palestinian culture and artists? I do understand the reasoning behind Israeli boycott activity, and yet, isn’t it equally important to support Palestinian artists?

My friend’s answer was simple: “They may call themselves Palestinian Solidarity campaigners -- but in reality, they are largely interested in Jewish anti Israeli solidarity,” she said.

Read More

Nahida the Exiled Palestinian: Jewish Voice for Peace? Really??

Gilad Atzmon: This is a very important informative piece. I suggest anyone who is interested in Palestine  to take the time and follow the links. Once again, a Palestinian identifies  the enemy within.

 

Source:
http://uprootedpalestinians.

Nahida the Exiled Palestinian:

It appears that, yet again, Anti-zionist Jewish organizations are trying to silence Palestine's supporters, to frame the debate, to secure the future of their brethren in occupied Palestine and to steer the course of Liberation of our Homeland
Read More

FRANKLIN LAMB: Israelis Rush for Second Passports

 


“The number of Israelis thinking of leaving Palestine is climbing rapidly according to researchers, while many more, with actual millennial roots but victims of ethnic cleansing, prepare to exercise their right of Return.”


By FRANKLIN LAMB/Al-Manar

Beirut

Perhaps historians or cultural anthropologists surveying the course of human events can identify for us a land, in addition to Palestine, where such a large percentage of a recently arrived colonial population prepared to exercise their right to depart, while many more, with actual millennial roots but victims of ethnic cleansing, prepared to exercise their right of Return.

One of the many ironies inherent in the 19th century Zionist colonial enterprise in Palestine is the fact that this increasingly fraying project was billed for most of the 20th century as a haven in the Middle East for “returning” persecuted European Jews.  But today, in the 21st century, it is Europe that is increasingly being viewed by a large number of the illegal occupiers of Palestinian land as the much desired haven for returning Middle Eastern Jews.

To paraphrase Jewish journalist Gideon Levy “If our forefathers dreamt of an Israeli passport to escape from Europe, there are many among us who are now dreaming of a second passport to escape to Europe.


Is this how the Zionist project might end?

Several studies in Israel and one conducted by AIPAC and another by the Jewish National  Fund in Germany show that perhaps as many as half of the Jews living in Israel will consider leaving Palestine in the next few years if current political and social trends continue.  A 2008 survey by the Jerusalem-based Menachem Begin Heritage Center found that 59% of Israelis had approached or intended to approach a foreign embassy to inquire about or apply for citizenship and a passport. Today it is estimated that the figure is approaching 70%.

Read More

I Have Zero Respect For The Mainstream Media: Gilad Atzmon Interview By Silvia Cattori

 Jazz saxophonist Gilad Atzmon has a blog where he denounces the policy of his country of origin, Israel. He is not afraid to bluntly express what he regards to be the truth. He is impervious to the concept of self-censorship. He speaks here about how little respect he has for the Western press. (*)

Silvia Cattori: Your political analysis, translated into dozens of languages [1], reaches a wide readership on the web. For whom exactly do you write?
 
Gilad Atzmon: I write mainly for myself. I try to understand the world around me. A few years ago, I began to understand that a lot of people out there were also interested in the thoughts I indulge myself with, so I started to let other people have access into my boiling destructive mind.
 
Silvia Cattori: At a time when the press has reached its lowest point ever, are you among those who still continue to read newspapers?
 
Gilad Atzmon: No. For many years I have not bought newspapers. I am interested in the Middle East, and the mainstream media has very little to offer on that front. Probably the only expert within the British or even English-speaking media press is Robert Fisk. If I want to know what is happening in the Middle East I go to “Counterpunch”, “Information Clearing House”, “Veterans Today”, “Rense.com”, “Uprooted Palestinian”, “PalestineTelegraph”, “Palestine Chronicle”, “Dissident Voice”, “Uruknet”, and other reliable websites.
 
Our independent websites and blogs are far more informative than the mainstream media. Collectively, we provide a source of information that people can trust, and we are rapidly becoming the main source of information. I see how many people are coming to visit my site. If there is a crisis in Gaza for instance, the public want to see what Gordon Duff, Ramzy Baroud, Alan Hart, Israel Shamir, Alex Cockburn, and Ali Abunimah have to say about it. I have zero respect for the mainstream media. And if the mainstream media wishes to survive, it had better move on quickly, otherwise it is finished.
 
Read More

A Talk: The War Against Terror Within

York Against the War
a talk and discussion

7:30 to 9:00pm Monday 6th June
Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York
The War Against Terror Within

admission free, all welcome

Gilad Atzmon, an internationally known jazz musician, is also a radical freethinker. Israeli born, he has written extensively about Middle East issues from an anti-Zionist viewpoint.

The more ruthless we are, the more frightened we become, says Gilad Atzmon, because we fear retaliation in kind.

Ten years on, the US led 'War Against Terror' is neither over, nor bringing sense of security to Western countries. Likewise, 60 years on, Israels's wars against Palestinians still bring no security and no end is in sight.

How can we transcend the cycle of ruthless vengeance, retaliation and quest for supremacy which may keep these conflicts running forever?

Read More