Letters/Discussion Forums
SAJFP provides an alternative Jewish view on Mideast conflict
Merlynn Edelstein (SAJFP)
A recent letter, by Allan Wolman, (in the March 2 edition), expressed confusion regarding two South African Jewish organisations which are raising questions about the policies of the Israeli government.
SAJFP campaigns for the recognition of the 1948 borders and oppose the continued, ethnic cleansing of Palestine. It advocates for equal rights across the whole of Israel-Palestine.
Wolman accuses these groups of having a “selective morality”. He writes: “Let’s try to understand why these groups seem to care less about the Palestinian populations of Syria, Lebanon and other Arab countries, than missing the bus.”
In fact, the plight of the Palestinians in these countries is central to our concerns. SAJFP advocates for the return of these refugees to their proper home. Not only is the right of return enshrined in international law, but there are also particular resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the UN, legislating that the Palestinian refugees have the right to return. Until this issue is addressed, there cannot be a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Wolman then repeats what has become a common refrain: “If their Jewish conscience troubles them so, why discriminate against the hundreds of thousands of victims of Syria, Yemen and Islamic State? Surely their Jewish concern for the rest of humanity demands that they speak out against all these as well?”
The answer to this is simple: “Syria, Yemen and Islamic State” do not claim to perpetrate atrocities in our name. (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu openly purports to act in the name of global Jewry. We contemptuously dismiss this claim and will continue to campaign against discrimination and injustice – especially when it is built on an identity – our Jewish identity – which we hold dear.
Johannesburg
Gary
March 9, 2016 at 10:05 am
‘one of the most unfortunate developments in the exile was the loathsome moser (informer) (like Merlynn Edelstein and SAJFP) , the negative counterpart of the shtadlan (intercessor) who intercedes with the authorities who speak for the Jews to those in power. \”The Jewish community was always hostage to it’s unhappiest members who stood to gain by serving the powers that be.\”
These Mosers need to be totally isolated from all Jewish communities and treated with no tolerance
‘
Ariel Ziv
March 9, 2016 at 3:49 pm
‘What a load of bollocks coming from someone who sits on panels with Holocaust deniers and hardcore antisemites. Edelatein’s only audience are those who seek the destruction of Israel and a handful of misguided and misinformed who will bear no responsibility or consequence of what this group proposes. If her convictions are so just and imperative, then why does Edelatein not call for change from within Israel? A taste of terrorism, a taste of Middle East geopolitics and a taste of real life experience in Israel will flush this junk away very quickly. It’s a disgrace and obnoxiously arrogant and patronising to dictate agenda to Israelis. #Yuck!’
nat cheiman
March 10, 2016 at 10:35 am
‘The plight of Palestinians is of no concern to Jews. Leave it to the ANC and BDS ( and supporters) to sort it out.
Edelstein, you may contemptuously dismiss anything Israeli and Jewish, but loyal Jews contemptuously dismiss people like you. ‘
Baruch
March 15, 2016 at 4:17 pm
‘\”an alternative Jewish view on Mideast conflict\” – No
An alternative view for Jews maybe, but there is nothing Jewish about their view.’