For decades, Israel defined itself as both a democratic and Jewish state. The objective was clear: to maintain Jewish superiority over Palestinian Arabs, while continuing to present itself as a modern western democracy -- in fact, the only democracy in the Middle East. While Palestinians and many others were never sold on the democracy charade, many accepted the dichotomy with little questioning. While Israel doesnt have a constitution, it has a code, called the Basic Law. Since there is no Israeli equivalent to a constitutional amendment -- the Netanyahu government is pushing for a new law at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. This will basically put forth new principals under which Israel will define itself. One of these principals will define Israel as the national state of the Jewish people, thus casting all non-Jewish citizens of Israel as lesser citizens. While, for all intents and purposes, Palestinian citizens of Israel have been treated as outcasts, and discriminated against in many ways, the new Basic Law will be a constitutional confirmation of their state-enforced inferiority. The Jewish and democratic paradigm is dying for good, exposing Israels reality the way it is. Written by Ramzy Baroud, His latest book is My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gazas Untold Story. #WakeUpWorld #FreePalestine
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:55:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015