On the Proper Use of Terms


If the Israelis really were "Nazis" (or Rwandan Hutus, for that matter), they would have no Palestinian problem because there would be no more Palestinians. Palestinian leaders and supporters know perfectly well that this is the case, but lack the decency or honesty to admit it.

In another somewhat tangential follow-up to my original post on Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, now standing trial for her role in the Rwandan genocide, you may recall that I'd noted how her possible Tutsi ancestry was reminiscent of Nazis who had Jewish backgrounds. I initially intended to cite an example of these Jewish Nazis, but couldn't remember any specific names. So naturally I decided to do a quick web search on "Jewish Nazis". To my vast annoyance, I found myself confronted with pages upon pages of ranting by pro-Palestinian activists.

I have already had all too ample opportunities to notice how Palestinians and their supporters find it the height of cleverness to compare Jewish Israelis to Nazis. But in the context of my essay, this tactic was especially infuriating. Reasonable people can argue about the rectitude of Israeli policy in the disputed territories. But comparing Israelis to Nazis, implying that they are engaged in "genocide" against the Palestinians, is absurd to the point of lunacy.

If the Israelis really were "Nazis" (or Rwandan Hutus, for that matter), they would have no Palestinian problem because there would be no more Palestinians. The Rwandan Hutu government carried out their attempt at genocide mainly with machetes; the government of Israel has far superior technology at its disposal. Obviously, Israel has not failed to carry out such a program for lack of means. Israel will never do or even consider such a thing because they are restrained by basic moral values, values notably lacking in those Palestinian and other Arab leaders who regularly call for "death to the Jews". Palestinian leaders and supporters know perfectly well that this is the case, but lack the decency or honesty to admit it.

Posted: Sun - April 20, 2003 at 01:26 PM      

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