Date: Wed, Dec 15, 2010 at 11:51 AM
1. Gilad Atzmon: Jews, Judaism & Jewishness
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Since Israel defines itself as the 'Jewish state' we are entitled to consider what the word 'Jewish' stands for.
I tend to differentiate between three distinct (yet occasionally confusing) categories.
1. Jews - the people
2. Judaism - the religion
3. Jewishness - the ideology
During my study of Zionism, Jewish politics, 'identity politics' and culture, I have managed to avoid embroiling myself in the complexity involved with the first category -- I do not deal with Jews as a race or an ethnicity. I also generally avoid dealing with Judaism (the religion). In fact, I am the first to admit that the only Jewish collective to support the Palestinians, are groups that exist within the Torah Jews. That such groups support Palestinian self-determination and autonomy is proof enough that aspects of religious Judaism can be interpreted as emphasising ethical precepts.
However -- I am very critical of what I view as 'Jewish ideology, and I am also critical of what I consider to be 'Jewish identity politics.'
'Jewish ideology' is basically an amalgam of racially orientated exclusive arguments. It is fuelled by assumptions about 'ethno'-centric supremacy, and ideas such as 'choseness'. Being a tribal setting then, Jewish ideology defies equality. It also opposes universalism. The followers of that ideology tend to believe that they are somewhat different and even better (chosen) than non Jews. And much Jewish political activity is a formulation, and expression of a tribal exclusive club that demands a 'Jews only' entry card.
2. Israel Shahak: The History of the Jews (video-must see)
3.Two Hours @ Deanna Spingolda's Radio Show (audio)
Discussing different issues to do with Palestine, Zionist brutality, holocaust, history and Jewish lobbying.
Around 16.30 minutes into the 2nd hour, Gloria, an Israeli American lady called the station and spoke about the invaluable importance of David Irving, Michael Hoffman and other revisionists. It is the 'revisionists who help us to understand and question our past' she said.
--
Being happy–is it good for the Jews? "Before Professor Dershowitz accused me of being an anti-Semite (news to me), I was a happy person. Since then, I'm still a happy person". –Michael Santomauro
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