Don’t Forget, Israel Is a Democracy
Deny it and go straight to jail, says Uri Avnery
Uri Avnery
Uri Avnery is a longtime Israeli peace activist. Since 1948 he has advocated the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. In 1974, Uri Avnery was the first Israeli to establish contact with the PLO leadership. In 1982 he was the first Israeli ever to meet Yasser Arafat, after crossing the lines in besieged Beirut. He served three terms in the Israeli Knesset and is the founder of Gush Shalom (Peace Bloc). Visit his Web site.
Trivializing the Holocaust
Uri Avnery on the abuse of history
Who’s the Boss?
On the first day of the new Israeli government, the fog cleared: it’s a Lieberman government. The day started with a celebration at the president’s office. All the members of this bloated government – 30 ministers and eight deputy ministers – were dressed up in their best finery and posed for a group photo. Binyamin … Continue reading “Who’s the Boss?”
‘At War With the Palestinian People’
The most important sentence written in Israel this week was lost in the general tumult of exciting events. Really exciting: In a final act of villainy, typical of his whole tenure as prime minister, Ehud Olmert abandoned the captive soldier, Gilad Shalit. Ehud Barak decided that the Labor Party must join the ultra-right government, which … Continue reading “‘At War With the Palestinian People’”
The Rape of Washington
Returning home from a very short visit to London, I found the country in the grip of uncontrollable emotions. No, it was not about the looming danger of the radical Right gaining control. It is now almost certain that the next government will consist of an assorted bunch of settlers, explicit racists, and perhaps even … Continue reading “The Rape of Washington”
Rebuilding Gaza to Raze It Again
This week I had a nostalgic experience. I met a parliamentary delegation from one of the European countries. What turned this meeting into a special occasion for me was its location. The "Pasha Room" of the "American Colony" Hotel in East Jerusalem is a beautiful square hall, decorated in traditional Arab style. I was in … Continue reading “Rebuilding Gaza to Raze It Again”
The Great Gamble
"Iacta alea est" – the die is cast – said Julius Caesar and crossed the River Rubicon on his way to conquer Rome. That was the end of Roman democracy. We don’t have a Julius Caesar. But we do have an Avigdor Lieberman. When he announced his support the other day for the setting up … Continue reading “The Great Gamble”
Ms. Tantalus’ Choice
Tantalus is punished by the gods for reasons that are not entirely clear. He is hungry and thirsty, but the water in which he stands recedes when he bends down to drink from it, and the fruit above his head continually evades his hand. Tzipi Livni is now undergoing a similar torture. After winning an … Continue reading “Ms. Tantalus’ Choice”
The Black Flag Is Waving
A Spanish judge has instituted a judicial inquiry against seven Israeli political and military personalities on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The case: the 2002 dropping of a one-ton bomb on the home of Hamas leader Salah Shehade. Apart from the intended victim, 14 people, most of them children, were killed. For … Continue reading “The Black Flag Is Waving”
On the Wrong Side
Of all the beautiful phrases in Barack Obama’s inauguration speech, these are the words that stuck in my mind: “You are on the wrong side of history.” He was talking about the tyrannical regimes of the world. But we, too, should ponder these words In the last few days I have heard a lot of … Continue reading “On the Wrong Side”