Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!rdin!abs From: abs@rdin.UUCP Newsgroups: net.flame Subject: Zionism == Life Message-ID: <287@rdin.UUCP> Date: Thu, 16-Jun-83 19:44:48 EDT Article-I.D.: rdin.287 Posted: Thu Jun 16 19:44:48 1983 Date-Received: Fri, 17-Jun-83 08:41:29 EDT Lines: 73 In response to Tim Maroney's claim that Zionism is racism, the following points should be considered: o The Jewish religion considers itself just that: a *religion*, not a race. Judaism has always accepted sincere converts, regardless of racial origin. o Because Jewish law essentially prohibits marriage to non-Jews (i.e. those who were not born of a Jewish mother and have not converted), it may seem to some shallow-thinkers (read: bigots) that this selection of co-religionists as marriage partners is "racist". o All religious Jews, and most non-religious Jews believe that Judaism is worth preserving, and it is no exaggeration to say that many would sacrifice their lives to preserve it (and many have). o The intolerance, hatred, and suffering dealt to the Jews throughout the history of the Jewish diaspora has proven that Jews cannot put their trust in fickle kings, presidents, dictators, etc. The only hope for the preservation of Jews and Judaism against Jew-hatred and genocide is self-rule and self-determination, on our own land (Israel) and our own terms. o Yes, other peoples have been/are being persecuted. One might ask "Do they all have the right to a homeland?" I claim no easy answer. But consider: Can a people hope to survive if it places the decisions concerning its survival in the hands of those who are at best indifferent, and at worst genocidal? This is what the United Nations, and therefore most of the world, would have the Jews do, and this we (the Jews) will never again tolerate. o If ever Jews could be persuaded to drop their "racist" policies of intermarriage, self-determination, and enthnocentrism, they would soon cease to exist as a people. As mentioned above, many would prefer death. And don't say that Jew-hatred is non-existent or insignificant: just try wearing a yarmulka for one day, anywhere in the U.S. (perhaps the nearest thing to a tolerant country), and listen to what people say to you. I speak from experience. Mr. Maroney's example of the proposition of an "Aryan homeland" is nonsense. First, homelands aren't "proposed". They are fought for by those who need them. Second, we speak not of a racial destiny, but of a religious one. Third, we Jews had our backs against the wall; it was necessary to fight or perish. After all, where can we go? Does there exist another country which extends such an unconditional welcome to any and all Jews? No; there is only Israel. And who put Israel on the map? Not the U.N. Not the indifferent pity of Christian countries. Not Balfour, and certainly not the British government. It was the Zionist *Jews*, and they alone. Israel provides something that Jews have missed for almost 2000 years: a state where one's religion need not be hidden, where an ancient culture may once again thrive, and where, if need be, Jews living in foreign lands may *always* find refuge from hatred and violent death. Is there not value in this? As for who actually owns these "certain tracts of land" on which Israel has made its home, no decisions can be made until you can locate some Canaanites, Phoenicians, or Habirus (i.e. some of the original owners). Jews must fight for survival, and the power to fight comes from our belief in our God, our religion, our homeland, and ourselves. If, Mr. Maroney, after considering the points above, you are still against Zionism, then you would condemn Jews and Judaism to eventual extinction at the hands of others less "tolerant" than yourself. Jewish, Zionist, and proud, Andrew Siegel philabs!rdin!abs Note: My opinion does not necessarily represent that of all Jews.