The reality that Zionism is perhaps the ultimate root and repository of human rights - by Douglas Altabef

...Human rights is not the monopoly of the Left, nor of any other ideology. In a Zionist state, human rights concerns should be focused on those who have thrown in their lot with the Zionist mission: to normalize, protect and cherish the welfare of Jews, all Jews; and to be gracious, tolerant and respectful to those non-Jews who see in Zionism their own greatest opportunity for dignity and fulfillment.

Douglas Altabef..
Israel Hayom..
17 December '18..
Link: http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/zionisms-embrace-of-human-rights/?redirected=326451

Human rights have appropriately been prioritized by many nongovernmental organizations, charities and movements seeking to elevate and ameliorate the condition of oppressed people.

That's the good news. The bad news is that human rights, as practiced by so-called HROs – human rights organizations – have become a conversation stopper. They are both a sword and a shield wielded by those whose political actions have often been rationalized or justified as being waged on behalf of certain beleaguered groups; as such, their actions are beyond reproach or analysis, not to mention criticism.

Inevitably, this has led to a prioritization of woe and distress. Who has it worse, who is more deserving of our pity and help?

When I was a child in the U.S., I remember watching a show called "Queen for a Day" in which a parade of housewives vied for having the most pathetic story. There was an applause meter based on the individual's plight, and of course a raft of prizes awarded to the one who tugged most at our heartstrings.

The Left's use of the cudgel of human rights is "Queen for a Day" writ large. It's also rather cynical, as one senses that victims are being used to further a political goal. In Israel, those goals inevitably seem to involve usurping the authority of the state and the government.

Yes, they would say all lives are important, at least in theory; however, in reality, some need to be protected more than others.

In practice, this leads to the fracturing identity politics gripping the U.S., whereby certain groups "matter," and are thereby deserving, while certain groups are "privileged," part of the repressive majority, and therefore have no standing, no vote, no voice.

The hypocrisy of this perspective is fully visible in Israel, as an industry of far-left NGOs sanctimoniously vilify and slander the only democracy in the Middle East all in the name of human rights.

The National Law and Lessons Learned From Christian Lebanon - by Shadi Khalloul

...What is the lesson to be learned from Lebanese history with respect to the National Law in Israel? As an Israeli Maronite Aramaic Christian, belonging to the minority and enjoying freedom in Israel, I actually understand the importance of this Law. Yes, our forefathers supported, for ideological reasons, the realization of the Jewish nation in the Land of Israel. But my support of the National Law arises as well from the bitter Lebanese experience.

שאדי ח'לול

Shadi Khalloul..
Israel Diaries..
Translated by Sheri Oz..
26 July '18..

The modern State of Lebanon was established by Maronite Christians, as a shelter for them and other persecuted Christian communities in the Middle East. The goal of the founders of the State of Lebanon, experienced with persecution and genocide, was to protect and cultivate, in their own state, their language, Aramaic, and their unique Phoenician-Aramaic culture. The Muslim population of Lebanon was not a partner to this national vision, and due to differences of opinion, the Maronites were compelled to abandon their national ambitions. With no other choice, they agreed to the establishment of a state of all its citizens that, to their chagrin, joined the Arab League.

Unfortunately, not only did this solution not bring peace and calm, but it created tensions among the major national and ethnic groups within Lebanon until the situation finally deteriorated into bloody war. The Muslims did not at all see themselves as part of an independent Lebanese country and instead they nurtured their dream of uniting with their brothers while cooperating with the Arabs in the surrounding region.

These processes brought about increased extremism in the Muslim Arab population in Lebanon, weakening state institutions and causing many Christians to emigrate from the land of their forefathers in which they had thrived for generations. Furthermore, the religious-national tensions in Lebanon created discord among the Christian communities, themselves, that until the 1950s had comprised the majority of the population and today — after innumerous wars and tragedies – they have become a persecuted minority in their own country: from 80% in the 1930s Christians now make up only 35% of the contemporary Lebanese population.

What is the lesson to be learned from Lebanese history with respect to the National Law in Israel? As an Israeli Maronite Aramaic Christian, belonging to the minority and enjoying freedom in Israel, I actually understand the importance of this Law. Yes, our forefathers supported, for ideological reasons, the realization of the Jewish nation in the Land of Israel. But my support of the National Law arises as well from the bitter Lebanese experience: I believe that Jewish Nationalism declared by Israeli law in fact guarantees that she will continue to be a democracy, and it also promises me that I will remain secure as a member of a religious minority.

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Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blogspot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work. 

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“We Have No Other Country” – The Israeli Minorities Proud to Serve their Country - by Amit Barak

“We are Zionists and serve Israel with pride” – Former SLA members, Druze, Bedouin and Muslims from Jerusalem at a special event for Israel’s 70th anniversary spoke of the real coexistence in Israel

Amit Barak..
MiDA..
12 June '18..

In recent years we are witnessing a process of awakening among Christians in Israel, as well as among members of other minorities, who are speaking out and acting against the prevailing attitude in the Arab sector and against the systemic fixation of the authorities in Israel.

This can be seen in the historical process of integration into Israeli society and enlistment in the IDF and National Service, in which more and more Arab-speaking Christians are taking part. It is also seen in a redefining of Christians, who shed their Arab identity and adopt the historical Aramaic identity and Israeli identity. Even among young leaders and activists in the Bedouin community and in the Arab sector, Israeli identity as a definition is gradually taking its place and these voices are becoming public.

Military service is the ticket into Israeli society, but the initiatives do not stop there and that is a good thing. Christians, Bedouins, Arab Muslims and Druze can now be seen in the forefront of public diplomacy efforts and the struggle against anti-Semitism and the delegitimization of Israel. For example, the “Reservists on Duty” organization, which organizes the extraordinary activities of Israeli minorities on campuses in the United States and Europe.



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Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blogspot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work. 

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