john@cisden.UUCP (John Woolley) (11/28/85)
Expires: References: It would seem to me that to equate anti-Zionism (even the extreme kind that actually advocates the dismantling or destruction of the State of Israel) with anti-Semitism is incorrect. I can think of at least two ways in which a desire for the destruction of a government is entirely compatible with a love and respect for the nation and people: First, consider the situation of a Russian patriot today. He most likely would welcome the destruction of the State, and that *because* of his patriotism. The same applies, I would think, to anyone who denies the legitimacy of the current government of his country. Are any anti-Zionists of this sort? Second, a person might think that the existence of the State was destructive of the real good of the people. For instance, it wouldn't be inconsistent for me, a Catholic, to advocate the dissolution of the Vatican City, if I thought that the existence of the Vatican as an independent State was harmful to Catholicism. I think most non-Zionist Jews fit into this category. Correct me if I'm wrong. -- Peace and Good!, (Fr.) John Woolley "Quid enim sunt servi Dei nisi quidem joculatores ejus, qui corda hominum erigere debent et movere ad laetitiam spiritualem?" -- S. Franciscus
abeles@mhuxm.UUCP (J. Abeles (Bellcore, Murray Hill, NJ)) (12/06/85)
> First, consider the situation of a Russian patriot today. He most > likely would welcome the destruction of the State, and that *because* of his > patriotism. The same applies, I would think, to anyone who denies the > legitimacy of the current government of his country. Are any anti-Zionists > of this sort? Zionism is not the advocacy of a State, it is the advocacy of a homeland for Jews in Palestine, so challenging the particular government in power in Israel is not anti-Zionism... > Second, a person might think that the existence of the State was > destructive of the real good of the people. For instance, it wouldn't be > inconsistent for me, a Catholic, to advocate the dissolution of the Vatican > City, if I thought that the existence of the Vatican as an independent State > was harmful to Catholicism. I think most non-Zionist Jews fit into this > category. Correct me if I'm wrong. Again, Zionism advocates the existence of a homeland for Jews, and is not related to the form of or even existence of a government there. Practically speaking, however, the government appears to be necessary, and if the Jews in question want there to be a government, they would appear to be defended in this aspiration by Zionism (because the essence of Zionism is that there be a homeland for the Jews in which they be free to organize however they feel appropriate).