As has been discussed in DC already, the notion of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state presents serious problems. (Roadblocks to Peace and Two-Sided Response) While recognition of the Jewish State has been used as a condition for peace talks, the enactment of the Jewish character of the state (something that implies much more than Israel as a Jewish homeland) has challenged the democratic rights of the twenty per cent of Israel’s population that is of Palestinian origin.
A religious edict forbidding Jews from renting or selling property to Arabs and other non-Jews is a most recent example that has caused great controversy. My Israeli friend and DC contributor, Nachman Ben Yehuda, was quoted about the Rabbis edict in The Globe and Mail of Toronto: “Their ultimate goal is a theocratic state….In the meantime, they want to enforce division between the ultra-Orthodox and everyone else.”
But things look even more critical from the Palestinian point of view which became apparent to me when I came across an email note from Amal Eqeiq, a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship who is studying in Seattle. We worked together planning a research project on the politics of small things in Israel-Palestine. In her note, she makes clear that the democratic legitimacy of Israel is at stake. I present her message today, unedited, hoping it provokes serious deliberations.
So, 50 Rabbis signed up a religious call- Psak Halacha – asking Jews to NOT rent for Arabs. Yes, I understand that they don’t represent everybody, and that they are taking advantage of religion for political gains, and that there are different opinions, and that it is not legally binding, and that some lefties will protest in the name of human rights and for keeping face, and, and, and…”Amal, don’t take it personally,” BUT, WHAT THE FUCK?
Here is my observation about the (always guilty) Israeli media.
Haaretz says the letter is addressed for non-Jews (link) …they don’t say Arabs only…and I ask “really Haaretz?! 3anjad!! Thank you for watering down apartheid rhetoric. As a non-Jew, I feel much better now.
And of course, there is Yediot Ahronot with its more populist, yellow and sensational attitude. This time they called things in their name, because news about racism sells. In their article there was a sub-heading: “Bad Timing!” (link) And I am so curious to know when is a “good timing” for apartheid? Ya’ani, I want to know how to organize my life around that!
I checked out the list of the cities where Arabs (aka Palestinians, but it is probably blasphemous for these 50 Rabbis to so say this in the Biblical Hebrew they used in writing their petition) are not allowed to rent. 7 of these cities are within 15-20 minutes of my hometown Al-Taibeh. And of course there is Natseret Elit- built on the lands of Nazareth as well as Jerusalem. All the way from Seattle, I send a huge salute with the magnitude of Mount Rainer, to all my Arab-Palestinian family members, men and women, neighbors, friends, former students, ex-lovers and random folks who work in construction, plumping, water installation, remodeling, house cleaning, floor polishing and other maintenance jobs in Jewish towns. No, it is not Kosher for you to rent there, but your hard work and underpaid services are Glatt Kosher certified.
CNN: I will be waiting to see how you are going to cover this Jewish “fatwa.”
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