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by woodruffw 1309 days ago
What makes Israel somewhat unique is the readiness with which it deploys “less lethal” weapons. I don’t think New Zealand regularly tear gasses large areas under its control, or fires sponge-tipped bullets into crowds.

And, as a Jew: Israel is not “the Jews.” They’re a country, one that does not represent my interests, or the interests of millions of other Jews.
1 comments
_glass 1309 days ago
It does. Also New Zealand, the land of the Māori. You could construct here a narrative of "large areas under its control", i.e. European settlers vs. Māori. Israel is not a special country here.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/03/this-is-a-mome...

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woodruffw 1309 days ago
What does? Are you saying that New Zealand regularly tear gasses the Māori? I’ve never heard that before.

I have no doubt whatsoever that New Zealand’s colonization was violent, inhumane, and broadly under-accounted for. This doesn’t somehow excuse Israel, which is unique by virtue of the recency of its founding and actions.

Besides, things don’t need to be special or unique to be wrong. Everything I’ve said would apply equally even if Israel does not stand out in its contemporary applications of violence (which it does), and still bears unique relevance by claiming to represent people like me (which it doesn’t) through blanket claims of antisemitism.

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weatherlite 1299 days ago
> which is unique by virtue of the recency of its founding and actions.

Israel's founding is 74 years now - that's not super recent. When does something like this becomes OK in your eyes? Or is simply exterminating 99% of the natives as was done in Australia, Canada, U.S and New Zealand what makes it OK? Not much of a problem if almost all of them are dead and the remains live in reservoirs right?

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