The currents of imperialism, ethnonationalism and racism that pervaded Nazi Germany have found firm ground in present-day Israel.
We often have to heed the past to sort out the present. The urgency of “now” demands it. We need historical wisdom to survive.
The collective wisdom of the past flowed from a letter published on December 4, 1948 in the New York Times, protesting the upcoming visit to the United States by Polish Zionist, Menachim Begin. It was signed by a number of Jewish dignitaries, including theoretical physicist Albert Einstein and political theorist, Hannah Arendt. In addition to protesting the visit, the 27 signatories denounced Begin’s Herut (Freedom) party on the grounds that it was as they wrote:
“Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times is the emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the ‘Freedom Party’ (Taunt Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties….It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughout the world, if correctly informed as to Mr. Begin’s political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents. Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state.”
The signers were outraged over reports of war crimes committed by Zionist forces during the 1947-48 war. They were particularly disturbed by the account of the massacre of hundreds in the Palestinian village of Deir Yassin by Irgun and Lehi (Stern Gang) paramilitaries in April 1948.
It should be noted, that following Israel’s declaration of statehood in May 1948, all terrorist groups like the Irgun, commanded by Menachim Begin (future prime minister, 1973-83) and the Lehi under another prime minister, Yitzhak Shamir, (1983-84;1986-1992) were absorbed into the brutal Israel “Defense” Forces (IDF).
What Arendt, Einstein and the others recognized in the Zionist state was, in their words, the “latest manifestation of fascism.” The violent ideology and conduct of the Haganah, Irgun and Stern Gang did not vanish when the 1948 war ended. It has flourished and ultimately has metastasized into the right-wing fascist Israeli regime of today. (more...)
Israel: Zionist Fascism and the Fantasy of a Greater Middle East
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