Comments on: Why I stand on Israel’s Memorial Day

By: Koshiro

Koshiro — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:19:58 +0000

“or a victim of a terror attack”
What are the criteria for this? I mean, he *was* killed by Palestinians; that’s why I ask. Are all people – except active-duty IDF personnel – killed by Palestinians “terror victims” or are there exceptions? Is Goldstein the only exception then?

By: Dov Ben Moshe

Dov Ben Moshe — Thu, 12 May 2011 06:44:15 +0000

Since Goldstein wasn’t a soldier serving in the IDF at the time of his death (despite his wearing a uniform) or a victim of a terror attack, he is not counted on Memorial Day.

By: Koshiro

Koshiro — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:26:35 +0000

I can’t speak for the “Jewish peace camp”, but I don’t perform empty rituals of this sort for any amorphous group of dead people, as you could’ve concluded yourself. So, can you actually answer the question, which was an honest one? If you cannot or will not, be so kind to refrain from any more pointless counter-questions, especially if they are thinly-disguised strawmen.

By: Ben Israel

Ben Israel — Wed, 11 May 2011 18:53:35 +0000

Are the Palestinian suicide bombers counted among the Palestinian dead the Jewish “peace camp” are mourning?

By: Koshiro

Koshiro — Wed, 11 May 2011 18:26:38 +0000

I just don’t see how any rational human being can see value in such a ritual, no matter for which army.

Militaries and wars are necessary (or sometimes not so necessary) evils. I can see how a limited amount of internal traditions and rituals might be beneficial for the efficient operation of a military, but mass ritualistic demonstrations of loyalty (yes, yes, “respect”) by civilians towards military forces… that seems highly dubious to me.

And this not even considering the implication that by honoring Israel’s war dead collectively, you are also honoring war criminals. By the way, since someone brought him up: Is Baruch Goldstein counted among the meticulously researched number of military dead?

By: Ethan Schwartz

Ethan Schwartz — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:05:46 +0000

As I explain to my young pupils, I stand in memory of all those killed in Israel’s wars, Jews and Arabs, those who have been killed and those who have killed. During those moments of contemplation I think of the future we could have without war, of the application of the money spent on bullets and bombs to education rather then to death and destruction.

By: nurit peled-elhanan

nurit peled-elhanan — Wed, 11 May 2011 06:34:09 +0000

Aziz, you are the lignt in the darkness. If everyone were like you we would have had peace so long ago it aches.

By: Mitchell Cohen

Mitchell Cohen — Tue, 10 May 2011 07:18:18 +0000

@Rashid- If it is as black and white as you say, then there is really no point in Israel negotiating is there? I mean if Israel either has a right to exist or she doesn’t, then there is no point in trying to make “peace” with those (read YOU) who believe in the latter.

By: Ezequiel Kopel

Ezequiel Kopel — Tue, 10 May 2011 00:41:09 +0000

Mr Rashid Ali: If Ms Zonszein is Baruch Goldstein (with or without the beard?), I think you are smoking too much bad hashis or…. you are thinking that everyone who dont think like you is your enemy. This transform you in another… Goldstein?. Pappe or Goldstein? only two types?. Your idea is the same idea that i heard from the mouths of the settlers, you are a good arab(who works for them) or you are a bad arab(who is a freedom figther).
PD: Maybe Ms Zonszein is the virgin Mary? she is jewish like her.

By: Rashid Ali

Rashid Ali — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:48:36 +0000

Sound nuanced, kind of like a pregnant virgin. Either you are Baruch Goldstein or Ilan Pappe. The fact that you stand makes you Baruch Goldstein