Conversation with a Zionist

One afternoon I met a Zionist. When I told him that I visited Israel/Palestine several times, found nothing to be as I expected, then wrote about my observations, he pleaded with me to always exalt the Jews.

I listened patiently while this highly-educated and well-intentioned Zionist reeled off myth after myth.

Because he provided the opportunity, I later responded with a letter reproduced here in part.

Entering into dialogue

As promised, I have given much thought to our conversation. Although it was not appropriate to debate you about Zionism at the time, you handed me your card before we parted so I understood your hope to continue our conversation.

Jewish superiority

You insisted the world is better off because of the determined accomplishments of Jews so it is best if no one gets in their way.

Another way this is sometimes put is: Jews are the intellectual elite of the Western world. Nevertheless, no matter how it is stated, there is no compelling evidence to substantiate the claim - although dozens of Zionists have made the effort.

Still, there is a strong Jewish presence in society so it makes sense for us to ask how Jews became so prominent.

High visibility of Jews

Anthropologist Karen Brodkin explains in her book, "How Jews Became White Folks" (1998) that throughout history Jews were excluded from many occupations. Since nobody wanted the job of banker, for instance, it was open to Jews and eventually Jews turned into strong financiers.

We are also indebted to Jews for the near-recession-proof industry of show business. The Jews behind the camera - studio owners, producers, and directors - naturally elevated other Jews to stardom if their performances drew praise. And the early movie stars changed their names to better conceal their ethnicity.

Brodkin's work also explains that children of Jewish immigrants excelled in school, not because Jews are smarter, but because Jews were ostracized by their classmates. While the non-Jews were out socializing, the Jewish kids stayed inside studying for exams.

These days, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, the Ivy League schools meet affirmative action goals by admitting high percentages of Jews and Asians.

So this is how we get a strong visible Jewish presence in our society. Some Jews entered professions no one else wanted and succeeded. Other Jews were larger than life on the movie screen, acting in films selected by and directed by Jews who may have been Zionists. Today, Jewish students routinely apply to the top schools, and the Ivy Leagues are well known for their incestuous hiring practices. Jews who graduate from Ivy League schools are frequently hired as professors and top administrators.

Nature vs. nurture

What we are talking about here is cultural achievement; not to be confused with God-given right. If contributions made by Jews benefited the world to a greater degree than contributions made by non-Jews, wouldn't this mean non-Jews lack intellect? Since this has been proven to not be the case, it follows that Zionists have good reason to re-examine this core belief.

De-humanizing "the other"

You said the Jews of Israel are outnumbered by Arabs who breed uncontrollably.

Let's first consider what "Arab" means in this context because an Arab is simply someone whose first language is Arabic. (The exceptions are the Druze and the Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews who don't call themselves Arabs.)

In Israel there are Arabs who hold full citizenship. There are also Arabs in Israel who are permanent residents. Other Arabs live in areas militarily occupied by Israel. And Israel is bordered by several Arab countries. So, whenever Zionists use the term "Arab," it makes sense to ask for clarification.

Pitting "Jews" against "Arabs" in the same sentence makes it seem like all the Arabs in the world are against the Jews of Israel. And this is not true. What Zionists usually mean by "Arab" are those Christians and Muslims who live in the occupied territories. So, let's look at that statement again.

You said the Jews of Israel are outnumbered by non-Jews who breed uncontrollably.

First, why might this be so? Around the world, it is the educated people who practice birth control, and Israel routinely closes schools attended by non-Jews. Frequent border closings prevent non-Jews in the occupied territories from getting to their places of work in Israel so there goes the children's college fund. And enforced curfews require non-Jews to stay inside for days at a time. If they go outside, they get shot.

Second, is this so? A deferment system exempts about 30,000 Orthodox Jews every year from the mandatory three-year military service while providing them with higher education at religious schools at no charge. These Jews spend their lives in study and prayer. They do not pay taxes, they receive housing and welfare stipends, and their families are increasing at an exponential rate - prompting ongoing construction of Jews-only housing.

Third, why is this claim repeated so often? Because studies show this to be an effective technique used to de-humanize "the other." By emphasizing the "sin" of allowing unworthy life to breed, people are eased into acceptance of intolerant policies. In this way it becomes a moral imperative - the duty of every decent citizen - to participate in collective punishment based on differences in race or religion.

Demanding evidence

I hope you will consider the information I have shared with you here. And, on those points in which we disagree, I challenge you to find solid, verifiable evidence to support your views.

All too often, when it comes to Zionism and Israel/Palestine, legends (traditions) are misrepresented as fact. Still, no matter how many times a popular myth is repeated, it doesn't make it true.