In an incredibly ironic move, the U.S. based Simon Weisenthal Center has announced plans to build a “tolerance museum” in Jerusalem on an Arab graveyard that contains at least 800 graves. The Weisenthal Center has led the way in seeking the apprehension and adjudication of former Nazis accused of involvement in the Holocaust. (“Simon Weisenthal Centre to build ‘tolerance museum’ on Arab graveyard,” Times Online, February 12, 2010.) Promoting tolerance for Jews and demanding justice for those who persecuted the Jews while disrespecting Arabs is paradoxical and self-defeating.
New York Times op-ed columnist Roger Cohen recently (“Hard Mideast Truths,” February 13, 2010) echoed that point:
Here’s what I believe. Centuries of persecution culminating in the Holocaust created a moral imperative for a Jewish homeland, Israel, and demand of America that it safeguard that nation in the breach.
But past persecution of the Jews cannot be a license to subjugate another people, the Palestinians. Nor can the solemn U.S. promise to stand by Israel be a blank check to the Jewish state when its policies undermine stated American aims.
Peace without justice for all is impossible.
2 comments:
No matter how many books are written, it seems our current society can not or will not understand history with the social and cultural norms of the day. It will be interesting to see how history grades us for our postures in how we deal with world issues.
Cause and effect over time would be completely different depending on the era.
Amen!
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