Thursday, August 10, 2006
Palestinian Media Watch reports:
In Nazareth Israeli Arabs Demonstrate in support of Hezbollah
“Occupation and invasion = terror”
“Resistance = right and obligation” [July 16, 2006]
As Israel counts more than 100 dead in its war against the Hezbollah terror organization, numerous Israeli Arabs, including Arab Knesset members, have come out in support of the enemy. A number of demonstrations and marches in support of Hezbollah have likewise been held by Israel's Arabs.
One Member of the Knesset, Azmi Bishara, even refers to the members of Hezbollah as “heroes.” He calls for Hezbollah to fight Israeli soldiers, saying, “One must settle accounts with their murderers and resist [fight] its aggression.”
The following are 15 statements by Israeli Arab leaders and victims of Hezbollah terror in support of Hezbollah, all said during the war:
Ra’oda Att’allah, Director of the Arab Culture Society in Haifa:
"The popularity of Hezbollah has grown substantially among the Arabs in Israel… the first time there is a feeling of returning the honor, and that the people are feeling for the first time that there is a group which resists [fights-ed.] and stands firm against the Israeli army."[Al-Ayyam, August 8, 2006]
Ali Mana, relative of 2 Israeli Arabs killed by Hezbollah missile:
“Hezbollah raised our heads and lifted our spirit.” [Al-Ayyam, August 8, 2006]
Wasil Taha, Arab Knesset Member:
“Resistance [Hezbollah attacks] is not terror but it is a moral value. As for terror, the state [Israel] carries it out." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 6, 2006]
Arab Knesset Member, Chairman of Balad Party, Azmi Bishara:
"Solidarity with these heroes [Hezbollah and Palestinian terrorists] is the least [we can do]." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 16, 2006]...
Update: Oh look, the BBC finally found reason to use the word "disproportionate" with regard to Israeli casualties...when the casualties are Arabs:
Even while suffering a disproportionately high number of casualties in Hezbollah rocket attacks, Dr Azmi Bishara, an Israeli Arab Knesset member and leader of the Balad political party, says that most Arab-Israelis empathise with the Lebanese.
"The division between us and the Lebanese is artificial," he says. "They are Arabs, they look like us, laugh like us, and eat the same food."...
I'm glad he admits the construct of the "Palestinian" Arab as culturally distinct is purely artificial. I doubt he speaks for all Israeli Arabs.
But then there's this:
Israel Arabs ask to be drafted to serve IDF in response to Nasrallah
"We are proud of Israel, and its just struggle," the letter reads, "and are prepared to carry out any mission that the IDF gives us."
[h/t: isirota1965]
Hezbollah has stepped up the war and in my opinion likely tutored the PLO in doing so as well.
Benny Morris flat out said with a look in his face that knew what is to come - that Israel 2 greatest threats are from within. The Palestinians - as we are now seeing likely only a small taste of what is to come in the future and the growing 5th column inside Israel - the Israeli Arabs.
Mike
Small Taste -
Referring to the rocket launches and kinapping from Gaza.
Note that the Benny Morris speech was 2 or 3 years ago at NYU.
Solomonia,
where does the item about the letter from Israel Arabs to Peretz volunteering for IDF come from? It is highly interesting.
John
Solomonia,
the story about Israeli Arabs volunteering to fight in Lebanon; where did it come from? I find no link
John
Whoops, I screwed up the link. It goes to the right place now (IMRA).