Fanaticism. Who? Us?

Editorial

It is often said – by critics of Israel and, sometimes, by Zionists as well – that Canadian advocates of Israel tend to see issues in black and white. The implication, that Diaspora Zionists are fanatics, is almost a cliché. How often do we hear from opponents that our support for Israel is "unquestioning" or "uncritical"?

It is certainly true that there are those among us who hold our views strongly and with few reservations. But, as a community, we have a laudable diversity of opinion, a diversity the Independent proudly welcomes. If Canadian Jews' defence of Israel seems overly fervent, this may be in part because we do not have the immediacy and immersion in the issues to see the nuance. It may also be that the overheated denunciations of Israel force us into a defensive position, both as Zionists and as Jews.

Most Canadians, especially on the left, fail to understand the centrality with which Israel is held by Diaspora Jews. Many Zionists equate the survival of Israel with the survival of the Jewish people in total. The shrieking horde, vilifying Israel as an "apartheid" state or otherwise depicting it as an unwelcome member of the world community, say they are speaking of Israel, of course, not about Jews. But, some might reasonably ask, if you don't care about the safety, security or survival of the Jews of Israel, how much, really, could you care about the Jews who live among you?

If you want to see real fanaticism and issues portrayed in black and white, have a look at the "other side." Though speaking one's mind at some Zionist events may provoke the odd catcall, the unanimity and certainty among Israel's critics, especially on campuses in North America, is far less welcoming to diversity of opinion.

Khaled Abu Toameh, an Israeli, Arab and Palestinian journalist who was here last week, said that even in Ramallah he does not hear "Death to the Jews," but he hears it on North American campuses.

After having been prevented from speaking at Simon Fraser University several years ago, an Israeli diplomat said he had never been treated with such hostility anywhere he went in the Arab world. So much for Canadian timidity. Anyone who has seen the angry faces and heard the hysterical baying of anti-Israel protesters, know that fanaticism is not characteristic of one side only.

Like so many aspects of the local debate on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, this is a case of the pot calling the kettle uncompromising. For all the inherent pain and passion this issue evokes, Canada's Jewish community does a pretty good job of ensuring diverse views are heard. But ask anyone who has tried to challenge the orthodoxy among the anti-Israel crowds in the NDP, in trade unions and on campuses across Canada – they know what intolerance is.

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