Israel and the Holocaust

Submitted by hyman peskin (Canada), May 3, 2008 at 11:42

There is a great deal of concern that the North American Jewish communities are reacting to the mid-east situation with apathy and disinterest, particularly amongst the under 35 year old set. Why should that be? the answer is obvious. It is almost impossible to sustain an attitude of heightened anxiety and fear for a period of 60 years. And even more important is the tactics of fear mongering being employed.Every enemy of Israel is Hitler.Every enemy of Israel is threatening the Holocaust.

Nasser was Hitler, in 1991 Saddam was Hitler, in 2003 Saddam was Hitler again, Arafat of course was Hitler, but much worse. And now we are working ourselves into a lather over Obama.It does not take a genius to realize that if you cry wolf falsely too many times your cries will eventually be ignored.

The present situation in the mid-east is not even remotely related to what occured in pre-second world war Europe. The Holocaust was a very distinct event and any attempts to capitalize on it for some political advantage is immoral and in the long run self- defeating.

As a member of a family which was largely wiped out in the European ghettos, I am very resentful that the memory of those victims are being exploted and debased in this manner.

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