"The unwavering support for Israel by Western nations, particularly the United States, is not just a political alliance but a reflection of shared imperialistic values. This alliance, however, is proving to be a Pyrrhic victory for the West. The insistence on maintaining this outpost of Western imperialism is increasingly alienating global opinion, destabilizing international relations, and revealing the lie of a Western advocacy for democracy and human rights.
The cloak of "civility, democracy, and freedom"—meticulously cultivated by the West for centuries through the imposition of Westernized (and whitified) Christianity, propagandistic education, and later Hollywood and algorithms—is now being destroyed within a matter of months. The emperor wears no clothes anymore and can be seen for the rotten, racist, materialistic, and violent entity that it is.
As the global community becomes more interconnected and aware, the stark inconsistencies and injustices of the Israeli state and its backers are laid bare. What was once a tool for regional dominance is morphing into a catalyst for international disdain and disapproval, undermining the very global hegemony it was meant to preserve."
Great article, thank you. I have maybe a harsher perspective: Israel embodies all the evil and atrocities that Western colonialism has committed since the Peace of Westphalia.
You rightly point out that many Jews saw themselves as patriotic citizens of their respective countries, often disconnected from Zionist ideologies. This diversity in Jewish self-perception and the tragic irony of their persecution, despite their contributions to their national communities, is an important aspect of European history.
However, the argument presented about Zionism and its relationship with white supremacy does not negate these individual identities but rather examines the broader systemic forces at play. Zionism, particularly in its political form, was indeed supported by some European figures who were simultaneously anti-Semitic and saw it as a solution to the "Jewish Question." This is a historical fact that does not undermine the Jewish or European identity felt by many Jews but highlights the geopolitical manipulations of the time.
The focus on white supremacy within the context of Zionism refers specifically to the dynamics of colonialism and racial hierarchy that were exported from Europe to the Middle East. This includes the transplantation of a European-style state into an overwhelmingly non-European region and the adoption of colonial practices and attitudes towards the indigenous Arab population. The mention of "Ashkenazi-white" Jewish identity is not to say that all Ashkenazi Jews are white supremacists but to highlight how European Jews brought with them certain racial ideologies that were prevalent in their societies.
It's important to note that critiquing these aspects of Israeli society and Zionist ideology is not an indictment of all Jewish people or of Judaism but is a critique of a political and social system that has perpetuated inequality. Like all countries and movements, Zionism and Israel are complex and can be critiqued without dismissing the legitimate desires of Jews for safety and self-determination that were part of Zionism's appeal.
Moreover, the critique of Western support for Israel as reflecting shared imperialistic values does not imply that all Americans or Westerners are supremacists. Rather, it critiques the policies of Western governments that have often supported oppressive regimes, including but not limited to Israel, for strategic and economic reasons. This support often contradicts the stated values of democracy and human rights that these nations publicly advocate.
The critique provided is aimed at understanding the broader historical and systemic forces that have shaped Israeli policies and the role of Western powers in the region. It is a call for a deeper reflection on these painful and, mostly, ignored issues.
As a Dutch European myself I respectfully disagree. Whiteness and white supremacy and the idea of race were uniquely European inventions that originated out of the colonization of 'non-white' groups of people around the world. The identity of "white" is a very recent invention but a crucial and exceptionally important factor in the unequal world we see today. In my opinion it needs to be central to most analyses of intergroup dynamics.
This is so true -- and well put.
"The unwavering support for Israel by Western nations, particularly the United States, is not just a political alliance but a reflection of shared imperialistic values. This alliance, however, is proving to be a Pyrrhic victory for the West. The insistence on maintaining this outpost of Western imperialism is increasingly alienating global opinion, destabilizing international relations, and revealing the lie of a Western advocacy for democracy and human rights.
The cloak of "civility, democracy, and freedom"—meticulously cultivated by the West for centuries through the imposition of Westernized (and whitified) Christianity, propagandistic education, and later Hollywood and algorithms—is now being destroyed within a matter of months. The emperor wears no clothes anymore and can be seen for the rotten, racist, materialistic, and violent entity that it is.
As the global community becomes more interconnected and aware, the stark inconsistencies and injustices of the Israeli state and its backers are laid bare. What was once a tool for regional dominance is morphing into a catalyst for international disdain and disapproval, undermining the very global hegemony it was meant to preserve."
Appreciate it.
Ditto, Diana. So true, and so well put!
Indeed, a cult of genocide and ethnic cleansing….white supremacy and racism is their common calling!
Outstanding. well-written post, Karim!
Appreciate it, Leon! Glad you like it.
Great article, thank you. I have maybe a harsher perspective: Israel embodies all the evil and atrocities that Western colonialism has committed since the Peace of Westphalia.
https://open.substack.com/pub/laithmohammad11/p/on-isreal-ai-and-the-end-of-humanity?r=g4rrc&utm_medium=ios
Thanks. I think our perspective in that sense is actually the same.
You rightly point out that many Jews saw themselves as patriotic citizens of their respective countries, often disconnected from Zionist ideologies. This diversity in Jewish self-perception and the tragic irony of their persecution, despite their contributions to their national communities, is an important aspect of European history.
However, the argument presented about Zionism and its relationship with white supremacy does not negate these individual identities but rather examines the broader systemic forces at play. Zionism, particularly in its political form, was indeed supported by some European figures who were simultaneously anti-Semitic and saw it as a solution to the "Jewish Question." This is a historical fact that does not undermine the Jewish or European identity felt by many Jews but highlights the geopolitical manipulations of the time.
The focus on white supremacy within the context of Zionism refers specifically to the dynamics of colonialism and racial hierarchy that were exported from Europe to the Middle East. This includes the transplantation of a European-style state into an overwhelmingly non-European region and the adoption of colonial practices and attitudes towards the indigenous Arab population. The mention of "Ashkenazi-white" Jewish identity is not to say that all Ashkenazi Jews are white supremacists but to highlight how European Jews brought with them certain racial ideologies that were prevalent in their societies.
It's important to note that critiquing these aspects of Israeli society and Zionist ideology is not an indictment of all Jewish people or of Judaism but is a critique of a political and social system that has perpetuated inequality. Like all countries and movements, Zionism and Israel are complex and can be critiqued without dismissing the legitimate desires of Jews for safety and self-determination that were part of Zionism's appeal.
Moreover, the critique of Western support for Israel as reflecting shared imperialistic values does not imply that all Americans or Westerners are supremacists. Rather, it critiques the policies of Western governments that have often supported oppressive regimes, including but not limited to Israel, for strategic and economic reasons. This support often contradicts the stated values of democracy and human rights that these nations publicly advocate.
The critique provided is aimed at understanding the broader historical and systemic forces that have shaped Israeli policies and the role of Western powers in the region. It is a call for a deeper reflection on these painful and, mostly, ignored issues.
As a Dutch European myself I respectfully disagree. Whiteness and white supremacy and the idea of race were uniquely European inventions that originated out of the colonization of 'non-white' groups of people around the world. The identity of "white" is a very recent invention but a crucial and exceptionally important factor in the unequal world we see today. In my opinion it needs to be central to most analyses of intergroup dynamics.