A recent statement issued by the Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of 60 grassroots organizations, describes Israel as “an apartheid state with over 50 laws on the books that sanction discrimination against the Palestinian people.” Progressive organizations from all over the world have endorsed the platform, to end state violence and genocide against Black people.
Recognizing this as a shared experience with Palestinians, what has generated the greatest backlash are the words “genocide” and “apartheid” to describe Israel’s actions towards Palestinians, and its support for BDS. This has led Jewish groups of all stripes to reject the statement outright, “We were stunned and outraged by the erroneous and egregious claims of genocide and apartheid” the Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative movement said.
The Anti-Defamation League supposed mission statement is to stand against “all forms of bigotry, defend democratic ideals and protect civil rights for all,” CEO Jonathan Greenblatt had this to say, “Whatever one’s position on the relationship between Israel, its Palestinian citizens, and the residents in the West Bank and Gaza, it’s repellent and completely inaccurate to label Israel’s policy as ‘genocide’.”
To say that occupation exists best in the dark explains the controversy surrounding use of the words “genocide” and “apartheid.” It also explains what’s a simple fact to those on the receiving end of the reality on the ground, causes so much confusion and strife to those who are not.
The irony should not be lost on us that the same people opposed to the use of “genocide” and “apartheid” are the same people justifying, therefore perpetuating and complicit in, the crimes in Palestine.
Similarly in the US, police are not held accountable and their supporters are in deep denial of the state violence and countless crimes against Black people taking place in their name. All those making justifications and denunciations, who are outraged — not at the…