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Haaretz is reporting on the actual situation in Israel today concerning the segregation of Jewish and Arab (Muslim and Christian) populations in Israel.

Amnon Be'eri-Sulitzeanu states that the segregation is almost absolute and that

"For those of us who live here, it is something we take for granted. But visitors from abroad cannot believe their eyes: segregated education, segregated businesses, separate entertainment venues, different languages, separate political parties ... and of course, segregated housing. In many senses, this is the way members of both groups want things to be, but such separation only contributes to the growing mutual alienation of Jews and Arabs."

He points out that these are the direct result of Zionist policies and not of the general Israeli/Jewish population. Indeed, it reinforces the findings that the Hope-Simpson report of 1930 pointed out back then about the dangers of the apartheid policies of the then minority colonies (and contrasted with the non-apartheid policies of European Jewish colonies that got on well with Palestinians).

He also points out that there are some who will see nothing wrong with segregation/apartheid and argue it is within the rights of the Zionists to exclude non-Jews. The similarities with Apartheid South Africa will be lost on these people.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/op ... e-1.321728

Cheers,
Shafique

Very strange article. Last time I was in Israel, a few months ago, I saw arabs and jews walking together everywhere at Tel Aviv University, talking, discussing and preparing assignments together. Arabs and jews travelled in the same busses. Abdullah and Moshe were smoking a siggie every morning in front of the local coffee shop. At the hospital at Kfra Saba, most visitors were Arabs. Jewish doctors helping Arab kids had first aid. etc., etc, etc...

Indeed, the reality as described by the Haaretz journalist and the portrayal of an integrated, non-racist state can't both be right.

But then again, the article also didn't mention the racism within the Israeli Jewish community - for example the over 100,000 that marched in favour of segregation in girls schools between European origin Jewish girls and their Middle Eastern Jewish fellow students a few months ago.

It also reminds me of the 'Life of Brian' sketch about 'what did the Romans ever do for us' - except in a reverse way.

i.e. "So, apart from segregation in Education, Housing, business...' there is no apartheid!

Cheers,
Shafique

Another day, another Haaretz article talking about apartheid in Israel. In this one, it states that it is already here.

Israel is quickly defining the borders of the Arab autonomy and through apartheid legislation it is granting the Arab minority a legal standing of enclaves with lesser rights; of a cultural-ethnic region which, because it is being expelled from the broader who, can also demand international recognition for its unique standing.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/op ... e-1.322052

Cheers,
Shafique