Andrew Keehan, Special to The Denisonian—
I appreciate The Denisonian’s commitment to welcoming diverse viewpoints and fostering respectful discussions. Recently they published, ‘WHEN STUDENTS DON’T SPEAK UP ABOUT INJUSTICE, THEY ARE BEING COMPLICIT.’ This article advocated for the awareness of the Palestinian cause.
While I value the authors’ perspective, I believe that a comprehensive understanding of complex issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires portrayal of both sides. Consequently, I felt compelled to share my thoughts about specific lines from the article.
1.) “Over the past month, we have witnessed Western media outlets and government officials parrot the Israeli government and frame Palestinians as a people unworthy of life and rights.”
Yes, some western media have not been sympathetic to the Palestinian civilian struggle, but it would be false to claim they only parrot Israel.
A clear example would be The New York Times publishing an article on Oct. 17th, claiming that an Israeli airstrike killed 500 people at a hospital. This was quickly proven false, and shown to be Hamas propaganda, triggering anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rallies. Media “parroting” is multifaceted, and using a terrorist organization’s rhetoric is one of the most egregious examples of this.
2.) “but these condemnations of crimes against humanity end at Hamas”
Let me be clear, it is essential for both sides to prioritize minimizing civilian casualties, especially the IDF. However, it is crucial to distinguish between Hamas and the Israeli Government, there is no equivalency. Hamas intentionally targets civilians subjecting them to unimaginable crimes, too gruesome to repeat. Whereas, the Israeli government’s focus is on targeting Hamas only, but civilians tragically get caught in the crossfire.
This is strongly due to the fact that sadly, Hamas uses civilians as human shields. One, as a tool for accusing Israel of war crimes, and two, to be less susceptible to Israeli attacks. Think, if Israel doesn’t care about civilian lives, why would Hamas leverage them to stop attacks? Unfortunately, Hamas has been putting their civilians at risk during this war.
While the number of Palestinian casualties is undeniably higher than Israeli casualties, this should not be taken as an indicator of who is right. To put it in perspective, during World War II, approximately 70,000 British civilians lost their lives, compared to around 2 million German civilians.
Civilian casualties are an unfortunate consequence of war, a war that was unquestionably initiated by Hamas. Again, I continue to pray for a stop of civilian deaths on both sides.
3.) “In Chicago, a 71-year-old man killed a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, Wadea Al-Fayoume, by stabbing him 26 times and shouting “You Muslims must die!” Students and activists, especially in Germany, the U.S., and U.K, are being harassed, assaulted, silenced, and demonized for involvement with advocacy for Palestine.”
This is a tragic act, and I pray that the poor family receives justice. This never should have happened. However, it’s important not to present the recent rise in racism as a one-sided view. Anti-Semitic incidents have concurrently risen dramatically.
Data from the Anti-Defamation League shows a significant increase in reported anti-semitic incidents since the Hamas attack on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7. One of the many examples being a nearly 1,000% increase in the daily average of violent messages mentioning Jews. While it’s crucial to highlight anti-muslim hate crimes, it’s important to see the extreme rise in anti-semitism as well.
4.) “Israel,… its apartheid regime.”
Israel’s supposed “apartheid regime” doesn’t make sense when considering its demographic diversity. Israel is home to approximately 2 million Arab citizens, comprising about 20% of the population. Arab representation in the Israeli Knesset further portrays their inclusion in the political process. What is the Jewish population in Gaza? 0%. Gaza inarguably has less racial diversity.
The Israeli-Palestine conflict is complex. I hope by highlighting another perspective, your view on the situation was enhanced, and you can continue to draw your own conclusions. I’m dedicated to open and respectful discourse and welcome the opportunity to continue this conversation.
In no way was this response meant to invalidate the issues Palestinians civilians face, as their issues are very real, horrific, and should be talked about. Additionally, providing constructive feedback on my objections to this article is encouraged. Most importantly, let us pray for the innocent lives lost in this conflict.
Anonymous
Was this article fact checked?
Apartheid is not defined by ‘racial diversity’. South African apartheid featured a majority black population, who were the victims of the apartheid. No, a lack of ‘racial diversity’ is not the defining feature of an apartheid. What defines an apartheid is the categorization of a group of people as second class citizens and the oppression of said group. This is clear in the fact that Palestinians are restricted in their freedom of movement across borders, kicking Palestinians out of their homes, and the open-air prison conditions seen in Gaza. So, yes, Israel is maintaining an apartheid, which has been declared such by HRW, Amnesty International, and Israeli scholars and officials.
Also, why are Palestinian deaths being described as ‘tragically getting caught in the crossfire’ when Israel indiscriminately bombs hospitals, homes, and other areas where Israel knows innocent people are occupying? If Israel wanted to get rid of Hamas while minimizing civilian deaths, they would not bomb areas that are filled with civilians. Also, Israel would not be committing collective punishment of Palestinians by restricting food, water, and electricity if they cared about not killing innocent people. It is very clear the Israeli military is not applying any discretion on who they kill.
Also, just because one news article published something you claim to be misinformation on the side of Hamas, it does not make up for the countless, fabricated lies US media has told in order to sway the public’s support for Israel. To wording those killed by the IDF as ‘unfortunate deaths’ to outright underselling the Palestinian death toll, US media has shown a clear bias towards Israel.
Honestly, the Denisonian should be ashamed for how wrong this article was, especially since the pro-Palestinian article that this article references took three weeks to publish. Meanwhile, this one which is filled with misinformation got put up within the week. I honestly expected more from this publication. Embarrassing.
Andrew Keehan
I appreciate your response to my article. However, I have noted a few areas of concern in your feedback that I believe require further clarification. It appears that specific segments were singled out and some aspects were taken out of context. I am eager to address these issues to ensure a more accurate understanding of my perspective.
Let’s start by examining the definition of apartheid and my application of it in the article. When I assert that Israel is not an apartheid state, I am specifically referring to the areas governed by Israel, excluding the West Bank and Gaza. Under Israeli rule, Arab citizens enjoy the same rights as Jewish citizens. It’s essential to note that the citizens of Palestine reside under Palestinian rule, not Israel. Furthermore, all Arabs in Gaza live under the governance of Hamas, which is not under the control of Israel. Israel gave over rule to Hamas in 2005.
The reference to the Jewish population in Gaza being 0% was not meant to define apartheid as “racial diversity.” Instead, its purpose was to highlight how Jewish people have been and continue to be treated, aligning with your definition of the categorization of a group as second-class citizens.
Following Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, there were no Jews living there, and this remains the case today. This circumstance is not due to preference but is a result of the Palestinian Authority’s policies. Additionally, Palestinian law deems selling land to a Jewish person a severe crime. In Gaza, the historic Jewish community has been ethnically cleansed, with their heritage and places of worship, including some remarkable ornate synagogues, largely forgotten.
It’s noteworthy that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has explicitly stated, “In a final resolution, we would not see the presence of a single Israeli – civilian or soldier – on our lands.” This underscores a policy stance rather than a matter of preference.
More credible than anything else, we should heed the perspectives of individuals who have witnessed South Africa’s apartheid firsthand and explore their insights on “Israel’s Apartheid State” (Taken from standwithus.com):
““Few of those who suffered from apartheid directly have bought into [the apartheid analogy]… racism and discrimination do not form the rationale for Israel’s policies and actions… Israel respects freedom of speech and human rights” —Rhoda Kadalie, former Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission (appointed by Nelson Mandela)
“I am shocked by the claim that the free, diverse, democratic state of Israel practices apartheid. This ridiculous accusation trivializes the word apartheid, minimizing and belittling the racism and suffering endured by South Africans of color.” —Rev. Dr. Kenneth Meshoe, Member of the South African Parliament
“Apartheid… was a project that aimed to rob a specific race of its history, culture, dignity, and humanity. Those who apply the term “apartheid” to the Israeli-Palestinian impasse are guilty of perpetuating that same theft, by denying the uniqueness of the racism and hatred that we faced, and which we have overcome with much blood and tears.” —Nkululeko Nkosi, Wits Branch Chairman of the African National Congress Youth League
Judge Richard Goldstone, who was asked by Nelson Mandela to help with the transition out of Apartheid in South Africa, has called the apartheid analogy slanderous.”
Regarding the blockade on Gaza, it’s important to note that Egypt also implemented a blockade, with Israel, following Hamas rule. The primary objective was to prevent the smuggling of weapons. Recognizing Egypt’s role in this situation provides a more comprehensive understanding.
Furthermore, you point out when I say, “tragically getting caught in the crossfire.” Israel does not intentionally target civilians, and they have been very clear of this throughout the war. They have stated repeatedly they want to minimize civilian casualties at all costs, and target only Hamas militants only. Hamas, sadly, has put their civilians at risk by camping themselves under hospitals, or in schools, putting the people they should protect at risk. Also, Hamas has blocked fuel from entering their hospitals, given by Israel to help their civilians. If Israel wanted to intentionally target civilians they would, but they are not. They are trying to do the best they can to target Hamas without getting civilians involved. Civilians have gotten caught in every war, it is just a horrible, horrible consequence of war. A question that is usually asked is how can Israel target Hamas more effectively without getting civilians involved. That is a valid question, but Israel has asserted itself that it is trying to limit civilian casualties as much as possible. Again, if they did not apply any discretion of who they killed there would be a lot more civilian deaths, and no temporary ceasefires. The claim that Israel wants to intentionally kill civilians is just false.
To the news misinformation part, it seems you are putting words in my mouth. I never claimed that one news article on the side of Hamas makes up for the fabricated lies from US media. I gave one example, and quite clearly states that, “Yes, some western media have not been sympathetic to the Palestinian civilian struggle, but it would be false to claim they only parrot Israel. ” Key word: only. Again it happens on both sides. I never said it “made up” for anything.
Then you claim to say I outright undersell the palestinian death toll. It almost seems like you didn’t fully read my article. Let me repeat what I said exactly, As I don’t know how it could be misinterpreted. 1.) “the number of Palestinian casualties is undeniably higher than Israeli casualties” 2.) ” it is essential for both sides to prioritize minimizing civilian casualties, especially the IDF” 3.) [About the Anti-Muslim attack] “This is a tragic act, and I pray that the poor family receives justice. This never should have happened.” 4.) “it’s crucial to highlight anti-muslim hate crimes” 5.) And most importantly “In no way was this response meant to invalidate the issues Palestinians civilians face, as their issues are very real, horrific, and should be talked about.”
Finally, I don’t think either I or The Denisonian should be ashamed of this article. My extensive list of sources was sent to The Denisonian, which I could also send to you. You have not accurately labeled anything in this article as misinformation, but instead use a gross exaggeration of my words, misrepresenting my claims entirely. In addition, I had several students, including Jewish students reach out to me saying how they appreciated this voice being portrayed. I think at this campus we should have both sides being voiced with a common discourse. Although it seems like you don’t want to have any civil discourse, I am still open to talking. You can reach my email at [email protected] and we can hopefully extend this conversation in a more positive light.
Peter Devaprasad
Mr. Keehan, I kindly implore you to read this and then decide whether Israel is an apartheid state: