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Inside the Middle East
October 10, 2010
Posted: 1327 GMT

Israeli cabinet ministers on Sunday approved by a majority vote a controversial proposal which would require every non-Jew wishing to become a citizen of Israel to vow loyalty to "the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state."

The law has been the subject of much controversy, especially among Israel's Arab minority.

Arab Knesset member Ahmed Tibi from the Ra'am-Ta'al party criticized the proposed move last week, saying that "the values of Jewish and Democratic cannot be in the same definition because democracy is the equality of all the citizens. But an ethnic definition as Jewish is the preference of the Jew over that of the Arab and therefore it fixates an inferior status to 20 percent of the population."

In describing the reasons for the timing of the proposed change of language, Mark Regev, a spokesman for Netanyahu, said last week, "What we are asking others to accept we have to demand of ourselves" - a reference to the recent Israeli government demand that Palestinians recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people.

Israel is home to roughly 6 million Jewish citizens and 1.5 million Arab citizens.

Read the full article in the Israeli daily Haaretz.

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Filed under: Israel •Palestinians


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proud zionist   October 10th, 2010 5:57 pm ET

Tibi the advisor to AZrafat is a pet quote of racist CNN

Tibi, the terrorist lover and member of Knesset

you want to know about Tibi:

Here:

In his interview, Tibi made it clear that he has no intention of serving as a bridge between Israeli Arabs, Palestinians and Israeli Jews. But he also made it clear that he would never give up his Israeli citizenship or passport for a future Palestinian identity. And why would he? Would a Palestinian parliament allow a member to travel freely to an enemy state, such as the Arab Knesset members' recent public visit to Libya? Would a Palestinian parliament allow one of its members to serve as an adviser to a hostile government? For those who may not know, Tibi served as Yasser Arafat's adviser on Israeli affairs while simultaneously serving as a member of the Knesset.
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Tibi knows that no Arab country would afford him the freedoms that the Jewish state does. After all, Arab Knesset members are even allowed to travel to Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, the terrorist organization that vows to exterminate the Jewish state. Israeli Arab lawmakers travel there to express their support, then return to their Knesset offices to make their case to Israeli and international media. Is any such freedom available in the Arab world? Of course not! Tibi knows this; he relies on such freedoms to do his work.
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Finally, allow me to reference Ishmael Khaldi who was — until recently — Israel's deputy consul general in San Francisco. Khaldi is a Bedouin who now serves as an adviser to Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman; he will visit Los Angeles in June to speak about his personal experiences. Below is an excerpt from what he said in a San Francisco Chronicle interview in March 2009:
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"I am a proud Israeli — along with many other non-Jewish Israelis such as Druze, Baha'i, Bedouin, Christians and Muslims, who live in one of the most culturally diversified societies and the only true democracy in the Middle East…. By any yardstick you choose — educational opportunity, economic development, women and gay's rights, freedom of speech and assembly, legislative representation — Israel's minorities fare far better than any other country in the Middle East."
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I may not agree with Tibi's comments, but I do recognize the importance of his right to express his opinions. The freedom of expression, granted to Tibi by the only democratic state in the Middle East, is one that is also enjoyed by all Israeli citizens — Jews and Arabs alike.
Jacob Dayan is the consul general of Israel in Los Angeles.

proud zionist   October 10th, 2010 6:00 pm ET

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States....

Any new citizen must swear:

Solemnly, freely, and without mental reservation, I hereby renounce under oath all allegiance to any foreign state. My fidelity and allegiance from this day forward is to the United States of America. I pledge to support, honor, and be loyal to the United States, its Constitution, and its laws. Where and if lawfully required, I further commit myself to defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, either by military, noncombatant, or civilian service. This I do solemnly swear, so help me God.

What a racist oath, if the person swearing does not believe in god, imagine .......

proud zionist   October 10th, 2010 6:03 pm ET

Ahmed Tibi, Arafat's advisor

CNN, name one Arab citizen of ANY Arab country that is an advisor to Natanyahu? was an advisor to Barak, Peres, Rabin?

None?

of course not, he would have been sentenced to death (in Saudi Arabia by stoning)

But you CNN, quote Tibi, the advisor to Arafat the arch terrorist who personally ordered the death of the US ambassador to Khartum, remember? Or CNN has a short memory when it come to Arab terror?

Justice   October 10th, 2010 6:29 pm ET

New law makes racism mandatory.. shame we fund these fascists:(

Smith in Oregon   October 11th, 2010 8:50 am ET

Despite America's constitutional framers being dead set against theocratic governments which revolve around a 'state ordered and run religion', American taxpayers are being forced to give at least 3 Billion free taxpayer dollars to Israel per year which works out to over 2,000 free American dollars to every Israeli family across Israel PER YEAR.

Well more Russian troops died in the siege of Berlin than ALL the Jew's killed by the Nazi's, and yet Russian Jews are routinely treated like dirt by the Zionist Apartheid Israeli Government who are now pushing the 'Allegiance to Israel Pledges' and extremely heartless new Israeli Citizenship requirements which appear to order the deportation of thousands of Israeli children and their familys with 4 years or less of Israeli citizenship.

A large number of Israeli citizens have told me in person that the ultra conservative Zionist Apartheid Israeli government of Netanyahu's new citizenship law is directly to get rid of a recent wave of Russian Jews which were previously granted Israeli citizenship some 3-4 years ago.

Of the hundreds of thousands of European gypsy's and Romanian people that were rounded up with the Jews across Europe, sent to the same concentration camps, stood beside them in the ditches as they were executed, I have not heard of a single Zionist official raising their hands to help a single Gypsy out. Do the Zionist think and teach no Gypsy's were murdered during the Holocaust?

proud zionist   October 11th, 2010 10:49 am ET

Smitty, liar:

According to Grigoriy Krivosheev's work based on declassified archival data, Soviet forces sustained 81,116 dead for the entire operation, which included the Battles of Seelow Heights and the Halbe;[7] Another 280,251 were reported wounded or sick during the operational period.[7][nb 8] The operation also cost the Soviets about 2,000 armored vehicles, though the number of irrevocable losses (write-offs) is not known. Initial Soviet estimates based on kill claims placed German losses at 458,080 killed and 479,298 captured,[nb 9] and one German estimate puts the number of dead to approximately 100,000.[9] The number of civilian casualties is unknown,[8] but 125,000 are estimated to have perished during the entire operation.[110]

miriam   October 11th, 2010 12:02 pm ET

Smith,

No family in Israel receives any free dollars from the since the aid is purely military, following an agreement made about 40 years ago when the US needed Israel to be strong during the Cold War. The Soviet Union may be gone but there are other US interests in the ME that require the US to keep the only democratic, Western nation protected from their substitutes and successors.

The government of Israel is a coalition of left and right wing parties which include veteran and recent immigrants, Jews whose families have been in Israel for centuries and Arabs. There are MKs on the right who are against the amendment of the law and MKs on the left who support it.

Israelis, including those in government, have frequently stood up for the rights of minorities in Israel and abroad.

The Knesset includes Bedouins, the Middle Eastern wandering people, who have full citizenship rights in Israel unlike many of the Bedouin inhabiting other countries of the region.

In 1977, Israel absorbed and granted citizenship to Vietnamese boat people. Members of the SLA, escaping the Hizbollah/Iranian take over of southern Lebanon have been granted citizenship and at this moment there are thousands of African refugees crossing into Israel where they know that after examination of each case, they will become Israeli citizens.

Perhaps if it wasn't for the Israeli citizens you communicate with, who are the very individuals who, by abusing the democratic values, freedoms and rights of Israel, are leaders in the demonization and delegitimization of the Jewish state, there would have been no move to amend the law that took for granted the citizen's allegience to the Jewish and democratic values of the state.

It seems that what you "hear" from Israelis is rather selective, one-sided and innaccurate.

proud zionist   October 11th, 2010 12:19 pm ET

Ahmed Tibi by advising terrorists is a traitor to the state

he should be deported to Gaza

Wilson   October 11th, 2010 10:33 pm ET

It is clear to see that Zionist Israel is about domination, not defence or security. I believe Israel's own inhumane actions against Palestinians and their supporters pose the greatest threat to her own security.

Shame on Israel!

Ruth   October 11th, 2010 10:44 pm ET

Before all those making excuses for Israel's unjustified violence descend let me just say that sporting sanctions should be imposed as a first step to a more comprehensive programme of trade sanctions. We can all do our part by refusing to buy anything from Israel or the West Bank (the latter almost always come from illegal Israeli settlers) – check supermarket labels, herbs especially.

And it really is time Israel was expelled from the Eurovision Song Contest.

Mary   October 11th, 2010 10:47 pm ET

Human rights and supporting Israel just don't go together.

Patrick   October 11th, 2010 10:50 pm ET

Israel is the latest Apartheid State and lets hopes it will go the same way that the last one did.

Francesca   October 11th, 2010 10:59 pm ET

The Jews claim a right to return after 2000 years, but they wont give Palestinian refugees a right to return after 60 years.

Zionism is an ugly and vile form of humanity. Why do our politicians send 3 billion in annual aid to these Israeli criminal? I oppose bailouts and nobody gets a bigger annual bailout than the racist state of Israel.

Why do we support the racial hatred which manifests as Zionism? America wake up and end your support for the murdering thugs in Israel.

Jerusalem   October 11th, 2010 11:07 pm ET

Israel was covertly very supportive of Apartheid South Africa, (including substantial arms trade )which is no doubt why many Israelis are so comfortable with apartheid policy within Israel today.

Israel is not geographically in Europe and politically seems to be stuck in the 19th century. They're encouraging their radicals in settling greater Israel by an illegal land grab. More worrying is the grubby tolerance by western nations of Israel's gunboat diplomacy.

Thank god the world is finally waking up to this tragic injustice. Israels violent prejudice has been left to run for 60 years. Its time to put a stop to their madness.

Brother   October 11th, 2010 11:10 pm ET

Lets face it, Israel is a truly sick society.

The last Israeli president had to resign because of sex allegations against him. Corruption and abuse starts at the top in Israel. Ariel Sharon, before his stroke, was facing corruption investigations and probable charges, as well as possible war crimes charges

Johnny baby   October 11th, 2010 11:14 pm ET

International sanctions are vital in forcing Israelis to face up to what they are doing.

Appeasement hasn't worked, its simply emboldened the aggressor. Israeli's are still killing to feel secure when the reality is they'll never feel secure, the insecurity is in their psyche and every civilian killed in self defence (apparently the IDF can only kill people in self defence) is only making it worse.

As Israel is not in Europe a good place to start would be ban this Zionist criminal state from the European Cup. Why was Israel even invited to compete? We all know the answer, about time it ended. Economic sanctions to follow.

University Rector   October 11th, 2010 11:21 pm ET

I agree with the idea for a world wide boycott of Israel. But Israel will always top the list as a leading exporter of terrorism.

The occupation has been going on since '67.

No other country on earth is laying siege to a small piece of land containing 1.5 million people, which is a war crime by the way.

Only Israel has half a million of it's citizens living on stolen land. Palestinians are terrorized on a daily bases to keep them submissive.

Smith in Oregon   October 11th, 2010 11:44 pm ET

Now that the tiny nation of Apartheid Israel has openly declared themselves as a Theocratic Jewish nation, it is entirely UNCONSTITUTIONAL to force America's Taxpayers to pour Billions of free taxpayer dollars (3 Billion or more per year) to the Theocratic nation of Apartheid Israel who is not in need of feeding their people and is armed to the teeth with hundreds of Billions of free US Military weapons and hardware.

America's constitutional framers and founding fathers were dead set against theocratic governments which revolve around a 'state ordered and run religion'. Forcing American taxpayers to support and sacrifice billions of dollars every year to the Zionist Theocratic nation of Israel is utterly Unconstitutional.

Captain America   October 12th, 2010 5:52 pm ET

It seems Israel sees no reason why it should make peace with a people it occupies and dominates. Israel is interested in their land and will not allow anything to get in the way.

It is imperitive that people of conscience around the world work to isolate, undermine and subvert this racial supremacist state, Israel.

Filipe   October 13th, 2010 9:40 am ET

The United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine was a resolution adopted on 29 November 1947 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Its title was United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 (II) Future Government of Palestine.

The resolution recommended the termination of the British Mandate for Palestine and the partition of the territory into two states, one Jewish and one Arab.

I'm really not sure what all the spewing of BS about the oath is all about!

Just something for the people who hate Israel to whine and cry about.

John A   October 13th, 2010 11:30 am ET

Q. What countries recognize Israel as a Jewish state
A. None

Why non? Because to associate a nation with one religion automatically gives status to one religion and lowers the status of others. i.e. it is discriminatory and unlawful.

Even Iran allows Christians freedom and equality. which shows you how disgusting Zionist Israel is.

miriam   October 13th, 2010 12:16 pm ET

Brother, and all the other hypocritical comments above,

There are many in the Muslim/Arab world who are jealous of the judicial processes that are in place in Israel, which are able investigate and judge the accusations of abuse and corruption, even of its leaders.

Of course, Israel is not the only democratic, western nation that has leaders that are the subject of accusations and investigations, often victims of opposition or media ideological witch-hunts, a feature of open media and freedom of expression.

If any of you spared some time to reveal the citizenship oaths, ceremonies and laws of other countries in the world, including your own, you may realize that the one Jewish state, re-established as the national homeland of the people who have a religious, historical and cultural connection to the land, and who have suffered expulsions, massacres and discrimination in every country thay have passed through, is not unique in having religious values, nationalist sentiments, minority populations or, for that matter, territorial disputes.

However, she is unique in the disproportionate, obssessive, hypocritical and baseless abuse and criticism she is subjected to by anti-western, anti-nationalist, libertarian, religiously fanatic and radically left-wing activists who favour and support oppressive, anti-democratic regimes with global domination objectives and no respect for human-rights and tolerance.

proud zionist   October 13th, 2010 5:51 pm ET

johnny baby

"Even Iran allows Christians freedom and equality"

you show your true colors as a shameless liar and idiot

Filipe   October 14th, 2010 9:47 am ET

Johnny Baby,

Your own USA recogonizes Israel as a Jewish State, as well as all of the UN member nations who voted Yes for UN Resolution 181 which created the State of Israel in Mandate Palestine as a JEWISH State.

Read it !!!!!

Get over it !!!

Filipe   October 14th, 2010 12:41 pm ET

John Baby,

Even Iran is officially "The Islamic State of Iran" !!!!

Talk about double speak.

So, you statement....... "Because to associate a nation with one religion automatically gives status to one religion and lowers the status of others. i.e. it is discriminatory and unlawful."....... must also apply to your brethren in Iran!

University Rector   October 14th, 2010 2:03 pm ET

Filipe,

Actually you should take your own advice and read UN resolution 181. No state in the world recognizes Israel as a Jewish state. But most states including Palestine recognize Israel.

Filipe please get over your pretence of being clever, you only fool yourself.

Proud Zionist, get an education and use reason. Your name calling is truly pathetic! Do you pretend their are no Christians in Iran. Please get over yourself and be honest for once.

University Rector   October 14th, 2010 2:06 pm ET

P.Zionist, Do you pretend there are no Christians in Iran?

(I correct the grammar in my earlier post, before a single typo becomes your lame excuse to remain in ignorant).

miriam   October 14th, 2010 3:20 pm ET

John A,

Israel is the only country in the ME where the Christian population is increasing.

Israel recognizes all religious communities and every Israeli citizen and resident is free to worship whichever religion he wants, unlike most states in the region, including Iran. Just ask the Ba'hai.

Your interpretation of religion and state is that of the Muslim states.

Israel is a state based on Jewish values and not specifically Jewish law. Most Western states are based on Judeo-Christian values.

Israel is a secular state, much like the 13 Roman Catholic states, the 4-5 Orthodox states, the 3 Lutheran states, the 1 Angican, 1 Reformed and 6 Buddhist states.

proud zionist   October 14th, 2010 4:44 pm ET

It is imperative that Captain America is made a private again. Even better, let's give him a dishonorable discharge

hahahahahahaha

Wilson   October 15th, 2010 10:22 am ET

How about Captain America is promoted to rank of General and corrupt Zionists are imprisoned for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

hahahaha

John A   October 17th, 2010 10:17 am ET

Miriam,

According to you, Israels population of Christians and Muslims now increases.

According to your own government's statistics, Israels Jewish population is now decreases ( The educated are all leaving the political mess made by the radicle Zionists)

Meanwhile Zionists need to take more land and build more settlements. Why is this when the Jewish population is decreasing?

Miriam, Do you see how your propaganda lies make no sense?

proud zionist   October 17th, 2010 4:51 pm ET

Typical CNN headline:

Israel passes controversial loyalty law

Isarel never passed such a law. But CNN likes lying headlines.

That makes CNN liars just as Johnny A baby

miriam   October 18th, 2010 1:36 pm ET

John A,

Israel's Jewish population has in fact increased.

Emigration has decreased.

Arab birth rates have decreased and are approaching that of the Jewish population.

An increase in percentage in the non-Jewish communities does not mean that there is a decrease in Jewish population numbers.

To one who claims that Israel is destroying its non-Jewish population, the statistics suggest otherwise.

No new settlements have been built and there has been no extra land allocated to settlements for 17 years.

Look whose propaganda doesn't make sense.

University Rector   October 19th, 2010 9:25 pm ET

Miriam where do you get your numbers. Did you invent them over afternoon coffee? I'm so tired of you lies and misinformation. The sad thing is you appear every day on this blog to spout BS. Miriam please find something fulfilling in your life and stop bombarding this blog with rubbish.

John A   October 21st, 2010 9:27 am ET

Well said University Rector. I'm pleased to see you are a big enough person to review your past opinions and realize that your were previously living in a cloud of Zionist propaganda.

The truth will set you free and lets hope we will welcome future generations to a world free of Israeli crimes and propaganda

proud zionist   October 21st, 2010 11:45 am ET

University rector:

do you have different numbers? from where? The Palestinian authority maybe, who claim population numbers that just increase for the "refugees"? Interstingly they have never ever taken any name of their lists, you see "refugees" do not die, otherwise the UN will stop paying for them!

miriam   October 21st, 2010 2:41 pm ET

Uni,

What numbers?

I stated facts, not the distorted interpretations of statistics by left-wing Israeli journalists.


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