Re-thinking Slogans: Understanding Israel’s Diverse Population and Complex Reality
In the cacophony of slogans and chants that often characterize protests and demonstrations, some phrases stand out, not just for their intensity, but for their inherent implications. One such phrase, “Jews/Israelis go back to Europe,” while not as ubiquitous as others, has attracted significant attention. However, as Jo-Ann Mort rightly points out in her opinion piece in The Guardian, this slogan oversimplifies a complex reality and ignores the diverse makeup of Israel’s population.
The slogan, often heard alongside others like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” seeks to negate the existence of the Jewish state of Israel. It’s not only troubling but also historically inaccurate. Contrary to the belief held by some, the majority of Israelis today do not come from European backgrounds. Instead, they hail from a diverse array of countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
Israel’s 76th Independence Day, which was recently observed, comes at a time of intense division within the country. However, amidst the internal strife, one undeniable truth remains: Israel exists. It is home to over 7 million Jews, making up 45% of the world’s Jewish population. These Jews are not all of European descent; in fact, the majority are Mizrahim, Jews from Middle Eastern and North African countries.
Mizrahi Jews, whose ancestors lived in the region long before the establishment of Israel, constitute over half of the country’s Jewish population. Their heritage includes roots in Iraq, Iran, Morocco, Yemen, and other Arab nations. Additionally, there are smaller communities of Ethiopian Jews, Indian Jews, and even Jews with ties to Ottoman-era Israel. The presence of these diverse communities paints a far more nuanced picture of Israeli society than the simplistic slogans would suggest.
Furthermore, intermarriage is increasingly common in Israel, blurring the lines between different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Families like Mort’s, which have members from a multitude of countries, exemplify the melting pot that is Israeli society today. This diversity underscores the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and challenges the notion of a monolithic Israeli identity.
The calls to end the “75-year occupation,” referring to the establishment of Israel in 1948, rather than the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza since 1967, also demonstrate a selective understanding of history. While it is crucial to acknowledge the Palestinian struggle and their right to self-determination, ignoring Israel’s legitimate existence does a disservice to both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, serves as a stark reminder of why Israel became a refuge for Jews from Europe. With the rise of Nazi Germany, Jews faced persecution and extermination, prompting many to seek sanctuary in what was then British-mandated Palestine. The creation of Israel provided a homeland for these displaced Jews, offering safety and security in the wake of unimaginable horrors.
To demand that all of Israel’s Jewish population simply leave is not only unrealistic but also unprecedented. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians cannot be resolved through the erasure of one people or the denial of historical facts. It is imperative to confront the complexities of the situation and acknowledge the humanity on both sides.
As Mort aptly concludes, promoting a politics of reality that recognizes facts and humanity on both sides is more urgent than ever. Dialogue, understanding, and a willingness to confront the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are essential for achieving a lasting peace. Slogans that seek to negate Israel’s existence or demonize its people only serve to perpetuate division and hinder the prospects for reconciliation.
Author: DA
Source: The Guardian – ‘Israelis, go back to Europe’? Some on the left need to rethink their slogans (by Jo-Ann Mort)
