Harper Offends Arab Legislators in Israel
Channel: Greg Neurolanis
Date: 2014-01-21

In his visit to Israel, Stephen Harper upset some Arab-Israeli legislators in the Knesset (the Israeli legislature) when he asserted that Israel was not apartheid (racially divided.) He further asserted that anyone who says otherwise is anti-Semitic.

The term "anti-Semitic" is of course ridiculous because Semites are a race made up of peoples both within Israel and Palestine, yet the term is used exclusively to mean anti-Jewish, while suggesting racism (even though Jews alone are not a race.) The use of this term denotes deception. Regardless, Harper's argument is still flawed because, as anyone paying any attention to the situation knows, Israel has treated Palestinians harshly, forcing them away from much of their lands.

The apartheid analogy of Israel used by scholars refers to the control and division forced on Palestinians, establishing separate roads for Israeli and Palestinian people and the use of Palestinians for cheap labour. Arab citizens of Israel have been described as "second class." Harper is either willfully ignorant of this, or more likely he just doesn't care because it doesn't serve his political agenda.

So, what is Harper's agenda? He is siding with Israel on morality, while handing 66 million dollars in aid to Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a speech to the Canadian delegation, calling Harper "a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people." Well, that's good to know. Why is that? How is that? What does this mean to Canada? As usual, we're just left to twiddle our thumbs.

As for Harper's bold statements, it's hardly going to be of help between two feuding states which need to reconcile many wrongdoings between them. Part of this will be Israel acknowledging their mistreatment of Palestinians, not hiding the fact. Harper's assertion that Israel is in the moral right only serves to deter resolution between their peoples.

Also of interest, during Harper's visit at the Nativity Church in Bethlehem one of his security team was accused of punching Al-Mahid TV cameraman Amer Hijazi with a metal piece on his fist to Hijazi's chest. Palestinian journalists are demanding a formal apology by Stephen Harper for the incident. They are also asking for an investigation into the attack and to hold the aggressor responsible.

Yeah, good luck with that...

Links/sources:

Ahmad Tibi: Why I walked out on Stephen Harper's speech
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ahmad-tibi-why-i-walked-out-on-stephen-harper-s-speech-1.2503975

Harper heckled as PM warns of 'new strain' of anti-Semitism in historic Israeli parliament speech
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/01/20/stephen-harper-heckled-during-historic-speech-to-israeli-legislature/

Stephen Harper offers $66 million in new aid to Palestinians but refuses to criticize Israel during West Bank visit
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/01/20/stephen-harper-visits-west-bank-city-offers-66-million-in-new-aid-to-palestinians/

Stephen Harper welcomed as 'great friend' of Israel
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stephen-harper-welcomed-as-great-friend-of-israel-1.2502627

Israel and the apartheid analogy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_and_the_apartheid_analogy

Harper's security team accused of roughing up journalist on Middle East tour
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/harper-security-team-accused-assualting-palestinian-journalist-middle-153920922.html

Palestinian journalists accuse Harper security guard of 'punching' cameraman at Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/01/20/palestinian-journalists-accuse-harper-security-guard-of-punching-cameraman-at-church-of-the-nativity-in-bethlehem/