Bigthink - Idea Comments Feed

Comment on: Can Israel continue to exist as a Jewish state?

Bigthink — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:54:15 +0100

israel was established as a jewish state and has every right to continue to exist as such. while we may deem this as problematic to our 21st century sensibilities, the fact is that this was one approach to nation creation in the mid 20th century. (drawing lines on maps was another) lebanon was viewed as the christian arab state, pakistan was established the year after israel as a muslim state. the deed is done and the genie cannot be put back in the bottle. it is interesting that only israel's right to exist is questioned. we get worked up about the ultimate potential conflict between democracy and the priority of "a jewish state" but seem quite willing to overlook the complete lack of democratic ideals among all 22 arab countries. at the moment, israel is a vital and vibrant society contributing mightily to the world community in areas as diverse as the arts, agriculture, biotech, communications, "green" technologies, etc. all this in a mere 60 years despite continued threats and aggression from neighbors who are committed to challenging israel's right to exist.

Comment on: Can Israel continue to exist as a Jewish state?

Bigthink — Sat, 10 May 2008 07:29:55 +0100

No state should be premised upon the utopian ideal of some essentialised ethnic or religious character. To do so is a recipe for conflict and internal fragmentation because very few regions on earth exist with homogeneous ethno-religious populations. A state should never be an end in and of itself. States are one means toward the realisation of justice; one amongst others. Moreover, i find the notion of a state as the absolute bearer of some exclusive notion of identity far too limiting. There is no "jewish" identity as such, rather there are multiple fragmented identities, some similar some signficantly different. while someone may be "jewish" or "catholic" this is never all that they are, but one layer of identity and affective affiliation among many others.

Comment on: Can Israel continue to exist as a Jewish state?

Bigthink — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:00:48 +0100

Jeus is here, all we must do is have FAITH, and TRUST in the TRUTH...

all we must do is pray for it to come true, what ever religion you may be, have faith in the messenger, pray for what you know is real....on mommies day this pray will come from him...

As the church bells rang around the world, one pray was heard, that all the son's and doughters of our father and mother, will lay down their arms, and welcome every brother and sister into the house of the lord, lay down all our arms and and look to the left and the right and make sure everyone you see is safe, listen to what know-one tells you except for what you tell yourself, it is true, HEAVEN is a place on EARTH.... we either die and go to heaven or go to hell, lets all come together now under him, smile on our brothers near and far, and love one another RIGHT NOW.....