The Only Democracy? » Entries tagged with "Palestinians Citizens of Israel"
Haaretz Condemns Nakba Ban as “Mocking Democracy”
On May 15th, the day marking Independence Day for Israel, many Arabs within Israel and throughout the world commemorate the Nakba (the “catastrophe” in Arabic) when most of the Arab population living within the new-born state were forced to flee in 1948. Much of this population continues to live as refugees to this day, or as internally displaced persons within Israel. But public commemoration of Israel’s independence as a day of mourning could be penalized should a bill approved on Sunday by a ministerial panel be brought to the Knesset and cabinet for vote. In a scathing editorial, Haaretz laments this latest manifestation of the undemocratic agenda of the Netanyahu-Lieberman cabinet. The Knesset yesterday put Israeli democracy to shame when it passed the “Nakba Law” at first reading with a majority of 15 against … Read entire article »
Filed under: Discrimination
“Jews Only” housing project in Ajami
The neighborhood made famous in Israel’s nominee for Best Foreign Film Oscar is now home to a “Jews Only” housing project. The Tel Aviv District Court rejected a petition this week against a decision to lease land in Jaffa’s Ajami neighborhood for the exclusive use of members of the religious Zionist community. “The petition, filed by Jaffa residents and human rights groups, challenged a decision by the Israel Lands Administration and the Tel Aviv municipality to lease … Read entire article »
Filed under: Discrimination
Mandatory Patriotism?
I am amazed at how the Israeli National Anthem only references the experiences of the Jewish citizens of Israel. Given that its lyrics are in Hebrew, and reference Jews and Zion, it seems unlikely to me that it would have much positive meaning for Palestinian citizens of Israel, among others. Not to the Israeli Education Ministry, however. They relieved “Mouad Biadasi of his position as Arab sector youth representative at the National Youth Council Conference because … Read entire article »
Filed under: Discrimination