In Response to Watershed Historic Presbyterian USA Vote to Divest from Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu Appears Unopposed on NBC Meet The Press to Send Condescending Message to U.S. Christians
Today on NBC Meet The Press with David Gregory, Israeli Prime Minister appeared to discuss the Iraq crisis, kidnapped Israelis and the divest movement against his country for engaging in Apartheid policies in the occupied territories. On the divest issue, yesterday, Presbyterian USA, one of the largest Christian churches in the USA voted to divest from Israel because of occupation.In the latter part of the interview, Meet the Press host David Gregory asked him the following question on divesting;
GREGORY: As peace
talks have stalled between you and the Palestinian Authority there has
been new pressure from some religious groups, the Presbyterians in the
United States have just passed a decision voted to divest from companies
that do business with Israel they claim are used in the course of the
occupation of Palestinians. How troubling is this to you? Do you think
there will be other Presbyterian denominations that will follow suit?
NETANYAHU: It should
trouble all people of conscience and morality because it so
disgraceful. You know, you look at what is happening in the Middle East
and most Americans understand this; they see this enormous area riveted
by religious hatred, by savagery of unimaginable proportions. Then you
come to Israel and you see the one democracy that upholds basic human
rights; that guards the rights of all minorities. That protects
Christians. Christians are persecuted throughout the Middle East. So
most Americans understand that Israel is beacon of civilization and
moderation. I would suggest to this Presbyterian organization to fly to
Middle East and come see Israel for the embattled democracy that it is.
And then take a bus tour. Go to Libya, go to Syria, go to Iraq and see
the difference. I would give them two pieces of advice; make sure it’s
armored plated bus and second, don’t say you are Christian.
So in absence of any real journalism, allow me to challenge Netanyahu’s statements.
PUNISH: Mister
Nentanyahu, when you say “it should trouble all people of conscience and
morality because it is so disgraceful” what exactly are you referring
to? I mean, what is disgraceful? Do you mean the occupation of
Palestinians and the Apartheid put upon them by Israel? I mean, this is
the actual issue on which the Presbyterian USA church choose divest from
companies doing business with Israel! Or do you mean that the
Presbyterian USA is disgraceful for choosing to out Israel as a violator
of human rights and promoter of Apartheid? Which one is it? Or maybe
you have another explanation for your weird non-sensical statement.
PUNISH: As for your
statement that “you look at what is happening in the Middle East and
most Americans understand this; they see this enormous area riveted by
religious hatred, by savagery of unimaginable proportions…” and then you
go on claim that Israel upholds basic human rights while you lecture
Presbyterian USA to go on a bus tour of Libya, Syria and Iraq in an
armored bus”..well where do I start? Hum?
First Benny, what the heck does Libya,
Syria and Iraq have to do with the indigenous peoples living in the
occupied terror ties under your control surrounded by your military with
a Berlin Wall and check points everywhere? Are you suggesting that
Palestinians are responsible for Ben Ghazi, Iraqi ISIS events, or
President Assad of Syria? And why don’t you answer the question
directly and deal with Occupation as Presbyterian USA has done in
divesting from Israel because of your violations in the occupied
territories. After all, they made no mention of Libya, Syria, or Iraq.
So you are either insulting their intelligence or you are trying to
redirect attention so you don’t have to answer for occupation.
Which one
is it?
And as for human rights in Israel proper,
well, you are correct. Christians are treated better in Israel than in
many parts of the extremist right Muslim world but still, in Israel
proper, Israeli Arabs are treated as 2nd class citizens and just because
somewhere else on the planet bad things are happening does NOT somehow
absolve Israel from committing crimes against humanity. I mean, Mandela
said Apartheid is a crime against humanity and you’re being accused of
being an Apartheid state.
Now, if you want to discuss Muslim
fundamentalism and extremism in Libya, Syria, or Iraq, let me know and
we can do that on another show. But for now, can you please answer the
question directly about divesting, Apartheid, and U.S. Christians
because your current non-sensical redirect answer is insulting the
intelligence of everyone watching this interview.
Do you need some water and deep breath
first? Don’t worry, take your time! But after you get your thoughts
straight, be advised that we are NOT leaving until you answer the
question! Okay! So get it together brother!
So what about Occupation? Illegal
Settlers? And are your concerned that your U.S. Taxpayer billions are
potentially at risk as other Christian churches begin to follow
Presbyterian USA and give you a one finger up salute on Apartheid and
Occupation? Speak up Benny? The weight of history got your tongue? We
can’t hear you?

No comments:
Post a Comment