Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

I'm interested to know the proper way to criticize Israel that won't result in accusations of antisemitism...

I, and several other members, have been accused of antisemitism for being critical of the state of Israel's actions and policies...

It almost appears hypocritical...
We can criticize African nations without accusations of racism...
We can criticize China without accusations of Sinophobia...
We can criticize Islam without accusations of Islamophobia...
We can criticize LGBTQ~ without accusations of bigotry or transphobia...
We can even criticize our own nations (although that often results in being called anti American)...

Yet, the moment a word is said against Israel or Zionism (not Jews or Judaism) there is a barrage of accusations labeling us antisemites....

It's rather baffling...

So, I repeat, what is the proper way to criticize Israel???

Hoping for real feedback

Lily

Have at it. Frankly, it is Israel citizens who should be chanting; “from the river to the sea”.

Does it not tell you something that no Middle Eastern country is offering any Palestinians refuge? In fact, Egypt has increased security on their border to keep them out. If no body else wants them, why in bloody hades should Israel not clean out Hamas. Rhetorical question.

Wolf counselor Loc: Heart of Texas

Bingo !

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Thank the Israelis for kicking some serious Hamas ass.
You know, like obeying God's command to eradicate evil in His Holy Land.
Over their history, the Jews faced it many times, and in some cases they succeeded and in some they failed.
When they failed, their own kings led them into paganism and idolatry, and once again, the Lord sent a prophet to warn them of the terrible consequences of turning away from Him.

What are the consequences of nations turning away from God?

Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” The psalmist is speaking of the nation of Israel. God chose Israel as the nation through which He would bring His promised Messiah (Deuteronomy 18:15; Malachi 4:5–6; Isaiah 7:14–16). He promised to provide, bless, and protect the Israelites if they followed Him. But the Old Testament gives us heartbreaking details of what happened when they turned away from Him (Ezekiel 5; 20:8; Isaiah 1). Israel’s history shows us some of the consequences that can befall a nation when its people turn away from God.

No other nation on earth will ever have the position that Israel has in God’s grand plan. It would be a mistake to “claim” many of the specific promises that God made to Israel, because they were for a specific time and purpose. For example, nations today are not promised bumper crops and healthy livestock if they obey the Mosaic Law (see Deuteronomy 28:4); that promise was for Israel under the Old Covenant in the Promised Land—the blessing was specifically tied to the land of Israel (verse 11). But many of the general principles found in Scripture are applicable to everyone. We can learn from Israel’s history what generally to expect when nations honor the Lord and what generally to expect when they rebel against His commands.

As long as the Israelites honored the Lord, destroyed idol temples, and kept God’s commandments, the Lord was actively involved in their defense when other nations fought against them. Exodus 14 is the first example of the Lord as Defender for the newly formed nation of Israel. As Moses led the people out of Egypt, Pharaoh and his armies raced after them. The people were terrified and began to doubt whether Moses knew what he was doing. But then “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still’” (Exodus 14:13–14). What followed was the miraculous parting of the Red Sea (verses 21–22).

In contrast to this miraculous intervention, the Bible gives us examples of God refusing to intervene when destruction came upon Israel. Second Kings, beginning in chapter 24, details the end of God’s blessing on Israel. God’s chosen people had defied the Lord, built idol temples, and filled their lives with fornication, murder, and adultery. They had desecrated the temple and ignored the Law for generations. God sent prophets to call them to repentance, but they would not listen and often killed those messengers (Luke 11:27–28). The Lord had warned them repeatedly, and, when they refused to listen, He sent judgment in the form of invaders who took them captive and destroyed their cities (2 Kings 24:12–14). The once-great nation had been brought low and lost the blessings God desired to give it. The general principle we learn from this is that sin brings negative consequences. Galatians 6:7 is God’s warning to individuals and to nations that He will not be mocked. We reap what we sow.

Many nations of antiquity are nonexistent now, having brought God’s judgment upon themselves for their sin. Edom (Jeremiah 49:17–22), Assyria (Zephaniah 2:13–15), Sodom (Genesis 18:20), and Babylon (Jeremiah 51) were all wiped out, according to the biblical prophets, for their evil before the Lord. There remain no representatives of the Hittites (Exodus 23:23), Moabites (Zephaniah 2:8–10), or Philistines (Zephaniah 2:5) due to their stubborn rebellion against the Lord.

God blessed Israel in prospering them when the people honored Him. God had brought them into a land that was “flowing with milk and honey” (Numbers 14:8). When they obeyed Him, He promised to provide all they needed and to protect their lives (Exodus 23:25–26). He cared that they lived peacefully and happily (1 Kings 4:25; Psalm 29:11; Proverbs 19:23). He commanded them to honor His Sabbaths so that they would have rest (Leviticus 19:30). But, when Israel followed wicked kings into idolatry and harlotry, God sent famines and pestilence on the land that He loved (Ezekiel 5:17). We learn from this that the Lord delights in prospering His loyal servants (Psalm 25:12–13; Proverbs 13:21). Material wealth is not proof that God is blessing a nation, since evil kings and countries prosper too. But, when we honor the Lord and obey His commands, we reap the benefits of living honorably, morally, and honestly. A nation that honors God’s laws reaps that benefit as well. History shows that those that do not are often destroyed from within.

God gives us His laws for our own good. He created us to fellowship with Him and walk in righteousness. When we do that, we are living within the healthy boundaries He established and are protected from much of the heartache and catastrophe Satan devises. But, when a nation turns away from the true God and becomes its own god, the Lord removes His protective hand and allows that nation to experience the world it has demanded. Romans 1:18–32 shows us the progression of people and nations that have defied God and redefined morality. Homosexuality, unbridled lust, and idolatry are all part of God’s judgment on a nation that has turned away from Him.

The good news is that God knows those who are His and promises to reward them, even when all others have turned away. Malachi 3:13–18 contains one of the most comforting passages in the Old Testament. It reminds us that God is watching, He knows all, and He will judge righteously. Even when a nation turns away from God, individuals within that nation can still follow Him and know that their names are written in God’s book of remembrance.

Wolf counselor Loc: Heart of Texas

Well Dudley, you will never have control of what someone else thinks of you, no matter what the reason may be.

If I decide to think of you as an anti-semite, it's no different than me thinking you're a jackass or a douchebag.

Once a person makes up their mind about what they think of you, all the reasoning in the world won't matter.

It all boils down to how thin is your skin.

I personally don't give a rat's ass what anyone on this forum thinks about me because I've developed a bullet proof attitude in that regard.

The Jews don't really give a damn about your antisemitism, because if you join their enemies they'll just blow your ass to hell along with your comrades.

So feel free to criticize any damn thing you please, because in the grand scheme of things you're just an insignificant nobody and those of us who label you with our opinions are also just a bunch of insignificant nobodies.

You damned anti semite son of a peckerwood.....!!!

Ferrous Loc: Pacific North Coast, CA

I can only be critical of Israel actions if they cede to so called Humanitarian pleas and agree to pause or a cease fire with Hamas.

Israel is the only power that can finally free the citizens of Gaza from the "Hellish Hold" Hamas has on the Palestinians. The Collateral Damage would include Supporters of Hamas so we will never know the actual loss of life of these innocent civilians used as Human Shields and the ones supporting Hamas.

Eradicate Hamas and finally start the rebuilding of Gaza without the funds going to Hamas to wage more war on Israel.

Finally Free the Palestinians of Gaza!

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Thanks...
Glad I got at least one decent response...

keepuphope Loc: Idaho

Canuck, there are things to criticize about every nation. What it boils down to is our leaders. If you have a corrupt leader who's only goal is to enrich or give himself power ,citizens be damned, you have bad decisions. Our world is full of them. But then you have such evil as Hamas and their cohorts.It should not be permitted on this earth and needs to be eradicated. There are certain actions that are unjustifiable period under any circumstances.Although some of Israel's actions can be criticized,you have to evaluate the reason for those decisions.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

An interesting answer...
Much to agree with...
But how does it address my query?

keepuphope Loc: Idaho

It is a very complex question. I need to think about it. I'll get back to you. I've reread your post,and question.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Appreciate it

debeda

Huh. I'm not sure what you mean. In this current situation, I am fully on the side of Israel. The actions of Hamas were barbaric and inhuman. As far as the right for Israel to exist I don't think there is a question as far as law goes. The land was a British protectorate that was ceded to Israel - and from what I've read muslims were offered land as well but turned it down. As far as Israel's actions in the area, it's well known they've been attacked almost from their inception, but have made incursions into other countries only after being attacked. I don't know, or honestly don't remember, the specifics of all the wars and countries. Personally. as a response to the horrific Hamas attack, I would slaughter every Hamas member I could find. I would have little sympathy for Hamas supporters. But I'm not Netanyahu or his generals, and I have no idea what they plan. Tho I do know that Israel has stated repeatedly that they would agree to a ceasefire upon the release of all hostages.
All that said, I think it's a natural leap for many people to assume that there is a deeper motive for those who have greater sympathy for Palestinians and their elected leaders, Hamas, than the people slaughtered in the attack of October 7th. Especially as Hamas AND the Palestinian authority have publicly stated that their goal is to exterminate Jews.

Rose42

I don’t think you hate Jews.

Israel is by no means perfect but they are surrounded by those who want to eradicate Jews from the face of the earth. The reason criticism of the other countries you mention don’t get the same kind of response is Israel is the promised land and the Jews are God’s chosen.

I know that doesn’t really answer your question as to how to criticize Israel.

No matter what you say there will always be those who accuse you of hating Jews.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Thanks Rose...
I appreciate this

BIRDMAN

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