In Pursuit of Justice

1. I am appalled that Livni was invited to Doha.  Inviting Israeli journalists, academics, activisits, etc… is one thing but inviting the FM of the Apartheid state especially with all that is going on in Gaza (total deaths from seige rose up to 133 yesterday)… I’m speechless!!  And it gets better…she’s there to discuss democracy!!  I think the Khaleej’s editorial today (Arabic) says it well.

2. Not only did Livni discuss ‘democracy’ (excerpts from speech below) during the conference, she also called on Arab leaders to help change the negative perception of Israel in the Arab world by altering the school curriculums and content of mass media!! (sorry, couldn’t find an article in English on this).

3. Below are excerpts from Livni’s address [emphasis added].  Warning: there is a significant risk that reading this will increase your blood pressure.

I have come here to Qatar, in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, as a representative of the Government of Israel to an Arab state, with which we have maintained official relations, even in difficult periods, and with which we hope to strengthen our ties.

…

We are gathered here to discuss democracy. But what is democracy? It may seem self evident, but it is not always so. 

We all share the same understanding that:
• Democracy is not just a word.
• Democracy is a way of life.
• Democracy is a value system.
• Democracy does not belong to any specific faith or national identity. There is no contradiction between democracy and religion, or between democracy and patriotism.
• Democracy is the natural birth-right of every human being.

At its heart, democracy is a system and a set of universal values, that promotes diversity, freedom of worship and freedom of speech. In so doing, it creates the space and the opportunity for each faith, for each identity and for each individual, while reflecting local cultures, traditions and values. 

…

This is the greatest conflict today - between the moderates and the extremists. This is also the new challenge of the entire region. We, the moderates of the region, are all members of the same camp, facing the same challenges posed by the extremists.

It is true that even amongst us, within the pragmatic camp, there may be differences of opinion and conflicts. Israel and the moderate Palestinian leadership are in the midst of a process in order to resolve such a conflict. It is this vision of peace that binds together Israelis, pragmatic Palestinians and moderates throughout our region. The extremists have, unfortunately, the ability to block or prevent our vision of peace.

Therefore, it is quite clear now that Israel poses no threat to the stability and the peace of the region. It is equally clear now that the threat comes from the radicals, who refuse to recognize our democratic rights.

…

Democracy is not just a technical process. Today, in different parts of the world, extremists are entering the democratic process via elections - not to abandon their violent agenda - but to advance it. It is the full right of democracies to defend themselves from those who wish to exploit the system in order to reach a position of power, and then abuse that power to enforce their radical ideology and disregard the values of democracy.

…

We witness another breach of democracy, while three abducted Israeli soldiers are still held in captivity, for no reason, denied access of the Red Cross or a sign of life. I would like to take this opportunity to call for their release. This is a matter of human rights, not politics.

No true democracy on earth allows armed militia, or groups with racist or violent agendas, to participate in elections. I have checked this matter, and in various constitutions around the world, it is prohibited. Also in Israel, a racist party cannot run for elections. 

Full address here

Where do I begin?

She seems to know the definition of democracy very well!!  I wonder what she would think of a truely democratic state for both Israelis and Palestinians which treats them both as equals and gives both equal rights and responsibilities.  How’s that for democracy Ms. Livni?

Three abducted soldiers??!!  What about the millions of civilians under seige in Gaza and the West Bank cantons?!  What about the thousands of Palestinian civilians (including children) in Israeli prisons?! 

No racist party allowed to run for elections in Israel?!!  This one gets the grand prize!  Even if one ignores the fact that the Zionism in and of itself is a racist political ideolgy, and that the whole state of Israel is based on blatant and systematic racism, there is so much out there (you don’t even have to look beyond the Israeli press) that makes Linvi’s statement sound like a complete joke.  I have two words for Livni: Avigdor Lieberman… and he’s just the tip of the big ugly iceberg of Israeli racism.

What is worse is that out of all the conference attendees and speakers, MK Tibi was the only one who had the courage to challenge Livni’s ridiculous address.