Leftie Watch: Angry White Kid
Aussie Dave | Jan 20, 2005 | 13 comments
Meet Angry White Kid (‘AWK’), a blogger who is not too fond of Israel, and is willing to go to great lengths to paint Israel in a bad light.
For instance, AWK points his readers to the terrible racism rampant in Israel.
In other news, Haaretz ran an interesting article about the racism faced by African Jews living in Israel.Many Ethiopians in their 20s and 30s, who were born in Israel or immigrated at a young age, admit that although they passed the military “melting pot” they still feel different and unwanted in Israelis’ hangouts and prefer to hang out in their own places. For many, going to black clubs is not in defiance or rebellion, as is often portrayed in the Israeli media, but because they are forbidden from going to “Israeli” clubs and not allowed to fit in. However, most of them admit that Ethiopian teenagers today have given up the attempt to belong and go to places for “Ethiopians only.”
What AWK fails to address is the fact that Israel is perhaps the only nation in the entire world that actively brought out Ethiopians from their drought-stricken lands, to live in much better conditions. Certainly no Arab or Muslim country extended the same courtesy to the Ethiopians. (Heck, the Arab countries won’t even take in PLO Arab refugees living in refugee camps for over fifty years).
Elsewhere on his blog, AWK links to this article:
Israel’s Culture of Martyrdom by Baruch KimmerlingDeath and redemption are the themes of almost every form of patriotism. In the case of Israel, however, the connection between nationalism and death is especially visceral. For the Jewish state is a nation that emerged from the ashes of a project of extermination, and that sees itself as the best defense against the renewal of violent persecution. Zionism, the state’s ruling ideology, is a triumphal creed shadowed by death.
Interesting, coming from someone who seems to support martyrdom ‘resistance operations’ against IDF troops.
Perhaps one of the most insightful things on AWK’s site is the About Me section:
Biography
I’m 23, live in Oakland, CA.Yes, I’m an angry white kid.Anger is a gift.Unfortunately, it’s not a monetary gift. And I’m unemployed. So if you’ve got a job for me, holla.
Why am I not surprised?
About the Author
An Australian immigrant to Israel, Aussie Dave has been blogging since early 2003.Filed Under: General
I especially liked this part of the January 12th post:
At the least, those appellations are accurate. And a lot more harmless than calling TERRORISTS “militants,” or even “freedom fighters.” That’s what I consider a real “appalling misconception.”
Yes, there are lunatic Jew haters on the Left.
I look forward to a future RIGHTIE WATCH feature from you, Dave at Israelly Cool. As you know, there are lunatic Jew haters on the Right who are every bit as ugly and offensive as the Angry White Kid, and I hope you will show them to us.
Hello,
Thanks for a spot on your blog! However, I fail to understand how posting an article from Haaretz constitutes going “to great lengths to paint Israel in a bad light.” As well, all I said was that there was “an interesting article,” nothing about terrible, rampant racism.
Where in my blog does it say I support “resistance operations.” You are unfairly trying to portay me as something that I’m not.
Finally, I fail to see the humor in making fun of someone because they are unemployed. If you want to, then that’s fine, I guess. I think it’s more appropriate to discuss actual issues, rather than ad hominem attacks.
To Mike, just cause AIPAC and the ADL call them “neighborhoods” and “disputed territories” doesn’t make it so. They have successfully reframed the debate in this country, but that still doesn’t change international law.
To DovBear, point out any anti-Jewish thing I have on my blog. My own roomate is Jewish. If I were some raving racist, do you think he’d live with me? Half the people I do Israel/Palestine activism with are Jewish. As you should know, being critical of Israeli policies does not make one anti-Jewish. Nice try, though.
And David, even though I have issues with this post, which I feel portray me inaccurately, I must at least say that I appreciate the civility of your comment on my blog. Needless to say, others weren’t so kind. (Though they probably came from LGF.)
Scott,
When posting the Ha’aretz article, you specifically used the word “racism.” But in any event, your whole site is dedicated to criticizing Israel, and supporting the PLO Arab narrative.
Again, with regards to “resistance operations” (i.e. terrorism), it is a fair assumption that you support them. For a start, your photo has you carrying a sign saying ‘Long Live Fallujah’ (unless there is some other, hidden meaning there). You also clearly side with pro-PLO Arab groups like the ISM, which do not condemn terrorism.
If I am somehow wrong, then here is your chance to state on record your position with respect to:
1. What you regard as the occupation – post 1967 lands or post 1948? (your ISM buddies have been known to chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ – a clear reference to all of post 1948 Israel)
2. PLO Arab terrorism – is it justified?
With respect to the reference to your unemployment, the point I was making is that many anti-war, anti-US/Israel “activists” are unemployed, and have nothing better to do than organize marches and counter-marches. In most cases, they are ill-informed as to the facts surrounding the issues. I apologize if you were offended, and hope you find gainful employment soon, despite the fact that I personally find your views to be extremely offensive, as I am sure many others do (especially those of us who have lost loved ones to Arab terror).
I am more than willing to engage you in debate on the issues. I consider myself well-informed, and have taken time to study both sides of the issues. For instance, you mentioned International law, which is something I studied at university, as well as in my personal time. If you want to engage in debate about the meaning of UN resolution 242, then go ahead. The territories are clearly “disputed”, with both sides having claims.
Dov Bear, If you read my blog long enough (I realize you are a ‘newbie’), you will see that I criticize anti-Semites of all stripes.
By the way, I wasn’t labeling AWK as an ‘anti-Semite” as you did. Anti-Israel – yes. But the two don’t always go hand-in-hand. In many cases, being anti-Israel is the biproduct of ignorance as to the facts, and not hostility to the Jews. Unfortunately, in many cases, it is anti-Semitism under the guise of something else.
of COURSE they came from LGF
David,
I’ll try to respond to all the points you raised.
In regards to the Haaretz article, yes I used the word “racism.” But did you even read the article? Here are some quotes:
and
I’m not making that racism stuff up. I’m using their own words. As for supporting the Palestinian narrative, I can see your argument for that. My main support lies in respect for human rights and a peace with justice, which is certainly more in line with the Palestinians’ demands as opposed to Israel’s.
It’s a convenient excuse for the right wing to use the word “terrorism” whenever somebody uses force that they disagree with. But apparently bombing civilians, like the seven Palestinian kids picking strawberries, is “necessary force” or “defense” or, in the case of the US, even “liberation” and “freedom.”
As for ISM, it seems you haven’t read their FAQs.
I’ve thought a lot about the picture on my blog. (Ironically enough, it was taken by Zombie, one of the LGF stooges.) Once I get a better one, I’ll probably change it. I decided to use it for two reasons. One being the “shock value” of such a statement. Yeah, I’m aware it’s kind of petty. The second being that I see it as an expression of solidarity and support for the besieged people of Fallujah, and more generally, Iraq. I know that Fallujah is a very hardline Sunni city, where most of my views would not be welcome.
What do I consider to be the occupation? First and foremost it is definitely post 1967. However, as an anti-Zionist and supporter of international law, I believe in the right of return. I believe grave injustices were commited by Zionist militias in 1947-1948. I support a democratic, one state solution, where all people, regardless of religion, race, etc, are treated equally under the law. I firmly believe that a state which gives preferential treatment to one group of citizens over any other can not legitimately be called a democracy.
As for Palestinian “terrorism,” first I should ask what your definition of “terrorism” is? Do I support suicide bombings? No. Do I support the targeting of civilians? No. Do I support legitimate armed struggle? Yes. Again, I refer to international law:
As for Res. 242, how are the territories disputed? Excerpts:
[Emphasis added]
The only claim that Israel has it the partition, which it overstepped in 1948. How it has a claim to the rest of Palestine (except in the heads of crazed racists like Kach) is beyond me.
So if you believe them to be disputed, does that mean you don’t even support the establishment of a Palestinian “state” on the tiny slice of land that hasn’t been stolen from them yet? How do maniancal settlers from Brooklyn have more of a right to live in Hebron than Palestinians who can trace their ancestry there for hundreds of years?
Just so we’re on the same page, thanks for wishing me luck with a job. Likewise, I find your views distasteful. However, I’m far from ignorant. Just because your views a clouded by the ideology of Zionism and mine are clouded by the ideology of liberation, do not make either one of us ignorant.
Finally, that’s messed up you’re making fun of Kate Raphael Bender. She’s a fellow activist and a wonderful person. It’s pretty cheap for someone who hides behind anonymity to attack the appearance of someone who stand up for justice.
Scott,
When I get the chance, I’ll respond to your reply.
With regard to Bender, my Separated at Birth is a regular feature, in which anyone, regardless of political affiliations, may feature. I saw her picture and immediately thought “Neil”. As for her standing up for justice, I would disagree, unless you count what she did after the judge said ‘Will the Defendant please rise.”
David,
I feel your frustration. Another ignorant fool brainwashed by the Arab Islamofacists. Believe me the S.F. bay area is filled with nutcases. There are old hippies having lsd flashbacks all the time. Anyway it would be a good idea to have on the top of Israellycool all the real facts on the history of Israel and the bogus “Palestinians.” There are so many idiots out there.
Angry White boy,
You need to grow up! I’m younger than you and I would never refer to myself as a kid. You have no job and have no education so I’m not surprised that you are obssessed with Israel/Jews because it’s the new radical left-wing fad.
Get the yout facts straight ; Jews are indigenous to Israel and the Arabs are not! Jews were the first to be called “Palestinian” while the Arabs just started calling themselves that some decades ago to steal Jewish land. Don’t you ever wonder why no “Palestinian” language, society, culture exists? As an American Indian I will always support any indigenous people fighting for their land.
There are several different cultures in Israel. I’ve known some non-Jewish people who have gone to Israel and were treated very well regardless of them not being Jewish. Can you say the same about Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran?
Instead of wasting your time on Israel why don’t spend your time cleaning up Oakland which looks like a hellhole. Or spend your time protesting real facist countries around the world which describes most Arab/Muslim nations.
Get a life!
Wow Malia, that’s a very impressive reversal of facts you’ve managed to accomplish. Unfortunately none of them are true. About me, or about Palestine.
You know nothing about me, and clearly nothing about the Middle East.
Read a history book!
Angry White Boy,
I’m in college and do read many history books but not by Arab/Muslims that make ridicoulous claims like that Jesus Christ, a Jew, was an Arab “Palestinian.” I only became pro-Israel two years ago after reading tons of material on the history of Israel. I read a lot of Arab propaganda and after awhile it was obvious who was telling the truth. The facts and evidence supports the Jews not the Arabs.
I should add that I don’t know any Jewish people personally so I wasn’t influenced by people who were biased. That is not obviously not the case with you. I’m sure that your Arab Islamic friends have given you the “real facts” on Israel which they get from their non-biased mosques.
Don’t you know that there is no place called “Palestine” but there is a beautiful place called Israel. Get a map and try to find the fictional place of Palestine. Good luck!
Why don’t you answer my questions about why a “Palestinian” language, society, culture, or country has never existed. There was a territory called “Palestine” which was named by the Romans. The word is not even remotely Arabic which doesn’t have the letter P in it’s alphabet. Isn’t it strange that a group of Arabs can’t even pronounce what they claim to be their homeland? You should ask your Arab friends about that.
Why are you so obssessed about Israel? The Jews are the right ful owners of the land and if you don’t like it tough. You are just another trendy wannabe Communist hippy whose guilty about being White. Get over it!
Calling for the destruction of a country because you don’t like the relgion of it’s people is despicable. They are indigenous to the land and what you are advocating is exactly the same thing that was done to my ancestors in America. If anyone told me to get out of America I would be beyond angry. I’m not a violent person but that would change very quickly.
The Arabs who call themselves “Palestinians” have many choices. They can go back to their homeland in Arabia or try to make peace with the indigenous people of Israel. They already have 99% of the land in the Middle East they should leave the Jews alone!
You need to get educated about the real history of Israel and get a life!
it smells a bit fishy like ya mums pahuta
Terrorism is realative, why can’t people realize that by now. Americans! Terrorists to England in 1776. Right? No right no wrong. Israel is terrorizing Lebanon right now, and quit frankly are meerly bullies with the help of the U.S. We need to stay out of mid-east politics (we can’t though I know OIL!), realize that we stole this country from it’s native people and stop being hypocritical.
I’m sorry to be something of an ass, but I simply have to point out a few flaws in your comment Malia. First of all, you claim that “there is no place called “Palestine” but there is a beautiful place called Israel” and implore Scott to “Get a map and try to find the fictional place of Palestine.” I find using a 21st century map as the definitive evidence of where a people belong a very short sighted and hypocritical argument. By that logic the traditional territory of every native tribe from North America does not exist either (and those tribes have no rightful claim to them either) because the entire continent has been renamed by some Italian explorer. And what about the African peoples who lost control of their land to colonial Europeans? Do they no longer have a claim to their land because our maps no longer recognize them? I suppose you might think that because Israel was populated by the Jews (among others) 2,000 years ago that they still have some claim to the land over the people who have been living their for the past millennium or two, but isn’t that a bit absurd? What major ethnic group has remained in the same territory for over 2,000 years? Even within great empires such as China or the Indian subcontinent there was constant movement of populations and ethinic mixing. To say that a group can claim any land they identify with, even if that land has been ocupied by others for over a millenuim is a recipie for global conflict and never-ending war (perhaps this is your goal?). I’m all for native people claiming the rights to their land be returned to them from the European colonizers of the past few hundred years, but there has to be an expiration date on such actions. And besides, the majority of the Jews who lived in Isreal before the destruction of the temple were settled in other countries for thousands of years before their violent return to Israel, a very different sitiuation from many Native Americans (especially those indigenous to South and Central American countries) who where sometimes relocated, but still remain much closer to their own lands. Finally, you’d be foolish to ignore the fact that the Jews that returned to Israel where largely of European decent, and the Palestinians they displaced where actually indigenous semetic people from that land. This makes the whole creation of Israel look suspiciously like an extension of European imperialism, which, in fact, it is. Maybe you should look at how much money this obvioulsy corrupt govenrment of ours gives to Israel (specifically in military aid) and ask yourself if this is this kind of situation you want to support. Or have you forgotten what the US governement did to your ow people not so long ago, and what they have continued to do to you brothers and sisters in Latin America through their support of racist dictators and anti-populist (aka anti-indigenous) para-militaries. Maybe you just don’t care…memory is a fickle friend and it can fall easily to the promise of more comfortable present moment. Just remember that thanks to our rediculous military support of Israel, no American is without Palestinian blood on their hands. Maybe that’s okay with you? Maybe you think it will help to ease the wounds inflicted on your people by our government? But before you become too wrapped up in such fantasies, you should see the movie “The Jazz Singer”…it shows how the climb to cultural power is so often done on the backs of other, less fortunate, cultures, and you could do to think about that before you implicate yourself any further in the oppression of others, halfway around the world.