For Arab Israelis, Even Wartime Patriotism Is Not a Shield From Unvarnished Racism

[David__77]

…

But this week's news about television personality Lucy Aharish, also an Arab-Israeli performer, is showing that hostility toward Arabs crosses political lines.

The Education Ministry's Jewish Culture Department has rescinded an agreement to fund a Shavuot event after learning that Aharish had been the host.

…

Since the beginning of the war, Aharish has lent her face and voice – in Arabic – to viral videos supporting Israel, and hosted an emotional rally calling for the release of female hostages, called "Speak Up for Your Sister."

But none of that matters to the Netanyahu government's Education Ministry. The fact that Aharish is married to Halevi, one of the ministry's clerks has declared, disqualifies her from serving as host of an event – because "a woman who represents mixed marriage cannot represent Jewish culture."

…

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/haaretz-today/2024-01-16/ty-article/.highlight/for-arab-israelis-even-wartime-patriotism-is-not-a-shield-from-unvarnished-racism/0000018d-12e3-dd15-a7af-9eef0a6f0000

https://archive.is/2TEjZ

[Lonestarblue]

1. Israel has never been a democracy. It is a theocracy supporting one religion only.

[comradebillyboy]

2. As opposed to all those Arab states that support democracy and

religious freedom? The only state in the area where there are regular fair elections in which Arab citizens may vote and elect Arabs to the Israeli Knesset.

I don't think you know what democracy is.

[ExciteBike66]

3. Whataboutism can be fun.

But it doesn't make racism any prettier...

[comradebillyboy]

4. Racist or not Israel is still a democracy.

And refuting false assertions is not whataboutism.

[Richard D]

5. I take it.

...you've never been there.