Sep 15 2007
Vancouver Jewish Group Supports Norman Finkelstein
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Reacting to the decision, Finkelstein, the son of Holocaust survivors, said, “They can deny me tenure, deny me the right to teach. But they will never stop me from saying what I believe.”
[NOTICE TO OUR ESTEEMED READERS: Cyrano’s Journal Online/Thomas Paine’s Corner has weathered numerous contradictory and false accusations concerning our stance on Israel and Zionism. Some assert that we are “Jewish conspirators”; others contend we are “anti-Semitic”; and there are even those who characterize us as “Zionists.” Guess what, folks? We are none of the above!
As a declaration of our position on the highly contentious subject of Israel and the Palestinians, we are throwing our full support behind people of all races, religions, ethnicities, nationalities, and political stripes who oppose Zionism and the myriad miseries it has rained down upon the Palestinian people. We salute bold groups like Jews for a Just Peace, intrepid Jewish American academics like Norman Finkelstein, and many courageous Jewish people within the state of Israel (including much-decorated members of the IDF and Israel’s brave peace movement) who vehemently oppose the horrific crimes their state commits against the Palestinians (with the full approval and financial backing of the filthy plutocracy ruling the United States)—The editors]
06.21.2007 | www.mostlywater.org
By Yom Shamash, on behalf of
Jews for a Just Peace, Vancouver, B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia – On the eighth of June, DePaul University in Chicago denied tenure to one of the world experts on the Israel/Palestine conflict, Norman G. Finkelstein. There’s been a great uproar on campus and worldwide because it is well known that Prof. Finkelstein’s contract was terminated as a result of intervention from outside the university, and ultimately because of the power of his ideas. In a book entitled The Holocaust Industry, Dr. Finkelstein argues that since 1967 Zionist organizations and certain Jewish leaders have capitalized on the memory of the Holocaust to generate wealth and power for themselves and to silence criticism of Israel’s [war] crimes against Palestinians. Professor Finkelstein’s ideas are dangerous, and he has paid the price, losing his position in academia despite his tremendous intellectual productivity – 5 books in 12 years.
We, Jews for a Just Peace, write this statement because we are disturbed by the events at DePaul. We have been impressed by Dr. Finkelstein’s incisive analysis and passionate defense of human rights and international law in the context of Israel/Palestine. We take this opportunity to share our thoughts about the relationship between his dismissal and the struggle to which we are committed.
Prof. Finkelstein’s case reveals some of the contours of academic freedom in North America. Without denying the specificity of this situation, his dismissal confirms the growing consensus that sustained criticism of Israel and the Israel Lobby represents a risk for scholars, not to mention journalists and others. The fact that an academic of Dr. Finkelstein’s caliber worked as an adjunct professor for over a decade before finally landing a tenure-track position is even stronger evidence for this assertion.
Terminating Prof. Finkelstein’s contract is meant to set an example, to scare other scholars into biting their tongues. To the extent that this occurs, we are saddened. However, we are certain that many scholars will be inspired by his courage. In addition, Prof. Finkelstein’s vulnerability leads us to reflect on the importance of research that is produced by networks of scholars, activists and others who support each other and cannot be so easily dismissed.
Although we recognize that Dr. Finkelstein himself may suffer hardship as a result of this decision, we are confident that he knew the risks of his work, and that he will continue. We also believe that in the future his writing will be taken even more seriously, since people around the world will recognize that only powerful ideas could provoke such a desperate attack.
As an organization focusing on human rights, we recognize continuities between an attempt to silence a professor and the conditions that make it difficult for marginalized people all over the world to express their political beliefs. Prof. Finkelstein’s dismissal leads us to reflect on Palestinians living in West Bank and Gaza who risk more than tenure when they choose to speak truth to power.
We recall that scholars tend to study what they love. Although Dr.Finkelstein is a formidable critic of Israeli policies and certain Jewish leaders and organizations, we believe his work is inspired by a great passion for justice and a desire to see the institutions he criticizes become worthy of our respect.
At this historical moment, we applaud Dr. Finkelstein’s supporters among the faculty and students, and call on DePaul University to reverse this unfortunate decision and grant Prof. Finkelstein the tenured appointment that he richly deserves.
Finally, we stand in solidarity with Dr. Norman Finkelstein, confident that his analysis will continue to illuminate our work in the years to come.
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In his unwavering pursuit of peace through justice for the Palestinians, and his brave exposes of the “Holocaust industry” that has cynically trivialized the suffering of millions, and muddled the waters in regard to the world plutocracy’s support for Hitler and his program, Finkelstein is a true patriot in the only honorable way that term should be used: without fear or favor in behalf of all humanity. He is a credit to Jews and decent people everywhere.
North AMerican JEWS are not pro zionists they may be pro Israel but they see that the zionists a minority of jews is a cancer on their religion
there will be a great back lash from North AMerican jews towards Israel
As they see through the darkness and have finally come to their senses
They know that they must make a tough choice to stand up for Israel and judaism but also to denounce the Zionists which have contaminated Israel
Dr. Finkelstein will be vindicated for his bravery and determination
What sets the zionists apart from jews will be a defining factor in how zionism has sown the seeds of their demise and is about to reap its just reward
I LOVE JEWISH PUSSY! ASK ME WHY???
IT TASTES SO GOOD!!!
Finally, REAL Jews speak up and defend truth for all……..These are the true Jews, who arent blinded by apartheid and racism, of which the Zionist Government of Israel
is guilty of in the most despicable manner for decades, and going un-noticed and totally ignored by all the mainstream propaganda media, of course for a reason. The world is a smaller place now, and has no room for anything except peace and prosperity for ALL.
The Truth Requires No Legislation
Peace to all
I agree, and Dr. Finkelstein will be vindicated. There is no room in this world for racism. Including zionist racism.
Finally having over reached for too long, Zionism has met it’s doom. It is evident that there is a rapidly swelling universal outcry against Israel, the very thing they have schemed and lied for so long to avoid.
Good riddance to the worst rubbish too, when the day comes.
I remember the time when non-jews mostly perceived jews as kindly, gentle, non-judgmental and long-suffering. My, how Israel has changed all that! Isn’t it remarkable that a similar transformation has occurred with America. Americans were once regarded as fair, honorable and represented a beacon of hope to the world. Alas no more. Both Israel and America are seen as ugly, homicidal brutes. Unfortunately there is all to much truth in that assessment.
America and Israel both revere and practice torture as if it was a badge of honor.
Both America and Israel once exemplified honor and global respect. Today both are considered globally as arrogant thugs.
Israeli racism, apartheid and brutality against the Palestinians are still considered to have been the provacateurs of the 9/11 attacks.
Israel has made me ashamed of being a Jew.
In Octber 2001, two terrorists attempted to sneak into the Mexican Parliament building with C-4 explosives and high powered guns. It was headline news in Mexico and also appeared on the official website of the Mexican Justice Dept. CNN TV Network in the U.S. briefly mentioned a “breaking story” about a “terrorist attack in Mexico” but never mentioned the incident again!! Astonishing!!
It turns out that one terrorist was MOSSAD, and the other was a Mexican Zionist sympathizer. They had fake Pakistani Passports in their possession, and were attempting to blow up the place, while leaving evidence implicating Muslims.
Israel put heavy-handed pressure on Mexico, and secured the release of the two men.
They knew their Intel and Security people were no match for MOSSAD and weren’t about to take them on.
Zionists… a blight on the world, murderering scum along with the CFR, Trilateral Commission, Bilderberg Group, Neo-Cons etc. One day these people WILL face Justice.
Shine a light on it Finklestien, and don’t let them shut you up. The Zionazis must be stopped , they give all us jews a bad name . We need peace with Palestine , they are our brothers.
Look at history. With the exception of a few brightspots (tip of the hat to Napoleon and a couple of Czars) it behoved ruling classes everywhere to launch pograms. Jews are a fantastic wedge issue for those who control us. Besides they are taught to question authority: cant have that.
Lots of grandmothers remember our leaders turning back Jews at our borders and sent back to the ovens. Jews had a very very few friends between 1932 and 1945. I dont blame the Jew for vowing never again and utilizing some nasty means to make it so.
But Israel must remember what it means to be a Jew. Dont loose your soul. You have something quite beautiful and wonderous for the last 6000 years. Neocon scum anongst u can end it.
If these Neo COnmen continue to play the
unsuspecting public I will find a plastic surgeon
to replace my Foreskin………
Finkelstein is my voice after I have visited Israel several times and studied the terror history of the Stern gang and the Butcher Sharon. What I could not say Finkelstein said, bravo and long happy life to you.
Zionism is a cancer which good Jews reject. G-d save those souls besieged by violent misled and forsaken men.
I haven’t yet read Dr. Finkelstein’s work, but I am familiar with his struggle through a number of websites. I wholeheartedly support him, and I challenge all the major universities in the U.S., Canada and Europe to show some courage, to stand up for him, and compete with each other to retain his services! Although a courageous scholar like Dr. Finkelstein expects to suffer for his views, his suffering condemns those who can relieve it, but fail to do so. Nothing would send a stronger message to Zionist extremists than a widespread, supportive academic response on behalf of this man.
Sal, are you by any chance an “I” talian? Just wondering.
The dirty coments were not said by me, just some idiot using my name.
Thanks,
Sal Mazzotta
Norman Finkelstein IS SICK JEW.