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Name
Saira
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
As-Salamu`alaykum, could you please explain a bit about the law and how it will affect people in everyday life? Do you think the law is just another way of protecting Israeli interests and silencing their numerous critics? Jazakallah
Answer
Wa`alaykum Assalamu warahmatullah.
The new law basically requires the State Department to monitor global anti-Semitism and rate countries annually on their treatments of Jews. Under the legislation, the State Department will have to produce an annual report on anti-Semitism around the world and form a specific office headed by a special envoy to document anti-Semitic abuses and design strategies to combat them.
It requires the Department to document acts of physical violence against Jews, their property, cemeteries and places of worship abroad, as well as local governments' responses to them and take note of instances of anti-Jewish propaganda and governments' readiness to promote unbiased school curricula.
How will it affect people in their daily life? I think this will be determined by the way this law will be carried on. However, this law until now is more like strong advice and guiding principles because of the separation of powers in the United States.
Personally I believe that this law is more of a political move than as a substantial act. Let's not forget that this law was signed by the president on Oct. 16 of this year on air force one while the president was on his way to rally the third largest Jewish community in the world in Florida, after the Zionist state and New York. It was seen as an election move to gain the support of the Jewish community, which historically votes democratically in the key battleground in Florida.
Moreover, this law can be viewed also as a way to silence the critical stand of the world against the atrocities committed by the Israelis against the Palestinian people. In one of his speeches in front of AIPAC, the Israeli strong lobby in Washington, President Bush in an unprecedented stand deemed the criticism of the state of Israel as a form of anti-Semitism.
Name
ayman
- Egypt
Profession
sales exsective
Question
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Answer
We are very sorry brother Ayman for not answering your question, as this session is not dedicated to questions of this type. Please re-submit your question to the Ask the Scholar service by clicking here:
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Name
Mokhtar
-
Profession
Question
What does it meant hat a law is called "anti-Semitism" or criticizing Jews? Has criticism become a crime? Doesn't the Congress know what Israel is doing to the Palestinians?!
Answer
Unfortunately, criticizing Jews, Zionism, and Israel became unaccepted in many parts of the world. In France and Germany they already legislated some laws that prohibit what they call anti-Semitism. Unfortunately again, the term anti-Semitism encompasses a broad meaning. In some cases, these laws in some parts of Europe applied to some academicians who sometimes question as an instant the accuracy of the Holocaust. Some of these academicians or historians had their academic recognition tarnished by a court order especially in France and Germany.
Criticizing the harsh and massive misuse of power by the Israeli military against the Palestinian civilians prompted a quick reaction from some of the Jewish Organizations in Europe and the United States as anti-Semitism sentiment.
I don’t think that we can assume that Congress does not know about the atrocities that are committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian civilians. Yet, we have to admit the great influence the Israeli lobby enjoys in this country.
Name
nadine
- United States
Profession
Question
If Semitism means descendants of Sam, son of Nuh (peace be upon him), then the Arabs are included. Then how did the Jews succeed in monopolizing the term only for their sake?
Answer
I agree with you. However, the Jews succeeded as you mentioned in monopolizing the term. They employed the Holocaust issue as their vehicle to convince the western world of them being victimized by the west in the previous century because of their religion and ethnic heritage. On the other hand, I don't think that this is the only reason why the western governments supported such a claim. Let's not forget that the State of Israel represents a colonial project in the region. It is the advanced base of the western world in the heart of the Muslim world. So protecting this project and its ideological foundations is shared by the two sides. I think this in part justifies the highjacking of the term "Semitism".
Name
Ausgah
-
Profession
Question
Does the American Society admit that Jews are above any blame or mistake and that they are angles, impeccable?
Answer
No, I won't go that far. I think that one angle of our problem in this country is that we did not succeed yet in bringing the American society to take a first hand look at what their elected politicians are doing. Unfortunately, the American people are not part of this discussion. Initially, it does not directly affect their lives at least as they view it.
Moreover, the media is playing an unholy game by contributing to the deception of the American people. The majority of the American politicians and media are partners in keeping the facts off reach of the American people for the sake of serving their personal interests, which comes as they view it through complying with the influential Christian rights and Israeli lobby.
Name
Bilal Khird
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Does this law also include those who specify their anti-Jewish discourses to Zionists and land usurpers especially in Palestinians, or it is so general that whoever blames Israel will be held accountable?
Answer
As I mentioned in a previous answer this law only requires the State Department to document the acts of physical violence against Jews, their property, cemeteries and places of worship abroad, as well as local governments' responses to them and take note of instances of anti-Jewish propaganda and governments' readiness to promote unbiased school curricula.
It does not mention in specific that criticizing Zionism itself or the Israeli occupation as sentiments of anti-Semitism. However, this act or law is still broad when it mentions the issue of "anti-Jewish propaganda”. It's hard to distinguish in the minds of those who proposed the law between “anti-Jewish”, “anti-Zionism”, and “anti-occupation”. Maybe it will be beneficial to mention that Tom Lantos who is a Jewish Congressman from California and who is described as one of the few survivors of the Holocaust in Germany during Hitler’s rule is the one who proposed this legislation that became a law after the signature of President Bush. Congressman Lantos is one of the hawks within the Democratic Party when it comes to the State of Israel. Also, let me remind the readers that President Bush himself deemed the criticism of the state of Israel and Zionism as forms of anti-Semitism. So I think we have to wait and see how this law will be implemented.
Name
Alan
- Canada
Profession
Student
Question
Do you think it's counterproductive for Muslims to oppose legislation on anti-Semitism? Whatever the reasons for doing so, wouldn't it cause damage to Islam's image in the West?
Answer
I think we need to distinguish between two things. One, any form of hatred or discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, culture, or color affiliation should be renounced and not tolerated. On the other hand, to apply this rule only to one religious and ethnic group and to exclude the majority of minorities in terms of religion, ethnicity, culture, and color in the United States is not acceptable. As Muslims we need to be blunt, clear and proud. Our religion does not tolerate any form of discrimination. So I see no reason for us to be in the position of the defendants. Our problem is not with Judaism as a religion and it’s not with the Jews as an affiliation. It is with the occupation and the occupiers with disregard to their religious and ethnical affiliation.
Beyond that, as Muslim Americans, we live in a stage of time and age through discrimination and prejudice that are directed against us. And if we are as Americans to protect minorities and to respect religious and ethnical heritages, this rule should apply to Islam and Muslims in America and abroad.
So what is not acceptable in the context of this new law is that this law explicitly is designed to protect one minority and the followers of one religion and ethnicity while excluding the rest. At the same time it also goes beyond that to immune occupation and the abuse of human rights and the rejection of international law that are conducted by this group of people.
Name
Khadija
-
Profession
Question
You said the law will appoint the Stat Department to monitor any anti-semtism activities and in the context of the answer you touched that this might include anything. Does this mean Human Rights Organizations will not monitor Israel anymore?
Answer
Again we have to wait and see how this new law will be carried out. However, I think we have every reason to fear such an act especially if we know that the State Department itself objected to such law fearing a broad interpretation of this unprecedented act.
Name
A.
-
Profession
Question
Why this law started in France before the US though France is not known for its support of Israel the same way America is?
Answer
I don’t have a definite answer to this question. However, I think this has to do with the French’s stand on the conflict in the Middle East. Since the French position is more balanced toward both parties of conflict compared to the United States and some of the European countries, and since this prompted an extreme response from the Zionist state and the Jewish lobbies in Europe and the United States against what they viewed as a French biased stand in favor of Palestinians and Arabs as opposed to the Zionist state, the French government by conducting such a harsh measure against the so called anti-Semitism sentiments sought to silence this criticism while at the same time upholding its position in the Middle East in order to preserve its interests in the Arab world.
Name
Mo'nis
-
Profession
Question
Is the banning of Al-Manar TV a practical implementation of this law? How come America that is known for its democracy prevent freedom of expression?
Answer
This is a great question and it represents the essence of this discussion.
Let me start by explaining that the banning of Al-Manar TV off the American airwaves was not explicitly based on this law. It might have played a role on such a move. However, this banning was based on the executive powers that were granted to the president by the anti-terrorism laws that were passed in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001. One provision of these laws specifically gives the president the power to outlaw any organization if the message that it is trying to spread encompasses or espouses discrimination or hatred or citing violence against the United States or its interests in the world. And since Israel can be defined as one of the American interests in the world, this administration found it justified to ban Al-Manar TV that is claimed by the American Administration of spreading anti-Semitism sentiments, which contradicts the “Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004” that was signed by the president on Oct. 16, 2004.
Now what is interesting is that such a ban, which was designed to deal with terrorist organizations, according to the American definition, applied in an unprecedented move to a media outlet, which in this case is Al-Manar TV.
Constitutionally, under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech and expression, such banning is unconstitutional. Constitutional experts are saying that the first amendment protects the rights of every one which includes persons and organizations, even to advocate violence as long as the rights of those who condemn violence is also protected.
According to them, it also applies not only to U.S. citizens and organizations but also to non U.S. citizens and organizations.
So Al-Manar TV has a very strong case in the American courts if the constitution will be upheld. However, that does not mean that a judiciary politicized decision might not come to pass citing national security concerns in this time and age. Yet, one day America, hopefully, will come back to its soul and Al-Manar will win such a case as long as the American Constitution is still in place.
Name
Jeewan
-
Profession
Question
Will the law affect Muslims in the US, especially the Muslim relief organizations in the United States? Does the law reflect Bush's anger from Muslims on account of their objection to his re-election?
Answer
As I said in previous answers, we have to wait and see how this law will be implemented. As for the reflection of Bush's anger on our community, I would say it has to do more with his bid for re-election by mobilizing the influential Jewish Community in the U.S. to rally behind him which is known traditionally to favor Democrats over Republicans. Please remember, as I said in a previous answer, that this law was signed by Bush while he was on Air Force one on his way to rally the influential Jewish Community in Florida on Oct. 16, 2004.
Name
Sam S.
-
Profession
Question
Why there is no an "anti-Islamic" law, to fight those who are anti Muslims and are aggressive against Muslims?
Answer
Please find the Answer for your question in previous answers.
Name
Asim
- Australia
Profession
Student
Question
As-Salamu`Alaykum, with violence against Muslims in the US increasing over 1000% after 9/11 shouldn't Muslims unite and lobby for a law to protect them, just like their are laws that protect Jews?
Answer
In a very short answer, I would say yes. I think we have to learn as Muslim Americans from the experience of our brothers and sisters in Britain. However, we also need to be frank with ourselves by saying it will be a hard and tough task as compared to the British example in this regard.
Name
Mustafa
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
Why are we so interested in this new law? Do you think that we Muslims are suffering like the Jews of the past?
Answer
We are concerned because this law might affect our stands on occupation and injustices. What we are calling for is to preserve the freedom of expression and the right of determination for our people in Palestine. Also, we need a law that bans hatred, incitement, and discrimination against all and not only for one group. And we need to ensure the distinction between criticism and incitement.
Name
abdul Hameed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
As-Salamu`alaykum, in my university people are very knit picky about voting and getting involved in political issues. Do you think that it is important that we get involved in the political process of the west such as voting, lobbying, etc? Or do you think that these things will be a waste of time for Muslims?
Answer
I definitely support involvement and participation. There is a big difference between integration and assimilation. In our case, as western Muslims we are calling for positive integration that will preserve our identity, values, and norms. And in order to do that, political participation will be one avenue of many. I believe that we are citizens of our countries and as we are complying by the obligations of the law we have to enjoy the rights. So it will be a waste not to participate. Or we will be unable to protect our identity.
Name
odion
- Nigeria
Profession
student
Question
Hi just want to say thanks for your good works. It is not easy especially in this time of ethnic crises. Please mail I would love to ask for a favor?
Answer
Your welcome, my email address is Alzaitonah@yahoo.com.
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Answer
Finally, we would like to thank brother Mr. Osama Abu-Irshaid for speaking to Islamonline viewers today. We also thank all those who participated in this dialogue, and we remind our readers to join us in the upcoming sessions.
