I read your article, “Support Israel’s right to exist, defend itself as a refuge from Jew-hatred and pogroms,” with a critical eye. While no one should question the right of Jewish people to live free of fear, it is important to contextualize Israel’s role as a gladiator nation-state — an extension of Western geopolitical interests rather than a purely autonomous entity.
Israel’s establishment and continued expansion reflect a legacy of colonialism rooted in the displacement of Palestinians. Historical documents, such as the 1917 Balfour Declaration, highlight Western powers’ use of Zionism as a tool for control in the Middle East. Today, U.S. foreign aid to Israel exceeds $3.8 billion annually, primarily in military support, reinforcing its role as a regional enforcer.
Israel’s actions in the Occupied Territories, from settlement expansions to blockades, exemplify policies of apartheid as documented in Amnesty International’s 2022 report. These actions serve Western interests by destabilizing the region to prevent autonomous development of neighboring states, ensuring continued reliance on Western military and economic systems.
Defending a nation should not mean condoning its role in ongoing oppression. The global community must pursue justice that upholds the dignity and self-determination of all people — Palestinians and Israelis alike. Only then can we dismantle systems of domination that perpetuate cycles of violence.
Mike Canty
by email