The Natural Rights Of Nations

Submitted by Seamus MacNemi (United States), Dec 10, 2007 at 21:30

Dear Dr. Pipes,

After reading this article for the fifth time something has occured to me. What is wrong with calling Israel a Jewish state? Israel is supposed to be a homeland for the Jews is it not? As a homeland it must be, in fact, a place where the Jewish culture and folkways prevail other wise it cannot be supposed to be a 'HOMELAND".

If it was a homeland for Arabs one would suppose that Arab ways would prevail as in Saudi Arabia or Jordan. I cannot see what the complaint of the Palestinians is. Do they object in principle to the existence of a homeland for the Jews? Where else can Jews live without being subject to the whims of strangers? Must Jews live as an eternal pawn in the games of nations or do they have the right to self determination in the same way as do other peoples? I ask this question as an Irishman and I will tell you as an Irishman that I would not personally be willing to give up my right to be who I am in my own right independent and self sufficient with my own thoughts and ideas the governing principle of my life.

To Quote Rabbi Akiba: If I am not for myself then who can be for me?

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