Why would an Israeli philosopher and scientist, accuse Israeli soldiers of a "Judeo-Nazi" mentality?

Question

Yeshayahu Leibowitz (1903–1994) Professor of Chemistry, Physiology, and the History and Philosophy of Science at Hebrew University, made frequent reference to the “Judeo-Nazi” character of the State of Israel.

In coining this phrase, he was attempting to describe the aggressive nationalism promulgated by Israeli Zionism, which he saw to be an illegitimate Nazi-like deviation from authentic Judaism, yet nevertheless embroidered with Jewish religious symbolism.

He went so far as to argue that Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians and the Israeli Arabs was a form of “Nazification”.

He turned down the Israel Prize, Israel’s highest honour.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeshayahu_Leibowitz
http://www.mediamonitors.net/mosaddeq30.html#_edn21

Answer 1

Hello,



Quite a contradiction in terms aka paradox don't you think? It seems simple enough to me. He had his own beliefs and personal agenda and by bringing up the word Nazi, and equating to the Jews, he realizes he'd stir up much controversy and hence get some attention for his cause. Similarly you get the same effect and attention turning down a prize like some actors have done refusing their Oscars.



If the Jewish people in Israel were the same mentality as the Nazis, I'll guarantee you the Palestinians would be long gone by now... duly processed and up in smoke.



Cheers,



Michael Kelly

Answer 2

in case you extremely are drawn to this subject count and not purely anti-israel then possibly you need to hunt for different comments and different reaserch ( im no longer asserting you're anti-israel ). i'm jewish myself so possibly im being slightly biased however the certainty of the undertaking is that throughout each military you will continuously detect a team of folk who've accomplished unjust issues. yet like i mentioned you need to hunt for further infordmation into this as its no longer very honest to choose an entire military created from 168,000 infantrymen on 19 human beings. I additionally think of which you shouldnt have self assurance each little thing you pay attention. Im no longer asserting something you mentioned is incorrect im in simple terms asserting you shouldnt hate a rustic in simple terms over a million mans reasearch. i'm hoping you think approximately what i mentioned : )

Answer 3

He spoke of a "Judeo-Nazi" mentality because he spoke the truth.



I rarely even use the words "State of Israel" because they are neutral words that tell us nothing about the reality of life in Palestine. The bigotry, racism & continuous ethnic cleansing are far better expressed by the phrase "Neo-Nazi Zionist Entity".

Answer 4

The Master race and the Chosen race dont look too different, thank God for non Nazi Jews...

Answer 5

for the same reason the country would honor him with it's highest medal -- because Israel values free speech and freedom of thought and allows criticism of itself.

Answer 6

If he did that, then he's extremely ignorant and/or simply spreading Nazi and Muslim propaganda.



EDIT: Ah, then he was extremely clever and spreading Nazi and Muslim propaganda and lies. Thanks for clearing that up.

Answer 7

He has common sense.

Answer 8

"PUT THEM UP AGAINST THE WALL..."