For people who feel bad for the Palestinians: please stop calling Israelis

[mot78]

"Zionists". Most Islamic fundies use this term to attack Jews in general. If you dislike Sharon or Israeli's policies, then fine, but quit calling Jews in general "Zionists". It reminds me of Dixiecrats talking about "state's rights" with regard to segregation.

[jpgray]

1. Wouldn't most Israelis be Zionist by definition?

The term was first coined in the 19th century to describe the movement to create a Jewish state in Palestine, and its modern sense involves support for and preservation of that state, no?

[mot78]

2. Yeah, but I'm talking about the connotation of the word

Many people who use it do so as a coded word for anti-Semitism.

[papau]

5. Variations plus subtext as a swear

Some would expel non-Jews from West bank and have a Saudi like state - now these might be called Zionists.

The two states folks seem - to me - to not "deserve" the Zionist term.

But that is just the way I see it - and for all I know the average Israeli may be comfortable with Zionist applied to all regardless of the future for the West Bank that is desired - and say screw you to those that would try to make it a swear.

[DenverDem]

3. "Zionist" is used to differentiate Likudniks and PNAC-ers from other Jews

It is apt.

[PsychoDad]

4. There are anti-zionist Jews.

And even some anti-zionist Israelis.

As for Sharon and his ilk, they may or may not be Jews, but they are Zionists.

And some christians are more zionist than some jews...

So I would never call any Jew in general a Zionist.

[papau]

6. That is what I wanted to say! :-)

:-)