Lying About Israel

One of the most vicious, inane, and historically vacuous analogies that those who hate Israel try to make is to compare the current situation with apartheid. People who make this analogy manage to do a remarkable thing: They both reveal an absolute ignorance of the history and manifestation of apartheid and an utterly contemptible and wrong view of the situation in Israel. This article (registration may be required) provides one of the most effective refutations of this insidious libel. As the author, Benjamin Pogrund of the Yakar Centre for Social Concern in Jerusalem writes, “If the apartheid label is appropriate, it provides a potent political weapon. If, however, the usage is wrong, it reduces the system of racism perpetrated in South Africa to just another swear word. It also raises questions about the motives of those who apply it.” Pogrund provides an argument as to why the usage is decidedly wrong. Arguments against Israel’s policy are, of course, fully acceptable, and sometimes necessary. The “Israel equals apartheid” lie, however, is not an argument. It is a calumny.