Israel’s ability to ignore blatant human rights violations against the Palestinians derives from the great support it receives from world Jewry and Western societies. Western Jews, emancipated and empowered by the Enlightenment, are inspired by a long history of anti-Semitism that became pronounced in 19th century Europe, and culminated in the Holocaust in the mid-20th century. Many members of the Jewish American community, who were actively involved in the civil rights movement, are ill-at-ease watching events unfolding in the Middle East. Despite their disapproval of harsh and inhumane Israeli policies toward Palestinians, they are reluctant to criticize Israel for the fear that such criticism would undermine Western support.

[...] Is silence the best approach to support the Jews in the Holy Land? And is force the best approach to dealing with Palestinians demands for equal rights?

The Egyptian government is no longer granting residency to Palestinians and Iraqis.