Racism and Bigotry Threaten Israeli Society, Author Warns
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Author Saleh Najidat warns that recent Israeli election campaigns revealed growing racism and bigotry against the Arab community, with some political factions viewing them as second-class citizens. He argues that racism is a dangerous social disease that threatens societal cohesion and human rights, impacting both the targeted group and the perpetuating society. Najidat calls for a collective effort, starting with education and extending to legislation, to combat racism and foster respect for diversity, echoing Nelson Mandela's message that hate can be unlearned.
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- Recent Israeli election campaigns revealed growing racism and bigotry against the Arab community, according to author Saleh Najidat.
- Author Saleh Najidat warns that racism and bigotry are dangerous social diseases that fracture societies and undermine coexistence.
- He stated that racism violates human rights and dignity, contradicting principles of justice, equality, and freedom.
- Najidat argued that racism threatens both the targeted community and the society that perpetuates it.
- He called for a shared responsibility involving education, media, political discourse, and legislation to confront racism.
- The author recalled Nelson Mandela's quote that hate can be unlearned and love can be taught.
Recent election results in Israel have revealed a growing level of racism, bigotry, and fascist ideology among a significant portion of the Israeli public towards the Arab community and its elected representatives, according to author Saleh Najidat. Election campaigns and accompanying hostile rhetoric indicated that some political factions do not view Arab citizens as equal partners, but rather as second-class citizens whose right to political participation and influence is questioned. Najidat expressed concern that the issue transcends normal political differences, highlighting the danger of transforming national, religious, and political disagreements into hatred and animosity, portraying an entire community and its representatives as enemies of the state simply because they are Arab.
The author cautioned that racism and bigotry are not mere slogans but dangerous social diseases that can fracture societies and undermine coexistence. He stated that racism, in all its forms, violates human rights and dignity and contradicts principles of justice, equality, and freedom. The consequences of racism, he warned, include the disintegration of social bonds, increased tension and conflict, the spread of hatred, and a lack of tolerance and mutual trust, hindering development and weakening the sense of shared citizenship. Racism, he argued, threatens not only the targeted community but also the society that perpetuates it, as a society allowing hatred to dictate its internal relations cannot build a secure future.
Najidat emphasized that confronting racism is a shared responsibility involving individuals, intellectuals, political and religious leaders, educators, media, and government institutions. He called for this confrontation to begin with education in homes and schools, extend through media and political discourse, and culminate in the enactment and fair application of laws. He concluded by recalling Nelson Mandela's words: "No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love," urging a focus on raising generations that respect human dignity and diversity.