Public discussion about the history and politics of Israel often demands moral clarity expressed in simple declarations. One is expected either to “stand with Israel” or to oppose it. One affirms as historical fact the notion that “a people with no land came to a land with no people,” or chants “From the river to …
Christian Zionism, antisemitism and theology
Christian Zionism is a religious movement that offers theological and political support for the modern State of Israel based on particular interpretations of the Bible. It is especially influential in parts of evangelical and Pentecostal Protestantism shaped at least in part by dispensationalist theology. Its central claims typically include: 1. That God’s biblical promises concerning …
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Social cohesion as the new zeitgeist
One could be forgiven for thinking that “social cohesion” is the new state-sponsored zeitgeist in Australia. But all is not necessarily well when the political class green-lights a catch-all phrase that ticked the right focus group boxes. The term Zeitgeist refers to the defining spirit, mood, or dominant cultural and intellectual attitudes of a particular period …
Why I do not support Hamas
It beggars belief that I need to spell out the reasons why I do not support a terrorist organisation whose aim is to annihilate the State of Israel, but here we are. Almost every time I speak up in defence of the human rights of Palestinians, or criticise Israeli state violence against Palestinians and other …
On the power and fragility of public protest
Part of the huge police presence at today's Town Hall Square protest rally in Sydney. Photo: Rod Benson Attending the protest rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia was not part of my plans for this evening. I left work at my city office around 4.15 pm and headed to Gadigal Station to …
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