Source: Telegraph.
He just can’t bring himself to say it
News that Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s Islamist president, has promised to uphold his country’s long-standing peace treaty with Israel has been widely welcomed. Revealingly, however, Mr Morsi refused to refer to the Jewish state by name, sticking instead to a generalised statement that his government was “in full respect of international peace treaties”.
Avigdor Lieberman, Israel’s foreign minister, responded by urging Morsi to put his money where his mouth is. “We hope to see President Morsi receiving official Israeli representatives,” he said. “We want to see him giving interviews to Israeli media and we want to see him in Jerusalem.”
From the Egyptian perspective, Lieberman’s invitation will be perceived as a provocation. Morsi’s reluctance to say the word “Israel” points to a deeply ingrained anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli sentiment that is widespread in Egyptian society; were he to appear to have a reasonable stance towards the Jewish state, his popularity at home would have plummeted. This is the case throughout much of the Muslim world. In this context, Lieberman’s apparent olive branch will be seen as nothing short of inflammatory.
Why do we need to use ‘anti-Semitic’ slogan? The Arabs have sufficient reason to be ‘anti-Israel’ without needing the ‘anti-Semitic’ reason also.
Dear Zubair Khan
If you have been to Israel, you would realized, how anti-Arab and anti-Islam most Israelis are. I visited the country many times and listened to various sections of the population – academics, politicians and NGOs. Israeli state does not even use the word Palestine; instead they refer to it as JUDEA & SAMARIA.
I even heard from the Imam of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Haifa, how negatively Islam is perceived in Israeli public because of official propaganda. Avigdor Lieberman, Israel’s foreign minister is the most racist politician in Israel so using him for reference and castigating Egypt is not only unfair but plain non-sense.
Besides, not mentioning the name of Israel by Mr. Mursi ( I doubt it by the way) does not make the whole new Israel as you put it, anti-Semitic. These two terminologies are not identical. Egypt has a peace treaty with Israel and even diplomatic relations.
Please make a better research before using other media sources.
Dear Mr. Quraishy, I know that the editorial policy of The Muslim Times is a bit difficult to understand. What we try to do is to give the readers the different opinions ‘out there’. IT DOES NOT MEAN WE AGREE WITH IT! We definately do not agree with Mr. Lieberman (whether the Israeli or the US ‘cousin’). We very much appreciate all comments, especially also yours. When we bring articles such as this one we sort of ‘wait for the reaction’ and wait for someone to give a different view. Thanks a lot! (We feel it important that the readers know what others say, not to get only a one-sided view. Not everything ‘out there’ is nice and beautiful, unfortunately).
@Bashy Q. Br Rafiq amicably gave the editorial thought. Main aim is to have diversified material and views for the MT readers. Not of Israel but have the experience to visit and interact with Egyptians. Even ordinary Egyptian now wants peace and prosperity in the region. Hatred or aggression has neither paid in the past nor will pay in future. Love for all hatred for none is the best policy. Ahmadiyya Community in Kababir, as a peaceful Muslim Organization has always been in good books of Israelis as I understood from head of local community. Only reason could be they propagate peace and harmony. Same is a lesson for all others living in the region. Any way thank you for the comments.
Dear Zubair
I know well why Israel grants permission to various religious movements to establish their offices or even head offices there. reasons can be political, geo-political or simply to show how tolerant they are to other faiths. I wish Israel showed the same kindness to Palestinians.
It is incorrect to claim that Ahmadiyya movement is the only one which practices and preachs Islam in a peaceful manner. By saying that only Ahmadiyya community is propagating harmony and peace, you are employing that others are extremists. Do you think, it is fair?
There are a number of other movements wo do the same.
I saw the shrine of Bahaullah as a large Temple on the whole hill side of Mount Carmel in Haifa. I was invited to visit the Ahmadiyya Centre by the Imam of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Haifa after my lecture at the university of Haifa on Jewish Muslim co-operation in Europe. Then you have many Palestinian religious organisations which are present through out Israel.
Dear Bashy Q. I just took the name of Ahmdaiyya as one example. If you quote the example of one does not mean others are extremists. You are right various other organizations also preach peace and act accordingly that is why system of this planet is working.Recently I confronted a Blog LUBP and was surprised to note how liberal, logical and rationale it is. So on this planet exist good natured people and and organizations every where.
As per your statement if good natured and peaceful Palestinian organisations are workign through out Israel then why the problem is taking so long. As per your assessment who is to be blamed. Keep in mind one can clap only with two hands.