As a thought experiment, and with no desire to do the real legwork as the resources are not close to hand for me, I trawled the internet to find out how the general German civilian populace responded to the horror the Nazis visited upon the Jews circa World War II. The idea I had was to do a comparative analysis of how the nation of Germany responded then, versus how the world is responding now to the horror being visited upon the Palestinians by, oddly enough, the Jews.
I must confess that for most of my life, I have been deceived by what is now commonly referred to as Mainstream Media (MSM). The narratives they have pushed were always taken as gospel by me. Take, for instance, the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. As a devoted follower of CNN, I was led to believe that this was a monumental achievement for the Palestinians. However, I was never informed about the lack of complete sovereignty for them, with the topic being deferred to later discussions. The issue of illegal Jewish settlements on Palestinian land was conveniently brushed aside, and the truth remained that security in Palestine was firmly in the hands of the Israelis. The question of Palestinian refugees was left unanswered.
Had I known these crucial details at the time, perhaps I would have harbored some suspicions. Maybe I could have sought context or clarity from my elders and betters. But now, we no longer need to rely on MSM for news. Thanks to smartphones and the internet, we have access to real-time information from people on the ground. We no longer have to endure the whitewashing of truth or the manipulation of biases that serve the interests of those in power.
The ongoing conflict we witness in 2023 may have been triggered by the Hamas terror attack on October 7th, but it is far from the beginning of the story, contrary to what Israeli politicians, US politicians (both Red and Blue), British politicians, German politicians (ironically), and MSM would have us believe.
It would be unwise to generalize these points, as even seemingly monolithic groups exhibit myriad reactions. However, historical records and studies suggest a variety of responses. As of day 63 of the Gaza offensive, the number of displaced persons stands at a staggering 1,840,000. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed the lives of 23,012 individuals, including 4,645 women, 9,077 children, and even 76 journalists.
In a shocking revelation, the number of innocent children brutally slain within a mere three weeks in Gaza surpasses the total casualties of armed conflicts across more than 20 countries worldwide in an entire year, for the past three years. This staggering fact alone should have ignited a fierce resistance against the Israeli genocidal offensive from those in power. Yet, astonishingly, even the mere mention of the words "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing" has become taboo. The Prime Minister of Canada, for instance, was so reluctant to utter the word "ceasefire" that he nearly bit his tongue. Today 8 December 2023, the UN Secretary General called for a special seating of the UN Security Council trying to get the member nations to call for an immediate ceasefire. The US vetoed the resolution with the vote concluding at 13:1. The UK abstained from voting as it continues to try and sit on the fence, following the lead of the US in all matters of foreign policy but facing stiff pushback from its citizenry.
Nevertheless, let us refocus on the crux of the matter at hand. I yearned to comprehend how ordinary civilians reacted when the Nazis ruthlessly targeted the Jews. In my quest for answers, I stumbled upon a few striking parallels that I now endeavor to juxtapose with the harrowing events unfolding before our very eyes in Palestine.
1. Indifference and Apathy:
During the Holocaust, several Germans displayed a disturbing indifference towards the fate of the Jews. They chose to turn a blind eye to the unspeakable atrocities or even justified them as necessary for the state or the war effort. Some individuals were more preoccupied with their own lives, the ongoing war, or the prevailing economic conditions.
Sadly, even today, we witness a similar apathy among well-meaning individuals who prefer to stay out of the conflict. They believe that Israel should be left to its own devices, and if it ever crosses the line, the international community will step in to hold them accountable. However, the truth is that Israel has already violated international law, even before October 7th, and yet the so-called "World Police" (the United States) unequivocally declare their support for Israel. President Joe Biden himself shamelessly perpetuated propaganda about alleged atrocities committed by Hamas, despite the facts contradicting his claims. To make matters worse, he has not even had the decency to apologize for this egregious error, instead choosing to stand by his false statements.
In "The Diary of a Young Girl," Anne Frank, a Jewish girl during World War II, contemplates the unique position of Jews and their suffering, stating, "Who has made us Jews different from all other people? Who has allowed us to suffer so terribly up till now? It is God that has made us as we are, but it will be God, too, who will raise us up again. Who knows? … We will always remain Jews."
In his memoir "I Will Bear Witness: A Diary of the Nazi Years," German author Victor Klemperer reflects on the normalization of anti-Semitism, stating, "For the first time in my life, I know and realize: I have been completely isolated, cut off from life... The world has become a wilderness for me. What is the meaning of this persecution of the Jews? The sign of our complete isolation. It is the surest, most unerring proof that we are pariahs."
This same apathy and isolation is certainly felt by the Palestinians who have seen the leaders of the world categorically state that they stand with Israel and can only offer platitudes to the suffering of the Palestinians. How alone, how isolated.
2. Fear and Silence:
In the dark depths of Nazi Germany, a chilling climate of fear gripped the nation. The Gestapo and other state agencies ruthlessly instilled terror, warning of severe consequences for those who dared to speak out against the regime or its policies. This pervasive fear gave birth to a suffocating culture of silence, where any form of dissent was mercilessly suppressed.
Klemperer adds, "The feeling of being overlooked by the others - out of sight, out of mind - becomes oppressive. The best will in the world cannot change that. One wants to share things, not be silent. But the greatest part of life is silent, and as a result in this time of universal hypocrisy people are particularly wary of what they say."
Today, across the Western world, censorship both by the self and by institutions is on the rise. A decision was taken by the Harvard Law Review to reject an essay by Palestinian doctoral candidate Rabea Eghbariah that accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The article's author, Robert Tait, suggests that the editors of the review may have been concerned about a backlash from pro-Israel donors or groups. "Harvard journal accused of censoring article alleging genocide in Gaza" (The Guardian, November 22, 2023). This is just one of a multitude of cases of censorship by, of all things, a University. Several low-key supporters of the pro-Palestine movement also self-censor because if they do speak up, they are liable to lose opportunities, jobs, and other significant benefits and as such choose to remain silent.
But it is not only institutions that silence voices; individuals, too, find themselves self-censoring in the face of potential repercussions. Those who quietly support the pro-Palestine movement often choose to remain in the shadows, fearing the loss of opportunities, jobs, and other significant benefits that may be stripped away if they dare to speak up. The price of silence, though heavy, seems preferable to the risks of raising their voices.
3. Support for the Nazi Regime:
A significant portion of the German population fervently supported the Nazi regime, particularly in its early years. Widespread anti-Semitic sentiments fueled this support, as Nazi propaganda effectively portrayed Jews as enemies of the state. Regrettably, many Germans failed to question the persecution, as they were heavily influenced by the pervasive anti-Semitic narrative that surrounded them.
Now, let me recount an evening that left me both disturbed and perplexed. I found myself engrossed in an interview on Breaking Points, where Senator Ted Cruz was confronted with the horrifying reality of the carnage inflicted upon the innocent citizens of Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). In response, one would expect a compassionate and measured reaction, but what I witnessed was far from it.
With an air of unwavering conviction, Senator Cruz boldly declared, "I condemn nothing that Israel is doing." This statement came after he was presented with a litany of comments, disturbingly genocidal, made by the Israeli leadership. These comments ranged from various Ministers to the President, and even Prime Minister Netanyahu himself, who shockingly likened the Palestinians to Amalek from the Bible. In this twisted comparison, he invoked God's call for Israel to exterminate the Amalekites, sparing no one, not even women and children.
Such a response, or rather lack thereof, left me questioning the moral compass of those in positions of power. How can one turn a blind eye to the suffering of an entire population, dismissing their plight with callous indifference? It is a chilling reminder of the dangers that arise when political alliances overshadow basic human empathy.
We must reflect upon history's lessons and remember the consequences of remaining silent in the face of injustice. The echoes of the past should serve as a haunting reminder that the path to progress lies not in perpetuating hatred and violence, but in fostering understanding, compassion, and a commitment to justice for all.
4. Resistance and Opposition:
It is crucial to acknowledge that within Germany, there existed individuals and groups who bravely resisted the Nazi regime and its abhorrent anti-Jewish policies. These courageous Germans, risking their very lives, provided aid to Jews by hiding them or offering other forms of assistance. Notably, organizations such as the White Rose actively engaged in anti-Nazi resistance.
In a similar vein, we find ourselves in the present day with the Jewish Voice for Peace and numerous other Jewish groups who have fearlessly spoken out against the Israeli government, unequivocally denouncing its war crimes and the dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank. These groups tirelessly raise their voices, decrying the Israeli apartheid regime and advocating for the rights of Palestinians, while demanding an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. They firmly believe that Palestinians deserve the fundamental right to self-determination and a just, enduring peace founded upon equality and the utmost respect for human rights.
In a resolute and unwavering tone, we must recognize the indomitable spirit of those Germans who resisted the Nazi regime, as well as the contemporary Jewish groups who boldly challenge the actions of the Israeli government. Their unwavering commitment to justice and human rights serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the importance of standing up against oppression and advocating for a world where equality and dignity prevail.
5. Ignorance:
Not all Germans were fully aware of the extent of the atrocities occurring in concentration camps. The Nazis were secretive about their genocidal activities, and information was often censored or manipulated. Some people might not have known the full scale of the horrors.
Now, let us delve into the realm where the mainstream media has truly excelled. Through their artful manipulation of narratives, dissemination of propaganda disguised as truth, and skillful use of language to advance their own agendas. Cast your mind back to the 1940s, during the dark era of Nazi rule, when mainstream newspapers in Germany were subjected to strict censorship and control by the regime. The press, once a beacon of truth, became a powerful tool for spreading Nazi propaganda and molding public opinion. Consequently, the coverage of events such as the persecution of Jews was meticulously orchestrated to align with the twisted ideology of the Nazis. The portrayal of Jews in the media consistently painted them in a negative light, fueling the normalization of anti-Semitic sentiments within German society.
Fast forward to the present day, and not much has changed. The narrative continues to be carefully managed, deliberately omitting the fact that Israel's presence in Gaza and the West Bank is an occupation. The illegality of settlements in the West Bank and their relentless expansion has been conveniently overlooked by the media for years on end.
Palestinians, too, bear the brunt of this biased narrative. They are often unjustly associated with terrorism, as if their mere existence is synonymous with violence. Take, for example, the constant reminder that they voted for Hamas, conveniently ignoring the fact that this election was organized by the West and took place many years ago, long before the majority of Palestinians were even born.
In both situations, we witness the power of the media to shape public perception, doing so now just as it did during the Nazi era. The parallels are striking, as history seems to repeat itself. It is a call to action, a plea for a more balanced coverage of the issues, from all sides.
Framing and language choices wield a powerful influence, acting as insidious tools that perpetuate ignorance. Even I, in my own discourse, have fallen prey to this manipulation, using the term 'settlement' instead of the more fitting 'colony' when discussing the troubling situation in the West Bank.
The press, oh how they revel in oversimplification and stereotyping! By associating Hamas fighters with their Muslim faith, they propagate the dangerous notion that all Muslims are inherently linked to terrorism. This distorted perception was further exacerbated by the ill-fated American invasion of Afghanistan.
But what truly angers me is the media's neglect of root causes. They present each violent incident as if it were a standalone event, devoid of any historical or contextual understanding. This deliberate omission leads unsuspecting viewers to hasty conclusions, and one cannot help but wonder if this is a calculated ploy by the media houses themselves, or whoever pays the piper.
The underrepresentation of Palestinian perspectives is nothing short of deplorable. News reports predominantly feature Israeli officials and experts, while Palestinian voices are relegated to the shadows. This lopsided portrayal creates an imbalance, distorting the perspectives and experiences of both sides. Even when media outlets do provide a platform for pro-Palestinian voices, they manipulate narratives and steer questions in their preferred direction, attempting to deny the audience the chance to form an informed opinion.
And let us not forget the media houses, particularly the mainstream ones, who revel in sensationalizing violence while conveniently ignoring the underlying structural issues. When the Palestinian resistance initiates attacks, it becomes the focal point of attention and reporting, overshadowing critical matters such as the prolonged blockade, and Israel's control over Palestinian resources like water, power, and even their airspace. These crucial issues are swept under the rug, their significance diminished by the media's selective coverage.
In this dramatic narrative, the truth is obscured, and the audience is left in a state of perpetual ignorance. The media's manipulation, oversimplification, and biased reporting have created a quagmire of misinformation and the prevalence of disinformation.
However, as we witness the unfolding events on the ground and the brazen impunity with which Israel conducts itself, the entire world has been put on high alert. From Dakar, Senegal to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from London, UK to Berlin, Germany, from Paris, France to New York City, USA, the resounding cries of protest from citizens are a clear message to politicians: enough is enough. The people are exhausted by their nonsensical actions. The clamor for Israel to be held accountable at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) grows louder with each passing day. The burning question remains: will the leaders of the world finally awaken to this urgent call and take decisive action in the pursuit of a just and enduring peace? I fervently hope so, for this time, the feeble excuses that were bandied about after the Iraq war, such as "If I knew then what I know now..." will most certainly not suffice.
The plight of the Palestinians, laid bare for all to see, has ignited a fire within the hearts of citizens worldwide. They demand justice, they demand accountability, and they demand it now. The echoes of the lessons of the past must not be forgotten, for they serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction.
Truly, never again!