The fundamental wing of Judaism has significant influence over the Israeli
decision-making process and is the ideological basis of the settler movement
in the West Bank and Gaza (except for "Greater Jerusalem" where
many secular Jews have moved because of cheap, subsidized housing) The
following quotes show the racism inherent in this world-view and why its
influence should be opposed by all rational people.
Ideological basis of racism in Israel
"The Talmud states that...two contrary types of souls exist, a
non-Jewish soul comes from the Satanic spheres, while the Jewish soul stems
from holiness...Rabbi Kook, the Elder, the revered father of the messianic
tendency of Jewish fundamentalism said, "The difference between a
Jewish soul and the souls of non-Jews...is greater and deeper than the
difference between a human soul and the souls of cattle.' "Israel
Shahak and Norton Mezvinsky's "Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel"
Racism - continued
"Gush Emunim rabbis have continually reiterated that Jews who killed
Arabs should not be punished, [e.g.]...Relying on the Code of Maimonides
and the Halacha, Rabbi Ariel stated, 'A Jew who killed a non-Jew is exempt
from human judgement and has not violated the [religious] prohibition of
murder'..The significance here is most striking when the broad support,
both direct and indirect, for Gush Emunim is considered. About one-half
of Israel's Jewish population supports Gush Emunim." "Israel
Shahak and Norton Mezvinsky's "Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel"
Jewish fundamentalist rationale for seizing Arab land
"They argue that what appears to be confiscation of Arab owned
land for subsequent settlement by Jews is in reality not an act of stealing
but one of sanctification. From their perspective the land is being redeemed
by being transferred from the satanic to the divine sphere...To further
this process, the use of force is permitted whenever necessary...Halacha
permits Jews to rob non-Jews in those locales wherein Jews are stronger
than non-Jews." "Israel Shahak and Norton Mezvinsky's "Jewish
Fundamentalism in Israel"