Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav was sentenced to seven years jail today following his conviction for rape and other offences. I feel uncomfortable when I see some fellow Israel advocates try and spin this story into a positive tale of Israel’s democracy and fine legal system.
Whilst I understand the points being made, I think it is unpleasant and misguided to try and make political capital from such a horrific story. These were real-life crimes with real-life victims. I find it distasteful to see people losing sight of that in the haste to yet again turn something that happened in Israel into a positive moment. Sometimes you can just let something be without rushing into hasbara mode.
I feel for the victims of this nasty man. And I’m disappointed that Shimon Peres dodged an opportunity to help bring Katsav to book much earlier.
I so agree Chas. Whole thing is sickening
I disagree. This is a positive sign that Israel is growing up and no longer accepting corruption and other illegal activities done by the “higher ups”
My husband is from Mexico and I asked him if this would ever happen in Mexico and he said “no way, at best you can hope he would be assassinated. But a trial for rape. Never.”
The guy is scum, but the whole trial makes me proud.
Sometimes you can just let something be without rushing into hasbara mode.
Agreed. It comes across as a touch desperate in this instance.
Why the need to feel proud and to compare Israel with other countries? The law and judicial system was carried out. The End
Very interesting. Food for thought. I would even say philosophical!
You know I have just sent out this request
“Does anyone have a list available of any politician/public figure/ministers OUTSIDE OF ISRAEL who have openly condemned the Itamar massacre? Or even acknowledged it? Toying with the idea of arranging a public pressure campaign on those who have not (with special focus on those who sang loudly against Israel about the flotilla incident) Condemn it or do not. Silence=no condemnation”.
Is your argument also applicable here ? I personally do not think it is. At a demonstration at the weekend I was practically screaming at a guy from the opposition “Do you condemn it” repeatedly over his voice while he spouted shit trying to justify it. My world is upside down and I want some order and I want people in high places to be brave enough to do the right thing and condemn it. I feel so strongly about it.
Also whilst you are right about this piece, we need to remind ourselves that Israelis are constantly under siege both in the media and with the surrounding enemies. That can be a topsy turvey state to exist in and you revert to survival and defensive mode. What country in this world exists in that state? So sad that it has to be that way right now.
Thx for sharing Chas
I think that is a good idea of yours regarding public figures and Itamar. I know Obama and William Hague condemned it. I don’t know of others beyond them doing so (but neither do I know specifically of any leaders who did not condemn it). Please share any results from your investigation, and good luck.
Re shouting at a loon from the other side, I personally wouldn’t waste my time and energy on people like that. It changes nothing apart from upsetting the good guys (us).
I agree that Israel is unfairly demonised and singled-out and I agree that we therefore are pushed to positions of extreme defensiveness.
But we sometimes get it wrong in terms of our PR efforts. When I think we have, I will say so. I wouldn’t be much of a friend if I did not.
This did make me think of that case where a Palestinian was charged for “rape by deception” where he pretended to an Israeli woman that he was Jewish. Of course everyone accused Israel of racism against Palestinians, but it turned out he had actually violently assaulted her (and of course the media never mentioned this when it came out) http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2010/09/rape-by-deception-case-was-really.html
To me this isn’t about showing off Israel’s legal system, but it does reinforce the media’s typical hypocrisy in implicating that perhaps the Palestinian shouldn’t have been convicted whilst Katsav (as all decent people would agree anyway) should get what he deserves for his despicable actions.
That case just came to mind when I read about Katzav’s but I do agree that we shouldn’t go all Hasbara on everything.
So what are we going to do about the media distorting the truth. Its enough already! Its gone on way too long.
Thanks Chas. Had to said.
So the judicial system of Israel works – I would expect nothing less. 7 years for rape and other despicable behaviour against his female subordinates? Should have been more.
I see tonight he will appeal.
7 years for rape and other despicable behaviour against his female subordinates? Should have been more.
Should have been life. Shame on anyone who thinks sentencing someone to seven years for rape is something to boast about.
How long is the average / typical sentence for rape in the UK?
Not long enough. Few countries have long enough sentences for rape. It should be life, or death penalty where that is available.
I don’t agree with the death penalty.
Never thought I see you agree with the death penalty for anything, let alone rape (most death penalty advocates of course prefer it for pre-meditated murder). Perhaps you’d feel at home in an Islamic theocracy afterall! Thankfully the democratic & civilised nations of the world don’t do the death penalty.
It doesn’t really work that, does it? In most Islamic states they don’t punish the rapists but the rape victims. Also, America and India are democratic nations and they do the death penalty.
Thanks for caring and trying, though.
I have been thinking about this all week. Do you realise how philosophical your point is?! I didn’t until I started thinking about it and it led me to think about other methodologys used to defend Israel’s case to the world.It’s a whole discussion.
Have no concrete conclusion yet but you have caused me to think!Thank you.