Reading the Bible with the Eyes of the Canaanites: Neo-Zionism, Political Theology and the Land Traditions of the Bible (1967 to Gaza 2009)
In modern times, a whole range of colonial enterprises have used the Bible. The book of Joshua and other biblical texts evoking the exploits of ancient Israelites have been deployed in support of secular Zionism and settler colonisation in Palestine. The mega narratives of the Bible, however, appeared to mandate the ethnic cleansing and even genocide of the indigenous population of Canaan. This article argues that, with the rise of messianic Zionism since 1967, a Jewish theology of zealotocracy, based on the land traditions of the Bible, has emerged in Israel – a political theology that demanded the destruction of the so-called modern Canaanites; since 1967 fundamentalist rabbis have routinely compared the Palestinian people to the ancient Canaanites, Philistines and Amalekites, whose annihilation or expulsion by the ancient Israelites was predestined by a divine design. This article focuses on the politics of reading the Bible by neo-Zionists and examines the theology of the messianic current which embraces the paradigm of Jews as a divinely ‘chosen people’ and sees the indigenous Palestinians as no more than illegitimate squatters, and a threat to the process of messianic redemption; their human and civil rights are no match for the biblically-ordained holy war of conquering and settling the ‘Promised Land’.
The State of Israel and Jerusalem in the Jewish-Christian Dialogue: A Monologue in Two Voices
ABSTRACT Focussing on the centrality of the State of Israel within the Jewish-Christian dialogue as it is actually conducted, this essay highlights the challenge that historical truths pose for participants. Through analysis of texts over several decades, it reveals aspects of the discourse which reflect vested political interests, a certain myopia with respect to historical facts, and a lack of moral engagement with realities. One discerns a culture of denial or evasion with respect to, e.g., the expulsion of (80 per cent) of the indigenous inhabitants of Palestine. On such issues one encounters a monologue, albeit in two voices. There is a better way forward.
A History of Israel
This course is a political, social, and cultural history of modern Israel from the origins of Zionism in the late nineteenth century to the present. It aims to provide students with a deeper grasp of the personalities, events, forces, and structures that have shaped modern Israel. Emphasis will be placed on the development of historical understanding through close engagement with major debates pertaining to the subject of the course. We will explore debates in Israel's history, like those between different streams of Zionism, or between proponents and opponents of a written constitution, or between conflicting visions of Israel as a " Jewish " state. We will also explore debates among historians and sociologists of Israel/Palestine, such as the debate over the 1948 war, or over whether Zionism should be considered a colonial movement. Some of the debates we will study involve issues that were once fiercely contested but now appear more or less settled; most—like the debate over the compatibility of Israel's " Jewish " and " democratic " self-definition—remain timely and relevant. Learning Objectives This course has several learning objectives that will serve as the basis for assessment. Students will be evaluated on their ability to:  Demonstrate a grasp of the history of Israel that goes beyond the surface of events to explain underlying ideas, controversies, patterns, and structures.  Reason historically, e.g. by thinking contextually and concretely, avoiding unwarranted generalizations and anachronisms, perceiving change and continuity over time, considering how historians with divergent orientations (political, social, intellectual) might approach and explain the same historical phenomenon differently, appreciating complexity, periodizing, etc.  Imagine themselves into the point of view of some of the groups and individuals we will encounter in our course, showing an ability to " see " things from different perspectives and to present these perspectives in a way that is nuanced, concrete, and historically plausible.  Argue positions on some of the major debates in Israeli historiography, in class discussions and in particular in the formal in-class debates. (See " Requirements ")  Analyze both primary and secondary literature (historiography) critically, e.g. by attending to things like context, structure, and argument, distinguishing thesis from supporting evidence, considering alternative explanations for given data, discerning possible authorial biases, etc.  Work collaboratively, as part of a debating team.