Plain English with Derek Thompson The Tragedy of Picking Sides in the Israel-Palestine Conflict
31 snips
Oct 17, 2023 
Peter Beinart, a professor at CUNY and a noted voice on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, joins to explore the emotional and moral complexities of this deeply divided issue. He highlights the challenges of holding two contradictory truths: the defensibility of Israel and the inexcusable nature of some of its actions. The discussion delves into the concept of apartheid, shifts in Israeli politics under Netanyahu, and the roles of Palestinian citizens. Beinart emphasizes the necessity for nuanced dialogue amidst polarized perspectives.
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Thompson's Jewish Identity and Concerns
- Derek Thompson expresses his Jewish identity and family history, including his grandmother's escape from Nazi Germany.
- He also acknowledges a sense of pride in Israel's accomplishments but is concerned about its current trajectory.
Contrasting Emotional Responses
- Peter Beinart discusses the emotional responses to the violence, noting Israelis' shattered sense of security and Palestinians' heightened fear.
- He contrasts these with the experiences of both groups during the Second Intifada.
Shifting Discourse on Apartheid
- The use of the term "apartheid" to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has increased in recent years.
- This shift reflects a change in how the situation is perceived, particularly by mainstream liberals and leftists.
