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Conflict in the Middle East
Original poster

Has anyone changed their mind from what they have read on here?

661 replies

mollyfolk · 15/12/2023 23:33

we’ve argued a lot. We’ve backed up our arguments with lots of proof. Has anyone changed their mind or viewpoint - I’m just interested?

it would be lovely if we didn’t argue here and just let everyone state their views.

I’ve spent most of my life in Ireland, where you’d be hard pressed, in the present day, to meet someone who doesn’t agree that the Israeli authorities treat Palestinian’s terribly. It wouldn’t be controversial here to say - isn’t it awful what’s happening in Gaza - in any situation whether when I lived in the UK it was a lot more controversial and wouldn’t be a suitable thing to mention in work for example.

I haven’t changed my mind but I’m a lot more educated about anti semitism and have more understanding of the viewpoint of people who support the Israeli government.

OP posts:
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EasterIssland · 16/12/2023 07:37

No. Always been pro Palestine and them recovering their land.
unfortunately, I’ve realised more people approve this genocide because those dying are second class citizens.

youngones1 · 16/12/2023 07:15

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Agreed.

InvisibleDuck · 16/12/2023 07:13

I changed my mind on October 7th.

As a teenager (from an Irish family!) I protested for Palestine and saw it as a simplistic oppressor/oppressed dynamic. As I got older I settled for 'it's very complicated, generational trauma on both sides, and nobody currently living is responsible for 1948 so we need a two-state solution that respects everyone's rights'. Equal blame or support, really.

October 7th was truly horrifying to me. The fact is, if any one of us had been there, we'd have been slaughtered. It doesn't matter how left-wing or pro-Palestine you are, what religion or nationality. Hamas would have murdered you. Many of the people they killed or kidnapped were left-wing peace activists. Thai immigrant workers were killed - they aren't Israeli occupiers in any way.

Seeing people online justify rape and torture as 'resistance' was appalling.

If the country bordering mine was run by Hamas and had carried out such atrocities and announced their intention to do it again, I'd want Hamas eradicated. I wouldn't feel safe until they were. It doesn't surprise me that Israel thinks that way.

braticus · 16/12/2023 05:43

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twilightmoon3 · 16/12/2023 01:37

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WibbleWobbleFlop · 16/12/2023 00:44

I started out supporting civilians on both sides, and still do. I am very much against both Hamas and the IDF. That hasn't changed. I have learned a lot more about the intricacies of the situation.

I am not a Zionist. I do think that Jewish people deserve a country free of anti-Semitism where their religion is in the majority. Jewish people have been oppressed in so many different times and locations that I think the only solution is to have a designated safe haven. I don't think it needs to be specifically where Israel is located. But I don't know where else would be feasible.

Original poster
mollyfolk · 16/12/2023 00:01

Dulra · 15/12/2023 23:48

No. Irish too and will always support, and have always since I was a teen (many moons ago), supported the Palestinians. I do not however support or condone Hamas just like the majority of Irish people did not support the IRA

Absolutely echo this. I do not support Hamas. I haven’t heard any support for Hamas around me. I actually grew up in a household where both sets of my grandparents would have supported the IRA so I understand, as do many others, how this support can change throughout the generations. It’s incredible how my own children are so removed from that nationalist viewpoint now.

OP posts:
sunshinesupermum · 15/12/2023 23:56

No I haven't changed my mind. Hamas need to be eradicated.

Original poster
mollyfolk · 15/12/2023 23:55

PurpleChrayne · 15/12/2023 23:44

Nope.

A proud Zionist then and now! And ever shall I be.

But, and forgive me if I have this wrong. Isn’t Zionist the belief that Jews should have a homeland in the Middle East? I certainly don’t think that Isreal doesn’t have a right to exist - after all the majority of Israeli’s were born in Israel and obviously they have a right to be there. I don’t think Zionism by itself means supporting the Israeli authorities actions in Gaza right now.

OP posts:
Dulra · 15/12/2023 23:48

No. Irish too and will always support, and have always since I was a teen (many moons ago), supported the Palestinians. I do not however support or condone Hamas just like the majority of Irish people did not support the IRA

PurpleChrayne · 15/12/2023 23:44

Nope.

A proud Zionist then and now! And ever shall I be.