Why Israel Matters to Americans

Summary

This video script delves into the complex relationship between the United States and Israel, exploring the cultural, political, and media narratives that have shaped American perceptions. It challenges the traditional portrayal of Israel as both a victim and victor, highlighting the shared history of settler colonialism and the erasure of the Palestinian narrative. The script calls for a reevaluation of this relationship, advocating for journalism that acknowledges the realities of Israeli occupation and the legitimate claims of Palestinians.

Takeaways

• 🇮🇱 Israel is portrayed as a victor and a pioneer, emphasizing its success and innovation despite historical challenges.
• 🌍 The script discusses the unique position of Israel in American consciousness and media, highlighting its cultural and political significance.
• 🤝 The bond between the U.S. and Israel is attributed to shared values and history, rather than just advocacy.
• 📚 The narrative of Israel in America has been influenced by an attempt to 'Americanize' the Israeli project, drawing parallels to American ideals.
• 🏹 The script suggests that the violence upholding Israel's existence is seen as necessary, mirroring the perception of American violence.
• 📰 U.S. news media coverage of Israel obscures the fact that both nations are settler colonial states built on displacement and ethnic cleansing.
• 📽️ The portrayal of Palestinians in U.S. media has been limited to roles as terrorists or victims, often erasing their history and claims to their homeland.
• 🎥 The cultural narrative about Israel has been shaped by media and political interests, often excluding the Palestinian perspective.
• 🗓️ The script reflects on the historical context of Israel's establishment and the subsequent erasure of Palestinians from the narrative.
• 🌐 The relationship between the U.S. and Israel is deeply rooted in cultural history, with Israel often being seen as a reflection of American values and ideals.
• 📖 The book 'Our American Israel' by Dr. Amy Kaplan is mentioned, which argues that Israel's image in America has been shaped by an Americanized narrative.

Q & A

What is the primary argument presented in the script about the relationship between the United States and Israel?

The script argues that the United States and Israel are tied together by their shared history and values as settler colonial states, both built on the displacement and ethnic cleansing of other peoples, and this shared narrative has been used to justify the violence necessary to protect their exceptional existence.

How does the script describe the portrayal of Israel in the American media?

The script describes the portrayal of Israel in the American media as one that obscures the realities of its settler colonial past and the displacement of Palestinians by emphasizing Israel's role as a beacon of democracy and a technological force, as well as a victim surrounded by enemies.

What is the term 'Nakba' as mentioned in the script?

The term 'Nakba' refers to the catastrophe that befell the Palestinian people during the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, which involved the displacement and loss of homes for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

How does the script discuss the role of cultural narratives in shaping the American perception of Israel?

The script discusses that cultural narratives have played a significant role in shaping the American perception of Israel by presenting it as a reflection of American values and ideals, thus creating a sense of moral and political alignment between the two nations.

What does the script suggest about the necessity of violence in the existence of both the United States and Israel?

The script suggests that both the United States and Israel view violence as necessary to protect their exceptional existence from perceived threats, with the U.S. understanding and supporting the 'necessity' of Israel's violence.

How does the script address the issue of Palestinians being made invisible or portrayed in a particular way in the media?

The script addresses that Palestinians have been either made invisible or portrayed as terrorists or victims in the media, which serves to uphold the political status quo and the image of Israel, without acknowledging their legitimate claims to nationhood and self-determination.

What is the significance of the 1967 war mentioned in the script in terms of American views on Israel?

The 1967 war is significant as it marked a turning point in American views on Israel, with the U.S. beginning to see Israel as an invincible and admired military power, which influenced how the U.S. should align with and emulate Israel in terms of foreign policy.

What is the role of 'Exodus' as discussed in the script in shaping the American narrative about Israel?

The book and film 'Exodus' played a crucial role in shaping the American narrative about Israel by telling the story of Israel's founding and struggles in a way that resonated with American ideals of frontier settlement and resistance against oppression.

How does the script discuss the impact of 9/11 on the relationship between the United States and Israel?

The script discusses that post-9/11, there was an 'Israelization' of the United States, where the U.S. began to emulate Israel as a model for fighting its perceived worst nightmares, shifting from admiration to emulation in terms of security and military strategies.

What does the script suggest is necessary for good journalism about Israel?

The script suggests that good journalism about Israel should not separate the country from its position as an occupying state and its origins as a settler colonial project. It should also not ignore the realities of Palestinians' experiences and their claims to nationhood, resistance, and return.

How does the script call for a reimagining of the narrative surrounding Israel and the United States?

The script calls for a reimagining that involves deconstructing the myths that tie together Israeli and American exceptionalisms, challenging the moral framework that justifies the sustainment of both nations through violence and injustice.