<< Vicks gets 23 Licks Regarding Equality >>
Hanukkah & a Pipe Dream du Jour
Hanukkah is and has been here. The holy day isn’t of high priority to observant Jews but it remains on the docket. A thought that I have pontificated on numerous times is the creation of a “Second Jewish State.”
The idea wouldn’t be to set up an alternative or rival to the “State of Israel.” Nor, would any Messianic implications or fulfillment be sought. This would simply be another State on the Globe with Jewish characteristics and for Jewish people.
The first question that invariably comes up when one discusses such ideas is: Why? This can be answered in many ways. The first is, Why not? There are many States in the World that are majority Christian, Muslim or even Hindu. Granted, the Jews do not have the same kinds of numbers are the larger faiths but then again Judaism isn’t a “fly-by-night” religion.
Beyond, the religious identification, such a “Second Jewish State” could broaden the definition of “Who is a Jew?” to include those that self-identify as such the Lemba tribe in southern Africa, some Pashtun tribes, the Chiang Min and the Telugu Jews of southern India among others. The State of Israel is often times rather reluctant and slow to admit those claiming to be from the “lost tribes.” The reasoning of the Rabbinical Authorities is simply that there is no conclusive proof that the claimants are of Jewish stock. Not to mention that such people are living outside of Rabbinical Judaism. Some would characterize their status as being simply as of possible Jewish extraction or a form of “de facto” Karaite Judaism. The Karaites being the followers of the Torah that reject the “divinity” of Rabbinical writings.
Then the Israeli bureaucracy which is dominated by Ashkenazim persons, primarily of Eastern European stock, tend to view such newcomers are budding “welfare jockeys” or drains on the public treasury. A sort of bureaucratic racism if not blunt racism.
But even above the plight of beleaguered tribes in remote locations the question of “Why a new Jewish State?” Can be answered as a place founded peacefully without bloodshed, displacement of hostile populations, much struggle or toil.
We must also recognize the fact that the modern State of Israel was founded by Socialist and is only now emerging out its Socialist Command styled economy. Likewise, Israel wasn’t specifically set up as a Jewish State or Theocracy.
The popular image is that Israel is a miraculous capitalist democracy with a strong religious tradition. This isn’t totally false, but it isn’t totally accurate either. Yes, it’s survival could be construed as miraculous, it does have democratic characteristics, many of it’s citizens are deeply religious but not all, nor are all married to the concept of Capitalism.
This Second Jewish State would be different. Rather than living in a State of constant seize and war. Rather than being gestated by Socialist institutions and parties, this entity would come of age in a distinctly libertarian fashion. Think of Hong Kong, Singapore or even Dubai but with a more Swiss styled government. No Communism dictatorship like in Hong Kong, no authoritarian executive like in Singapore or Monarchy like that of the United Arab Emirates.
As a pragmatic measure, it would behoove such a State to adopt Swiss styled neutrality. Peace and Commerce with all nations. Entangling alliances and interventionist policies with none. Besides, it’s too expensive, unwieldy and goes against the grain of Capitalism.
The great question would be, “How would it relate to other countries, namely those like Iran or Saudi Arabia?” My guess, is that those nations wouldn’t care if a “Second Jewish State” were set up on some barren uninhabited patch of Earth. It would only reveal the true colors of those regimes if they opposed or menaced a Jewish State located outside of the Middle East. Especially, one that pledged neutrality in international affairs.
The only real concern would be that the likes of Tripoli, Riyadh and Tehran would encourage Jewish people to leave Israel for this other State or that they would manipulate events to realize such a migration.
Israel itself might view such a project with dismay, that such a country would take away from the attention and support it has amassed. Some religious groups might also object. Even though, such groups seldom on face value chastise Jews for living outside of Israel. This isn’t true for Israelis that pack up and leave. They’re often times viewed as scum and traitors.
We come to the question of “Where?” Certainly, not the Middle East. Definitely, not an area presently occupied by human beings. A region that could be lawfully purchased in full with the complicity of the reigning government.
Now we must ask “How?” For starters, this all depends on the will. There are many very wealthy Jewish people and organizations. Even Christian groups that are very pro-Jew could jump on board. For nefarious purposes some Middle Eastern governments are likely to be highly supportive.
The obvious security concern is the creation of a cluster of Jewish people somewhere in a non-Nuclear armed State. Both the United States and Israel are capable of self-defense. It could be viewed as painting a bright red target sign on the map or erroneously as “Israeli Colonialism.” Although, such a State would be totally independent of Israel and might even be ill received by Jerusalem.
But back to “How?” Given the idea of implementing a Capitalist foundation to such a State, free market solutions would make the most sense. There is also the unique position of as Thomas Paine once wrote “starting the World over again.” Clean and efficiency technologies could form the basis for the country’s infrastructure. There would be no need to worry about coal plants or land line telephone systems for example. The country could be a paragon of modernity.
To introduce some Spoonerism, all those migrating to this new land would be presumably doing so voluntarily. Let them each sign whatever Charter or Constitution written for the new State. Once children become adults whether born in this Second State or not, let them choose to either sign the Constitution or not. More to come….
This has been our Pipe Dream of the Day.
Hungry for more?
