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Time Follow The American Public's Views on Israel Are Undergoing a Profound Shift. Washington Hasn't Caught Up Story by Yasmeen Serhan • 6h ago When Israeli President Isaac Herzog addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, there will be some notable absences. At least five progressive U.S. lawmakers, including Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, and Cori Bush, confirmed that they will be skipping Herzog’s speech in protest of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians in the occupied territories, which some Democrats recently described as “racist” and akin to apartheid. While these Democrats may be in the minority among their congressional peers, their positions are more mainstream than the D.C. establishment might suggest. Polls this year have shown that the gap between the American public and those elected to represent them is widening when it comes to U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly among Democrats. This year, for the first time, an annual Gallup survey found that Democrats’ sympathies lie more with Palestinians than Israelis by a margin of 49% to 38%. The survey found that sympathy toward Palestinians among U.S. adults is at a new high of 31%, while the proportion not favoring either side is at a new low of 15%. That’s a remarkable shift from only a decade ago, when sympathy toward Palestinians stood at just 12%. During that same period, sympathy toward Israelis has declined from 64% to 54%. Other recent surveys, carried out by researchers at the University of Maryland and Ipsos, reveal similarly noteworthy trends. A new poll published on the eve of Herzog’s address found that, in the absence of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, three-quarters of Americans would choose a democratic Israel that is no longer Jewish over a Jewish Israel that denies full citizenship and equality to non-Jews. The U.S. and the wider international community are still officially committed to a two-state solution, but many experts believe it’s no longer viable as a result of Israeli settlement expansion. Americans are also increasingly less likely to describe Israel as a democracy. When asked to describe the way Israel looks in a poll conducted between March and April, only 9% of respondents chose “a vibrant democracy,” a common descriptor for Israel among U.S. officialdom. The rest chose “a flawed democracy” (13%), “a state with restricted minority rights” (7%), and “a state with segregation similar to apartheid” (13%). Some 56% responded with “I don’t know.” Shibley Telhami, a Middle East expert at the University of Maryland who conducted the poll, tells TIME that the percentage of “don’t knows” was surprising. He says that this suggests that those polled “are either uncertain or they’re uncomfortable answering.” These shifting opinions coincide with a particularly tense period in Israel, which over the past year has been marked by unprecedented and sustained protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government’s efforts to weaken the judiciary, the sole administrative check on their power. It has also featured an uptick in violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, which have been subject to deadly raids and, in the case of Huwara, what one Israeli general described as a “pogrom” carried out by Israeli settlers. The violence has resulted in the killing of at least 174 Palestinians this year, according to the U.N., putting 2023 on course to become the deadliest for Palestinians on record since the body began recording the number of fatalities in 2005. At least 23 Israelis have been killed in the occupied territories during the same period. While lawmakers such as Tlaib (the first Palestinian American woman elected to Congress) and Omar have long been critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians—they were banned from visiting the country in 2019—disquiet over Israel’s rightward shift has been growing among Democratic lawmakers in recent years, including among traditionally pro-Israel politicians on Capitol Hill. “We have always said that the U.S.-Israel relationship is built on shared interests and on shared values, but clearly we do not share the values of someone like Ben-Gvir,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a leading Democratic lawmaker on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Israeli newspaper Haaretz following a recent visit to the country, referencing one of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. More videos WIONUS-Israel's head of states to meet in Washington And it’s not just politicians. Noura Erakat, an associate professor at Rutgers University and author of Justice For Some: Law and the Question of Palestine, tells TIME that there has been a “serious shift” across academic associations, the arts, and other social justice movements when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “There is now clear and robust support and understanding of Palestine as a freedom struggle,” she says. There has also been a notable shift within the American Jewish community, where the subject of Israel has become more polarizing in recent years. A 2021 Pew survey found that while more than half (58%) of American Jews express an attachment toward Israel, markedly fewer approve of its government’s leadership (40%) or its efforts toward achieving peace with the Palestinians (33%). But this disquiet has yet to manifest itself within Washington—a reality that was best exemplified in recent days by the uproar over comments made by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the Democratic chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who came under fire for referring to Israel as a “racist state.” Jayapal ultimately walked back her comments—explaining that she doesn’t believe the “idea” of Israel as a nation is racist, but that the discriminatory policies perpetuated by its government are—though not before being denounced by congressional Republicans (some of whom dubbed the remarks “anti-Semitic”) and many of her own Democratic colleagues. A resolution affirming that Israel “is not a racist or apartheid state” was passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, with 412 lawmakers in support and 9 against. Nor has this shift been acknowledged within the White House. Despite President Joe Biden’s criticism of Netanyahu’s governing coalition—one composed of ultranationalist and pro-settlement leaders that the President described as “one of the most extremist” he’s seen—his administration has resisted calls to leverage U.S. aid to Israel or to ensure that U.S. funding isn’t used in the military detention of Palestinian children. On Monday, Biden extended an invitation to Netanyahu for a face-to-face meeting in the U.S. after months of delays, though it is as yet unclear if such a meeting would take place in the White House. U.S. lawmakers are undoubtedly aware of this widening gap. “They would have to have their heads buried in the sand not to see a world changing around them,” says Erakat. But American public opinion doesn’t always dictate U.S. policy, nor is this issue as front of mind as more pressing foreign policy concerns, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Obviously, policymaking is not just about public opinion,” says Yousef Munayyer, a senior fellow at the Arab Center in Washington, D.C. and an expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “In the United States in particular, it’s about elections, it’s about interest groups, and it’s also about American geopolitical interests. And all of those things coming together have made it easier for American policymakers to hold on to the old pro-Israel policies than to be responsive to a base that is increasingly calling for change.” The question is how long that remains sustainable. “This is going to continue to shake the U.S.-Israel relationship,” Munayyer adds. “When exactly that translates into policy change is not something we can tell.”

My brother is athiest, and he allegedly had relations with persian and indian women. Any way peoplein my city started saying my brother is shia and im not and he willget the women and i wont!!! The blacks inmy city keep saying my brother is shia and know he is not muslim. He doesnt follow shia but i try to and they have most of the town on the side of my brother and biased against me, i think there trying to get to me. The people in my city are kafirs, i thinkthey are trying to replace me with my brother, they stole my imam hussain shirt and gave it to my brother, eventhough he doent follow shia really, they think he will get girls in shia. Thesepeople are insane and they are being immature and weird. What should ido and how should i handle the situation?

Salam, I am wondering, does anyone know any good Shia books that are related specifically/mainly to perfecting your character? Thank you in advance.

I alwaus wanted to know where there some english spekers in iraq or lebanon? Does anybody know some? What if i went to Karbala or najaf would i have to know arabic?

Bro/Sis, What does it mean when you get turned on by women and your out of luck and none respect you or like you, And other sects give you the shaft, i was told i was not Sunni because im mentally ill and insane and im not salafi because i apostated(as they claim) and they all support me being ended and my reputation is ruined and no one and no muslim will help me, and i was mocked by non muslims even in front of brothers and sisters!!!!!!! Im a done for? will i be cursed, is it a chance i can make paridise in shia islam, They said i wont marry and get girls so can i strive for hoories?

Salam, I am wondering, does anyone know any shia books that have a focus on perfecting character? Thank you in advance.

As-salamunalaikum, I was wondering what people think about the moral traits, behaviour, akhlaq, of a person (male and female) towards other people in general life, IN THIS GENERATION. How do you think one should be with other people (Muslim and non-Muslim)? What moral traits and characteristics do you think are a MUST in this generation towards other people, and why? What kind of a person are you when you are alone, and what kind of a person are you when you are around other people? If there is a difference, then why is that so? How do you react when people judge you based on your traits? What traits and lessons have you adopted from the teachings of Islam and the Ahlulbayt? What do you do when you see someone constantly scared from judgement from others? How would you help them? How would you help a depressed person? - OR - How do you deal with your own depression? How do you deal with anxiety and nervousness? Especially, when around other people? What keeps you grounded to your roots? What is your idea of tawakkul? What is your idea of a happy and satisfying life? What are things that give you happiness? What satisfies you? What advice would you give to your fellow people about these traits and life in general? I'm really hoping to get some answers for these questions, since I think they'll be beneficial for others as much as for me. So kindly try your best to answer at least a few or all of them, if possible. Jazakallah Khair Wa-assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullah

i am very upset . I hate this world and people . It is like i am regarded as soft spoken .nice type of innocent girl. From school days many girls used to tease me. However nice i used to be i was always the target .i do not know why . Many girls made fun of me .now during college days however good an helping i am to everyone .everyone treats me same. I haf thought not to be nice to colg people otherwise they will do same.bu it is like written on my face. There are other girls who are so rude still people stick to them ..if i throw attitude and not talk to anyone no one will come and talk to me..why is it that there r some people who are so rude and bad still people cling to them..and i am always left alone..everyone behaves rudely towards me .like what is written on my face? It is me who has to start ralk otherwise i am left alone..it is me who is made fun of i dont know why..even the maids ,shop keepers, wherever i go no one behaves nicely to me..from my childhood i have heard so many negative things...is not Allah doing injustice by bestowing some people the gift that whereever they go people behave nicely to them .want to be their frnds cling to them however cold natured they are

Are Allah and the Prophet more Qualified to Appoint the Caliph or the People? To start the discussion I quote the following verse: ShakirAnd when your Lord said to the angels, I am going to place in the earth a Caliph, (2:30) In this verse Allah swt has mentioned that He will make a Caliph in the Earth, showing only he appoints the Caliph.

When we examine the political thought of Islam, we see two words; legitimacy and acceptance. It means an Imam and leader for a society has to have two things for establishing his government. the legitimacy from Allah and acceptance from people. At first he should be appointed by Allah and then people request him to establish the government. For example the Imam ali(as) was appointed by Allah, but he hadn't accepted by the people. So he hadn't any duty to establish Islamic government and when people approached him to accept it, it became obligatory upon him. So in the movement of Imam Husain(as), we believe that he appointed by Allah as the Imam for the society, but why did he stand for government while people didn't accept him as the leader of society? thank you for your scholarly answers.

I remember this man in Afghanistan who could not write his own name, he was cruel to his own wife and children and mother, he displeased his brother, he usurped the property of his orphan nephew, he usurped some of our land. Yet he is a Hajji, the people in his local area, his relatives, they are poor and in need. He does not let his children go to school because he wants them to work for money. What was the reason for his Hajj? so he could get involved in the decision making of his tribe, when he became Hajji, he was then invited to be one of the "elders" in the local community because he was a Hajji now. So it makes me wonder if these kinds of Hajj are even accepted? There are also other people in Afghanistan and some in the UK, who are the most untrustworthy and deviant individuals yet they are still Hajji, they go around using their name to mislead people and gain their trust so that they may loot them. Should we even give credit to anyone for being a Hajji? Hajj is an act of worship, shouldn't it be for Allah and not for people? If it is for Allah then why praise Hajjis so much and give them special places in society? So now when I hear praises saying "Oh Hajji Fulan" I just think "even Shabnam Suraya has become a Hajji". :lol: ( I didn't know Shabnam Suraya until one friend of mine made fun of Hajjis and used this person as an example, just Google or Youtube her name and you will see what kind of a person she is.

Once again I am bored. So I thought of this topic. You can share your list too if you want. So in no particular order: 1. LadyNadine 2. ImAli 3. *Sayedda* 4. Mohammad_Mahdi 5. Hameedah 6. Darth Vader 7. Hebrew 8. Gypsy 9. Marbles 10. Ali Musaa 11. Durre Najaf 12. Enchanted 13. Baradar_jackson Nope!!! I am not a serial killer. I just enjoy reading their posts.

News and everything else on the Peaceful Movement in Bahrain and the oppression of the people of Bahrain. Please post here everything concerning the oppression of Bahraini people and their Peaceful Movement for human rights. Activist says Bahrain sentences 50 for suspected links to militant group Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/activist-bahrain-sentences-50-for-suspected-links-to-militant-group/2013/09/29/b8afa0f2-28f6-11e3-b141-298f46539716_story.html

What kind of experience do you people have with village and city and the people there? I have experienced many young people who were from village and were far more successful than people who were from the city. Concerning studying(especially in sciences) people from the village seem to be far more dilligent and focused than people from the city in general. Now what is the secret behind the success of village people? Why are people from village and traditional people working harder than people from the city. I have some options: -People from village are accustumed to harsher life styles, like having tp wake up earlier, experiencing the weather directly, having to walk long distances instead of public transportation etc. -People from village are more connected to nature which gives them more power in return -People from village are living simplier lives -People from village are not or less exposed to filth which destroy them spiritually, like music, movies, cinema, parties etc. Now what do you think about this? Do you also think that people from village(or who have grown up away from city life) are more diligent and hard working or do you think the opposite? And what is the reason behind the difference.

what if someone is like your boy, your friend, or someone you know who just loves you a whole lot, but then when he goes to your house he tells you your wife is a kaafir. you know your wife very well and she is your beloved to you and you know she is a believer. he doesn't stop there but instead he calls her a prostitute and curses her out? he's your friend, and he loves you so much! but he acted this way towards his wife, what do you think would you still be ok with him after that he still loves you after all

(bismillah) (salam) The commander of the faithful says: “A right which has no one to claim is, indeed, lost”. Hello everyone, I need some advise. I live in China currently for education and in the university's dormitory building. Frequently, there is much noise from the people that are in the same floor I live in and in other floors also, i.e. shouting and music. From the perspective of Ahlul-Bayt (as) , what would be a good approach to deal with them? The reason I am asking this question is because I do not want to subject my anger to deal with this problem. Should I just keep quiet? Or should I do something? My roommate is also annoyed from the same problem, yet, we are quiet in the moment. He suggested we should live outside the dormitory, however; due to many reasons, it might not be possible. Thank you. Wassalam :D