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The truth about KAIROS, NGO Monitor Published January 20, 2010  4 Comments |
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To the EditorStory Comments (4)
 By Brad Brzezinski |
Mr Douglas: The document in question is here: http://www.kairoscanada.org/fileadmin/fe/files/PDF/HRTrade/Pal-Isr/Statement_Sabeel_ChristianZionism_18April04.pdf The second paragraph is the one question. It does not make the accusations about Zionism directly, but I certainly take the meaning from it that Steinberg described. In any case, given the sensitivity of this issue, one would expect KAIROS to take extra care. They donât. Researching this, itâs become clear to me that they seek blame in one direction only; it really shows. How about my first two points on Corkery? There are too many dubious phrases floating about. The public should be suspicious about the aims of KAIROS. |
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By Gordon Douglas |
Mr. Brezinski, You say: "Now Steinberg asserts truthfully, that a KAIROS publication describes Zionism as an "ideology of empire, colonialism, and militarism." " It'd be worth it for you to check that statement against its source. The full quote from the Kairos document in question reads: "The Christian Zionist programme provides a worldview where the Gospel is identified with the ideology of empire, colonialism, and militarism." The publication is conference statement entitled "Challenging Christian Zionism" (search it at kairoscanada dot org). I'd like to think we can both agree that "Christian Zionism" is in no way the foundation of the state of Israel. Shame on Mr. Steinberg for attempting to twist the facts in order to demean the rights-based work of KAIROS Canada. Shame on you for making grand claims of "profound hypocricy" based on a straw-man's argument. |
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By Brad Brzezinski |
Paragraph 5 reads: "KAIROS has always supported the legitimate right of the Israeli people to a safe and secure state. To label any criticism of Israeli government actions as anti-Semitic is an attempt to silence dissent and honours no one." Steinberg's article did not make the accusation of antisemitism, so it is odd that Corkery would respond as if he had. Equally discomfiting is the use of, âthe legitimate right of the "Israeli people"â when Israel is the legitimate home of the JEWISH people. Simple history dictates the importance of the distinction. Now Steinberg asserts truthfully, that a KAIROS publication describes Zionism as an "ideology of empire, colonialism, and militarism." This is blatantly false and designed to undermine the roots of the foundation of the state. It is also, incidentally âaccusation and name callingâ of the kind Corkery complains about in her first paragraph. So is the accusation of âApartheidâ against Israel that KAIROS is closely linked to. Both these slurs cross the line of criticism and enter into the realm of demonizing and scapegoating. So KAIROS is profoundly hypocritical. This is not something that can be brushed under the carpet, regardless of any good deeds KAIROS might do. |
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By Shelley Cooper-Stephenson | An excellent and very necessary rebuttal to the extremely partisan and inaccurate article by Gerald Steinburg published by Embassy recently. In my opinion, this article by the excutive director of KAIROS should not have been necessary at all, had Embassy done some actual responsible editorial judgment and fact-checking. Ms. Corkery's article has done Embassy's work for them, for which I am relieved and grateful. However, I am still deeply disappointed in Embassy for publishing the extremely inaccurate first article at all. |
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