If an Arab buys a home in New York or New Jersey from the rightful owner, are they guilty of colonization? The Jews of Hebron had lived in their homes for 800 continuous years before Muslims ethnically cleansed them on August 23, 1929. Do you also consider these native Jews to be colonizers? What about the 400,000 Arabs that immigrated to the kingdom of Israel between 1922-1945 for a better life and work? The Arab population doubled during this time (it certainly wasn't due to birth rates)

Palestinian Arabs sold land to Jews. When you write, without knowing the facts, you just look like an ass:

http://www.israelbehindthenews.com/bin/content.cgi?ID=603&q=1

I dont understand how anyone can read the history of israel and come out supporting them. if colonization is bad, israel can't be right. if racism is wrong, zionism cant be good. is it just me?

Since the wealthy Arab families, the Nashashibis, el- Husseinis, el-Amanis, Nusseibehs, Deganis and others sold land to Jews in the 18th & 19th centuries, can you please explain to us how this is "colonization"? The truth of your history may hurt, but that doesn't mean you have to lie to tell your side.

One wonders what "history of Israel" you've been reading...

If you think Zionism is racism, does that make Islam ULTRA-racism? Based on the teachings in the Koran and the general intolerance towards others evident in the religion. An intolerance that is on display in the UN, when the nations of the Organization of the Islamic Conference get together to vote the same way. 'If the Palestinians said the Earth was flat, the OIC nations would approve it.'

"After all, it was you who began the fighting, and the Jews have won."

-Major Gen. Hugh Stockwell (comment to Arab leaders complaining about their embarrassing defeat in the 1948 War of Independence.)

You were the belligerents. You lost disgracefully, it's been over 60 years. Get over it and try winning some Nobel Prizes like the Jews have been doing for the past 60 years. Arab-Muslims have been massacring each other in Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen, Africa....

The Brooklyn Paper is reporting that this is a stray rumor and is incorrect.

"The Food Co-op is NOT — repeat not — considering a ban on Israeli products" -Gersh Kuntzman

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/8/32_8_gk_coop.html

"Kuntzman" is such a great and terrible name, all at once.

This whole story is preposterous! The lack of familiarity with the Coop's methods is sourly evident by this ridiculous piece of "news". The Coop is based on an egalitarian model that stresses the importance of the opinion and feedback of each one of it's members. Given that the current number of members is nearly 15k, one can reasonably consider the possibility that not all opinions are in the collective interest. However, this effort to listen to each and every person, that takes the time, is what makes it such a special place. It is what makes it a community. Did you follow through with every ridiculous statement your family proposed? I'm guessing not. But, you might have been respectful enough to listen to them. Anyone may stand at the open microphone at the general meeting in order to express an opinion or concern. While every member is important, many of the General Coordinators are the ones who are charged with implementing the day to day needs of the Coop and it's members.

The Coop has no history of making stands based on political reasons. The likes of ceasing to carry bottled water or ceasing to provide plastic bags have become no real action of note in this day and age. Ireland banned giving out plastic bags over a year before the membership approved the measure to do the same. As to the bottled water debate; frankly, distilled is the only water that is regulated and guaranteed "pure". Otherwise, one pays an exorbitant amount (far more than peak gas prices) per gallon for the hope that a well designed and marketed bottle of water from no guaranteed source is going to prove beneficial. It is important to note, these are environmentally sensitive decisions. NOT political actions. No companies targeted. No countries noted. Simply the equivalent of changing the source of the Coop's power to wind, as opposed to conventional (coal fired) power plants. These are actions in response to, and in the interest of, our members and the greater community of which we are a part.

I am a great fan of the 24 hour news cycle. The ability to disseminate information quickly and easily is one of the hallmarks of this decade. However, in the scramble to be first (which is every journalist and blogger's requirement and desire) there are those whose character's are not served. To vilify a group based on an article, as opposed to one's own research, is negligent and under serves anyones readership.

There is no greater way to assuage misunderstanding than dialogue, compromise, and being willing to work together. Not every person will get what they want, but mutual respect will most often prevail. That is the culture of the COOP.

What, is Nicholas Sarkozy now the spokesman for a food co-op?

Not even remotely.

I simply took a few moments to actually SPEAK to people that were there and participated. Perhaps you would prefer another ignorant and inflammatory comment?

Should you have been familiar with, or you were remotely privy to, Sarkozy's methods of expression and political affiliations you're snarky little note would not have wasted my, nor your, time.

If ten jews buy their tahini elsewhere, that's a minyan, isn't it?

Yeah... like ten Jews can agree on where to buy anything?

What exactly does Israeli food taste like? Is it eastern European in it's spices or more oriental? Greek? What?

I'm guessing it tastes like all the halal food stand stuff, except cooked by Jews.

'Cuz I've eaten from that Israeli (Hoo-moos?) place over on Kenmare/Centre and while tasty, it was REALLY overpriced.

Brilliant idea considering that most Israeli foods sold in Israel and America were manufactured in Gaza before the Intifada started in 2000. Yes, let's boycott Israeli products and at the same time reward the Palestinians for destroying their own economy and society.

I love the idea of boycotting in support of the Hamas - a government that doesn't support free-speech nor boycotts. If a Palestinian living in Gaza tried to boycott or criticize Hamas they'd be executed and listed as a "collaborator", no trial no nothing.

Also, thank you Rabbi Bachman for having a major set of balls.

He has a major set of balls? LOL. why don't you go to your land of unicorns? bloomberg the zionist overturn democracy in NYC and flew over to Israel to protect their democracy. I say boycott Bloomberg

As the leader of Native American Birthright movement, I propose all non-Native Americans move out of New York City, as this will become the long awaited homeland of the Native American people. Please do not worry about losing your home, even if your family has lived there for generations. You are free to live in New Jersey. I hear Paterson is beautiful. It's just that Native Americans have been a long oppressed people, who deserve the right to establish a nation in their historical homeland.

Thank you non-Native American people of New York for your cooperation. Oh, wait, you don't want to move? You say you're angry about this? But why? Wait...what are you doing? How dare you fight back?

Yeah, have some Native Americans strap on explosives and blow themselves up at clubs and on city buses and start firing rockets indiscriminately into Manhattan from the Bronx without regard to who they kill and see how much sympathy they get. At least Israel TRIES to limit civilian casualties; the Palestinians actively attempt to cause them, whether it's by suicide bombings or by locating their own military emplacements in mosques and schools and residential areas in a cynical attempt to sway world opinion.

they have already genocide most of the tribes of Native Americans. And now Bloomberg is harassing them about cigarette taxes. those natives never catch a break.

Felix, what is it with you and Bloomberg? Your fixation with him shows an unnatural attraction.

just a reminder that thinking Israel is wrong doesn't mean that you think the Gazans are right

I only shop at Episcopalian co-ops anyway.