Should Israel Pay for American Protester's Lost Eye?

If the Israeli government doesn't want to pay for the unlawful damage they do to Americans, let's see them get by without our big fat subsidies every year. Sadly, the tear gas canister that partially blinded one of our citizens was paid for in large part by our tax dollars.

Jews invented fascism, so they aren't too concerned about someone being injured by the fascist IDF.

And now you know why Gothamist posts these stories: racist nutjobs like dgeee "Jews invented fascism" can always be counted on flocking to them and upping the page views.

Racial supremacy as practiced by jews for centuries is fascism, dumb ill-informed politically correct p*ssy.

I read the Village Voice article yesterday and this young woman is talented and positive. I would advice people to read the article before they insult her. She really is an awesome person.

IDF regulations require that tear gas canisters are shot at an upward arc so that crowds can be dispersed while minimizing the risk of individuals getting first degree burns (the canisters are hundreds of degrees) or worse.

If you look at reports by B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, you'll find a pattern of IDF soldiers and border police officers shooting tear gas canisters directly at protesters. Other international activists, such as Tristan Anderson, and many many more Palestinians have been the victims of this cruel practice. Whether or not the protest is "nonviolent" (as if throwing rocks can really be deemed violent considering what they're up against) does not influence the decision to shoot directly.

http://josephdana.com/2010/05/shooting-tear-gas-directly-at-protesters-in-nabi-salih-video/

http://www.btselem.org/English/Firearms/20090504_State_Attorney_to_Police_direct_firing_of_tear_gaz_canisters_foribdden.asp

B'Tselem = marxist whores looking for love from jihadis.

Putting aside our own political/ideological disagreements, I have to wonder what a conversation between her grandparents, "Ardent Zionists", and Emily would be like when discussing her attendance of Pro-Palestinian rallies.

I imagine it would play out much like her legal battle, which I suspect will end in a shrug and "Tough Luck" from Israel.

I know ardent Zionists who attend pro-Palestinian protests. Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestinian aren't mutually exclusive positions if you believe in a real two state solution.

Israel never admits wrongdoing. But we don't need to protest or punish them. We just need to withdraw our support. And maybe confiscate their nukes.

as if paying for emilys medical bills would make Israel what...civilized?

israel was and is a european colony. they,ve razed villages, made millions of people leave their homes, killed thousands and even today 60 years later they have to constantly use violent to keep people in line. They should deserve the same respect as colonial spain in south america.

this is all there is to it

The United States was and is a european colony. they,ve razed villages, made millions of Native Americans permanently move to reservations, killed millions more both at home and abroad and even today they have to constantly use violence all over the world to keep people in line.

Lol, have you guys watched the victim's video "I Miss You Palestine"? It's actually pretty hilarious although I don't think she intended it to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH0QnX84KjI&feature=player_embedded

I really can't stop laughing.

But her video notwithstanding I still feel she should compensated.

Absolutely. They should reimburse her for her medical care.

Don't they get billions in U.S. tax money every year anyway? So paying for her medical care should not be a problem, it won't cost them anything.

of course they shouldnt

why does no one ask how a person in israel on student visa, ends up with the ism after only a month of being there....and by her own admission...attended between 10-20 protests

had she put on her visa application that she was close to individuals in the ism, she never wouldve been allowed in country

not only should the idf not pay for her treatment...but she and her family should pay for the cost of the police that were there thanks to her and her comrades

and she should be banned from ever entering israel

The only people that support Israel are ignorant Jews who think that just because they are "Jewish" in heritage, they should support the sick, fucked up Israel.

Ok. Who dropped the I-word? *yawn*

Anyone else just see A-Rod strikeout with the bases loaded? Stuck on 599...ugh...

Eye-word would have made an amazing pun. I'll get it next time!!

I urge everyone to read the Voice article. It is fascinating as well as infuriating.

How can anyone look at that photo and not be affected? Notice the woman behind her, who helped her the whole time. This has nothing to do with whose "side" one is on.

Of course, the "alternative" media was all over this when it happened. And all witnesses were quoted as saying that the soldiers "aimed directly at the demonstrators," as the quote above states.

Our inhumanity and lack of compassion towards one another will be our downfall. From everyone on these blogs anonymously telling each other to go fuck themselves over the most trivial of issues, to soldiers deliberately trying to take out the eye of a protester and being seen as deserving of it. Sad.

And all witnesses were quoted as saying that the soldiers "aimed directly at the demonstrators," as the quote above states.

Also in the article it mentions that Israel is conducting a "criminal investigation of the person who shot her and the people who ordered it." Israeli soldiers and border policemen go to jail over stuff like this, and if in fact it was a breach of the border police's protocol then I most certainly hope she will receive restitution.

Either way its the US taxpayers dime.

It's on the Israeli hospital's dime - she was operated on in Israel.

Exactly. US taxpayers dime.

My wish for today is that you understood the situation better. It's a shame but please know that I don't blame you.

And many of these comments are hilariously ignoring the fact that the Israelis shot a TEAR GAS CANISTER to disperse the crowd. A very standard, non-lethal tactic to disperse a mob. They did not wantonly open up on the protesters with small arms fire. They did not shoot to kill, or even maim.

It is no more Isreal's fault that this one woman lost her eye than it is Palestine's fault if an Isreali soldier loses a eye to a rock-throwing protester. You put yourself in a dangerous situation, whether by profession or belief, and you must consider the consequences.

Well said. Although in the Voice article she appears very reasonable, not hateful or bitter, and seems to understand she's at least partially responsible for what happened.

Maybe people should stop whining and mewling about popular vs. unpopular causes and if they really feel bad for what happened to her, step up and put their money where their mouths are. Start a donation drive to offset the costs of her medical bills or something.

Frankly I'd be more than happy to contribute.

Many of these comments are hilariously hypocritical as farleft pointed out. If this was the NYPD shooting out the eye of a student at a protest this article would have been dripping with JDS sarcasm followed by passive aggressive mewling. Somehow since the cause this girl was protesting is not popular its her own fault in this case

You are making a stupid generalization. Context matters.

By "context matters" you mean to say "some contexts matter." It's sad that one is always "with us" or "against us" and there is a real failure of either side to accept the legitimacy of the p.o.v. (or the existence) of the other. This blog doesn't seem to attract people who may wish for peace and security for both sides. To express that is to be considered "pro-palestianian" or "anti-Israel" or even anti-Jewish. Too bad, too, but the lack of nuance in discussion is not hopeful.

I think the first thing that has to be said is that seeking to maintain proper conduct by security forces has nothing to do with one's national, ethnic or religious identity--or it shouldn't. Heeding the protocols of military culture, I should not need to recount the myriad reasons for wanting such discipline within the ranks.

Watching the 'collateral murder' video, reading about this incident, and with the recent payout to Sean Bell's family, it's pretty clear that the character of the very real people who serve in the military or as police officers is often distorted by the power and the military accoutrements, to such a degree that they seem to -- in some cases -- develop sadistic personalities. Note the casualness with which the military men in the 'collateral murder' video dispense with human life.

I'm in no way an Israel supporter, but this is just a case of common sense. If you go to a war zone, and willfully participate in a demonstration against and armed force, there are chances that shit will go horribly wrong. If anything happens, it is your own damn fault for being there. It sucks, and I feel bad for her, but battle scars are battle scars. Wear them with pride. She's lucky she wasn't killed.

First of all, it's not a war. It's an occupation. There's a huge difference.

Secondly, do you think Palestinians should just concede to a life of misery, living under occupation? You don't think they should even protest Israel's innumerable illegal and racist actions, let alone fight for their land? Your "case of common sense" means that Israel can keep violating international law with no resistance whatsoever and no support from foreigners whatsoever unless they agree to allow Israel to abuse, shoot, blind, and even kill without any accountability whatsoever. You started your post by saying you're not a supporter of Israel, but every word after that gave full support for Israel. How ironic and transparent.

Secondly, do you think Palestinians should just concede to a life of misery, living under occupation? You don't think they should even protest Israel's innumerable illegal and racist actions, let alone fight for their land?

Your comments weren't directed at me, but I'll bite.

The Palestinians unquestionably deserve better than they have now and I hope some day to see a world where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in peace and prosperity without anyone living under occupation. Peaceful protests like the ones Emily participated in prior to the incident where she lost her eye are completely justified (even if I don't always agree with the policy goals of the organizers).

But if your definition of "fighting" includes violence, then the aggressors should be prepared for a forceful response. Throw rocks at the police and be prepared for tear gas. Regularly send suicide bombers to cafes and discos (and celebrate their "martyrdom") and don't be surprised when walls and checkpoints are erected to keep would-be suicide bombers at bay.

And if your definition of "their land" is all of the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, then no, I don't think they should fight for "their land," because I don't think it's all theirs.

Oh, I see. You're one of THOSE supporters of peace. The kind who thinks Palestinians must never resist their occupation. Never resist the racist policies enacted upon them by the State of Israel. Never resist home demolitions. Never resist being caged in by an apartheid wall. Never resist having their cash crops and olive trees burned down. Never resist illegal home demolitions and evacuations. Never resist their curfews and checkpoints and racist policies. Never resist Israel's brutal blockade which restricts shipment of medicine and food and construction materials. Never resist Israel's continuing expansion of illegal settlements. Never resist the slaughter of the civilians of Gaza using illegal munitions. Never resist, period.

Because, of course, resistance against all those Israeli crimes is terrorism, right? But all the above, that's just Israel's God-given right to secure their god-given homeland which their God allowed them to steal from the native Palestinians because they're God's chosen people. Sorry, I don't believe non-violence towards a state (Israel) that has committed the most heinous, violent, and murderous acts of terrorism in recent history is humanly possible, though I am constantly impressed with the level of Palestinian restraint. If you want non-violence, then maybe you should pressure Israel to quit committing all the crimes above, and then maybe your coveted 'peaceful protests' will become a reality.

I don't believe non-violence towards a state (Israel) that has committed the most heinous, violent, and murderous acts of terrorism in recent history is humanly possible.

Do you honestly believe that Israel has committed the most heinous, violent, and murderous acts of terrorism in recent history? If so, then you need to log off the ISM website and spend a little more time with the history books to try to better understand the situation.

I agree with you that the Palestinians are victims and I firmly believe they deserve a real state of their own. But like the Israelis (and the Lebanese, Syrians, Iraqis, Iranians, Jordanians, Saudis and Egyptians), they are far from blameless in the current equation. Egging on the cycle of violence and hatred like you seem to be doing will not ultimately help them.

You're an idiot. I support the protesters. But conflict always comes with casualties. If you participate in the conflict then you take the risk of becoming one, and that is your responsibility. Taking responsibility for your own actions doesn't condone the bad behavior of others. Grow up.

if emily should take responsibility for her actions, then shouldn't israel also take responsibility for the actions it took, which was illegally firing gas canisters directly into a crowd of protesters, and pay her medical bills? and, note, not the group of protesters that was firing rocks...

The reason why the conflict comes with casualties is because the IDF causes those casualties without penalty. You're trying to defend the despicable actions of the IDF during these protests by saying that since it's usual for them to shoot people's eyes out during protests that that's what we should expect and, therefore, should no longer resist or protest Israel's policies without accepting your possible fate as a wounded/blind person. That's ridiculous. Stop enabling Israel to shoot people, and force them to be accountable for their actions, and then maybe they won't shoot people's eyes out whenever they have a chance.

Most Definitely they should pay, but sadly, they will most likely never have to take responsibility for this or the countless other atrocities they have carried out against humankind.

I just read the Village Voice article this morning on my way to work and was really impressed with Emily's attitude and the way she has dealt with this whole ordeal. She made a very important point, that her being both Jewish and American is what made this such a big story in the media....had she been a Palestinian, this would never have been reported.

Please explain what you mean by "carried out against humankind."

Thank you.

Let me guess: You don't think Palestinians, or any other persons who sympathize with the Palestinians, are anything other than subhuman.

Never would have been reported if she was Palestinian?? Palestinians constantly report deaths and even inflate numbers of deaths, and then they make sure the world hears about it.

I'll tell you what is never reported, the massacres of Palestinians by Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. They've killed WAY more pali's than Israel; did you know that? Israel provides them with clean water, electricity, etc. and what do they get in return? Terror attacks! How about they let the Red Cross visit Shalit for once in 4 years?!

This is exactly what can and did happen when you go to a dangerous place (Gaza) and put yourself in the middle of a bunch people throwing rocks at border police, etc.

Clearly, it's a shame what happened, but it was her choice to be there and now she has to live with the terrible consequences. I understand why she wants compensation, but she doesn't deserve it.

I guess you can say the same thing to victims of the holocaust.

All you Israel apologists who think Israel has free reign to shoot indiscriminately at demonstrators without any accountability are hypocrites. You sit here in America, smug as hell about how you have the right to free speech and the right to protest injustices in the USA, and you freely criticize America's police force when they use excessive force on peaceful demonstrators, but when Palestinians and other people exercise their rights to protest Israel's brutal occupation and other terrorist actions, you blame the protesters. Give me a break. Israel is not sacrosanct. It's about time that the world wake up and take Israel to task for it's despicable acts of terrorism against the Palestinians, not to mention Israel's violent acts against other people around the world, like Emily, who express solidarity and sympathy with the Palestinians.

@Avaz383: this occurred at the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah, which is nowhere near Gaza.

@farleft: I would be just as upset if Israeli border police shot indiscriminately at peaceful protesters as if NYPD did the same. But in this case, Israeli border police fired tear gas (not bullets) to disperse a crowd after the protest turned violent. If in fact they fired the tear gas in an overly dangerous or malicious manner, they will be punished, as a criminal investigation is underway into that question.

It wasn't indiscriminate. They shot a stupid "suicide Jew", not a Palestinian. Imagine your fake outrage it that occurred.

Precisely. In short, tough shit Emily.

Yes. And they should pick up accoutability for the flotilla deaths as well.

Happy to hear that Emily's coping.

Turkey is responsible for sending people to attempt to violently infiltrate an established naval blockade. The flotilla deaths happened ONLY because of violent resistance. How do I know? Because NO ONE was killed on the other 5 ships where there was no violent resistance. Remember this was only on one of 6 ships in the flotilla.

Turkey should be held accountable and is now poisoning the middle east. They are no one's ally but Syria and Iran.

The only people that support Israel are ignorant Jews who think that just because they are "Jewish" in heritage, they should support the sick, fucked up Israel.

The only people who support the destruction of Israel are jihadists and their useful idiot leftist turdlettes who will be disposed of daniel pearl style by the jihadis once they are done with the Christians and Jews.

ESAD, moron.

PS - "The family's lawyer replied, "It is insolent and preposterous to expect someone who was shot by the security forces, whether unintentionally, negligently or with criminal intention, to fund her own medical treatment."

Sure, lets pay for the medical treatment of all jihadis who shoot at infidels.

/sarcasm off.

Why, here's one who killed a Jew AFTER ISRAEL GAVE HIS DAUGHTER A FREE EYE OPERATION.

no.

The Israelis are reneging on their own scripture's stricture: An eye for an eye.

What goes around comes around.

agree. you take risks, you have consequences.

right, the border police took a risk shooting tear gas AT protesters and now must pay the consequence.