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Jimmy Carter, the Lower Creek Indians, and the Jews

(Jewish Political Studies Review) Dr. Joel Fishman - Former President Jimmy Carter's 2006 book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, reflects his Georgia background. He writes: "I have to admit that, at the time, I equated the ejection of Palestinians from their previous home within the State of Israel to the forcing of Lower Creek Indians from the Georgia land where our family was now located; they had been moved west to Oklahoma on the 'Trail of Tears' [ca. 1838] to make room for our white ancestors." (pp. 27-28) The history of the American government and the Lower Creek Indians was one of dispossession and broken treaties. A great injustice took place, and if Carter really wanted to do his part in setting things right, he would have to locate the descendants of the Lower Creek Indians, beg their forgiveness, and give their land back. The problem, of course, is that if he ever did so, his neighbors would tar and feather him. But the dispossession of Native Americans, an injustice in its own right, has little to do with Israel and the Jews. Carter's comparison is wrong. It was the Jews - and not the Arabs - who were originally driven off the land. They have come back to claim what rightfully belongs to them. It is the Jews and the Israelis who are the "Native Americans" of the Middle East, and their tribe has a name. It is Judah. The writer is a fellow of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs.
2024-12-31 00:00:00
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