Talisker wrote:I was surprised to read that the number of Jews living in Germany was increasing rapidly, and will soon be reaching pre-WW2 levels.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree ... ogromnacht Remember 90% of Jews in Germany were murdered (210,000 out of an estimated pre-war population of 240,000) and similar proportions in various Eastern European countries (e.g. estimated 3 million Jews from total of 3.3 million in Poland) instigated again by German propaganda and direct action, leading to the figure of nearly 6 million Jews killed in the holocaust. This really was attempted genocide.
Some TCs like to suggest that they too have been subject to attempted genocide, and that the Turkish invasion in 1974 was a 'peace operation' to prevent such a thing happening. Yes, there were intercommunal killings, but to suggest TCs were subject to attempted genocide is, at best, gross exaggeration, and, at worst, complete fabrication with intent to promote crude propaganda.
So, the words 'attempted genocide' can be applied to actions against European Jews in 1930s and 40s, but not, in any way, to actions against TCs in Cyprus in the 1950s, 60 and 70s.
I salute the courage of Jews living in Germany, a country with a well-established history of attempted genocide against that community. Clearly any Jew now living in Germany must have faith in the social and legal systems which ensure safety and equality for all. This courage allows them to live within a modern, democratic, prosperous nation at the heart of Europe with immense benefits for future generations of those courageous Jews.
Given that Jews can show such courage to live within a society which previously attempted to wipe them of the face of the planet I fail to see why TCs hide behind the 'protection' of 40,000 Turkish troops, supposedly preventing a mythical genocide against them, and do not themselves show courage to embrace a reunified Cyprus. Within a unified Cyprus they will be 'protected' not by Turkish troops, but by the fair and democratic processes of law, not only within Cyprus itself, but also from the EU and the UN.
Despite the horrors of attempted genocide against them in 1930s-40s, Jews are not afforded 'special' status within the judicial or electoral systems in Germany. As a minority community within the general population they live within the standard democratic principle of 'one man, one vote'. Why should TCs demand special privileges in any future negotiated settlement?
I would contend that by hiding behind the mirage of 'attempted genocide' by GCs, the 'peace operation' in 1974, the 'protection' of 40,000 Turkish troops, the demands for special rights in a reunified Cyprus, the TCs show themselves to have none of the courageous characteristics shown by Jews living in Germany today. Such thinking will lead inevitably to a self-imposed genocide - seclusion, economic stagnation that prevents opportunity for future generations, the brightest and best of the TC community leaving to find a prosperous life elsewhere, swamping by incoming settlers. The illegal, isolated, morally bankrupt TRNC is therefore currently promoting TC genocide.
TCs show courage! Demand reunification and your place in a free and democratic Cyprus within the legal scrutiny, framework and protection of the EU and UN. If Jews can live in Germany then surely you can have faith in reuniting with your fellow Cypriots?