[Marxism] Anti-semitic attack is -- challenge to and frame-up of Chavez govt

[Fred Feldman]

The most likely perpetrator, in my opinion, is the increasingly active and
violent Venezuelan fascist movement, which has been killing workers with
relative impunity, stymieing teform of the latifundia in the countryside
through the landlords' armed thugs, and now lending ammunition to a
US-Israeli campaign against Venezuela while, I think, getting off their own
anti-Semitic jollies at the same time.

Even if it turns out that the action was done by a group that thought it had
the interests of the Palestinians at heart, which I think is possible but
improbable, the reactionary character of this act is unmistakable, and the
government must take it seriously not only as an embarrassment but a threat
to the revolution.

We can't be certain who did this act, although the current situation does
point to fascists, but we should have no doubt that the US and Israel would
much rather have an anti-Semitic government in Venezuela than an
anti-imperialist one.

I think Venezuela is more under siege than we in the north believe today.
And Chavez winning a vote, while positive, will not be enough to settle it.
Fred Feldman

http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=19826175

Venezuelan synagogue attacked as relations worsen
The Associated PressPublished: January 31, 2009

CARACAS, Venezuela: An armed group vandalized Caracas' oldest synagogue,
shattering religious objects and spray-painting walls in what Jewish leaders
called the worst attack ever on their community in Venezuela.

Two security guards were overpowered by about 15 people who ransacked the
synagogue's sanctuary and offices late Friday, leaving graffiti such as: "We
don't want murderers," and "Jews, get out."

Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro condemned the attack and promised it would
be investigated, while reiterating his government's opposition to what he
called Israel's "criminal" government.

"We respect the Jewish people, but we ask respect for the people of
Palestine and their right to life," Maduro said in a ceremony called to
welcome home two Venezuelan diplomats expelled from Israel this week.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry ordered the envoys to leave after Venezuela
expelled all Israeli diplomats on Jan. 6, to protest Israel's offensive in
the Gaza strip. President Hugo Chavez labeled Israeli leaders as
"genocidal."

1,300 Palestinians died in the three weeks of fighting.

Leaders of Venezuela's estimated 15,000-member Jewish community warned that
vocal denunciations of Israel by Chavez and the country's government-funded
news media may have encouraged Friday's attack.

"These declarations permeate society," said Abraham Levy, president of the
Venezuelan Confederation of Israelite Associations.

The incident forced the synagogue to cancel Saturday's worship service.