Catalonia is not Palestine

Barcelona
Colorful "yes" posters are still hanging on the clinic - a testimony to the drama of the referendum, which struck its fatalities. "Welcome to tell!" Mechanical my host with a meaningful smile. He was born and lived in Catalonia, but speaks mainly Spanish; It symbolizes the demand for independence, but fears economic collapse. He embodies the thicket the majority hid on its killers: it is very rich, but claims discrimination; Its inhabitants are Sephardic and Sephardi residents, but there are those who speak of "occupation"; It has powers and budgets to promote Catalan culture and language, even though it is the mother tongue of less than half of the population.

It is possible to connect with the national feeling of the Catalans, who suffered during the Fascist regime and earlier, and of course it would be nice if Catalonia could save its own income instead of sharing the burden with poor Spanish regions. But what is wrong today? Catalonia is a sought-after place, a magnet for culture, science and sports - it's all here. The main complaint is about flooding tourists, wish us. Why shake this beautiful ship? It has self-government that is the largest of its kind in Europe, and if it becomes independent, its great ambition will be to join the European Union, and it is already there, as a respected society. As for the rich country, it will have to support other countries (and Spain) through the Union. So what's the mess for? There is no logic

The Barcelona region is home to more than two-thirds of the population of Catalonia. It is one of the thriving areas not only in Spain, but in Europe in general. Urban development exemplary, architectural works, glamorous restaurants - the abundance spilled here everywhere. A business center that develops at a vigorous pace, and ranks among the leading quality of life in the world. No wonder the masses demonstrated to stay in Spain. Of course, none of this justifies the violence that the Spanish police force against residents who wanted to vote in a referendum. The decision of the Catalan parliament to "grant a mandate" to the president of the province to declare independence is a mere one, and Spain's response, which gave him an ultimatum, Stupid. Since the referendum, hundreds of companies have fled, including banks. Now they say that in Spain there are not enough ladders to bring down the provincial and state leaders from the high trees on which they have climbed this unnecessary crisis.

On the Israeli right there were those who rejoiced at the Spanish distress because Spain "hostile" Israel and supported the Palestinians, "and now they will see what it is." The claim is ridiculing and indicates ignorance at best and lies at worst. In every area, in every parameter, there is a huge difference between the Palestinians and Catalonia or the Basque region, Flanders, and any other region in Western Europe: the absence of basic rights such as freedom of movement, military occupation, violence, But a reality of a burning and bloodthirsty life of Jews and Arabs in Israel and the territories.

The test of aspiration for independence is above all a test of human rights: Do the members of the group have equal rights in law, adequate representation, the ability to vote and be elected to all institutions, social protection? Are national rights, which are legitimate rights, adequately addressed within the existing framework, or should a new sovereign framework be established? According to these tests, there was great justice in the Zionist struggle and in the demand of the Jewish community for the state. Thus, the Palestinian struggle to establish a state alongside Israel is also right and legitimate. And Catalonia? It will probably remain in Spain, and will continue to flourish.

VOTE por la libertad y por Cataluña