Thunder and Lightning

Thunder and Lightning, or in Hebrew – Rahm and Barak, can either bring rains of blessing or a damaging storm.

Rahm Emanuel spoke to the General Assembly of Jewish leaders regarding Israel and US involvement in achieving peace between Israel and the Arab occupants of Judea and Samaria. He spoke of his family’s connection to Israel, President Obama’s dedication to peace in the region and how what started in 1967, must end.

What exactly started in 1967? Israel was victorious over the Jordanian Army after we were attacked, and ended the JORDANIAN occupation of the region, this is what started back in 1967. Jewish communities were reborn from the ashes, once again Jews were allowed to live in places they were once evicted from, and places where they were massacred. What started? Mr. Emanuel? Jews returned to their biblical heartland, you know this as you were brought up with a religious education. The Chief of Staff spoke of how his Father took the name “Emanuel” in honor of his Uncle who died fighting for Israel, will he show the same courage when the Arabs once again deny the existence of a “Jewish” state?

I could not help but notice the lack of heart Mr. Emanuel had while speaking, his lack of conviction, his detachment from the truth and real situation on the ground in Israel. How easy it is to speak to an assembly full of “yes men”, whose lives are not endangered by the political duels going own. Mr. Emanuel mentioned how the “Two State Solution” enjoys bi-partisan support among US Jewry. I ask myself, whose sons and daughters are serving in the armed forces of Israel and putting themselves on the front lines, defending a people and country with their lives.

Rahm, mentioned not to let “settlements” stand in the way of peace, who is he to decide what is good for Israel, who will clean up the mess he makes, definitely not his sons. Yes, he is the President’s Chief of Staff, a very powerful politician and possibly the mastermind of the current US strategy to endear itself to the Arabs and Muslims of the world. If he believes that the dismantling of the Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria will solve the Israeli-Arab problem, then he probably feels that Major Nidal Malik Hasan is a common criminal and not a terrorist.

It hurts to hear the cheers of the audience as Rahm mentions the issue of “ending” the communities of Judea and Samaria, most of those at this convention have never been out to any of these places and regard the populous as extremist lunatics, how unfortunate that they don’t even realize who these people really are and how their “Heroes” in the IDF are made up of these people, that these places are theirs also. Such is ignorance. I challenge them to come out here to visit and see what is really going on and meet the people of Judea and Samaria, but to come out with an open mind, sans the poison that they are being fed by the opponents of a strong Jewish nation.

I also extend this invitation to Mr. Emanuel to come out and meet us, not through the eyes of the government, but through your heart and mind. Maybe for your son’s Bar Mitzvah, after he reads the Torah at the Kotel (in the capital of Israel today), take him also to Hevron to see where his forefathers are buried, then to Shilo which served as the first capital of Israel, home to the Mishkan (Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant) for 369 years (even older than the United States).

You spoke how important your history is to you, here is a chance to show your family and supporters that you mean what you say.

Mr. Emanuel, you are a source of pride to the American Jewish Community, your patriotism, your dedication and your loyalty. I would like to bless you that you also become a source of pride to all of your people, all over the world using the same characteristics.

J Street Shmay Street

J Street kicked off their conference this week, the first I might add. The collection of participants wasn’t surprising, Brit Tzedek, Peace Now, various Kadima, Meretz and other members and so on. It was interesting how the statement of being a “Pro Israel” group interested in Israel’s security made many of the Jewish participants uncomfortable. Definitely the “Lefty” place to be for those in the US. In Israel, the “In” place to be was the various olive groves throughout Judea and Samaria. Here was the chance for Left wing Jews to get in the picture and “do something” as they claimed to help the “poor Arab farmers” pick their olives and mix it up with the Jewish residents of these regions.

These so called groups who claim to champion the interest in peace in Israel seem to be creating the exact opposite. Where ever they go they provoke violence, and create more tension between Jews and Arabs rather than promoting a peaceful existence. The “Two State Solution” has been their banner, their Tag Line, but I wonder which “Two State Solution” are they really after.

Their biggest achievement to date is the de facto creation of Two Jewish States within One State, that being the State of Israel and the division of the Jewish people through out the world. This seems to be more important to them than the well being of the Arab residents of Judea and Samaria. The constant effort to split us up, to divide us has become boring, we understand that this group no longer wishes to identify itself as Jews in their land. Their diminishing success in Israel has led them elsewhere, overseas to seek out new victims of ignorance.

While Political corruption and debauchery run rampant in world of the “Palestinian Authority”, while funds are rarely distributed to the “needy” Arabs and diverted to terror and while Sharia Law continues to lop off “heads”, these groups concentrate on separating the Israel and Jewish people worldwide. Their constant provocation of the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, their alienation of their own heritage and history serves nothing more than causing harm to our own people, far worse than any Arab enemy we have encountered.

The Two States they live in is a divided Jewish State; the enemies in their eyes are their own brothers, their latest target, Diaspora Jewry.

As the number of Jews throughout Israel grow and continue to reaffirm their dedication to the Land of Israel, their heritage, history and people, various left wing fringe groups increase their efforts to do just the opposite. It comes as no surprise that they target those who do not have the strength of Israel in their hearts. It comes as no surprise that they use the same cowardly terror tactics that has been used against Jews in Israel, in that they look for the weak, this time the weak of identity, of heritage. “Rabbis for Human Rights”, “International Solidarity Movement” and other fraudulent “Peace” organizations continue with their true agenda against the religious stream of Judaism, they are only interested in the ethnic cleansing of Jews from Judea and Samaria, their racist path wont last much longer. They dare not champion the rights of Arabs in Gaza nor do they care. Their standard is double to say the least.

It seems this tactic is being used by the US administration as well, as we notice the suspicious absence of many Orthodox Jews who are no longer invited to the court of President Obama. Indeed the “Two State Solution” is being implemented, but against the Jews and not those that would rejoice in our destruction.

As more and more Israeli achievements are recorded every day, eventually the common folk around the world will take notice of this also, not just the so-called “Intellectual Elitists and Liberal” camps. The world will notice just how much we contribute and how little are enemies have done. Eventually we might even see the Political leaders of the world take notice and choose truth over deceit.

I’m not saying that Justice will ring out through the world, we know better than that, but common sense just might.

And the Band played on....

A proud week for the United States, President Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize for… eh… what peace did he achieve again?

This is the question on the minds of perhaps the majority of those that even noticed. Even Terrorist organizations have tilted their heads in wonder. Apparently there is a new precedent for achieving such a prestigious award. You now only need to want to do something, no longer actually achieve a milestone or goal. I feel sorry for the honorable judges, there are going to be a lot more qualifying contestants for this new game show. Indeed the whole concept of peace apparently is changing, at least as we knew it. The “Nobel” committee said it honored Obama for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." I must have been sleeping since January, what extraordinary efforts did I miss? Of course I am not paying attention to the little problem of the Nomination date of February 1, 12 days after President Obama took office.

The only thing that has happened in my neck of the woods, this side of the Jordan River is the lopsided pressure being put on the Israeli people regarding concessions to be made to the peace loving Arabs of the Fatah party representing the Arabs living in Judea and Samaria (so far).

In other parts of the world where the US is involved, violence and warfare is business as usual. Iraq is still the mess it has been with no improvement in sight. Afghanistan is heading down the tubes with civilian fatalities and casualties climbing steadily, not to mention the losses of US troops. Pakistan has been enjoying an increase in suicide bombings. African deaths continue on being unnoticed by the present US administration, the list goes on.

The only thing Prez Obama has really done is stretched his hand out to the Muslims of the world in friendship and promised them that he is on their side also. Wait a sec… it seems they are the ones involved in all of this violence, so what’s going on? I mean no offense to the Muslim communities of the world, but it seems most of the violent confrontations going on seem to happening in mostly Muslim areas.

This latest mockery of prestige goes right along with the Goldstone Report, the UN, the Honduras Jew hunt, J Street and so many others looking to paint a bad picture of the Jewish State. It is getting boring, surely there must be something else of interest in the world?

Is Art dead, has the Music stopped, what about doing good in the world for the hungry, the sick? Lets not forget Education. How about releasing the masses from the yoke of petroleum? You would think these are pressing matters rather than a handful of Jews in the Middle East. I think someone is messin’ with the scales. We are being hoodwinked.

Sparks

So where are the Goldstones now? Lately the Negev is enjoying the pleasure of Kassams and Mortars a few times a day, yet Goldstone and his ilk say nothing. The UN ignores these little “hindrances”, and the rest of the Human Rights Activists just keep their mouths shut. Do you know why??? Because not only do they not care, they do not like Israel, and guess what, most of them don’t like Jews being in Israel.

Violence is on the rise in Judea and Samaria also, but the lives of Jews in these regions do not deserve the same rights and protection as others. Indeed, actions against the Jewish populous are applauded in the halls of the UN. Organizations such as Brit Tzedek, Gush Shalom and J Street to name a few support violence against our people in the Jewish heartland, and there are claims that not just verbal support.

Over here in Israel, we read also the claims of how lifting the roadblocks are one of the major causes of this rise in violence, not true. The recent lifting of the roadblocks is causing a 500% rise in theft, weapons transfers, strengthening of the terror infrastructure. It has eased the lives of many Arab residents of Judea and Samaria, and this is not necessarily a bad thing. It is not the cause of the increase in terror, it is helping, but it is not the cause or reason.

The reason is very simple, the Terrorists of Judea and Samaria want to kill Jews. They will continue to want to kill Jews, why not, this is what they are taught, and the world is not against it, as long as it is done in Israel. They are being incited in their Mosques, in their coffee shops, and most heinous, in their schools. One of the motives we are seeing is the feeble attempt of Fatah trying to gain strength outside of Ramallah, by renewing the “struggle”. You see, a “Palestinian” Campaign strategy includes how many Jews you will kill, simply put, kill more Jews, get more votes, and get more money. Let’s not forget how they are enjoying a new status and their new friends. This support they are enjoying in their fight against Israel from many nations, and “Leaders” is a strong catalyst in the increase of terror. As more and more Western nations are adopting a stronger Islamic presence and identity among their ranks, we will see this spread and grow, all over. So again, the reason for this increase in terror is not the removal of roadblocks.

I admit to even being a little comforted by the waking up of many Jews in America, as to the realizing of the goals of the Arabs, that in the destruction of Israel, as a Jewish State, and as a Country. Achminajad is also helping, his persistent ranting against Israel, his threats, his insanity is also scaring some more people into our corner. He has people waking up to the fact that many of Israel’s friends are only “fair weather friends”, and not really at our side. Strange isn’t it when there are reports of Arab Nations that claim they will permit Israel to fly over their territory to attack Iran, while the US, or Zbinew, claim they will stop Israeli jets from doing so. Most do not realize the reason the Arab nations want to stop Iran is that they are afraid that if he launches a nuclear attack on Israel, the winds will carry the “cloud” over to their countries, what would they say if Israel was located in Africa?

There is still a long way to go, but more and more of our people are waking up. If we could only get more of them out to see and understand the real picture, and the real face of our adversaries, we would have a flood on our hands, the good kind of flood. But that too will come.

Bibi’s speech touched many, whether his intentions are honorable or not is a separate issue, but we see how when Jewish strength and identity is spoken of, it reaches our core. When a “Jewish State” is mentioned, it reaches our soul and sparks are rekindled. It is these sparks that terrify our enemies, it is these sparks that can help stoke the fires of the continued Jewish presence in Israel, all of Israel.

We must continue as a people to rekindle these sparks, the sparks in all of us, as a people, as one people, wherever we are, until the fire returns to burn brightly in our midst. We are all we have and we must work together and continue to be strong in our land, in our Jewish Land, in all of our Jewish Land, it is, our right.

AM YISRAEL CHAI V’ KAYAM!

A Mission for all of us

For years I have held that the security of Jews in Israel is our business, and our business alone. I believed that if we did not handle it, we did not deserve the land. Israel for me is the homeland of the Jewish people and it was in our charge to defend for our people. I look at the world and have been watching it turn against Israel for no other reason than defending itself. A byproduct of this change is the growth of Islamic influence in the west. More and more Mosques are filled with the speeches of how Islam will take over and the return of the Caliphate to the world. If we look at the demographic growth and rate of Muslim immigration to the West, we are presented with a picture of a changing soon to be future.

I am sure many of the Muslim people looking for greener pastures will choose the fields of Germany, England, Canada and the US eventually over the Middle East in which to make their new homes.

It seems this is all connected to what is happening in Israel today. Our government here capitulates to Muslim demands and weakens itself to the Arab and Western threats, and the result is a quite visible change in the West and its position regarding Israel. Terrorism grows in the West as we in Israel dare to negotiate land for peace.

The threat is quite eminent, though few see it. I am sorry to say, that many of my own Jewish brothers fail to see the tide coming in and choose to condemn their homeland and people rather than fight for it. While the numbers of “Christian Zionists” grow, they too are limited in the midst of the crashing waves.

It is very frustrating to see. Jews who long for their identity and strength cringe as the voices against them gain numbers and strength every day outside of Israel, while we in Israel grow stronger. The “Christian Zionists” gnarl at every move they see against Israel, only gaining strength by coming here to see that we are for real.

So we have all the ingredients, we have the recipe, what is missing? Far be it from me to speak for others, but in my humble opinion, I see an imbalance between Heaven and Earth, simply meaning that we are not “doing” enough down here. We have the gift of Judea and Samaria in our midst, the holiest land man has known from time immemorial, yet we do not take advantage of it or it’s people. Far too little is done with this resource, far too few are involved in our growth. The growth of our people on this land is critical for our existence as a living people, and not a remnant of a prophecy. Our presence here affects the world, and it is how we will be present here that will shape things to come.

Continued building and development is needed, economic gestures are needed in order to grow and “see” the opportunity that is here. Investment in business and commerce, strengthening our Security Apparatus are priority’s that must be addressed immediately. Unfortunately, most of this effort needed is monetary as we wont see the throngs making Aliyah anytime soon.

Hundreds of millions of dollars from all over the world continue to flow to the Arabs of Judea and Samaria, continuing to build their Army, while the flow of funds trickle down to the Jewish inhabitants. We do provide a return, and this is not Charity, this is a partnership, this is a joint venture, this is an investment for the future and not just for the Jewish people.

I admit to pain and sadness while I see many of my own people looking down at us, worse, they side with our enemies, condemn us and leave us. I cry, because I know their numbers shrink daily, and they will soon only be a story at a commemorative dinner, spoken of as the “Jewish” family of the past.

This need not be.

The United States has always been a friend of Israel, and the Holy Land, not just because of its tiny Jewish population, but also of a sharing of values. This too is changing, as quick as the sun sets. The term “Separation of Church and State” surly will be changed in the near future to a more “friendly” term. “Sensitivity” classes will become a standard part of high school curriculum, on the way as the new fashion of checkered scarves takes lead down the runways of Broadway. All this may happen, as the wearing of a “Kippah” (skullcap) will become an unwanted sight.

This need not be.

I thought in the past that this land was only for the good of the Jewish people. I see it is for the good of all people.

I call upon all those who care for a better future to take action now, not just words, and become really involved with Judea and Samaria. Become involved today, it is no longer just a Jewish problem, it is the world’s problem.

This precious gift and opportunity stands before us, it will not come to us, it is we who must go to it, and bring it close to our hearts.

The other "Two State Solution"

The buzzword of the Middle East is the “Two State Solution”, and the real question is which “Two State Solution”? As time goes by, the options grow and the divisions increase, between everybody involved. The Arabs need at least 3 states to enjoy a semi-normal existence. The Jews are closing in on that scenario also. At least we are seeing more unity in Israel itself, while outside many are choosing to side with those who see us as a threat to all and an obstacle to peace in the world.

So lets take a look at out Arab neighbors here in Israel, Gaza is pretty much done for, at this point splitting between Hamas, Al Qaeda, Jihad Islami, to name a few, of course you have a few token Fatah members left (somebody has to be arrested and tortured). The last thing on anyone’s mind there is peace with Israel, the wretched few that actually would like to have a normal existence are too afraid to speak, let alone say anything that might be interpreted as Anti Jihad, or Pro Israel. In Judea and Samaria, the big joke is how the Americans are supporting Abbas and keeping him alive, in hopes that he will retain control against all odds, and the democratic process of voting in a government of the people. This is, of course, why General Dayton must work overtime training the new “Palestinian” army, to preserve US interests in the region, yes, US interests, none other. A strong Israel is not a US interest anymore. Believe it or not, any semblance of a “strong Jew” in his land is strictly “verboten”. The old term “Judenrein” is gaining popularity in the rhetoric of a Middle East solution in Israel. The polls among the Arabs in Judea and Samaria show a majority voting for Hamas vs. Fatah, not to forget however most of these same Arabs are terrified of Arab rule compared to Israeli rule. This explains the mad rush of Arabs seeking Israeli citizenship and residence of Jerusalem.

None of this is news, most who know anything about the Middle East are aware of this and the danger it presents, to the region and the West.

The larger problem is that of the voices of those that sit comfortably in their houses thousands of miles away and dare to think they can dictate policy to a people that must stand against terror daily. As they side with the sworn enemies of Israel, they must ask themselves where they set the borders, and what are they willing to do to protect those borders. Are they willing to put their life on the line and be a productive part of this country, if not, perhaps they should rethink their right to a voice in Israel’s affairs.

One of the amazing feats of the Jewish people in the last century was that of coming together for each other, being the strong shoulder to lean on, both ways. Jews all over the world were there for each other, especially when it came to our homeland, our heritage, our Israel. Not so anymore, it is more important for many of our people to judge themselves on how others view them, it just so happens that these “others” are not our friends, and have no idea as to what really is going on in Israel. Why be informed when ignorance is easier.

Here is the simple fact, they are separating themselves from their own heritage, and there will be a heavy price to pay in the future. Being “Jewish” outside of Israel is not very popular and is going down as fast as a Kassam flies. There are many that are making that extra effort to criticize and condemn Israel, what would they do to protect their own families, not much apparently. This separation weakens us, however it weakens the Jewish people outside of Israel more. The opposite is occurring in Israel, the Jewish people of Israel are growing stronger and are connecting even more than before to their land. The Jews of Israel are finally realizing that they can count on none other beside their faith and themselves. Most of our own are not there for us, preferring to put us in dangers way so they can look good at the local “Iftar” (evening meal after Ramadan fast) munch. So there you have it, another “Two State Solution”.

Over the High Holidays, we pray for the good of the world and our people, that is exactly what is happening in Israel, the Jewish people are growing and getting stronger, for the good of the world and our people, we will continue to do so, for there is no choice. When the time comes that our people outside will need us, we will be there, as strong as ever, as good as ever.

False Messages

False Messages

President Obama met with those he considers the leaders of the Jewish Community in order to allay their fears regarding the harsh treatment Israel is receiving at the hands of the US administration. The “leaders” expressed their concern at the pressure the US president is putting on the Jewish country and there were even a few that insisted that he apply equal pressure on the Arabs. When the President was asked to relieve some of the pressure on Israel he responded that nothing else works.

There are plenty of articles written about this meeting and most don’t mention that this gathering included Obama supporters for the most part and none that openly disagreed with present US policy in the Middle East.

There is no doubt in the minds of most supporters of Israel that the US is overstepping itself in dictating policy to Israel, but this is not new. The US has been dictating international policy to others since it became a world power, so have other nations of power, this is reality, and this is why they are called “world powers”. Amazing the blind eye that has been gazing on Israel.

President Obama’s reaction wasn’t surprising, nor was his choice of “Jewish” leadership, I am more concerned with the pressure that these “leaders” are putting on Israel. Their siding with the sworn enemies of Israel, their lack of actual fact finding and basing their opinions on an opponent’s point of view is disturbing.

While the populous of Israel has finally been learning that the Arabs do not want peace, it seems that Jews outside of Israel are going out of their way to bond with our enemies. These “Jewish leaders” seem to forget that the “Palestinian Arab” side of the picture, never agrees to anything that would further the peace process.

It is wonderful that they feel strong enough about Israel to be involved, but I find it offensive that they feel they have a right to speak for Israel while they do not live there. Their sons and daughters do not serve in the defense of the country and they do not bleed when terrorists attack. Israel does belong to them also, as they are Jews, but they do not have the right to destroy or take part in anything or action that would put millions in danger, especially not from so far away.

Israel has learned that President Obama is not a true friend and ally as he states, and Israelis don’t expect much from the leader of the United States. Israel and the Jewish people should actually be grateful to him as we learn where we may put our trust. The larger and more serious problem is that our own people living outside of Israel are being lead by deceit and rally around those that rejoice in Jewish blood.

If these Jewish leaders continue down this path, they will soon discover that they are lambs alone amongst a pack of wolves with none to save them. They will have none to blame but themselves.

Jewish history has taught us that when we are strong and believe in who we are, good prevails for our people, the more we fight against ourselves, the more sorrow we will bring. Many are waking up to this fact, and this is why we are seeing increased efforts by Israel’s enemies to divide us. We must be doing something right.

People around the world still ask why the Jews are destroying themselves, and how they can speak against Israel? The voices that speak against us are the voices of a minority, outside of Israel they are the voices of people disappearing into the darkness of assimilation. They are not our leaders.