Friday, March 27, 2009

A real Friend of the IDF

Since it’s rebirth, the IDF has stood as a source of pride to the Jewish Nation. Not just in the forefront of Israel’s fight against our enemies and terrorism, but a world class military that has been the vanguard of new tactics, strategies and technology.

Recently, I attended a dinner for the “Friends of the IDF”, or FIDF for short. It was wonderful to see how people got together to show support for our brave men and women serving Israel and the Jewish people.

The recent Operation in Gaza was of course brought up and the stories of heroism and courage flowed. To show the danger our residents of the south have lived under, a map was presented. The map showed the different ranges of the missiles and the times needed to take cover. The Gaza strip was shown in white, clearly not a part of the State of Israel anymore. Most disturbing, however, was that the areas of Judea and Samaria were also shown in white.

Recent statistics stated that at least 50% of the Elite combat officers are from Judea and Samaria along with at least 30% of all combat troops. How is it that this breeding ground of Jewish soldiers and future leaders was not included in the State of Israel?

I watched as $15 million dollars was raised at the dinner to provide comfort and better conditions for our soldiers, all the while as the source of these modern day Maccabees was blotted out, an incredible feat and blessing and at the same time an insult to say the least.

It appears to me that the majority of the supporters of the IDF outside of Israel are not aware of the facts. Obvious at the dinner was also the strong feeling of Zionism and support for Israel, all of Israel. So how is it that the FIDF chose to forget one of the most valuable assets the IDF and the State of Israel has known since our rebirth? I have met many that are involved with the FIDF, and they are far from ignorant, they are true examples of strong Jews who believe in being involved. That being said, many of the IDF officers working with the FIDF also are fine examples of our people who value the treasure of Judea and Samaria.

I am hoping that those who prepared the presentation simply made an innocent mistake. Unfortunately, I fear that I am the one who is mistaken.

As I mentioned, many of these officers and combat troops live in Judea and Samaria, they give all they can, most of them going into the best units available, all throughout the IDF. Indeed, soldiers from these communities of Judea and Samaria are known as the best of the best - the many career soldiers making up the 50% of the elite combat officer corp. I mentioned, often find themselves away from their families for long periods of time. They are willing give everything they have for our people, only asking that we watch over their families while they are gone. How can they be ignored by the FIDF? As Jews from Israel, we find ourselves in ambassadorial roles overseas, what message are we sending out to the Diaspora and other nations of the world when we do not fully acknowledge the cream of the crop, and ignore their homes?

One of the missions of the IDF is to show the strength of the Jewish people, to say to the world, “Never Again”, and to let our enemies know that Jewish blood will not be taken for granted. The FIDF is one of the premier organizations that carry this message - it must also carry the responsibility of telling the story of our heroes. The IDF is not aligned with any political party, nor should the FIDF.

It is also the responsibility of our fellow Jews to know the truth and give credit where it is due. Ignorance is proving to be one of our greatest enemies, standing alongside with the lack of a strong identity.

As written above, it is alarming how many of us are not aware of what is really going on in Israel. Jews are brought on missions, yet they are not shown the whole country. They come out in support of the IDF yet do not travel and see the source of our heritage. How can we expect anyone to have an informed opinion or make a proper decision based on only half the picture?

I urge Jewish leaders throughout the world to behave responsibly in their communities and present the entire picture to them, not a tempered concept. As individuals, we all have the right to our opinions, but we also have the responsibility to arrive at them through knowledge and not ignorance. This is the only way we will truly continue to develop and not be lead as sheep to an unfavorable demise. If you support the IDF you must support all of it and all of Israel, and not close your eyes any longer.

Monday, March 2, 2009

900 Million ways to say I love you

If there was any question regarding US policy change regarding Israel, the transfer of $900 million tax payer dollars to the supposed rebuilding of Gaza and the “Palestinian Authority”, confirms that which so many feared, anti Israel gestures and actions are taking place. It wasn’t enough that US tax dollars go to training the Palestinian Military, and equipping them, of course this all falling into Hamas hands, these dollars will now go to rearming and rebuilding the terrorist infrastructure.

In the “real” world the game is different, manipulation, misplaced loyalty, along with lies and backstabbing are part of everyday life. Honor and Duty have no place in this world, it is a world where people are mislead into believing that they are doing good, while they are actually serving a dark purpose. It is a world where no one is safe, as truths are bent out of shape in order to form “change”, and personal achievement, where lives that are lost are not counted less can affect a bank account somewhere under a false name.

The US administration is very aware what will happen to the funds that are being transferred to the Hamas, yes, the Hamas. I suppose that they trust the “Palestinian Authority” will hold onto these funds and use them to rebuild Gaza, where they have such a strong presence. Building more and improved tunnels cost money, upgraded Grad missiles do not grow on trees, and Achminajad is a tough salesman, who only takes cash, no credit. The US administration is not so naive as to think that the civilians will receive any funds and that the safeguards in place will prevent misuse of these funds.

Who cares, just a few more dead in the Middle East, who cares about Jews dying anyway, they’ve been doing it for so long, they are use to it. Israel is a real pain anyway now a days, so maybe you can kill two birds with one stone, or Grad. We will call it a new name, “change”, we can brand it differently so that even their own will adopt it. When and if it fails, we will just say we tried. By then we will have a new face in America, and no one will care anymore. It’s just a few Jews anyway.

I’m trying to figure it out, is it hatred of Jews or the love of oil and money that is the motivation behind this. Has Islamic intervention grown so much as to have such an influence on US policy? Don’t even mention Human rights or Liberal causes, anyone that truly believes that has a lot to learn about human beings and politics. Sure, there are problems in Israel where both sides must assume responsibility for the “situation”, but to carve up a nation and place it’s population under the constant threat of terrorism? Interesting, how US military officials now admit to being wrong about Iran’s nuclear capability, the timing is perfect. Yes, we wanted change, and we sure got it.

Policy is being written on University campuses under the auspices of Professors detached from their fellow humans, with little care for the common man and a greater good. For many, their rhetoric being directed by individuals who live in the shadow of society, dreaming of the renewed Caliphate. Those who disagree with them are labeled fascist and worst, often being put down by the threat of violence.

“Rants” are common in opinion columns, one can only hope that they will lead to action. The world is rearming the Gazans and Arabs living in Judea and Samaria, what are we going to do about it? How many more articles are to be written? 2.8 billion dollars will do quite a lot for the Arabs in their fight against Israel, the money will not be used to promote peace only more violence and destruction. What was once considered to be a terrorist organization today is becoming a fast “friend” of the US, it is a matter of time before the Hamas will carry the same status, and we will see how a “Two” state solution, becomes a “Three” state solution.

It is a time to be strong and hold out a little longer. A generation that has learned the lessons of a weak government and seen what compromise brings is growing up. They will soon be voting and assuming the roles of leadership. “Change” is the new buzzword, watch the change in Israel as it will develop into a new and stronger nation. The script being written by outsourced writers apparently will lead us down a very bumpy road, and at times the call of “Abandon Ship” might seem to make the most sense. Remember, every storm has its end, and we most hold on as the most experienced of sailors can, and ride it through. It is not a time for naïveté only wisdom.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Where is there strength?

What happened to Jewish pride and strength in the US? I read and watch how there is constant anti Israel and Anti Jewish activities on almost every US college campus. Israel Anti Apartheid week, demonstrations against “Operation Cast Lead”, the incident at York University in Toronto, where Jews had to take refuge while the crowd outside shouted “Die Jew”, should wake someone up. What has happened to the Jews living outside of Israel? Why are they behaving like Jews in pre World War 2 Germany? In classic Arab behavior, the weak are always attacked and exploited, we in Israel learned this and decided to fight back. Of course the results are what’s known as the “Jewish –Arab” problem, or what happens when Jews defend themselves. The weakened state of the Jews of the Diaspora is becoming alarming. Through out the world anti Jewish attacks are on the rise, and the Jews are becoming quite the victim again. Equipped with nothing but ignorance regarding Israel, most US students are forced to fall back to hide under an Arab lead onslaught. The concept of standing up to defend themselves is as foreign to them as true peace with Israel is to our Arab neighbors. The major Jewish organizations take little action to watch out for their own, finding that it is better lie quiet and not make waves. Apparently history is for speculation and not for learning, as lessons from the past are being wasted on the apathy of the present. The supposed cause of these demonstrations is the recent action in Gaza, of course the Israeli reason for acting being totally ignored, and once again we see the truth perverted by enemies of Israel and being turned against the Jews of the Diaspora. There seem to be only two choices, fight back for your own rights to live quietly and think freely or move to Israel. I don’t expect the majority of Diaspora Jews to move to Israel, but I would hope they would at least stand up for themselves and if I lived in the US, I would expect the major Jewish Federations to do something about the present situation.

The voices against Jews will only grow louder, and it is a matter of time before violent acts join the verbal assault. Over the last few years, US leadership has been bending backward to appease Muslim governments and the Muslim population of the US. Compromises in US security policy have become common practice causing serious leaks and new threats daily. It seems at this point that this policy will continue, and further become more biased towards the Jewish population in the US. Condoleezza Rice’s misbalanced policies seem to continue under the present administration as more and more “Islamic friendly” staff are being added on, with Israel being thought of as more of a bother than a loyal friend and ally. Add the economic situation and you have quite a bad recipe for the near future.

As reality in the US stands to change, it would be wise for US Jewry to regroup and rethink their policies and politics. Lying quiet and blending with our enemies has proven to be a mistake as we see European Jewry is already on its way out, with the new Muslim presence making their lives difficult. This being a sign of what to come in the US, it would be wise to prepare for the “change”.

The throngs will try to use Israel against you, try to remember where they come from. Ask about the human rights in their countries, how their women are respected and then delve into the pleasures of Sharia Law. Find out just how much democracy exists in Arab lands and what happens when you disagree. When they mention “Israel Apartheid Week”, tell them to look in a mirror and then take a deep look into Israeli society. When you get some answers, ask what happened to the Jewish communities throughout the Middle East, and maybe you will get insight to how they view you, really and not face value. Maybe the demonstrations against Israel should be redirected to the real villains of western society and freedom.

If the Jews living in the US value their life styles and wish to continue on a positive note, it is time they take action to preserve themselves and their identity. Selling out to the enemies of the Jewish nation will only continue to weaken them.

A strong United States is going to need a strong Israel, and a strong Jewish community in the US needs a strong Israel, the alternative will only bring about disaster.

Don’t fall victim to the lies of our enemies. Be strong, be educated, and be proud, you owe it to your children.