Seeking the True

A classic example of the efforts being made by mainstream Jewish organizations to further create a wedge in our little Jewish world was the Jewish funded and sponsored trip last week by the wonderfully enlighten Harvard group to the grave of Arafat, the father of modern day terror and murder.  I would love to say that this outing was unique, one of the kind, rogue, but I can't. These efforts are being made daily by a Jewish leadership that has had their souls kidnapped by enemies of our people.  Flying the flag of humanity and open minds, claiming to be the Liberal camp of the day, these crusaders have been setting out to "save our people", the "Tikun Olam", and to purge us from the demons within us... As they perceive it of course.

I'm not going to use the term self-haters to describe these poor souls because I honestly don't believe they hate themselves or our religion.   The are being taught to hate people and perceived groups who they feel are dangerous to their way of living, threats to their being.  Indeed their pent up frustrations at their own lac kings of an identity are being directed away from those who seek their demise to those who would only strengthen them and connect them better to their heritage.  Stockholm syndrome? Sure, fact is that these kids were sent to embrace the same people who would dance on their graves.  Of course, in the name of intellectual and progressive thought.  I especially enjoyed the "apologies" written by the backers.  They apologized because they were caught.

A few weeks ago I was asked about where I live, in Shilo, and Judea and Samaria...why should I live there, what right do I have... You know, I was being "grilled" (and loving it, I might add). Besides discussing recent history, I of course mentioned our history there, our presence, the importance of the place in our peoples history in the land.... Pretty much the standard.  What was said next will stick with me and was profound, as it clearly represents a prevalent mindset in Diaspora Mainstream Judaism.

"Why not Warsaw or other European cities where Jews flourished, whats the difference?"   

I admit, I was not ready for that level of pre-meditated ignorance, or contempt, and of course it brought about an emotional response, in which I actually had to hold my temper.  

I know it has been said a million times, and I'm sure it will be said a million more.  Most Jews, including many in Israel simply do not have or understand the connection we have to this land.  I'm not saying they have to agree with my opinions, or be in the One State Jewish Camp, but to understand and to feel the connection, that is paramount.  

These outside groups discuss the need to understand the "conflict" yet they make every effort to actually color it to their predesigned views. A visit to a "settler" means a "Rabbi" usually, some one religious at least, or more accurate, someone who most Jewish students would feel no connection to, even actually dislike because of constant feuding and controversies going on in our little "shtetles".

Of course they are always brought to the Palestinian Peace Loving Moderates who only seek self determination in their own ethnically cleansed state...but that has nothing to do with anything. These groups are much like horses with blinders on, being led around without seeing the surroundings, basically at the mercy of those pulling them literally by the nose.  Some call it the blind leading the blind, but it is not that innocent, the "leaders" know exactly what they are doing, and the victims are our future generations.

The government of Israel claims that they will be taking the reigns in reconnecting Jews living in the diaspora with our land.  I’m curious to see how they plan on doing this and based on what model, or what new miracle potion they have brewing in the pot.  In the mean time, they are not even at the discussion level, and then it will be endless meetings discussing how to do it, when to do it, and when to schedule the next meeting to discuss the same thing… classic Kibbutz/Socialist methodology.

When our fearless leaders here (in Israel) actually decide to roll up their sleeves and start to work, I hope their first goal will be to understand and tag those who are working against our peoples connection to our land.  I then hope they will make the effort to crush those same “anti” efforts and missions, even though most of these “missions” are being led and funded by “stand up” Jewish “leaders” and their organizations. 

The Arabs are not teaching the concept of Peace with the Jews in their schools, their media still spills daily and hourly lessons in hatred.  Despite the “Shiny and Happy” people you will see representing “Palestine”, who BTW are straight out lying about their society and live only in the nice sections of secular Ramallah.  We have no choice but to take the lead today, to connect our people back to our land and ourselves.  That goes even for the “Right” thinking people, both in and out of the country.  

Time to re-Format our thinking, fix that hard drive and yes, upgrade it the latest and better model out there.  Some peripherals may be dropped in the process, but time to reboot our people.  A new OS (Operating System) is in the works, better upgrade as the old one will stop working soon and all your old “programs” just wont work anymore. (Sorry for all the computer talk, just worked).

That is our alternative, our only alternative. 

AIPACin'

For the past six years I have been receiving calls from the floor of the AIPAC conference in DC.  I always hear the same question, "why wasn't I there".  So this year I decided to preempt the callers and I took part this year in the AIPAC conference in DC.  My decision wasn't based on any want or feeling that I had to support AIPAC, rather that I felt I needed to learn more for myself.  I admit that my feelings towards AIPAC have not been the most favorable due to their negative stance to the communities in Judea and Samaria, and the continued refusal to take congressmen out to see other realities and alternatives. Over the past few years I have also been meeting more and more congressman, "policy makers" and many others who work in the US admin or political apparatus, all seeking to know more, especially in the security field in which I work.

A common denominator among the US politicians, or at least one of the many, has always been the question, "why doesn't AIPAC take us out to Judea and Samaria?". I have heard congressmen say to me that the more they become pro Israel, the less Jewish support they get.  And have even found outright refusal by some of AIPAC leaders to acknowledge the spectrum of realities in Israel, only to look through the narrow slit, many of us call a point of view.

Even more fuel to this desire to attend was the fact that a week prior to the conference, a contingent of J Street board members, along with other members of not the most Judea and Samaria friendly folk, led by Jeremy Ben Ami himself came out to meet me in Shilo. The match that lit the flame was when one of the members said to me, rightfully so, " I know you don't really like us, but at least we came out to hear you here in your home, AIPAC never does", he was right.

So, armed with curiosity, a healthy dose of motivation and a tie, I set off.  I was not really prepared for what I saw. I was expecting only to see a mob of delusional abyss, a confrontation with the "enemy within", though those two challenges were healthy in attendance, and other similar challenges.

What I did see was a large group of people who honestly support Israel and are doing what they feel they can do best to keep the US on Israel's side. It's a given that, that concept is as diverse as the Jewish people themselves.

Indeed our Jewish people were represented by a healthy show of our own spectrum, all shapes and colors, and yes even political views ranging from right to left (though I personally no longer like to use those terms).  One could see a clear example by the  varied Rabbinical presence afoot. "Rabbis" from all walks of life, genders, and well, let's say all sorts.

Panels, forums, discussions ranging from topics such as the Iranian issue to cooking splattered the many rooms, podiums and varied venues throughout the conference.  Most were filled to capacity. I was truly surprised by the amount of different issues discussed regarding our little country, and the fact that so many people would attend to hear about issues many of us just scan over in our daily reads.

My main curiosity was of course the Israeli - Arab " conflict", the local one, which is the realm in which I traverse. Since this is one of the big two being discussed by the New York Times, HaAretz and the Thom Friedman group, I tried to focus on close to home.

They had the Former head of Shabak, "Think Tanks Scholars", and of a course a HaAretz reporter, among the many experts, whom most in attendance figured is the real knowledge of our present day crisis. I attended as many of these panels as I could.  Half truths, altered facts and premeditated misinformation were the lead actors in these B-rated performances. 

Security officials turned politicians presented partial scenarios rather than a more full accurate picture that would enable those present to have an informed opinion.  The "Mavens" from various institutes definitely presented more facts, but were strategically manipulated from a broader look into the situation on the ground, and needless to say, I was not surprised by the direction taken by the "truly informed", seekers of right, our ever endeared Left wing of Israel, one of which Ari Shavit, HaAretz Champion, who seemed to be hold one of the starring roles.

I watched as people seethed and squirmed in their seats listening to perceived truths and theories. I listened as questions that countered the orchestrated left leaning claims presented were addressed, and only partially answered, leaving only more questions and quizzical looks. Of course I also noticed the looks of pride among those who still dwell in their own ignorant bliss.

None of this left me surprised.

Two main points I found interesting. 

One - the amount of people who are Judea and Samaria "friendly" realists and supporters were in attendance and truly out in force, but they were quiet...too quiet, at times it seemed stifled, and afraid to discuss their views. Even the side discussions by those who at least outwardly appeared to be good ole heartland supporters tended to avoid the subject of Jewish presence and existence in Judea and Samaria. Like some taboo subject to be discussed in dim lit corners, hidden like chased subversives out to start a rebellion, (hold that thought for a future article). Never to let an opportunity pass, I enjoyed the chance to instigate thought and jumped into a few of these quorums to shake things up.  Proud to say that the discussions indeed turned interesting.  Political Correctness seemed to be the password of the day. This was even more pointed out when a dear friend of mine, Helen Freedman attempted to show me a sign showing support of Jewish Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. She was quickly surrounded by "Security" people and AIPAC staffers, telling her that she was endangering others by simply showing me, I might add, privately, that sign.

Two - the friendliness of so many of the attendees was incredible, the atmosphere was truly a breath of fresh air.  Once people would hear where I and my friends at the conference call home, you would see a thirst for knowledge well up like they haven't had a drink of water in days. So many asked questions, because they were realizing that they just didn't know and always thought that they really didn't belong to "those" people out there. When proofs, other opinions and possibilities were shown to counter the altered facts they had been shown and taught, their interest only heightened. In fact May expressed not only a want to come and see for themselves, but an anger at those who have been keeping them and their children in the dark.

Both of these points have strengthened me, and shown me  just how important it is that we do not forsake our people who do not have the privilege to really experience our land. That we must continue to make the efforts to not just fight for our land but to continue to help defend so many of our people outside who are virtually defenseless to the onslaught of delusional and dangerous efforts made by a well financed group of people who would prefer to change the reality of Israel.

AIPAC has far to go, and their efforts, though claiming to be noble are still playing into the hands of many of our detractors and yes, enemies. Whereas they descend on the many congressmen in continued and determined effort to stay the needed support of Israel (for the greater good I must add), their supporters must see the fuller picture in Israel. That is why we, who are involved with fighting for our land must attend these conferences, and not let them fall further from our reality, thus enabling them to present a stronger picture for the reasons to support and stand by Israel.

I would like to add that I was not alone in my efforts. I was privileged to have in my company, neighbors, friends, truly brothers and who I consider heroes of our land, that made the experience not only more enjoyable, but meaningful.

May we see the miracle of Purim return and our people overturn the threats of our enemies, sooner than later.