Opportunity

I had the opportunity to speak this afternoon to a group of American students who have just graduated high school. What is unique about their school in the US is that it is described as “pluralistic”. It was enjoyable and motivating, as their minds were open and thirsty, it was upsetting as I saw how they were being deceived and misinformed.

The discussion was not political, it was simply a discussion about opinions, possibilities and thought. These students are supposedly being taught about Israel and our “situation”, they came to Israel to connect to their history and learn, yet they are not allowed to see other sides for themselves, more specifically, the "Right" side. The excuse given is that insurance prices are too high to allow them to visit Judea and Samaria…how convenient.

When we discussed where would the Jews from Judea and Samaria move if, Gd forbid transferred due to an Israeli surrender, their response was… “Trailer parks could be set up, just like the ones they live in now”. The last time I checked, Shilo, Bet El, and Efrat were not trailer parks, neither were the majority of our communities. This is what they are being told, thetruth is being hidden from them…on purpose. How can we expect proper opinions to be formed when our children, our future, are being deceived and misinformed?

After my talk they went to hear a “spokesman” of the PA in Notre Dam in Jerusalem, he refused to come to Beit Shmuel, the center for Reform Judaism in Jerusalem (located on the old border), this they weren’t told at first. The ruse plays on!

As I was leaving, I was surrounded by many of them thanking me for the talk. They expressed such gratitude for hearing a “pro-Israel” speech. I was especially troubled when many of them stated they felt like outsiders in the group for having strong Zionist feelings and feeling connected to our heartland.

This is unfortunately not rare, but common practice among many Israel High School, Birth Right and other educational programs in Israel. It seems that the only students and programs run by “Religious” organizations come out to Judea and Samaria. Why is our history and heritage not being shared with all of our people? Why are the secular organizations keeping our children in the dark? Why are they being subjugated to a limited or mostly one-sided view rather than the full picture?

Seems like someone has some nefarious motives up their sleeves….

It is time to confront the leaders of Conservative and Reform Judaism, and any others who are keeping our people away from their birthright and heritage and ask why are they limiting and keeping our children from their right to choose and see their own heritage and history for themselves. I grew up in the bastion of the Conservative Jewish world, Camp Ramah, USY, the whole 9 yards, I was never taught to be afraid, nor was I taught that all of Israel wasn't a part of me, on the contrary, we were taught the opposite.

Judea and Samaria is the story of all the Jewish people, of all the Jewish people.

The Road to Chaos - Part 2

Most elected leaders are simply moments in time, they come, and they go. One common denominator that they share is that most have the ability and opportunity to either better a situation or run it into the ground.

I am amazed at the reactions of surprise to Obama’s speech. Did he really state anything new that we did not realize already? He is following the same path he started down since his election and speech in Cairo, with the same distain towards Israel that he has always had, nothing new here.

An air of panic is being thrown about as the current US President Obama has truly sided against Israel. Yes, truly sided against Israel in that he knows very well what he is demanding. He is even planning a “marketing” and advertising trip to Europe to build more support for his plan. Many like to say, “he doesn’t understand”, “his advisors are at fault”, give the guy some credit, he does and can think for himself, he knows exactly what he is doing.

I will not use this article to express the dangers of the “Obama Speech”, many have already done that far better than I.

If we pretend that there are patriotic motives behind the Prez’s thoughts, then we can safely assume that President Obama simply feels that it is better to have the Arabs as an ally rather than Israel. That is his right to think that way… after all he is entitled to his own opinion. The fact that he lied to his Jewish voters is not his fault either… after all he is still a politician. Take away the fact that pretty much all of the Arab leaders have lost respect for him and no longer trust him after he fooled them also, and you may come around to his way of thinking, maybe. The US may be on it’s way to a major facial change, much like Europe, or Eurabia as known today, and he is simply preparing and positioning the US better for a new possibility. That is, if we pretend that there are patriotic motives.

Obama is trying to become the champion of the latest buzz…the “Arab Spring”. Of course he is choosing who may live and who may die. Libyans count, Syrians don’t, Egyptians count, Bahraini’s, Iranians don’t, and so on and so on. He has misread the Arab world.

I once wrote an article titled “Lawrence of Palestine” referring to Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton, as he built up the new Arab army within Israel, perhaps the US admin became jealous of the title, perhaps they are looking to be the reincarnation of Salah al Din in this day and age.

Basically President Obama has nothing to lose, he has proved himself a disappointment to pretty much all who voted for him, besides Oprah, some Hollywood folk and the Muslim population of the US, so why not go for it? Chance of a lifetime, create a new Middle East and go down in history.

On the other side of the world, Bibi wants to get reelected and realizes that Israel is in dire need of a leader with a spine, he also knows that Obama will be out soon enough, so why not say “no”. This is Bibi’s chance to actually prove his sincerity regarding Israel’s security. Of course the fact that Obama’s wishes would endanger Israel and its entire populace, besides throwing the Middle East into chaos are present also…somewhere.

There is more at work here than caring for the rights or ambitions of a so-called “Palestinian Arab” people. Convenient isn’t it how Jordan is ignored, after all Jordan is 73% “Palestinian. The only difference is that the “ruler” over that country and land is a Muslim and not Jew.

Another interesting fact often overlooked is that there are over 500,000 Jews living over the pre June 1967 cease fire lines, Obama seems to be pro “Jew Free” Arab state, that’s not very liberal of him. Cleansing todays Jews from such an area is not as easy as it sounds, and BTW, the 1949 – 1967 “border” was a cease-fire line, not a border… the border was the Jordan River as proclaimed by the “world” back in 1922. The “West Bank” is from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. So when the Arabs ask for the “West Bank” of the Jordan, you can be sure they know what they are saying and demanding.

Israel and the Jewish people as a whole have come to a crossroads in time and history, the façade of the “Peace Process” has duped many if not most. What is being discussed is Israel’s future, something that the diaspora players in the game are all aware of. What they are not aware of is the danger they are putting Israel and the Jewish people in.

Most are even too afraid to even visit the region discussed and live in ignorance regarding Israel. They will bear responsibility to the consequences, and so will their children and their children’s children.

Any supposed solution to this situation will not happen over night, over months or over years. By that time leaders will have changed, concepts, consequences and realities will appear different than they are today. Nothing stays the same, nor does the “Status Quo”. Maybe more people will open their eyes and hearts by then.

No leader is being naïve, no leader is being ignorant, motives are quite clear and the target is in sight.

The stage is being set for the next round…we decide on which show we will see.

A Day in May

The dirt on the graves of those recently murdered for being Jews has yet to dry as we head into another Memorial Day in Israel. Far from the sales at Best Buy, this day in Israel is one of the most solemn. There is almost no one who is not touched by this day, who has not lost, known or heard of someone who has given his life, be it physically or spiritually.

We gather at memorial ceremonies from the past, both near and far, and we have no choice but to think about the future. After all, didn’t we fall for the sake of the future?

“Yom Ha’Zikaron” is not the day to speak of the wonderful achievements of Israel, how we achieved in 63 years what other countries would never and have never achieved in a lifetime – or ever. It is not the day to speak of how Israel has changed the world for the better, how so many owe their lives to Israel, how most people in the world benefit from Israel’s existence daily.

The day is very personal to us as individuals, as communities, as a country and as a people. We the Jewish people all share the reasons that our people have sacrificed their lives for…that of our country, our history, and our heritage, Israel.

I would prefer to say the near future is rosy, but as the many politicians gamble with our lives, making feeble attempts to bring peace while ignoring reality, I view the near future as possibly extracting a heavy cost. Not the cost of prestige that the politicians, the “Rights Activists” fight for, but the cost of future memorial ceremonies on this hallowed terrible day.

Past and Recent graves cannot be ignored or forgotten, nor visited only one day a year. We must constantly remind ourselves, our families, our friends, and those that claim to be our leaders, that these people paid a price that we all share.

It is our responsibility never to forget that no matter where we live, or whichever side of the ocean.

We of course follow “Yom Ha’Zikaron” with the day where we are able to see, feel, enjoy and be grateful, “Yom Ha’Atzmaut”, Independence Day. Because we know that the direction taken, that of having a country for our nation, a haven for the tribe, the only one around, where membership has its dues, while maybe not being the smoothest, dare I say an extremely rocky road, is the right one, but the return is wonderful.

This year, let us try to remember our heroes, our family, our friends, our people, one people with renewed strength and dedication, to move forward, to accomplish that which we have prayed for, to live in our land, all of our land, and to continue to grow and be a light.

After all that’s what Israel does best.

The Shortcut to Chaos (Part One)

The shock of the ignorant this week came as the PLO and Hamas announced reconciliation, a truce, a joining of forces.

Surprise, surprise, surprise.

The Netanyahu government quickly shouted back…either Israel or Hamas, as Abu Mazen shouted back Settlements or Peace…alas, the blind leading the blind.

It would seem that we are at an impasse, and it is time to choose which direction we will head and who will join us.

With most of the world siding against Israel, many of our own Jewish people duped by our enemies into forming a partnership of hatred and ignorance, who could be surprised at the state we’ve arrived at.

Almost every Arab nation is on the verge of a deluge of havoc, with the familiar shouts to rise up against Israel being heard throughout the Middle East while being hushed in other parts of the world. Egypt now plans to open its border with Gaza, most probably allowing an unprecedented volume of arms, and warns Israel not to interfere. It made sense that the Arab leadership in Israel would now try to save their own necks by joining forces, as the possibility of destroying Israel seems now to be closer than ever in their distorted vision.

It is no coincidence that all this occurs as, in Israel, we stand to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day this week. Our neighbors would have been happier if the goals of the holocaust had been reached, and now perhaps they sense that they may be able to finish the job that they have been attempting since the start of the 20^th century.

Again I mention and remind all of the unholy alliance of the PLO and Hamas, two organizations started and maintained to achieve only one goal, the elimination of Israel.

Despite all this, the weak, the treacherous and the misguided among us call for Israel to “redeem” itself by recognizing, that which does not exist within our borders…a “Palestinian” state.

It is not only the direction we must choose, we must now choose which side to join, those that wish to destroy Israel or those that wish to build Israel.

It is that simple.

Stockholm/Oslo

The distance between Stockholm and Oslo is a little over 500 kilometers. In Israel however they seem to converge together.

According to Wikipedia: In psychology, Stockholm syndrome is a term used to describe a paradoxical psychological phenomenon wherein hostages express empathy and have positive feelings towards their captors. These feelings are generally considered irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims, who essentially mistake a lack of abuse from their captors as an act of kindness.

What more accurate description can be used to describe the “Peace Process” and its activists today in Israel? For that matter, the world also in its unique relationship with radical Islam? Is it not PC to wear a “Kafiyeh” (Arab Head covering) and support your local extremist calling for the end of Israel, while the same extremists are against every basic human right and principle that most “enlightened” people stand for?

In Israel we watch as demands are presented by those whose only true wish is to bring about the death [demise] of the Jewish State, and we are berated both from outside and within when we protest the danger to our people.

In the world of “I told ya so”, we are also champs. Our neighbors spiral out of control, wending their ways into the hands of various “Brotherhoods” who share a cry and demand to rise against Israel. We gave up Sinai, our buffer, only to read - too late, now-that Egypt is opening the border to Gaza. Our Syrian buddy to the north (Assad) is called a coward for not fighting Israel over the Golan as he murders countless numbers of his own people. Jordan’s “ Palestinian” majority growls in wait of taking their rightful place at the helm on our eastern border.

The “wise ones” at State have finally decided and furthermore even stated publicly that they feel that Syria is no longer a viable “Partner for Peace”, and are surprised at the Abbas/Haniyeh embrace of love handles. They get the big “Duh” award!

Yes, this coming from many of the same people who decided to fund and equip Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, the Extreme Islamists in Libya and, let us not forget, our own little PLO/Hamas Army in Israel. I might have over-stepped myself in putting the PLO and Hamas together…they haven’t signed their little paper yet.

Euphoria is in the air… the possibility of attacking and defeating Israel seems closer than it’s been since way back when, in 1973. Even the locals are entranced and caught up in the melee, celebrating even as we mourned the senseless and evil slaughter of two parents and three children, guilty of being Jewish…the 4 month old baby’s crime: crying, deserving of being stabbed through the heart. Let us not forget open season on Jews making their own way to Joseph’s Grave in Shechem (Nablus).

As the truth of our neighbors’ intentions rear their ugly head, a small phalanx of Israeli “intellectual illuminati” call for the gallows from Tel Aviv in their support of a “Palestinian State”…. hmmm, intellectuals?

Wait! Hold your breath! Bibi has yet to speak!

So that’s where we stand right now…not a pretty picture I know, but that’s how it is. We should be thankful that at least we (at least those of us that have the ability to see and hear) are able to see what others have in mind for us. This may enable us to act, wisely, hopefully, Gd willing. If we are smart enough, maybe we can prevent the “bad” from happening.

Some have even called these events a Blessing in Disguise. The problem is, sometimes the disguise is too good.

So Stockholm syndrome is alive and well and living in Israel…for now, but not for much longer.

Anger and Frustration

The pictures of the attack in Itamar bring back the nightmares of the last round of violence during the uprising that started in the year 2000. Even then, people refused to realize the horror and intensity of the attacks. Many of these attacks were not even shown to the world, let alone our people.

Our Arab foes do not have courage, do not have honor, they never did, and who knows if they ever will. I am not being derogatory, simply factual. Arab terror prefers the weak, the unarmed as targets, and as shields. Do they not use schools and hospitals as staging grounds for attacks?

The rebellions in the Arab nations and their history prove these points, their own treatment of their own populations show us that, INCLUDING how they treat their brethren in Judea and Samaria.

This is what many of them are rebelling about!

What a fitting end to Israel Apartheid Week, by showing the world who gets hailed as a hero in the Arab world, just as these heinous celebrations in Gaza, Ramallah, Nablus and other places prove. Their leaders hesitate to condemn this attack or do so while explaining how it is “understandable” and these same Arab leaders are the same people our own weak minded, misdirected, deceived youth in college campuses flock to. These are the new heroes of so-called “Liberal thinkers”, these are the people who get invited to so many Jewish events, and these are the speakers at J STREET and other and ignorant and self hating organizations.

My own personal frustration regarding this particular attack comes from my own experience in the Security world. I watch the outpouring of hearts from around the world to bond with the remaining members of this dear family. The majority of the Jewish world is crying, and giant efforts are being made to assist the family in any need they may have.

WHAT ABOUT PREVENTING ATTACKS LIKE THESE?

Why do we only wake up when we are victims, why will we only see major efforts being made then?

Of course we come across those who say, Jews shouldn’t be there, then this would not have happened… really? Has terror against Israel only started in 1967? Has it only been limited to Judea and Samaria? All of this is ONLY because we are in our historic homeland? How ignorant can someone be?

I know, VERY ignorant.

I am frustrated and angry because I have worked years at trying to convince our own that we must protect our people, we must defend and fight against our enemies, just like anyone else in this world!

The concept of Jews defending themselves and standing up to their enemies is still relatively foreign to many outside of Israel, even to a few inside of Israel.

Defense and Strength are multi dimensional, and each side must be addressed and dealt with. Standing up to Politicians, Hate groups, wrongful legislatures are only a few of the dimensions. Building, populating, LIVING are more, and my realm; Security is another.

I am frustrated that we act only “after” and not “before”. Why do most people not realize that the point is to PREVENT and STOP terror attacks against us?

We have proven to the world that we excel at being victims, our Arab neighbors have even jumped on the bandwagon, they figure it worked for the Jews, “why not us?” Except in this case they have duped an entire generation and world from seeing just who is really victimizing whom, these Arab leaders have hidden themselves from the world and their own people’s eyes. They have portrayed the Jews and Israel as enemies (for years and generations) to veer attention away from their own despicable acts against their own and humanity.

As parents we try to safeguard our children, we do whatever necessary and then some. We take precautions regarding our property and watching over those dear to us. We try to prevent problems from occurring, we are considered wise and “sharp” if we have the insight to foresee possible problems and act in a pro-active manner.

Shouldn’t it be the same in how we act towards our people in Israel?

I know standing up and defending yourself and people is not for everyone, I know fighting back against terror doesn’t speak to most. Many people feel easier comforting victims or the hurt. Many even prefer this.

I would like to prevent more of our people from becoming victims… I would like to stop the hurt. I would like to fund projects that may prevent attacks from occurring and watch children grow, marry, and become parents. I know, many of you are saying, “he’s a dreamer.”

No I am not a dreamer, I “hang” with a bunch of people (and majority of a country) who feel and act the same way, I also know that many of you reading this feel the same way.

We can make this happen. Lets make this happen!

Chesed (Kindness) has always been known as a Jewish characteristic,

Gevorah (strength) is also.

No More Jewish Victims!

A Rant

Defend, defend, and defend! Stand up for Israel! Israel advocacy etc. etc. and etc. Prevent world isolation, it goes on and on and on and on.

It’s gotten that you can’t walk down the street without stepping in it.

How do we fight back? We try to prove how nice we are, how good we are, what we have done for the world, for society… We support the downtrodden, the underdog, the weak.

Guess what, no one cares!

This is not a contest between who has done more, or who is right or wrong!

It’s not about occupying land or people, (if it was Jordan would have been renamed by now).

It is not a popularity contest.

It is about bringing change to the State of Israel, and that change is to either to erase it, cease its’ identity as a Jewish state or to remain a Strong Independent Jewish State in the Land of Israel.

That’s it, no more, no less. Not a paranoid statement, not theory or theology, not political jargon, just reiterating what our Arab neighbors and Arab residents of Judea and Samaria have been saying all along (mostly in Arabic, so much gets lost in translation).

With a sea of change and turmoil going on around us, there are calls, demands for Israel to act now and immediate to come to a “Peace” agreement. I ask is it wise to purchase an apartment from someone who isn’t the owner?

Enough with trying to prove who is nicer…

Having Jewish kids abused on US college campuses, Pro Israel Jews afraid to speak their views in their own synagogues, defending the only real democracy in the Middle East, making excuses for defending our lives and the lives of our loved ones, it is enough!

Time to take the ball into the other court!

Let the Arabs defend against the wholesale murder of their own people (daily)!

Let the Arabs defend against mass Human Rights abuse.

Let the Arabs explain the lack of women’s rights (and so many other rights) in their society.

Let the Arabs explain their specialty and habit of targeting civilian populations.

Let the Arabs explain why they continue to teach their children that Israel is to be wiped off the map and why it is ok to kill Jews.

Let the Arabs explain why they refuse to let Jews live among them.

Let the Arabs explain that and so much more.

Let the supporters of these Arabs explain why they support everything that goes against their own philosophies or are they just biased against Israel?

No more, it is time for THEM to explain, and it is time for our own Jewish people to wise up and fight back.

We can’t make the “world” like us as long as the “world” is afraid.

Time to be strong. If someone has to defend themselves, it is the Arabs and the Muslims, not us.