Civil War… Not on my shift.

One of the looming and possible scenarios (spoken only in whispers) of the past and ongoing “Peace” process is that of the split of the Jewish Nation. This “worst case scenario” is a fear that most of us won’t even acknowledge as a possibility… therefore we place it in a hidden burrow in our mind. “It can’t happen”, “not possible”, “not to us”, are usually the words spoken when this topic is broached.

What are the symptoms that could lead to such a nightmarish reality? Diametrically opposed sides and philosophies? Outright public displays of hatred and violence between camps?

It should sound familiar. The headlines are full of examples. Our Jewish history is filled with these symptoms. Not just the symptoms, but the results also. Not just in bloodshed and the useless loss of life, but the exile of our people from our land.

So where are we now? Where are we heading?

Causing civil disruption and internal opposition within a society has always been viewed as and effective and efficient tool of war. To cause a split in a society that weakens the basic fabric of nationalistic goals is considered a victory and a devastating blow.

Often covert and hidden from the eyes of the public, this attack camouflages itself as an “advanced way of thinking”, “liberal thought”, and one that will better the world and we as a people. It can be adapted towards any cause, hence making it attractive to anyone. The desired result however is to cause dissention and civil strife.

A unified people are strong, so obviously the first step is to attack that unity, drive a wedge into their heart.

What is considered Israel’s “soft side” is being used as a “weak link”, this being our want of peace. Ironically this soft side is also one of Israel’s defining characteristics. Because Israel has been faced with war and terror since rebirth, the country and people’s thirst for peace weakens it in the eyes of its Arab neighbors. By making false promises of a peaceful existence and the use of unlimited funds, many Israelis were drawn to what is known as the “Peace Activists”. Being victorious in wars that were meant to destroy Israel and Operations meant to fight terror have been re-spun as to make Israel seem as the aggressor, this combined with the merciless exploitation of the Arab residents of Israel presents one of the most premeditated acts of deceit and straight out lies the Middle East has known.

Once viewed as the zenith of Zionistic efforts, “settling the land” was rebranded into “extremism” and religious fanaticism. Despite the facts on the ground, rifts were caused and separation started. Religious philosophies and worship were politicized and were no longer a personal matter.

Zionism was partitioned.

To skip ahead to today we see that most Israelis living in Israel do not accept the deception that is being presented. Experience from Lebanon, the Arab violence of 2000, the unrelenting attacks from Gaza, the Gaza retreat and expulsion of Jews has revealed the true intentions of our Arab neighbors. Indeed when offered 96% of Judea and Samaria, that too was turned down. It is common to see that the Arabs of Judea and Samaria are not talking just about that region but all of Israel. One only needs to look at their flags, their emblems, at their media, pay a visit to their market place, or step inside an elementary school for a look at their true intentions.

So the people of Israel, despite their known stubbornness began to realize that the “Left” was simply wrong regarding the Peace Process and the idea of a “Jewish” state was not really part of their picture.

So when different groups claim that US and European intervention is a necessity, there is a reason for their statements. Seeing their defeat in Israel, the Arab and anti Israel “spin” machine along with their PR, set off to find the next weakest link, it proved to be that of Diaspora Jewry. Where Israel’s PR or “Hasbara” department was simply a virtual concept, there was basically no unified body to stand up to the Arab juggernaut of illusion. Strategic mistakes at the onset of the Oslo talks made matters only worse and today we see an unmistaken divide among the Jewish people regarding Israel.

Many groups formed in Western Universities and they fell in line like a well disciplined company of Marines, and today we find that one of the most hostile anti Israel atmospheres today exists on the campuses of higher learning.

University students are prime targets, they are in fact the up and coming generation, most are also products of a lesser education when it comes to Israel, so deceiving them is not really a challenge, especially when many of the students do not come from a religiously observant background that might have exposed them to wider more informed view of Israel compared to other views.

Pro Israel movements have only begun to see the importance of these campus activities, and are now acting. The Israeli government is even beginning to wake up and take action, though not enough. Seeing their success on campus and looking to preempt more Pro Israel activity, Anti Israel and Post Zionist groups have begun to look towards the high schools also. Remember they operate under the guise that they are the elite, the intellectual and liberal leaders, the caring and champions of human rights. So doors are opening left and right, despite the truth.

One small factor that I left out, these anti Israel and “Post” Zionist groups have unlimited funds and are backed also by enemy states to Israel, the European Union, and many disillusioned Jews.

Yes, their goal is the division of Israel, both geographically and socially, with the eventual cessation of Israel as a Jewish State. That thought and possibility of Jews fighting against each other does not deter them, we have seen on some campuses the possibility of violence even fuels them, as good enemies should.

One of the largest challenges we face today is to stay together. We must keep an open, thoughtful dialogue flowing and deal with our differences on our own…as one. Our enemies rejoice at our internal bickering, and self inflicting harm and wounds, even more…they support and “help us” to hurt ourselves more. They pick out their targets and attack, as we look on and shout back at them like toddlers.

Time to stop, no more being a victim to their onslaught. It is time to regroup and rebuild and fight back. Sure we will have out differences, we will have our fights between each other, but it is up to us to mend them. We must not let our enemies continue to widen the rift… it is up to us to close it.

As we draw together, our strength will grow, and those that speak against Israel will wither.

They like to see strife and fighting and would love a civil war between the Jews, well…not on this shift.

The greatest fear adversaries of a Jewish State have is that of a unified people, lets give them what to be afraid of, what to be very afraid of.

The Great Mind Robbery

It will probably be written in the future that one of the great deceptions of the age was the ruse the Arabs of Israel tried to pull over on the world when they stated they wanted a state of “Palestine” along the 1967 borders or the “Green Line” of Israel. It will be written how they duped most everyone they came in contact with, especially the “Left Wing” Israelis and many Jews of the world. Further more this “Face Book Nation” as called by would be Prime Minister Fayyad, managed to play the fool of the United States, Europe and South America, or at least get them to play along with this deadly practical joke.

The daily headlines are full with the claims and soon to be declared “Palestinian State” within the 1967 borders, yet every Arab you ask in Israel especially in Judea and Samaria will tell you that they mean all of Israel. Look at their virtual Flag, see the T-Shirts, listen to the music, go to the market place and buy a souvenir…they are not talking 1967 borders, they are talking 1920 borders, the same borders that the League of Nations declared to be a Jewish State.

It may also go down as one of the most unifying jokes in history as it seems that “anyone who is anyone” is going along with it, it has become the latest “fashion” from Hollywood to Ivy league campuses and many are going to great lengths to make this dupe appear to have some truth to it.

The international media is full of designer misinformation, while South American nations follow one another declaring their support of this mirage, (I was always wondering if the Nazi’s who ran to South America would affect these nations).

Most gullible seem to be many Jews living in the United States, there are organizations especially set up there to push this practical joke through. In many of the Jewish institutions, most notably many Reform and Conservative Synagogues and Schools, only one side of the political spectrum is being shown, while other opinions are being stifled.

Indeed, by sponsoring only one side and showing bias or contempt for different opinions and points of views, many Rabbi’s end up hijacking “free thought”. It’s not politically correct to oppose your Spiritual Leader.

Labels are being used more than napkins at a meal of Buffalo wings. If you back Israel’s claim to it historic land, you are an “Extremist”, if you criticize Israel, you are an Anti Semite, if you take a stand against Muslim terror, you are an “Islamaphobe”, if you think for yourself, you are “Naïve”, and on and on and on.

It’s all in the marketing, but make no mistake, deception is afoot and is taking the lead in directing world opinion against Israel and it’s right to exist as a Jewish State.

My Arab neighbors do not deceive me… I listen to what they say amongst themselves. That Israel pulling out of Judea and Samaria is the first stage to the end of the Jewish State. I listen as they describe the strategy of blackmailing the world to force their way upon a non-consenting Israel. Next, a deathblow of flooding the Jewish nation with 700,000 Arabs who claim to have a connection to this land, then an uprising in the Galil, I watch as they transmit hatred and support for terror on TV and schoolrooms, and you can be sure, there are no peaceful tones included.

I know this is not news to most of you, but I am concerned more at this point with what I consider a crime, what I mentioned before, the hijacking of our minds, especially the young minds.

All too often will you see organizations that advocate an Israeli pull back from Judea and Samaria have carte blanche at many Jewish Institutions, JCC’s, Schools, etc. Often a representative of one of these orgs appears unhindered, unfettered and lavishly supported, free to speak as they wish. But when a representative from another side or opinion appears, they are usually denied the same luxuries that I just mentioned. Some conditions are unfairly applied, an opposing view must be present, board permission becomes a task rather than a formality, and last but not least, attendants usually become rowdy and disruptive. All this is being done in the name of equality and freedom of speech.

Distorted pictures are painted of an entire populous numbering only around 300,000; generalization and biased views take their place standing next to racism and ignorance. Opinions are custom shaped rather than informed, facts are force fed rather than investigated, individual thought, if not along the party lines, are downtrodden and banished.

All too often we see this even under the guise of a “Zionist” trip to the Holy land. Visits to sights that are basic to Jewish heritage are avoided, being described as dangerous to get to, (by who? the same peaceful Arabs that are being hailed?).

To remedy this we see a major push in the ‘Hasbara” department. “Hasbara” is Hebrew for explanation, or as it has been used as lately, an apology, an explanation to defend our actions. “Hasbara” has become a four-letter word. An unfortunate tool and effort not being used effectively and efficiently as it should by the Israeli government, any Israeli government.

I would like to ask the other side for an explanation to describe their actions of terror and murder since Israel’s creation, I would like them to explain why they do not push peace amongst their own people. Why do they preach the destruction of Israel? Why they want their areas to be free of Jews? I would like an explanation why the organizations pushing a “Two State Solution” ignore the Arabs claim of all of Israel, and why they don’t demonstrate against daily Arab abuse of human rights all throughout Israel and under the “Fatah and Hamas Authorities.

I want an explanation why young Jewish minds on campuses and high schools are being poisoned and denied the right to think on their own, to see one side only while the other sides are being filtered and stepped upon.

Strike that, I know why, I understand how there are many that are working against Israel. It makes sense to strike at the students, the young, and the ignorant. It is an age-old strategy being used once again. I observed it being used by enemies of Israel during the Arab uprising of 2000, attack the unarmed, the children, the ignorant and the weak.

Enough!

It is time to take back our right to think freely, to learn freely, to ask questions, to ask the right questions, and hear the answers from whomever we please.

Doubting Thomas

Thomas Friedman’s article in the NY Times: (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/opinion/12friedman.html?scp=1&sq=reality%20check%20friedman&st=cse)

Oh Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, I am warmed by your strong patriotic feelings towards the economic troubles in the US. Even more so how you are sure that once the US stops it $3 billion dollar aid package to Israel, US towns will be a boomin’ all over the US of A. If only Prime Minister Netanyahu would have agreed to another three-month building moratorium, everything would have been all right.

I also appreciate your care and concern regarding Israel’s substance abuse problem, and I agree with you. We are also grateful for you in pointing out that Israel is the reason so many US cities are having budget problems. Yes the 3 billion Israel receives and spends in the US is the core of the problem. I was wondering if you might apply your patriotic feelings to other countries around the world, maybe to the UN also…but I digress.

Do you remember the Yom Kippur war of 1973? You know when Israel came close to being wiped out? Israel’s friend and ally, the US came to it’s aid and sent sorely needed ammo and equipment over and Thank Gd, this joint venture and friendship enabled a different outcome than that which the Arab and Soviet world had hoped for. Did I say Soviet? Maybe you forget, that it was in US interest that Israel existed as a US ally in the region, might I add the only true and stable US ally and friend in the region, something that was paid for in blood, lots of blood.

So when the Soviet Union started powering down in the Mid East, Uncle Sam came in and said to Israel, give ‘em the Sinai, come on we’re friends, don’t worry, I’ll watch your back, I promise. Israel said, but the lives lost defending our country, the oil, the natural resources, the military buffer zone, how could we, they have been attacking us since we declared ourselves a state? Uncle Sam said, tell ya what, I’m gonna compensate you all, it’s on me, you compromise on your defense and resources, pull your people out and we’ll back you up with Military aid and our support, don’t worry, Trust us…and that is just part of the picture.

Never mind the technology that Israel and the US share, the numerous business ventures that benefit both countries and numerous towns and cities in the US, and so much more.

Never mind that Israel is the only true friend and ally the US has in the Middle East, and the only country around there that shares its value and rights systems, and so much more.

Now Israel has been pretty good at listening to it’s friend’s advice and requests, and I would say that refraining from defending itself to its ability against Iraq in the first Iraqi War was proof of that, and so much more. Making offers as you mentioned to the “Palestinians” and having them spit back, continuing in so-called “Peace Talks” while Arab schools teach destruction of Israel…sorry, I digress again.

But as you say “we’re not their grandfather’s America anymore”. You say Israel should jump at anything the US should request, why should you care, you don’t live in Israel, nor does the safety of Jews in Israel concern you, why should it. You believe that the US has bought the right to make the decisions in Israel because of the “bribe” that the US gave to Israel starting some years back…so, you believe the US has the right to decide for others based on money and aid that it distributes…interesting, I guess you mean that the US is bribing the world then, even more interesting… and I thought you were a “liberal”, you closet conservative, you.

It seems to me you want Israel to behave as a whore and do what the US wants because of the “Aid” Israel receives…that’s not friendship.

Dear Thomas, you fail to look at the big picture, you fail to see how the Palestinian Authority spits in the face of the world and dupes you and others like you because of your arrogance and Western elitism and lack of understanding the Arab and Muslim world. While extreme Islam is spreading it spheres of influence, and demonstrations and terror against the West increase daily, you choose to endanger the one true ally and friend that the US has and has always had.

But, guess what, I agree with you…almost. I think it is time that the US backs away from the Israel-Arab problem a bit, it is up to them, both the Israelis and the Arabs living there to figure it out and come to a solution on their own, without outside influence and pressure, and the threat of annihilation.

It is time that journalists such as yourself and peers stop presenting one-sided views and show the whole scene and background so that others might develop informed opinions and not the manipulated ones that you and others wish to show, or maybe you need wikileaks to assist.

I have to disagree with you when you state that you understand the problem, you don’t, and you probably never will because you can’t see beyond your tainted views, your mind is closed, despite how many alternative lifestyles and causes you may support.

Your patriotism and caring for the downtrodden of the US is a breath of fresh air, and I am sure that when you send your children into the US Armed forces to fight for the US, to put themselves in danger, just like the majority of Israeli parents do, and have been doing, they will be proud of you.

I think and agree with you that it is time that the US stops sending so much “Aid” around the world and redirects much of it back to the US and address the problems that you mention and more! One difference, I feel that you are only targeting Israel, which you are, by the way. Of course many of these countries that might not receive any more “financial assistance” will turn on the US quicker than a detonator on a suicide bomber. You can be sure Israel won’t, you know why?

Because, Israel is a true friend.

All Shapes and Forms

For a long time it has been understood that Israel’s wars are not fought just on our borders. Indeed our “fronts” are many and diverse, as our combatants. A short while back some of those who consider themselves to be residents in the world of the Arts decided to wage war against their own country of Israel, picking the new Cultural Center in Ariel as their first target.

Alas this virus of idiocy spread, as most unfounded deceptive concepts do, back to the bastion of wrong, the good ole so called (fake) liberal anti Israel camps in the US of A (“A” does not always stand for America).

So to add another infectious ingredient to the racist Boycott of Israel and its historic heartland, the concept and truth of Art was defiled.

In Israel, these artists are being shunned more and more, there names being added to the lists of “who not to see”, only for them to find comforts in the treacherous hideaways in parts of Tel Aviv. Never the less their devious voices were heard in the annals of the International Media outside.

Not all accepted this fight, this act of terror lying down, indeed some of the greatness that we see in Israel is that we do fight back against our enemies, sometimes later than sooner. But in this case, the soldiers who answered the challenge, who rose to meet the beast, did not start in Israel, it started from New York.

Back during the Operation Cast Lead, when Israel fought for the simple right of having it’s citizens in the south live quietly without the reality of Rockets and Mortars, some true humans met and decided to fight back against the impostors of the “intellectual elitists”. A new commando unit was formed to fight for Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, it’s name…Artists 4 Israel.

Where this group organized and previously brought Artists in to paint the Bomb Shelters in Sderot, to work with Children in Tel Aviv and other areas throughout Israel, they did not forget those who left their homes in Gush Katif, and they did not forget that there are Jews living in Judea and Samaria.

For those of us living in Judea and Samaria, seeing this special group of courageous souls adding color to Route 60, (our main artery and place of hundreds of attacks), beautifying Beit El and bringing Joy, Color, and Art to Ariel (the main target of the “artistic Left”) and its residents, was more than just a gesture of good will, it was a gesture of truth and strength, and unity.

The artists themselves came from the US, Spain and Israel, a mixture of cultures and religions in this unique and wonderful campaign of “Murality”.

My words cannot express my pride and gratitude, and I am honored to work together with them. One of the “treats” of traveling around and meeting different people is that of when I meet individuals or groups, that do not just talk the talk, but truly walk the walk. I admit I have a soft spot for people of action, who will do when others don’t and who will tread where others fear.

Of course one mustn’t forget the courageous Hummus wars being fought on Americas most esteemed campuses. So few realize the danger that a well made Hummus can present, especially when used properly.

Of course this sounds funny, but it is a serious matter. When the anti Israel students at Princeton went up against Sabra Hummus. Their intent and dreams were far worse than just banning this (Israeli made) Middle Eastern cuisine from the stomachs of Lovers of Zion and the Vegan community. Their cause is far more heinous than that, their wishes are the destruction of Israel as we know it, sorry, it is that simple.

Yet once again the combatants for Israel took other shapes and forms to fight, this time pro-truth students decided to stand up to bad comedy and racism and defeated a call to ban Sabra Hummus.

These acts while not sounding as serious as a threat of war, or a conventional terror attack, are serving as a barometer as to what we will be facing in the near future. Not just us in Israel, but Jews throughout the US.

You see, in this virtual world Israel is being set up as the evil empire, no matter who you are or what you believe, Deceit and Deception are Prime Minister and President while Racism and Bigotry are Secretary of State and Defense.

These signs of the absurd must not be ignored, but dealt with…immediately and efficiently, for they will multiply.

Combatants such as I have mentioned are to be commended as they are now on the frontlines also and need to be reinforced.

While I was operational during the Arab uprising of 2000, one of the characteristics that stood out in fighting against terror most was that that the Arabs tended to target the unarmed and children the most, like today they seek out the weak and uninformed, their main targets today…your children on campus, and the Conservative and Reform Jewish communities, with a valuable prize being the Israeli immigrant children.

Other nations are being bullied into a corner due to the high immigration rate of Muslims from around the world. As many in the Muslim communities in these nations have taken the yoke of menial labor, the governments have come to the understanding and realization that they must appease this economic and labor force by coming out against Israel and support a new virtual Arab Muslim State, lest they suffer an internal uprising themselves.

I have been told many a time that much of what I write sounds the same…Strong Jews, Strong Israel, fight back, do something…that’s right, I believe in these things. I also believe in everybody’s right to an opinion an informed opinion, and to not to be brainwashed by an enemy who seeks to destroy and not to build.

As the situation in Israel continues to draw people away from the true problems that affect us as humanity, you can be sure that Hummus and Art wont be the last tools that will be used against Israel.

Techina and Video games are soon to follow.

Blind Sided

It is always important to make observations from all angles, from all views. To understand a situation we must sometimes look from the inside out and vice-versa. The point being, two dimensions are not enough, even 3D doesn’t cut it all the time.

For the past three weeks I have been in the US speaking and meeting people from all walks of life, from all religions, creeds, races, whatever you want, but a well colored spectrum. We discussed Israel, the situation, the chances of peace, loyalty oaths, you name it…we discussed it.

Over all, these were not political discussions, although obviously politics did come up, these were open dialogues between people, held in a civil manner in order to understand the situation in Israel better, to hear another side and to reach an in depth connection to a land and people we share in in our hearts, (however, not with everybody I met).

This was not a “tour” of “preachin’ to the choir” as I met with many that do not share my views at all, and there were even those that tried to keep me from speaking, even though they never met me or heard me. You see, in their eyes, I am a criminal… I live in Shilo, which is in Samaria, which in their eyes exists in the “occupied Territories” (forgive my using that term).

A common denominator that I discovered was that most, and I mean both sides politically, if you will, are very ignorant regarding what is really going on.

I was alarmed at how many caring Jews were hijacked by the “Left Wing”, J Street and so on, it was actually scary to see many people “zombied” into toting the company jargon and logo. People who consider themselves the academia, the intellectual elite, the liberal, the caring have been programed to generalize, to stereotype an entire population, to stop thinking, not to look at possibilities, and what I consider to be criminal… to grasp a racist and biased point of view without even looking at facts or faces.

I never knew I was such a threat to free thinking. I was told that there had to be other “groups” who hold opposing views while I was present. I was even turned away by some schools where I simply offered them a chance to ask a “settler” any question they would like, only because they never get to.

Imagine!

As much as I was alarmed and I was ecstatic at the results…those that attended became involved in great discussions, we didn’t have to agree with each other, we spoke to each other, we thought together and we worked together. This is what apparently scares the “other” side.

We brain stormed regarding the situation, the peace process and at the end the various sessions (till now), they went away with a different view about Israel, Judea and Samaria and the possibility and possible results of the forming of a new Arab State in the region.

We didn’t necessarily agree, but they felt more informed and able to form better opinions regarding the passionate topic of Israel. Many were incensed that their own leadership has managed to hide many facts from them and continues to keep them in the dark regarding Judea and Samaria and the diverse population living there. They indeed felt betrayed by the media, the misinformation, the lack of information, and the unfortunate chances that they missed when visiting Israel to see things for themselves, so they could decide on their own.

We spoke of Human Rights, not just for the Arabs, but also for the Jews. The idea of turning 300,000 Jews into refugees did not really occur to them. Where would anybody house them? Who would employ them? Would this even bring real peace? We spoke about everything, good and bad. We even reached conclusions, but that’s for another piece. These talks went on for over 2 hours, each. Obviously I can’t write all that we spoke about, but it was great!

It was exciting for me to be part of this as we worked at becoming friends and not adversaries, working towards a common goal, the good of Israel and it’s people, and the good of the Jewish Communities outside of Israel, instead of splitting our people up even more.

I learned to appreciate what I had even more. I have been blessed with living amongst very strong Jewish people. My neighbors and community embrace all that made us into a strong and special people. On the Zionist side, it is we, the communities of Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley, who continue the Zionist dream that brought about the State of Israel. The same idea of reclaiming our land, our history, of becoming a strong people continues on from the days of early Israel. When we are threatened, we have an army of strong Jews…we don’t have to hide who we are and how we think, how we all think. Our kids do not have to be afraid on College Campuses if they are “Pro Israel”, or if they wish to wear a Kipa. They are not forced into hiding their feelings or how they wish to worship.

Our security situation in Israel is actually dire, we all have our dangers and the diaspora communities are facing a situation that is spiraling downward. Backed by Arab Funding, Anti Israel Funding, the European Union and so many others groups who claim to be “Pro-Israel” and Human Rights, they are being ripped away from Israel, most are not even aware of it.

They are being Blind-sided, hit from behind.

I realized that deep down that we in Israel, especially we who live in Judea and Samaria must somehow help our fellow Jews in the diaspora even more. I am well aware of the “ballagan”, the mess we have in Israel, it is at times a circus that competes with Barnum & Bailey, it is the material that Mel Brooks would have a field day with, but we are there, and it is ours.

Pre-Ordered Lynching

The staged video of the attempted murder and lynching of David Be’eri of Ir David, the other day in Jerusalem should serve at the least as a wake-up call to all who care about Israel.

For those of you who haven’t heard of this incident, last week while driving through the Shiloach neighborhood of Jerusalem, about 200 meters from the Old City near the Western Wall, David Be’eri was the victim of a planned ambush that was orchestrated by members of the international media. (See film here http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/139971)

This attack is not a rare occurrence; it is not a reaction by the Arabs to any particular incident; it is also not limited to Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, but is a nation-wide problem; and it is not the first time the media has staged an event that could result in the loss of life for Jews.

There are many aspects of the recent attacks that bother me to the core. Yes, I call them attacks, simply because that is what they are. A demonstration is a demonstration, but the second you pick up a rock or anything else with the intent to cause bodily harm, you cross the line.

Most children are taught that when a bully taunts them his first step is to tell the teacher - after all they are the authority and they are charged with keeping order. In the child’s mind this provides the classroom with a sense of security and stability. Many times we see the bully coming back, at times the teacher is not around, or maybe the teacher just doesn’t have the time to deal with the problem. Then, either the child learns that he must fend for himself, or his parents teach him that he has to fight back at times.

As a society we are taught that if you have a problem, call the police. That is what the civilized people do, right? The police are supposed to uphold the law, keep the peace. In Israel, as in most countries, most citizens, abide by this philosophy. In fact, Israeli Jews have been so conditioned to do this that it is coming back in our faces. In recent years, any Jew that has stood up against attempted murder, lynching -whatever name you would like to give it - has found himself at odds with the police instead of finding the security and protection that he deserves.

We have become much like the child who comes home beaten up every day by the bully. We are stronger; we could have responded, we should have responded, but we have become afraid, lest the teacher punishes us.

We watched this conditioning set in back during the Iraqi war of 91. For the first time in history, Israel was attacked and did not respond. We could have, we should have, but were told not to. Many of our people were dumbfounded, how could this be, how could we let ourselves be pounded time and time again and do little against it?

The lesson was not wasted. The lesson learned during that time was not learned by the Jews, the lesson was learned by the Arabs, that lesson being taught was: you can hurt the Jews, you can hurt Israel and they won't always fight back. They applied this lesson to our troops in Lebanon, they learned to apply this lesson to Jews in Judea and Samaria, to Jews in the Galil, in the Negev.

We like to say that we restrained ourselves, we are better than them, and we behaved… all this as tears fell on filled coffins.

The situation today in Israel is, locally, where there are problems, we find that our police do not respond quickly enough. It seems that this is happening more and more, and at times the delays seem politically motivated. Instead of teaching Israelis to be good citizens, the message seems to be, if you want to be safe, either run away or take matters into your own hands.

Not a good recipe for a strong civil society.

Being attacked is accepted as a norm. “Its just a mortar” ... “its just a Molotov cocktail” ... so you got a little injured, could have been worse... They shot at the “settlers” not at us.

The media learned that they could get great stories and great pictures all for a few dollars. Arab leadership learned that publicity was as cheap as a neighbor’s son, and we fell for it.

So here we are today, where it is all right for Jews to be attacked for their crime...Living. I know, there are those of you out there saying, “well, they shouldn’t be in those areas.” I ask you, who hold those thoughts, to tell me: where we should be? Maybe you are not aware that this is happening in all parts of Israel. Jews being attacked in the Galil, in the Negev; is that okay also?

We are being conditioned to be victims again and this is the disease that I am talking about. This is the disease that must be fought against. In the name of peace we are being told to lay low, take it, don’t defend yourselves, dare I say, turn the other cheek?

Where else in the world does this happen? Nowhere.

The phenomenon of Jewish strength came about by Jews around the world seeing Israel respond to its enemies. We witnessed terrorists and other adversaries struck down where ever they were. The names “Mossad” and “Shabak” struck terror amongst the Arabs. “Israeli” meant that you were strong and could defend yourself. As our nation developed, as we fought off enemies against all odds, and proved that miracles do happen, our pride as a strong people spread throughout the world.

We are seeing media-staged attacks occur more frequently. By not stopping them, the government of Israel, the Police and the reporters who are organizing these events are creating an atmosphere of anarchy and vigilantism. They are playing with a fire hotter than they can imagine.

This disease is viral and it will not be contained.

Succot 5771

Peace, peace, peace. Israel must give up territory… Israel must accept Arabs and their descendents that ran away in 1948 while Arab armies attempted to eradicate the Jewish existence in Israel…Israel must release terrorists who have murdered, and have been accomplices and/or have planned to kill Israelis. Israel must retreat to indefensible borders.

Russia arms Syria and Iran with advanced weaponry, the US arms Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and other Arab Nations with Sophisticated and advanced arms.

Islamic terror grows everyday as do attacks on non-Muslims and Western targets throughout the Islamic world.

The “Quartet” insists that Israel does not let any Jews build in Judea and Samaria. Salaam Fayyad and Abbas say the Judea and Samaria must be ethnically cleansed of any Jewish presence.

A close-to nuclear Iran says that Israel’s time is up. Salaam Fayad and Mahmud Abbas are on their way to the US to chum up to as many Jewish “leaders” as possible, to convince them to pressure Israel to place itself in the most “uncompromising” position as possible since the rebirth of the Jewish nation in 1948.

So lets see, pressure Israel to get into a one-sided peace agreement with the “Palestinian Authority” (who are the minority and barely represent themselves), arm the rest of Israel’s enemies to the hilt.

Again, I might have missed something…. Call on Israel to make every possible compromise and arm the nations that have been fighting against Israel since its creation even more than before.

Is it just me, or does anyone else see something wrong with this picture?

As we approach the Holiday of Succot we are taught how the walls of the Succah should remind us of the “Clouds of Glory” that protected us against all odds as we traveled through Sinai. We had no other allies in the world, it was just we and Gd and a dream of being in our own land, a dream that was fulfilled... not just once.

As I build my Succah this year I am reminded we Jews (Thank Gd) brought the dream of Israel back to this earth in this time. We had to depend on ourselves as no one came to defend us as the Arab armies descended on Israel with the intent to wipe us out, time and time again. Throughout other wars, we weren’t offered arms to defend ourselves, we paid, and we paid a lot and with more than just money. There were no favors… the Middle East was the playground as the “Super” powers looked on to see just whose “toys” were better. Today it seems to be almost the same playing field, yet the rules have been changed, as has the game, now it’s whose toys and whose methods will bring down Israel first.

I look at my succah walls and I look at Israel today and despite the challenges and ever-growing adversaries that we continue to face, I am proud and feel strong. No nation on earth has come so far in such a short time. No nation on earth has given so much back to the world.

This Succot, as you look at the walls of your Succah and are reminded how our forefathers were protected by the “Clouds of Glory” in Sinai, and as you bring together the Lulav (Palm), The Etrog, Hadas (Myrtle), Aravot (Willow), the four different species to make a single entity, and keep the Mitzvah of the Holy Day, think of Israel today, how together despite our own differences, we have fared against all odds, we are in our land and we are strong, Thank Gd.

We still have quite a walk in front of us, and together we will do it as a strong and good people in our land, all of our land and in peace.

Chag Sameach