Stars upon Thars

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/magen-david-adom-pledges-to-leave-west-bank-haaretz-learns-1.399066

Stars upon Thars

When you are lying hurt and wounded, most do not care what symbol you are wearing…as long as you are giving them the best assistance you can to save them or their loved ones lives.

This is one of the personal experiences I learned from serving as Security Chief of the Shilo Region during the many medical emergency incidents I responded to.

Road 60 is the main North-South vein through our heartland of Judea and Samaria. It is pretty much along the same route our forefathers and ancestors used back in the day. It remains the same road used today to make our way to Jerusalem, from both North and South. It is also a road that has known much bloodshed, not only from terrorism and ancient crime, but from the inexcusable and pathetic amount of traffic accidents.

As a “RavShatz”, or Chief Security Coordinator, responding to medical emergencies, was part of the job, both in and out of the communities. I went or led the ambulance and our “MDA” medical teams where they had to be, and at times I also had to protect them from possible danger.

Our response knew no nationality, no race, no color, no religion; it knew one thing, and one thing only, to save lives, simply that. Many if not most of the incidents occurred on the road, as I mentioned, accidents were common on this ancient road. Most of the accidents were between Arab cars, and our teams were almost always the first to arrive and care for the victims. So successful and professional, the sight of the Red Star of David on “Ambulance Shilo”, brought relief to the Arab villagers living in our region. Our medics were known as heroes and saviors to the Arabs, to the point they would not allow their own ambulances to tend the victims, they stated out loud, “we want the Jews”.

More than once we received letters of thanks from the villages and personal thanks for being there for them…despite politics and the surrounding violence.

They knew our level of training, and dedication would be fully applied. I admit to even using the “Red Star” as a tool to keep the peace. During a particular tense time, pre Intifada, Arab youth and young adults would stone our cars from time to time, I called the Arab village leaders and told them I would not allow our ambulance to respond to their wounded if the stonings did not cease…they did.

Magen David Adom has now shown us that they are no longer an organization whose priority it is to save lives; they have joined the political arena. They wish to be part of “them” rather than “us”.

The irony here, in the simple world of saving lives is… that the same people who have brought honor and dignity to the Red Star of David in the Arab world are now the ones being thrown “to the dogs”.

They wish to change the uniforms of the MDA volunteers in Judea and Samaria to “distinguish” us from others, I believe the new uniform they propose will have a “Yellow Star” on it, perhaps this will appease the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent…whose symbols do not offend the world, as the Star of David does…nasty Jews.

Yet more of the same rhetoric and poison streams through the leadership of the MDA, much like that of various Jewish Federations and Congregations who also abandon our people living in Judea and Samaria. MDA and ARMDI keep on claiming to deny this “letter” and allegations, yet I have not seen any action to back their words of defense, only concern that their donor base will decrease.

If it is not true, PROVE IT TO BE WRONG!

We are told that this whole story is based upon their wish of acceptance to a club whose symbol is a cross and a crescent, an organization whose ambulances have been proven guilty of transporting terrorists to kill innocents, and who offer more funding, funny, the word “whore” comes to mind.

If the MDA does continue down this road, they will be able to stand proudly next to other proud organizations like B’Tzelem, the New Israel Fund and others who have turned their back on Israel’s future. They will also have to bear the same responsibility.

Magen David Adom… If you leave us, we will leave you, and it will be your loss! But the symbol will remain, because it is not yours, it is OURS, the Jewish People!

How lucky we are that Al Gazeera’s Israeli counterparts, better known as Ha’Aretz English reports their hidden actions.

It seems that bowing to our enemies is sheik today… I mean chic… my slip.

Not in my neighborhood!

The "Face" of Judea and Samaria

The “Face” of Judea and Samaria

Lately, many visitors from outside of Israel have been visiting Judea and Samaria. From US congressman, European members of Parliaments and governments, the who’s who and who’s not have been making their way over to attempt to get a better understanding of what’s going on over here. Indeed, we have been seeing a rise in support not just from our own in Israel, but an increasing amount of visitors have come around to the thinking that Judea and Samaria is truly part of Israel and not to be given away like a used car.

I have also been observing various individuals who are portrayed to be the “face” of Judea and Samaria, be it produced by the media or self promoted.

One of the biggest misconceptions of Judea and Samaria is the makeup of our population, the stereotype and generalization of those of us who live in these parts.

For too long have we allowed the media to show one type of Jew who represents the over 300,000 people who live here. We all know the picture, big Kippah, Payot (sidelocks), usually a beard, this is the general image of the population of our heartland. Usually devout, sometimes “Messianic”, angry, yelling, cursing an Arab or fighting off an IDF soldier, yup, that’s a “settler”! At least that’s what the media would have you believe makes up the core of Judea and Samaria.

Does this person live in Judea and Samaria? Yes, he does, he also lives in Tel Aviv, Be’er Sheva, Haifa and Kiryat Shemona and more. Is this an accurate portrayal of Judea and Samaria? Not in the least.

The majority of Jews in the world do not look like this… the majority of Jews living in Judea and Samaria do not look like this either, so what gives?

For many years opponents of a Jewish presence in it’s historical heartland have been trying to maintain a separation between not only the physical territory, but also the populous and the rest of Israel and Jews of the world. You could not find a better way to do this by presenting an image that most cannot relate to. It has proven to be a successful marketing strategy, both here and outside of Israel.

Blame must not only be put on the media, but also our leadership here in Judea and Samaria. When we have sent out our emissaries to the diaspora, whom did we send? Representatives of ALL the Jews living here? No, not at all. Mostly those who matched the media ‘s portrayal, at least in physical appearance.

Is there a single image or representative of ALL Jews of Judea and Samaria? No, there is not, do you know why? Judea and Samaria is as diverse as every other part of Israel, various levels of religious observance and non-observance, of political right and yes, even left. There are long hairs, short hairs, cool folk, geeks and nerds, intellects, simpletons, brave and courageous, even frightened people. Liberal, Conservative, Professionals, Artists, Professors, Sanitation workers, the list goes on and on….just like everywhere in Israel and the world.

Something for everyone…but that would mean that the people living there are normal…just like you, and that is not on the agenda.

How can you expect “Diaspora Jews, be they Observant, Conservative, Reform, Traditional or non-observant Jews to relate to a Jew living in Judea and Samaria when he is shown a limited version of the people living there? How can we expect people to think that we are diverse when they think that only “Avraham Fried” is the choice of music out here in the hills? I have Hendrix blaring on my speakers, down the block Idan Raichel is playing, someone’s got hip-hop wreaking havoc on their system, and John Coltraine is cooling his way at one of the area restaurants where the fine wine and gourmet food is being served (produce of Judea and Samaria).

In the same breath, there is Torah being taught in ways few thought possible, in so many institutions, by Rabbis with beards, without beards, by the young and old, men and women, and children.

All types, all options, the full spectrum. But you wouldn’t know that from the media, or the “Mainstream” Jewish Federation trips and educational programs to Israel.

The common glue between the Jews living in our heartland… a fierce love of Israel, the land and the people.

The web to trap so many, being continuously spun by the impostors, the media and our own, who claim to seek truth and peace, only keeps our people and especially our children separate and divided, and thus, weak and susceptible to their lies and misinformation.

It is up to all of us to tear this web of danger down, before we loose more of our people.

The “Face” of Judea and Samaria? No such thing, public or private, there are the “Faces” of Judea and Samaria, and they are the same and different as the faces of all of Israel, of all of the Jewish people, (that is those that are not anti-Israel).

The “Green” line only separates the ignorant.

More Fronts

When discussing the challenges that Israel faces, most often mentioned are those based on the security of the nation, the state. Be it the Iranian threat of a nuclear apocalypse, the ongoing campaign of terror from the Arabs living within and around Israel, or the existential threat of remaining a Jewish State.

These have become the norm in our daily lives. We read, discuss and live this reality. Our children and we learn to adapt and meet these challenges head on, as we work to be victorious each in his way against our adversaries.

Rarely discussed is the threat our people face outside of Israel.

Our enemies have changed their strategy in how to attack and damage Israel.

In light of Israel’s floundering PR, lack of clear leadership and direction, our enemies have targeted diaspora Judaism to use as their latest weapon against Israel.

Allying with Israel’s extreme left, this perverted combo makes use of a campaign of misinformation, and a warped view of reality to turn the less informed, misguided and generally bored individuals against the Jewish state.

Being presented as neo-liberalism and progressive thought, these views spread like a deadly virus among our people. Blinding most to truth and facts, they ignore and change history to adapt to their own ignorant and limited lack of understanding, even turning the wise and enlightened into the frightened and biased.

We see the symptoms in various shapes and forms. The most common denominator between them is the disconnection from the physical Jewish history in our heartland and the adoption of the distorted version of “Palestinian Arab” history and falsehoods.

Breeding grounds of this danger include university campuses, many Conservative and Reform institutions and Mainstream Jewish federation get-togethers. It is mostly the young who are sought out to rise against Israel because they do not know, were never taught, and worse then all, were kept intentionally ignorant by their leaders.

One classic example is a particular educational institution in Israel that provides young men and women (pre college) who hail from Conservative and Reform Jewish Schools an opportunity to learn more about Israel. Unfortunately they keep their students from going “over the Green line”. Sure they have “representatives” come and speak to them, from all sides, but do not give them the chance to see for themselves.

Another example are organized trips to Israel by these same groups, it is a rare instance that they or their rabbinic leaders set foot upon historically important sites of our heritage. Stating that doing so is too politically charged, or using the “danger” card, these “missions” keep their participants effectively in the dark, a virus that later spreads to their children, often a more serious strain.

While not being coaxed on by anti Israel movements, many “Orthodox” school programs are also guilty of keeping their students and missions ignorant. When taking the students or other participants out to see, to hear and connect, these institutions fail to teach relevance of our existence here, simple recent history, and beyond, thus keeping them weak in the face of anti Israel adversaries, and in doing so play into the clutches of our enemies.

Many new Jewish Groups that have been adopting Arab renditions have been becoming more vociferous in their activities against Israel. Being manipulated and funded by anti Israel activists and yet undisclosed sources, they have taken more aggressive routes. Intruding on pro Israel or simply “Jewish” events, disrupting where they can, they declare their unity with those that wish for Israel’s destruction. The aggressive behavior is not met with any resistance… “Good Jews” don’t behave that way. Indeed it is only a matter of time before aggressive behavior turns violent and casualties result.

It has become policy to ignore these outbreaks in hopes that they will disappear and their members dissipate, a mistake to say the least.

Groups that advocate for Israel are often not prepared for these intrusions, nor are they ready to face the aggression from the members of these groups. The results make for neither good advocacy nor good PR.

There are still to be found islands of reason and informed opinions, yet their numbers dwindle as they are labeled “old school”. Many that remain steadfast in their support of Israel, on either side of the political spectrum, seem to be oblivious to this recent appearance, taking it lightly and taking pride in the diversity of our people.

Mainstream Judaism in the diaspora faces its most serious dilemma since the holocaust. Continued siding with the neo Arab redaction of history and the divestment from the Jewish state will cost our people in alarming numbers, all this while our “mainstream” leadership sails blindly into the future.

Perhaps if we work together, we may cure the blindness, we may educate the ignorant and Gd willing defeat our enemies, wherever they are.

Many write that the time to wake up is now… the time to wake up has passed, but better late than never.

Joy, Anger, Frustration

As tears of joy, sorrow and frustration flow, we trudge on. The “understanding” among us cannot help but having mixed feelings regarding the events of this week. As I have said before and will continue to say, the situation in the Middle East, especially Israel, changes with the same frequency that a politician smiles.

September had us bracing for predicted unknown turmoil, which has yet to come, and the demolition of Jewish homes, which have yet to be rebuilt.

October has brought us diplomatic fever regarding the start of, the finishing of, “Peace” negotiations with those that pray for our exile, two Jews murdered and numbers hurt due to Arab violence on the roads, and…

Last, but definitely not least, Gilad’s redemption, thank Gd, and the continued precedent of bowing to terror.

Who cannot smile as they see the Shalits together, as Gilad’s father embraces his son, and who cannot cringe as the Arabs cheer and support the murderers of children?

Indeed this has become the party of the century, “Tags”, “Gilad” pictures, tee-shirts, posters, you name it. Poor Ron, no where to be found, I guess his family should have hired the same “Peace Now” rep to run his campaign.

As the calls ring out among the Arabs of Judea, Samaria and Gaza for continued kidnapping, and “struggle” against the Jews, many of our people shut their eyes and minds to our new/old situation. Especially outside of Israel, most of our people haven’t a clue as to the reality we must now face in Israel, (unfortunately, the same must be said of countless Israeli’s who have yet to wake up).

While watching the media circus surrounding the event yesterday, an acquaintance mentioned that he couldn’t stay as he was on the way to the cemetery to celebrate his brother’s birthday. He continued to clarify himself when he saw I seemed confused, he explained that his father, brother and sister were killed in the Park Hotel attack in Netanya in 2002. He was visually upset to hear how terrorists involved in the bombing were being released at that moment. He went on to say how he was glad for Gilad, but hurt and angry that these animals were being set free.

Of course a whirlpool has been created among the Arabs now, Hamas is the hero, only violence works with the Jews, peace is not the way. Abbas is banging his head against a wall and the US admin is all of a sudden distressed about the “deal” and some of the terrorists released.

This bittersweet deal has yet to show all of its results, you can be sure of one thing, there is a down side, and when it raises its ugly head, we in Israel will feel it hard.

But enough about that… the “Gilad” party is over, back to business.

Not what you would think, Not what you are being told…

I was walking through the campus listening to the sounds of the various instruments being played by young musicians. It was like a bouquet of sounds, not really mixed well as the variety of types of music being played was as diverse as the students playing. Jazz, Classical, Rock, an Oud playing classic Arabic tunes, and the whispers of Klezmer seeping through.

Long hair, Short hair, Shorts, sandals, like I said…as diverse as the students playing. Another first day of school, this school obviously is not your “regular” high school… the emphasis here is on music, not just the classic scholastic roster. A bunch of kids more interested in their music, their instruments than math and history, how can this be?

The bottles of Chardonnay, Cab-Merlot mix, and the 2009 Shiraz were strategically placed next to some of the sharper cheeses. The visual against the solid wood table blended as well as the different tastes on our palettes. A Still life well choreographed, whose results only brought smiles and approval to we who were charged with the difficult task of being “tasters”.

Hand squeezed grape juice brought out together with the freshly crushed grapes being scrutinized under the vintner’s sensitive nose, eyes and taste buds. “Next week” he said, “pick the grapes then”, he continued, behind him a wall filled with various international awards, trophies of victory and excellence bearing witness to his success, and of course the excellent wine we were enjoying.

The security personnel sat around listening to the lectures… most of them have heard them before, all of them. Next came the exercise stations, what to do if and when… nothing new, nothing old, some might even call it S.O.P. Standard Operational Procedure. Practice, train, exercise…SOP, just like security personnel all over the world, in every town, village and city. Being prepared for any possibility, pretty much what we all would and should expect of our police, firemen, and first responders after all, that is their job.

“Underwhelming”, was the word my friend said. “I thought it would be different”, just like Everywhere, USA. Of course the guys we were hanging with are among the bravest there are, ready to risk their lives for others…24/7, real heroes.

So, where are these places? Scottsdale? Woodstock? Sacremento?

These scenes took place north of Jerusalem, in the Binyamin Region of the Shomron. Amidst the hysteria that the media is stirring, these scenes are quite the norm. Yes, we are dealing with the definite possibility, the most likely probability of violence once again, to continue to rock our region. No one is taking it lightly, it is a very serious matter, but the point of showing this side comes from a different side.

Too often the people living in Judea and Samaria are portrayed in a very stereotypical, racist and bigoted view. Only one type of folk live there, bible totin’, gun slingin’, Payis (sidelocks) wearin’, types…yup, that’s them, no one else would live in the Jewish Heart/Home/Historical land.

Always the target of the Israeli Left wing, the International façade of supposed Liberal thinkers and Victims of the United State of Deceptive Journalism, the Jewish population of Judea and Samaria has to be one of the most misrepresented in Israel. Even worse, this stereotypical view is believed by a majority of not only the Jewish population of the world, but by most of the world…that is those that notice Israel.

Yes, there are those living here that fit the description above, but they are not the majority at all, they are a part, just like everywhere else in Israel. There are religious, non religious, anti religious, Black, White, Brown, other shades, almost every ethnic background you could imagine, a spectrum of diversity living in the historical homeland of the Jewish people.

Political views are as diverse as the people living there as well. Indeed, “underwhelming”, but at the same time overwhelming, it is these same people who brought and continue to bring life back to the land. It is this wonderful diverse Jewish population that has brought wine, art and music back to this land despite the fact that it has had its Jewish population ripped from it throughout the millennia. Remnants, a Mezzuzah, A Star of David, a Jewish grave, and more, are still found in the villages throughout Judea and Samaria attesting to our historical and social right to our land.

Yet despite all this, the scenes mentioned above are not spoken of in JCC’s, most Jewish Congregations in the Diaspora or University Campuses, they remain hidden, on purpose, less the truth come out and the world see that the Jewish people of Judea and Samaria are as normal as they are.

Who knows, armed with the truth, they might even want to come out and visit, or heaven forbid…live here!

The conflict is alive and well, it is being fed and fueled by the continuous stream of deception and misinformation that makes its way into your schools, newspapers and favorite web sites, I promise you, I have not forgotten or ignored this conflict, I can’t and won’t.

But it is not the only thing happening out this way.

Come see for yourself, and try the 2009 Shiraz.