“Now we have a state. Now they can’t kill us just because we are Jews.”
I must admit that after recent events in Israel, I am moving closer to the just-nuke-em crowd. I decided to express myself before I convert completely. There have been times in history when seemingly insignificant occurrences have ignited world changing events. A small skirmish in Lexington in 1775 and the assassination of a relatively unimportant archduke in 1914 are two examples. The kidnap and murder of 3 Israeli teens has all the earmarks of such an event. I am, by no means, minimizing their deaths. But why should the murder of 3 be so emotional to a people who, not so long ago, lost 6 million? Yes, I know…Judaism teaches that each life is precious. But I think there’s something else going on.
The responses internationally and in Israel have been predictable. Hamas initially claimed it “…had nothing to do with it, but, if it did, it would be great.” A warning was issued: “All Israelis are now targets for missile attacks.” (What else is new?) Arabs in Hebron threw rocks at the ambulance carrying the bodies of the dead teens (nice). UN Security Council Secretary issued a statement condemning the “deliberate killing of civilians,” but no Council resolution condemning Hamas. Representatives for the governments of Egypt, Turkey, and Iran condemned Israel’s military actions (shocking).
The Arab League called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Hmmmmm. 150k dead in Syria- nothing. ISIS or ISIL or IS (whatever they’re calling themselves today) takes over 1/3 of Iraq, brutally murdering anyone who gets in their way, creating a self-proclaimed convert-or-be-killed Caliphate/terrorist state- nothing. Israel defends itself!!! Crisis, crisis! Help, UN. We need a meeting!
But wait. Israel does have a traditional, reliable, strong ally… the US (ta da). “The US condemns in the strongest possible terms…” blah, blah. “We will be judging this government (Hamas) by its actions…and, if necessary, recalibrate our approach.” (yuk) “We call for restraint from both sides…” (cmon man) As usual, Obama’s words and actions don’t mesh and Congress is nowhere to be found.
How about a joint resolution from Congress: The Hamas government in Gaza is a puppet of Iran. We have already designated it as a terrorist group. Its aggression against Israel is unacceptable. We unconditionally support Israel’s right to defend itself and will aid in its defense when called upon. This nation will continue to support democratic states and fight terrorist states and terrorism wherever they exist. Therefore, as long as the PA is partnered with Hamas, the $500 million in annual aid we provide is hereby suspended. Hmmmm. I can hope.
As of now, the latest “red line” is again transparent. Words without action is an endorsement of the terrorist alliance in Gaza. The $500 million gravy train is still on track.
“Words without action is an endorsement of the terrorist alliance in Gaza.”
In Israel, the response was much different. Bibi announced that Hamas “will pay a high price,” ½ of Israel is in bomb shelters, and a ground attack seems imminent. Also, unfortunately, an Arab teen was attacked and killed. That was absolutely, 100% wrong. Because I am fiercely pro-Israel, (can you tell?) I hold them to a higher standard. Judaism teaches that while death is part of life, murder is not.
During Yom Kippur, when we recite the Al Chait, we ask forgiveness “…for the sin we have committed by…” We do not add “But the guy to me is worse.” The evil that is Hamas does not excuse ours. While no country can guarantee zero violence in such an environment, it can, and should, guarantee consequences. The suspects were arrested, jailed, and will stand trial. They did not make heroes of them, name streets after them, or use them to incite further violence (are you watching Hamas?).
But, again, after 2000 years of exiles, Crusades, Inquisitions, Pogroms, and Holocausts, why this much emotion over the loss of 3? Could this be the latest spark to ignite world-changing events? If so, I hope it’s for the good. However, for Israel, and Israelis, I think these murders serve as a wake-up call, a painful reminder. Israel, you are alone!! “Never again” is not a reality. Those boys were murdered not for land concessions, not because of borders, not for leverage in peace negotiations, not because of settlements, the “right of return’” or even Jerusalem. They were murdered because they were Jews!
I remember when I was in Hebrew School my teacher told us “Now we have a state. Now they can’t kill us just because we are Jews.” She was wrong then and is wrong now. History has shown us the world doesn’t need reasons but can always find excuses to kill us.
So, what should Israel do? Assassinate Hamas leaders? Bomb Gaza? Ground attack? Another blockade? All of the above? OK. But, sorry to say, none of these will have much of an effect for the long term. You can’t kill an idea by killing people. My suggestion—be Jewish. Hear me out all of you just-nuke-em people. Yes, defend yourself—vigorously. There is no compromise with survival. Absolutely make sure they understand that killing ours carries a high price.
WARNING…. to those who would destroy Israel, murder innocents, and live by the credo convert-or-die. You’re teaching also accepts the Old Testament. I call your attention to Genesis 12:3. Referring to the Jewish people, it says “…And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you, I will curse.” Hmmmm, some things are best left to God. Never forget they are barbarians. We are not. We must never become them. The most poignant expression of this difference was spoken by one of the mothers during the eulogy of her murdered son. It evoked our grief, our hope, and our determination when she said, “Rest in peace my child. We will learn to sing again without you.” Shvere tuzine a yid—It’s difficult to be a Jew.
