Blog Archives
Italian P.M.: Stop West Bank building
Reading this article from JTA this morning made me think of something new pertaining to Israel.
Have you ever had an opinion or conviction that was contrary to the majority? Whether it was school, work, family… whatever… have you ever had to go it alone when it comes to doing what you believe is the right thing? Chances are you have, and when you did I’m sure it was incredibly uncomfortable. But you stood against the tide somehow and held true to what you believed to be the right course of action. It was still hard.
Reading this article made me think of this. I picture Israel as a kid on a playground being bullied and picked on because she’s different. It’s not quite the right imagery I’m looking to portray, but I think you get the idea of what I’m referring to. Shame on Italy for calling Israel to do this. Shame on the U.S. for calling for similar action.
How much pressure has she withstood in her short existence? How many times have the Arab countries tried to destroy her? How many times have her allies pressured her to give up the land she was given and earned from self-defense?
Even if Israel were to go back to its pre-1967 borders there would be no peace with the Arab countries. They don’t want their land back, they want Israel gone. Until that happens there will be no peace. It’s not about land. It’s not.
I love the statement P.M. Netanyahu made about Jerusalem last week,
The Jewish people were building Jerusalem 3,000 years ago and the Jewish people are building Jerusalem today. Jerusalem is not a settlement. It is our capital.
I think that sums it up pretty well. If we’re going to be pressured until the last one of us jumps into the sea, then we may as well stick to our guns. Way to go, Netanyahu.
Interesting News about Israel
Here are a few interesting pieces of news pertaining to Israel that are worth a read. All articles are from JTA. Click the link to read the full article.
Obama official: Israel should sign non-nuclear pact
This article addresses a U.S. non-official request for Israel to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The poser with this is that it would confirm Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons. If you want to read about the NPT, check it out here.
Congressmen call for Gaza aid conditions
This brief article addresses a letter sent to Secretary of State Clinton by two Democratic congressmen. They request that terms need to be set for the Palestinians to receive the first 1/3rd of a $900 Million aid package (incindentally, this was part of the ‘stimulus’ package, but that’s another story…).
If the U.S. is going to follow through and actually give this terrorist state money, it must have conditions placed and met before a penny can be sent. Why we would do this befuddles me. It not only won’t go to the people it would be intended to help, but it would be used by it’s corrupt, terrorist government to fight Israel, thereby effectively placing the U.S. in a threatening posture towards Israel. Moreover, it would work to undo all the work Israel has been doing to combat the terrorism.
Israeli police seize ancient Hebrew scroll
This is a great article about a piece of Israel’s history. This scroll is a piece of evidence proving Jewish existence in the land contested by Palestinians. The irony to this ‘proof’ is that those who need it would never accept it. Anyway, it’s a good read, check it out.
Possible Obama envoy backs Hamas outreach | JTA – Jewish & Israel News
I told you Obama’s got something shady going on. I really hope this turns around for him or Israel’s in a rough four years from its staunchest ally. Read the full article for context.
“If the cease-fire breaks down irreparably and the Israeli army re-enters Gaza, the United States should then work with others to create and insert an Arab-led international force to restore P.A. control and bring about Israel’s withdrawal,” the authors write.
via Possible Obama envoy backs Hamas outreach | JTA – Jewish & Israel News.
Hamas is not a government; it is a terrorist gang.
“Hamas, it should be noted, is not a government; it is a terrorist gang. And as long as the thugs of Hamas can act with impunity, no Israeli government of the right or the left will agree to a two-state solution or any other kind of peace. Doves take note: To be a dove of influence, you must be a realist, firm in your principles but shorn of all illusions.”
via Reform leader raps J Street’s Gaza stance | JTA – Jewish & Israel News.
BAM STIRS FEARS IN ISRAEL – New York Post
Not only does this article express a valid concern about Obama’s ability to take a stand, but it is also a very important piece of news about Israel’s diligence to minimize civilian casualties. Additionally, it is a reminder that Hamas continuously hides behind the skirts of women and toys of children.
As for our president-elect, his all-too-coy insistence that “we have only one president at a time” has been selective from the start. Glad to pontificate on stimulus packages and union benefits, Obama has used the one-president mantra to avoid taking stands on difficult issues that bedevil or bewilder him.
Our president-elect needed to make a clear, prompt statement in support of Israel. He didnt. If I were an Israeli leader, Id be worried, too.
Obamas notorious for avoiding firm stands that might alienate any important constituency. But you cant have it both ways in the Middle East. He needs to stand up in support of Israel. Now.
Israeli soldiers should not have to go into battle worrying about an American bullet in the back.
Israeli assault targets symbols of Hamas power – Yahoo News
Trying to formulate cohesive thoughts about Israel’s new war against Hamas is quite difficult because of the complexity. However, I do believe Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s words sum things up pretty well,
Israel is trying to avoid civilian casualties, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told reporters Monday, while “Hamas is looking for children to kill.”
“Hamas is targeting deliberately kindergartens and schools and citizens and civilians because this is according to their values. Our values are completely different. We are trying to target Hamas, which hides among civilians,” Livni said.
via Israeli assault targets symbols of Hamas power – Yahoo News.
