The temptation to call names, engage in finger pointing and otherwise vent outrage against the Israeli government is strong but ultimately unsatisfying and unproductive.
The cease fire entered in to by the State of Israel, Lebanon and Hezbullah opens up an opportunity for introspection. The soldiers who were captured and being held hostage by Hezbullah and Hamas remain in captivity, their captors remain free and Hezbullah, Hamas and Fatah et al remain unbent and bravely swagger among their human bunkers.
The north of Israel was depopulated, people’s homes, property, livelihoods damaged or destroyed. Those who remained in the North were exposed to rockets landing at will for over a month. In April of 1978 as a Yeshiva student this writer heard a katusha launch from near his dormitory. Though a dud that did not detonate the sound of the launch was so loud so filled with violence that the sound remains some 28 years latter. Imagine when hearing this hellish din several if not tens of times a day day after day.
Therefore, to claim an Israeli victory at present is a pure product of spin. The goals of rescuing the captured soldiers and cutting down Hezbullah did not happen. Can Hezbullah even as a proxy for Syria and Iran be that powerful? Can Hezbullah be standing on firm moral ground to justify their hostilities? These questions are not relevant rather the query; Did they win or did we lose and if so why?, that is the proper question.
The unity among the people lending shelter, food all types of support spiritual,personal and financial are forthcoming throughout the county and the broader world of Jewish and gentile lovers of Israel is a victory. The sense of unity has to remain and color the tenor of the public debate on this matter. Yet, there is talk the IDF was constrained by the Prime Minister and his allies who may lack the ability to lead during wartime.
Prime Minister Olmert when speaking to Gush Katif evacues the Prime Minister chides their concerns about lost wages and property by reminding them government makes life and death choices and instead of compensation all one may receive is a coffin. Then in a latter address the Prime Minister cited the current action as a basis to defend Convergence. If the Arabs become too hostile we can hit them at will so more land can be ceded. This incoherent thinking that Arab or Islamic hostility should be allowed to stand? Were the lost opportunities to stop Hezbullah the cause of lives lost, maimed or damaged throughout Northern Israel. How many hundreds of rockets would not have fallen if instead of 10% of the IDF 50%, 75% of the Israel Defense Forces were committed to destroying evil?
Mr.. Olmert is not stupid or and idiot or even simply corrupt. Instead it seems Mr.. Olmert has exhibited behavior that calls in to question his perception of reality or at the least his ability / capacity to lead under the stress of war. Mr.. Olmert if he were a ship’s captain would be placed under arrest by his crew for putting them all in danger. This not a call for anything illegal or violent. Yet, if not stopped appeasement of Hezbullah means Israeli graves, it empowers Iran and all the other whose notion of victory is a planet reduced to a dead rock.
Olmert and his ilk must be replaced by those who understand the full historic and and cultural context of Jewry in its land means. Individuals need to look to heaven and rely only on G-D. Only G-D has power and control to guide the fate of nations and people. ‘Place your Hope in G-D take courage and strength and place your hope in G-D ’ (Psalms 27:14)
Monday, August 14, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Lessons From Lebanon
There are important lessons to be gleaned from Lebanon situation. If one acknowledges many Lebanese civilians have been affected ABC news saying some 20% of the population is displaced and/or homeless. Additionally, it seems that Israel is not targeting civilians. So what does it mean then that civilians are not in the crosshairs yet so many affected and so much destroyed?
These are two basic conclusions one can draw. First, Hezbollah has made its way in to Lebanon to the extent it has intertwined and enmeshed itself throughout the Lebanese political and physical infrastructure.
The next conclusion lies in the basis of Hezbullah’s infiltration throughout Lebanese society and infrastructure is the product of democratic tolerance or terrorist thugory or some combination thereof ? There should be no mistake what can be said about Hezbullah can be said for Hamas, Fatah, Al Qeda et al.
The remaining question is how does a liberal democracy like the United States defend itself from this threat while preserving civil liberties?
These are two basic conclusions one can draw. First, Hezbollah has made its way in to Lebanon to the extent it has intertwined and enmeshed itself throughout the Lebanese political and physical infrastructure.
The next conclusion lies in the basis of Hezbullah’s infiltration throughout Lebanese society and infrastructure is the product of democratic tolerance or terrorist thugory or some combination thereof ? There should be no mistake what can be said about Hezbullah can be said for Hamas, Fatah, Al Qeda et al.
The remaining question is how does a liberal democracy like the United States defend itself from this threat while preserving civil liberties?
Monday, July 17, 2006
True strength true resolve
Prime Minister Olmert today spoke in keenest and exhibited sensitivity, purpose, commitment and a recognition of D-vine guidance directing the affairs of Jewry. Prime Minister Olmert has not yet fully atoned for his past and possibly continuing misdeeds but the keenest speech was a start. It offers hope even Mr. Olmert has a Pintle Yid, a part of himself that is loyal to Torah, Jewry and G-D.
Now is a time for prayer and strength but not of the this worldly type as Rabbi Lazer Brody Shilita suggests each person should take a mitzva and undertake to observe it more deeply. Reaching within the Jewish heritage finding one's identity links each Jew together with generations past and future. Being the Jew G-D wishes, each Jew can stand strong and unafraid of anything but G-D. A claim to strength that does not come from G-D is false. A history without Jews can never be. May G-D grant Jewry the resolve and dedication to take the necessary actions and protect the land promised to Avraham, Yizhak and Yaakov
With everything that has gone on Mr. Olmert speaking in Nitzan still insists the disengagement was correct and further expulsion of Jewish communities and relinquishing of more territory can be expected. To believe that convergence is an option implies the action in Gaza and Lebanon may end inconclusively. The unthinkable that after all of the events during the last thirteen days that Hamas and Hezbollah still exist means their threat and by extention their Iranian benefactors will only be delayed in their desire to render the planet a dead rock. As Bill O'Rielly who never impressed this writer as being philosemitic put it "If Hamas and Hezbollah put down their arms , there would be quiet if Israel put down her weapons there would be a new holocaust." Avery simple truth yet one which eludes most of the world.
The complexity of the human psyche defies explanation. Indeed the situation has only one solution beyond addressing the obvious and immediate needs of removing the threat borne by Hezbollah , Hamas along with the needs of those displaced by the Arab terror. That solution is the source of solutions, G-D A-mighty and His Torah. Jewry draw its strength from Him and Him alone.
May He protect the Jewish nation throughout the world and especially in the land of Israel. May the captives
Galid be Aviva
Ehud ben Malkah
Eldad ben Tova
be restored to their families safe and sound very soon
Now is a time for prayer and strength but not of the this worldly type as Rabbi Lazer Brody Shilita suggests each person should take a mitzva and undertake to observe it more deeply. Reaching within the Jewish heritage finding one's identity links each Jew together with generations past and future. Being the Jew G-D wishes, each Jew can stand strong and unafraid of anything but G-D. A claim to strength that does not come from G-D is false. A history without Jews can never be. May G-D grant Jewry the resolve and dedication to take the necessary actions and protect the land promised to Avraham, Yizhak and Yaakov
With everything that has gone on Mr. Olmert speaking in Nitzan still insists the disengagement was correct and further expulsion of Jewish communities and relinquishing of more territory can be expected. To believe that convergence is an option implies the action in Gaza and Lebanon may end inconclusively. The unthinkable that after all of the events during the last thirteen days that Hamas and Hezbollah still exist means their threat and by extention their Iranian benefactors will only be delayed in their desire to render the planet a dead rock. As Bill O'Rielly who never impressed this writer as being philosemitic put it "If Hamas and Hezbollah put down their arms , there would be quiet if Israel put down her weapons there would be a new holocaust." Avery simple truth yet one which eludes most of the world.
The complexity of the human psyche defies explanation. Indeed the situation has only one solution beyond addressing the obvious and immediate needs of removing the threat borne by Hezbollah , Hamas along with the needs of those displaced by the Arab terror. That solution is the source of solutions, G-D A-mighty and His Torah. Jewry draw its strength from Him and Him alone.
May He protect the Jewish nation throughout the world and especially in the land of Israel. May the captives
Galid be Aviva
Ehud ben Malkah
Eldad ben Tova
be restored to their families safe and sound very soon
Thursday, July 06, 2006
DO IT RIGHT!!!!!
Israel, almost eleven months to the day has returned to Gaza. The capture of Cpl Gilad Shalit the endless rain of rockets in Sedrot and now the attacks on Ashkelon have finally moved the Olmert government to take action.
However, this is the 5760's and war is not what is used to be. Minister Ben Eliezer who had served as Defense Minister assured all that this was not a reconquest of Gaza but a search for Shalit and to silence the rockets. Additionally except for brief necessary raids the IDF would not enter populated areas of Gaza. So at great expense and possible death of Jewish soldiers battles are being waged that at best will provide a temporary solution to what Deputy Prime Minister Peres called Kassam Shazams. Truth is despite the big show of force there are still rockets.
If anything the Arabs are acting bolder demanding prisoner releases and taking credit for the attacks. What will it take for Israel to act? Will it be a kassam landing at night on Dizinghoff? Or a missile carrying biological or chemical wmd lands in Sderot or Ashkelon?
Certainly no sane person wishes to see innocents harmed. Yet the cowardice which motivates the enemy has these soldiers billeted within the civilian population
Even without uniforms or governmental infrastructure the nature of the conflict transcends mere isolated acts of terror but a sustained campaigns to wear down the State of Israel and its people's resolve.
As hard as it is to write it must be obvious that concluding one cannot stop all terror is wrong. Placing the welfare of the Arab population hosting the combatants ahead of the welfare of Israelis is not compassion but unspeakable cruelty. If action is taken it must be decisive and complete. There can be no tolerance for any attack, there can be no distribution of Israelis' lives.
If there are calls for restraint or denizens Israel these are but the latest lyrics to an old song whose tune Jewry has heard and ignored. A noise that chills the senses to be replaced by the D-vine universal symphony, with Mashiach, speedily in our lifetime.
However, this is the 5760's and war is not what is used to be. Minister Ben Eliezer who had served as Defense Minister assured all that this was not a reconquest of Gaza but a search for Shalit and to silence the rockets. Additionally except for brief necessary raids the IDF would not enter populated areas of Gaza. So at great expense and possible death of Jewish soldiers battles are being waged that at best will provide a temporary solution to what Deputy Prime Minister Peres called Kassam Shazams. Truth is despite the big show of force there are still rockets.
If anything the Arabs are acting bolder demanding prisoner releases and taking credit for the attacks. What will it take for Israel to act? Will it be a kassam landing at night on Dizinghoff? Or a missile carrying biological or chemical wmd lands in Sderot or Ashkelon?
Certainly no sane person wishes to see innocents harmed. Yet the cowardice which motivates the enemy has these soldiers billeted within the civilian population
Even without uniforms or governmental infrastructure the nature of the conflict transcends mere isolated acts of terror but a sustained campaigns to wear down the State of Israel and its people's resolve.
As hard as it is to write it must be obvious that concluding one cannot stop all terror is wrong. Placing the welfare of the Arab population hosting the combatants ahead of the welfare of Israelis is not compassion but unspeakable cruelty. If action is taken it must be decisive and complete. There can be no tolerance for any attack, there can be no distribution of Israelis' lives.
If there are calls for restraint or denizens Israel these are but the latest lyrics to an old song whose tune Jewry has heard and ignored. A noise that chills the senses to be replaced by the D-vine universal symphony, with Mashiach, speedily in our lifetime.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
If You will it . . .,and if not . . .
Prime Minister Olmert today at the World Zionist Congress while claiming sympathy for the rain of rockets landing in Sedrot and other border areas created by the departure from Gaza in 2005. The Prime Minister asserted there was no solution available in the blink of an eye.
Mr. Prime Minister ,when I spent the 1977-1978 academic year as a Yeshiva student in Jerusalem. On a Sunday night right after Passover terrorist launched a katusha near the yeshiva, which at that time was towards the boundaries of the city. The rocket was thankfully a dud but the noise was so loud I still hear it. That was a single launch imagine a the effect on those who hear Kassamim on a daily basis.
What seems most bewildering is the Israeli government's apparent lack of will to solve the problem. After all these are not a few extremists but part and parcel of the PA governmental/organizational infrastructure. The nature of these attacks and their frequency belie a graduation from terror to war. How absurd is it to demand recognition of Israel's right to exist and ignore the obligation a government has to defend its population from aggressor forces. Throwing up one's hands and tossing in the towel is not an answer. Concentrating, converging, congregating the population will not solve the problem. Kassam launches and other attacks must be made costly to the enemy, so costly that message is clear further actions will bring disaster. The fact that this enemy force may not wear uniforms or chooses to base itself within civilian population centers cannot diminish the Israeli government's resolve. It should offend every notion of civilization to use decency as an offensive weapon. No one wants innocents in harm's way, but it is beyond reason for the government of the State of Israel to put the welfare of Arab civilians in yesha over Jewish life and lives of all living under the government of the State of Israel. This is not a call for wanton violence but for the government of Israel to take the normal, natural steps necessary, short of prayer to for the state to protect its people .
Mr. Olmert , if you are a leader then lead, show your resolve to defend your people. The kassamim need to be quieted and seder restored to Sedrot.
Mr. Prime Minister ,when I spent the 1977-1978 academic year as a Yeshiva student in Jerusalem. On a Sunday night right after Passover terrorist launched a katusha near the yeshiva, which at that time was towards the boundaries of the city. The rocket was thankfully a dud but the noise was so loud I still hear it. That was a single launch imagine a the effect on those who hear Kassamim on a daily basis.
What seems most bewildering is the Israeli government's apparent lack of will to solve the problem. After all these are not a few extremists but part and parcel of the PA governmental/organizational infrastructure. The nature of these attacks and their frequency belie a graduation from terror to war. How absurd is it to demand recognition of Israel's right to exist and ignore the obligation a government has to defend its population from aggressor forces. Throwing up one's hands and tossing in the towel is not an answer. Concentrating, converging, congregating the population will not solve the problem. Kassam launches and other attacks must be made costly to the enemy, so costly that message is clear further actions will bring disaster. The fact that this enemy force may not wear uniforms or chooses to base itself within civilian population centers cannot diminish the Israeli government's resolve. It should offend every notion of civilization to use decency as an offensive weapon. No one wants innocents in harm's way, but it is beyond reason for the government of the State of Israel to put the welfare of Arab civilians in yesha over Jewish life and lives of all living under the government of the State of Israel. This is not a call for wanton violence but for the government of Israel to take the normal, natural steps necessary, short of prayer to for the state to protect its people .
Mr. Olmert , if you are a leader then lead, show your resolve to defend your people. The kassamim need to be quieted and seder restored to Sedrot.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
ABOUT PRIDE AND SHAME
Concerning the World Pride parade scheduled for Jerusalem this Summer it is hard to understand how the notion of community standards would allow the parade to take place. To impose on a community something it believes to be odious and contrary to the majority's moral standards is not protecting the rights of minorities but curtailing the freedom of the majority.
Unlike Collins v. Smith (Skokie case ) where the US Supreme Court held the right of free speech does not require anyone to hear the message. However, this event is more than mere message it is an insertion and challenge to what is fundamental to people's world view.
Certainly boycotting hotels accommodating guests for the event is a good idea. Additionally, given the poverty existent in Jerusalem spending public money on this event is a waste. Councilwoman Fenton on Arutz Sheva explained the police are the sole decision makers regarding the parade then let them be the sole agency to fund the public outlays for the proposed week of events. Maybe the specture of the GLBT agenda looming over the holy city be shouted down by Sting's call for MASHIACH .
Unlike Collins v. Smith (Skokie case ) where the US Supreme Court held the right of free speech does not require anyone to hear the message. However, this event is more than mere message it is an insertion and challenge to what is fundamental to people's world view.
Certainly boycotting hotels accommodating guests for the event is a good idea. Additionally, given the poverty existent in Jerusalem spending public money on this event is a waste. Councilwoman Fenton on Arutz Sheva explained the police are the sole decision makers regarding the parade then let them be the sole agency to fund the public outlays for the proposed week of events. Maybe the specture of the GLBT agenda looming over the holy city be shouted down by Sting's call for MASHIACH .
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Sometimes It is Simple
So Sometimes the very complicated can be broken down to something very simple. Sometimes so simple that it totally eludes the observer. Recently C-SPAN ran a session given by members of the Palestinian negotiating support unit. The topic was the future of the West Bank, more specifically, the effect of Prime Minister Olmert proposed convergence plan. All three speakers were well dressed, well spoken only one with an accent and all very smart sounding, the typical Washington type denizens of Think Tankdom.
Each spoke concerning the difficulties posed by the Olmert plan for the formation of a future state and the convergence plan was viewed as designed to frustrate Palestinian national aspirations. The Ernestness with which these folks talked one thing became clear. Actually two though not articulated the tone eloquently conveyed the sense that displacing Jews from their home was irrelevant as they did not belong in the area anyway. The corollary is their belief that they indeed do belong to the land and they ain't planing on goin' any time soon. Why leave the place where one belongs, that one feels a part of etc...
It becomes clear the whole Arab-Israel conflict is dependent on who wants the land more ? Who is more connected to The Land? Us or them? Nothing More. How dare any Jew in or out of the diaspora waiver in their dedication to the Land remaining Jewish in character. The last man standing will be Jewry united by Mashiach this is how it will end . For the sake of Holy Jews buried in the Land, For the sake of the holly Jews living in the Land of Israel for the sake of every Jew may the Land remain free of the enemies' evil designs no one dare remain silent.
Each spoke concerning the difficulties posed by the Olmert plan for the formation of a future state and the convergence plan was viewed as designed to frustrate Palestinian national aspirations. The Ernestness with which these folks talked one thing became clear. Actually two though not articulated the tone eloquently conveyed the sense that displacing Jews from their home was irrelevant as they did not belong in the area anyway. The corollary is their belief that they indeed do belong to the land and they ain't planing on goin' any time soon. Why leave the place where one belongs, that one feels a part of etc...
It becomes clear the whole Arab-Israel conflict is dependent on who wants the land more ? Who is more connected to The Land? Us or them? Nothing More. How dare any Jew in or out of the diaspora waiver in their dedication to the Land remaining Jewish in character. The last man standing will be Jewry united by Mashiach this is how it will end . For the sake of Holy Jews buried in the Land, For the sake of the holly Jews living in the Land of Israel for the sake of every Jew may the Land remain free of the enemies' evil designs no one dare remain silent.
Monday, May 15, 2006
G-D RULES no matter how hard you try Ehud
Listening to the voices coming out of Israel one is left dumbstruck. The connection between Jewry and the Land of Israel is more natural than bagel and lox, it is more like breath and life.
Jewish life is punctuated by the yearning for redemption.
The daily amida prayer where each Jew in intimate moments of devotion before G-D expresses his or her deepest yearnings both as an individual and as part of a nation. The notion of redemption is intimately tied to return to the land, rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple.
The amidah concludes with two wishes one realize their portion of Torah and the rebuilt Temple.
The spiritual high points of the year the end of Yom Kippur and the conclusion of the Passover Seder Jewry as one proclaims "Next Year in Jerusalem"
The departure from Gaza has only caused misery both for Jews and Arabs. The instability between Fatah and Hamas and the newly opened areas that were Gush Katif serve as launch sites for Kassam rockets. And that does not begin to address the shameful treatment of Gush Katif's population.
Despite the model failing, despite each step being contrary to logic and heritage Olmert's government with their fellow traverlers seek to undermine the whole Zionist enterprise and frustrate the Jewish destiny in the Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael.
The pitiful nature of Prime Minister Olmert's plans is that it has no support not from the Arabs, Europeans or Americans. Imagine the world clamors for Israeli withdrawal it is offered and rejected. Logic would dictate that if one takes a risk made up of painful choices and is rejected continuing down the same path is now masochism.
Olmert will fail only because his plans are against G-D's design for a world guided by truth a world lead by MASHIACH
Jewish life is punctuated by the yearning for redemption.
The daily amida prayer where each Jew in intimate moments of devotion before G-D expresses his or her deepest yearnings both as an individual and as part of a nation. The notion of redemption is intimately tied to return to the land, rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple.
The amidah concludes with two wishes one realize their portion of Torah and the rebuilt Temple.
The spiritual high points of the year the end of Yom Kippur and the conclusion of the Passover Seder Jewry as one proclaims "Next Year in Jerusalem"
The departure from Gaza has only caused misery both for Jews and Arabs. The instability between Fatah and Hamas and the newly opened areas that were Gush Katif serve as launch sites for Kassam rockets. And that does not begin to address the shameful treatment of Gush Katif's population.
Despite the model failing, despite each step being contrary to logic and heritage Olmert's government with their fellow traverlers seek to undermine the whole Zionist enterprise and frustrate the Jewish destiny in the Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael.
The pitiful nature of Prime Minister Olmert's plans is that it has no support not from the Arabs, Europeans or Americans. Imagine the world clamors for Israeli withdrawal it is offered and rejected. Logic would dictate that if one takes a risk made up of painful choices and is rejected continuing down the same path is now masochism.
Olmert will fail only because his plans are against G-D's design for a world guided by truth a world lead by MASHIACH
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Satmar Rebbe OBM ZY'A
The news that a link to the previous generation has departed deserves mention. The Admor of Satmar, Rav Moshe Teitelbaum ZT'L ZY'A (May the memory of the righteous be for a blessing and his merit protect us) has left this world.Satmar, at once represents all kinds of images some flattering some not.
If one discounts those personal foibles that all too often pass for authentic representations of a particular group, leave in Satmar's case a society stepped in faith, fraternity and friendship. Satmar is opposed to Zionism and yet has a strong presence in Jerusalem and Israel. Satmar treats the outside world with extreme caution only partaking sparingly.
So, maybe a fair question to consider before dismissing Satmar as extreme or fanatic who is more entrenched in exile, a Zionist Modern Orthodox Jew or a Satmar family in Williamsburg?
If one discounts those personal foibles that all too often pass for authentic representations of a particular group, leave in Satmar's case a society stepped in faith, fraternity and friendship. Satmar is opposed to Zionism and yet has a strong presence in Jerusalem and Israel. Satmar treats the outside world with extreme caution only partaking sparingly.
So, maybe a fair question to consider before dismissing Satmar as extreme or fanatic who is more entrenched in exile, a Zionist Modern Orthodox Jew or a Satmar family in Williamsburg?
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
elections 2006
This letter though mentally composed many times in the last few weeks is hard to write. On the the one hand it is brazen for one living outside the land of Israel to offer political observations to those who are voting even when they are family members. Also at this point you may be sick of yet another political message. Therefore, at the risk of violating the rules of advocacy please accept in advance my apologies for any impropriety.
As you might guess I am more on the right than left but I hope we can talk and listen to each other because too much is at stake to ignore one another.
Also in fairness I will not tell you who to vote for but only offer some observations about my take on the situation. The next Kensset will have to with some very important issues.
The promise that seemed to flicker at Oslo is extinguished. The election of Hamas may have bee the Arab street’s rejection of Fatah’s kleptocratic rule but it has given the keys to Hamas, an Iranian surrogate. The PA is no longer as if it ever was an expression of a people’s aspirations for self determination but part of global Jihad.
To make things more complicated it is foolish to talk about the Arabs as though they do not exist. However, it is equally foolish to believe there is anyone on the PA side with the inclination and influence to promote any type of peace. The solution may need to be one sided as well but what.
Creating borders unilaterally by retreating to pre 1967 borders or by building fences akin to the Ghetto walls of Europe, walls that are not high enough to keep out Kassam rockets. The thought that proposed borders would be within 5km from Ben Gurion Airport when a Kassam’s range is 6km is irresponsible. To take action to reconfigure the Jewish population in Judea and Sameria only creating more displaced persons a la Gush Katif is cruel and inhuman.
The government’s actions in Gush Katif should give every Israeli concern consider not the destruction of communities and businesses but the insensitive and callous manner in which the former Gush Katif residents’ relocation and reintegration. Also now when Gaza is without Jews how much more of the surrounding area is vulnerable to attack. After Gaza the power station in Ashkelon is within reach. Please do not confuse Mazal with the fact the Ashkelon power plant is vulnerable. Whatever is done must be in the national interest of Jewry. No one wants suffering imposed on anyone but the Government of a Jewish state needs to act first last and always in the interest of Jewry. Retreat is viewed not as accommodation but weakness that only serves to whet Arab avarice.
Concerning Amona let me say attack against police cannot be tolerated especially if lethal force is used . However when of the 389 injuries reported at Amona only 45 where police and army excessive force was used. Certainly MK’S Eitan and Eldad who were wounded in Amona were not engaged in violence against the authorities. If anything Amona is a chilling warning calculated to silence protest.
The most subtle thing the lack of accountability any MK has to the people. When an individual’s position on a party list depends on party officiasl why should anyone care about the people? And if one falls out of favor one can change or create a party. Bibi opening up the Likud list is a positive step to an accountability.
Similarly the must be reform in the Judicial system. There have to be put in place limits on what types of cases and who may be bring cases before the Court. Advocacy groups like Peace Now without a plaintiff who is a party in interest should be barred from suing on behalf of persons they do not directly represent. Believing everything can come under the purview of The Court takes the concept of Judicial Review and stands it on its head. No matter how smart the Justices may be they cannot rewrite Halacha or act to subvert the kenesset without good cause. The Bagatz needs to act applying equal protection under the law. Illegal structures should be torn down but not only the Jewish ones and ignore Arab violations, unconscionable.
Moving the economy from a socialist to a capitalist model by Bibi has propelled the economy forward in a dramatic manner. However as Shas advocates a third of Israeli children live below the poverty line and 85% of those receiving child allowances where hard working persons who simply cannot command higher salaries is intolerable.
Some left parties see people like me as the greatest threat to the state, draining its resources holding back and dragging down the rest of society and not Hamas. This is so wrong and maybe this portrayal is not undeserved but instead of reaching out the only thing facing each other are pointed fingers. There has to be a change. A change from self interest and retreat but to take Israel’s place among nations.
The choice before you on 28.3.06 is monumental. Please dear family choose for the nation of Israel choose for State of Israel Choose for a Jewish Future and not for those who would undo 2000 years of waiting and yearning. My Savta A’H who most of you knew or heard of would often tell me when she saw a flower or garden how this was like what she saw in in Israel. Please vote for a future that connects today to our history and looks forward to the future.
with much love,
Bernard
As you might guess I am more on the right than left but I hope we can talk and listen to each other because too much is at stake to ignore one another.
Also in fairness I will not tell you who to vote for but only offer some observations about my take on the situation. The next Kensset will have to with some very important issues.
The promise that seemed to flicker at Oslo is extinguished. The election of Hamas may have bee the Arab street’s rejection of Fatah’s kleptocratic rule but it has given the keys to Hamas, an Iranian surrogate. The PA is no longer as if it ever was an expression of a people’s aspirations for self determination but part of global Jihad.
To make things more complicated it is foolish to talk about the Arabs as though they do not exist. However, it is equally foolish to believe there is anyone on the PA side with the inclination and influence to promote any type of peace. The solution may need to be one sided as well but what.
Creating borders unilaterally by retreating to pre 1967 borders or by building fences akin to the Ghetto walls of Europe, walls that are not high enough to keep out Kassam rockets. The thought that proposed borders would be within 5km from Ben Gurion Airport when a Kassam’s range is 6km is irresponsible. To take action to reconfigure the Jewish population in Judea and Sameria only creating more displaced persons a la Gush Katif is cruel and inhuman.
The government’s actions in Gush Katif should give every Israeli concern consider not the destruction of communities and businesses but the insensitive and callous manner in which the former Gush Katif residents’ relocation and reintegration. Also now when Gaza is without Jews how much more of the surrounding area is vulnerable to attack. After Gaza the power station in Ashkelon is within reach. Please do not confuse Mazal with the fact the Ashkelon power plant is vulnerable. Whatever is done must be in the national interest of Jewry. No one wants suffering imposed on anyone but the Government of a Jewish state needs to act first last and always in the interest of Jewry. Retreat is viewed not as accommodation but weakness that only serves to whet Arab avarice.
Concerning Amona let me say attack against police cannot be tolerated especially if lethal force is used . However when of the 389 injuries reported at Amona only 45 where police and army excessive force was used. Certainly MK’S Eitan and Eldad who were wounded in Amona were not engaged in violence against the authorities. If anything Amona is a chilling warning calculated to silence protest.
The most subtle thing the lack of accountability any MK has to the people. When an individual’s position on a party list depends on party officiasl why should anyone care about the people? And if one falls out of favor one can change or create a party. Bibi opening up the Likud list is a positive step to an accountability.
Similarly the must be reform in the Judicial system. There have to be put in place limits on what types of cases and who may be bring cases before the Court. Advocacy groups like Peace Now without a plaintiff who is a party in interest should be barred from suing on behalf of persons they do not directly represent. Believing everything can come under the purview of The Court takes the concept of Judicial Review and stands it on its head. No matter how smart the Justices may be they cannot rewrite Halacha or act to subvert the kenesset without good cause. The Bagatz needs to act applying equal protection under the law. Illegal structures should be torn down but not only the Jewish ones and ignore Arab violations, unconscionable.
Moving the economy from a socialist to a capitalist model by Bibi has propelled the economy forward in a dramatic manner. However as Shas advocates a third of Israeli children live below the poverty line and 85% of those receiving child allowances where hard working persons who simply cannot command higher salaries is intolerable.
Some left parties see people like me as the greatest threat to the state, draining its resources holding back and dragging down the rest of society and not Hamas. This is so wrong and maybe this portrayal is not undeserved but instead of reaching out the only thing facing each other are pointed fingers. There has to be a change. A change from self interest and retreat but to take Israel’s place among nations.
The choice before you on 28.3.06 is monumental. Please dear family choose for the nation of Israel choose for State of Israel Choose for a Jewish Future and not for those who would undo 2000 years of waiting and yearning. My Savta A’H who most of you knew or heard of would often tell me when she saw a flower or garden how this was like what she saw in in Israel. Please vote for a future that connects today to our history and looks forward to the future.
with much love,
Bernard
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