I always assure my tourists,”You can die of many things in Israel – but never of boredom.”
Yes, frequently, even as events knock us off our feet, before we can get up again, another blast sends us reeling.
Last week, an Arab house in Samaria was firebombed and there were fatalities.
It is assumed that the perpetrators were Jewish residents of Samaria who had taken the action in retaliation for a continuing spate of lethal attacks on Jews in the area. (there have been similar cases where the perpetrators were actually Arabs carrying on blood feuds or creating situations to be made to look like Jews were responsible).
There have been calls for revenge against “the Jews” and the country is on full alert today. I would have to assume that the day will not end with out Jewish blood being spilled – again
An Arab is attacked;a Jew is attacked. Is there a difference? Blood is blood. Violence is violence. Murder is murder. Right?
Does it matter at all who began the violence? Does it matter which side lives in perpetual concern for their family’s physical safety and must take extreme and costly steps to insure that safety? Does is matter which side glorifies and encourages the violence?
Was there a difference between a British civilian, killed in a German bombing attack and a German civilian subsequently killed in a British counter attack? Many on the good side thought there was indeed a clear difference.
Does it make a difference if an entire population along with it’s political and religious leadership celebrate the killing of the enemy – man , woman or baby in its sleep, like the Nazis or the Arab leadership today? Do they warrant the full protection and guarantees of civil society for their safety… from the side that they demonize and seek to destroy?
Just thinking aloud.
Does it make a difference if after a successful “operation” against the Jews it is party time in the Arab towns and villages? Sweets are given out. Children dress up as “freedom fighters” There is, all of a sudden a reason to live and celebrate life. A hated Jew was killed. This is living!
When my cousin, Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky was beheaded by Arabs this year in his Jerusalem synagogue, his killers were celebrated as heroes. Sweets were thrown and they plastered the faces of the martyrs all over the streets of Sur baha – right down the road from where I live. I could hear the fire works.
They knew they were immune fro any revenge from the pitiful Jews. We have laws
Does it matter that Arab leaders name streets and foot ball clubs after mass murderers of Jews?
Should this in any way color one’s evaluation of “the conflict” – of victims and victims?
Just a thought
Unfortunately, attacks on Jewish life and property has become an all too familiar phenomenon . Synagogues and cemeteries are regularly desecrated.
Stones, boulders, cinder blocks, washing machines, fire bombs and bullets are constantly finding Jewish targets.
It usually does not make the news unless there is a fatality.
When there is one, the authorities first try to label it as a “non nationalist attack”.
Nationalist attacks are problematic.. Arab terror will then demand a national response and that can really rock the political boat and upsets the… “peace process”.
Plain old killings are preferred by the authorities.
When it is proven to be an Arab VS Jew attack, the culprits are often referred to as activists or in very clear and horrible cases, as terrorists.
. The word murderer is saved for Jews.
As a constant consumer of the Israeli media, I have noticed that there are only two people who have been alloted a new last name by the media;
Yigal Amir, the assassin of Yitzchak Rabin and Dr. Baruch Goldstein who shot Arabs in Hebron were awarded the unique honor.. Their last name is “the murderer” Never will you hear their names in the media with out the suffix, murderer.
Arafat, Haniya, Nasralla, Stalin, Hitler;you name it ;they do not rate the same honorary title by the Israeli media.
Just a thought.
When an Arab is indeed attacked by a Jew (when man bites dog) there is a media blitz and a national breast beating. A progression of Jewish national and religious leaders make the pilgrimage to the offended Arab or mosque. The competition for mea culpa speeches is very tight.
Public shame permeates the air
On the other hand, desecrated Jewish cemeteries, synagogues and the myriad of mourning Jewish families are not part of their busy days.
Just a thought.
Similarly, when Arab gangs threaten Jews with death on Temple mount they are immune from police attention. But when a young girl , suffering this humiliation in the presence of the police (they are there to make sure a Jew does not move their lips in prayer) returns the threats and taunts with”Mohammad is a pig”…. well you know what happens!.
She explained later that she could not allow the desecration of God’s name by allowing the continuing humiliation of Jews in our holiest place.
She just could not remain silent.
Her sin was not forgotten or over looked
The police came to her house an hour before Shabbat and hauled her in for questioning. She was forced to leave her infant behind and under go interrogations by the police and secret service – ever vigilant for justice.
Ten years ago this week, ten thousand Jews were dragged from their homes by the same guardians of justice.
Their homes were given to Hamas
Is there any wonder that there is a growing feeling amongst the youth of “Im ein le mi li” – “If I am not for myself who will be for me”?
Just a thought