As you know, the very first article of the accords calls for “normal and friendly relations” between the two parties. The reality of an Egyptian ambassador recall into its fourth year, of Cairo bookstores stocked to the hilt with anti-Semitic literature, of state-controlled newspapers relentlessly demonizing Israel, and of the launching of a hateful TV mini-series during Ramadan, cannot be construed as normal and friendly by any stretch. If anything, the icy Egyptian model seriously calls into question the idea that relinquishing land is the cure-all.
Nowhere is the hatred more frenzied, or the incitement more orchestrated or systemic, than among the Palestinians. As one Palestinian mother admitted in a 2002 Chris Hedges book, “The children are fed … hatred for the Jews from the day they are born…”
Former PLO terrorist Walid Shoebat speaks of an educational system that mass manufactures hatred, and of despising Jews prior to his having even met one, adding, “And the truth is, we wanted to kill Jews long before the occupation.”
As long as PA maps continue to show all of Israel as Palestine, and banner headlines like the one found in the PA-issued textbook “Our Country Palestine” inform students “There is no alternative to destroying Israel,” peaceful coexistence, regardless of land concessions, can virtually be ruled out.
The adulation of suicide bombers and wild celebrations in Palestinian streets at the deliberate slaughter of innocents, so foreign to western sensibilities, can only be explained by such massive indoctrination. Think about it, Mr. Carter. When was the last time you read of spontaneous Israeli celebrations when a Palestinian terrorist was killed, let alone an innocent Palestinian bystander?
While you clamor against U.S. approval of Israel’s “demands” in your editorials, as if calling for the cessation of terrorist acts is somehow unreasonable, there’s nary a mention of a propaganda machine that has thoroughly poisoned today’s Palestinian youth and all but guaranteed another generation of bloody conflict. For a man who delights in being viewed as a moral compass, why such deafening silence?
Most puzzling of all is why a former U.S. president would reserve his greatest criticism for a select group of democracies. However imperfect, what other form of government allows for more individual rights? Such freedoms, along with a respect for differing religious beliefs and helping those less fortunate are hallmarks of the United States and Israel. Three great religions openly practice their faiths in Israel. Have you counted the number of churches and synagogues in Saudi Arabia lately? Are you aware of the devastation wreaked upon Joseph’s Tomb within hours after Israel entrusted its protection to the PA?
It’s no secret that Israeli Arabs enjoy more freedom than their brethren in surrounding Arab countries. And, despite incessant browbeating of Israel for eroding conditions in the territories, a recent London Telegraph article noted lower mortality rates, improving health, and a significant jump in life expectancy for Palestinians since Israeli rule began.
In fact, from 1967 to 1993, prior to the return of Arafat from Tunisia to herald the start of the Oslo peace accords, the West Bank’s economy was among the fastest growing in the world due to commerce between Israelis and Palestinians. During that period, seven universities were established in the area, while none had existed in the previous 19 years under Jordanian rule.
Globally, Israel’s humanitarian efforts have benefited more than 140 nations. Israel was the first country to grant refuge to displaced Bosnian-Muslims from Yugoslavia’s civil war. Israel gave safe haven to hundreds of desperate Vietnamese refugees in the 1970’s, who remain to this day. Israel has provided rescue squads and food supplies to countless countries after natural disasters, regardless of the recipient’s political stance toward the Jewish state.