The Palestinian Authority and Hamas teach raw anti-Semitism in schools, and that “Palestine” must be “liberated.” Terrorists are publicly honored — last week it was members of the DFLP who massacred 22 high school studentsin Ma’alot in 1974. Successive American administrations have operated on the assumption that such teachings have no impact on the “peace process.”
Egypt’s Mohammed Morsi has said appalling things about Jews, although he has been constrained since taking power by his need for American aid and political support. The State Department condemned Morsi’s rhetorical excesses almost exactly as it did Erdogan’s. Victoria Neuland told reporters, “The type of offensive rhetoric that we saw in 2010 is not acceptable, not productive, and shouldn’t be part of a democratic Egypt. That said,” she continued, “we look to President Mursi and Egyptian leaders to demonstrate in both word and in deed their commitment to religious tolerance and to upholding all of Egypt’s international obligations” (referring to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty).
“That said.” Having made her pro forma condemnation of rhetoric, she, like Secretary Kerry, wants nicer play. But what if Egyptian anti-Semitism is the reality and the Peace Treaty only a phase to allow Egypt to pile up political and military benefits from the U.S.? Like Turkey. It is not hard to believe that ideologically driven countries would do what the “civilized world” does not think logical or possible.
When Mein Kampf was published, many people thought Hitler’s words were just words. They were wrong. Not only did he believe them, he put what power he had behind them; if he’d had nuclear weapons, he would have used them. How is it possible, then, to watch the acquisition of nuclear technology and more destructive means of terrorism by those who preach the annihilation of others – whether Israel, South Korea, or the United States is the object of their hatred — and choose to believe they do not mean what they say?
Originally published at the Gatestone Institute.