Moreover how can Jews oppose revolution in Israel while idolizing the United States of America, which was founded on revolution? Do these Jews really believe Americans were wrong to revolt against their English brethren in 1776? Was Patrick Henry a criminal for proclaiming, “Give me liberty or give me death”?
Revolt is difficult. It is far easier to complain about Obama, the UN, the EU, Turkey, the Goldstone Report, and The New York Times. But ultimately Israel’s government is to blame, not them. Even if the whole Western world loved Israel, Israel would still face a ruthless Arab enemy that will stop at nothing to “liberate” its “stolen” land. That fact will never change no matter how much the Western world likes, or doesn’t like, Israel.
What can change is how Israel’s government approaches this enemy. Does it try to appease it by surrendering land that God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Or does it crush it as every normal country since the dawn of time has sought to pulverize its enemies?
For the past 20 years Israel’s government has largely chosen the first path, refusing to even seriously consider the second one. For that to change, Israelis may have to mimic their Arab neighbors and “shake” things up a little.
Elliot Resnick is a Jewish Press staff reporter. He holds a Masters degree from Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel School for Jewish Studies.