Hebron, Ben-Gurion, and UNESCO

David Ben-Gurion’s 45th Yahrtzeit (the anniversary of his death) just passed. Modern Israel’s first prime minister, not only contributed to the founding of the state, but the enrichment of the Hebrew language and Israeli mentality. He coined two well known phrases, “It doesn’t matter what the goyim [nations] say, but what the Jews do,” and “Um-Shmum.”

Ben-Gurion wrote in 1970, about the Jews historical connection to Hebron, home of the patriarchs and David’s first capital before Jerusalem, and then pointed out, “…we will make a great and awful mistake if we fail to settle Hebron, neighbor and predecessor of Jerusalem, with a large Jewish settlement, constantly growing and expanding, very soon.”

Well, that resettling has occurred, and like Ben-Gurion, who said, “It doesn’t matter what the goyim say, but what the Jews do,” over 800,000 visitors annually go to Hebron-Kiryat Arba, and to the Ma’arah (Cave of the Patriarchs).

A few weeks ago, Hebron-Kiryat Arba celebrated it’s annual Shabbat Hevron. Jews came from all over, to connect to their forefathers and foremothers, their roots and the roots of the Davidic kingdom.

Over 40,000 Jews voting with their feet, went to Hebron-Kiryat Arba in Judea, including Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ze’ev Elkin and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, who was also acting prime minister at the time, while Netanyahu spent the weekend in Europe. This more than quadrupled the Jewish population.

For more than a day, Hebron-Kiryat Arba became a city of over 50,000 strong.

The occasion was the Torah reading, Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah). In it, we learned that the matriarch Sarah, has died in Kiryat Arba, which is Hebron (Genesis 23:2). Then, Abraham bought a burial place for his dear wife Sarah and buried her there (Genesis 23:16-20).

That place is called today, the Tomb or Cave of the Patriarchs, or Ma’arat HaMachpelah. One of the most fought over holy sites in the world, and the second holiest place in Judaism, after the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

But, why should it be fought over?

The Bible clearly tells everyone, that Abraham purchased it. The cave and surrounding field, became the Jewish homestead and family burial plot. Abraham’s purchase included the land around the cave, and we find all the patriarchs living in Hebron. Abraham and Sarah are buried there. So, too are Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah. Its well documented (Genesis 49:29-32, 50:12-13).

Who could contest it?

The “Palestinians,” and Arab/Muslim world, for one. And, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for another.

For example in 2010, a report by UNESCO, labeled Kever Rachel or Rachel’s Tomb, a mosque. Imagine that? Its clearly documented that Rachel died and was buried by Jacob “…On the road to Efrat, which is Bethlehem. Jacob set up a monument over her grave; its the tomb of Rachel’s grave until today” (Genesis 35:19-20). And, Jews have been going there to pray for millennia.

And, in October 2016, UNESCO passed a resolution denying Jewish ties to holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount (site of two Jewish temples) and the Western Wall. The resolution referred to the area using only their Arabic names, stating their importance to Islam. Tunisia and Lebanon proposed the resolution on behalf of the Palestinian Authority and Jordan.

At the time, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon castigated UNESCO for the move, “The absurdity continues, and UNESCO has adopted yet another ridiculous decision that is completely disconnected from reality. UNESCO embarrassed itself by marching to the tune of the Palestinian pipers. All attempts to deny our heritage, distort history and disconnect the Jewish people from our capital and our homeland are doomed to fail.”

Then, in July 2017, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee declared the old city of Hebron (where King David ruled before Jerusalem, I Kings 2:11), and the Tomb of the Patriarchs, “Palestinian” heritage sites.

In December 2017, Israel announced that it intended to withdraw from UNESCO, after the US made a similar announcement, primarily because of UNESCO’s continuous anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli behavior.

PM Netanyahu in September 2018, explained why he would not attend a UNESCO sponsored conference on anti-Semitism, “Since 2009, UNESCO has passed 71 resolutions condemning Israel and only two resolutions condemning all other countries combined. This is simply outrageous. Anti-Semitism once discriminated against and defamed the Jewish people. Today it distinguishes against and defames the Jewish state.”

Then at the beginning of October 2018, the PX Commission of the Executive Board of UNESCO, adopted the following resolution:

III. The two Palestinian sites of Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi/Tomb of the Patriarchs in Al-Khalil/Hebron and the Bilal Ibn Rabah Mosque/Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem

13. “Reaffirms that the two concerned sites located in Al-Khalil/Hebron and in Bethlehem are an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory…”

“Occupied Palestinian Territory?”

14. “Deplores the ongoing Israeli excavations, works, construction of private roads for settlers and of a Wall inside the Old City of Al-Khalil/Hebron…”

15. “Regrets the visual impact of the Wall on the site of Bilal Ibn Rabah Mosque/Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem…”

Anything Israel does do, such as new roads and walls, are security precautions, to protect Jews from ongoing Arab attacks.

The resolutions were submitted by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan, and approved, within minutes after the beginning of the commission’s meeting, without much discussion or debate, rubber-stamping the Palestinian’s request.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, responded to the resolution, saying “This is further evidence, for anyone who did not understand why the United States and Israel withdrew from UNESCO, that again proves that UNESCO is a body based on lies and biases, and is deliberately acting against us. The State of Israel will not be a member of an organization that is trying to rewrite history and willing to be manipulated by our enemies.”

Issuing a Press Release in response, in late October, The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), “…expressed concern about two resolutions recently adopted by a commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).”

Commissioner Gary Bauer cautioned, “At the same time, Resolution 28 describes holy sites in Hebron/al-Khalil and Bethlehem solely as ‘Palestinian sites’” And continued, “The idea that there’s a question about the Jewish historical presence in the Holy Land and specifically at these sites is unacceptable and diminishes the religious rights of the Jewish people. UNESCO has no business pronouncing on territorial sovereignty or arbitrating territorial disputes.”

The new French, Jewish, self-declared leftist, Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, appointed in November 2017, has claimed to be trying to “reform” the organization. When she was brought in, she said she would try to eliminate the endemic culture of anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism at UNESCO. She has been working hard, to prevent the withdrawal of the US and Israel, which is to take effect at the end of 2018. But since this latest resolution was passed on her watch, she seems largely ineffectual.

If the members of UNESCO don’t know how to open up a Bible and read about Abraham’s purchase of the Ma’arah, Sarah’s burial there, and later, how it becomes the family burial tomb; If UNESCO members hate Jews and Israel so much, and want to deny their rights in the Land of Israel, then Israel doesn’t belong in UNESCO. Don’t subject Israeli diplomats to associate with a bunch of illiterates, filled with hatred and lies.

As David Ben-Gurion said,“Um-Shmum.”

In 1955, the Israeli cabinet discussed Defense Minister Ben-Gurion’s plan to take over the Gaza Strip from Egypt, because of increasing terror attacks originating from there. PM Moshe Sharett, worrying about the UN response, pointed out that if it hadn’t been for the UN resolution of 1947, the State of Israel would not have been founded. Ben-Gurion shouted, “Not at all! Only the daring of the Jews founded this country, and not some Um-Shmum resolution.”

UM is Hebrew for United Nations (HaUmot HaMeuchadot), and Shmum, is a term of belittlement. You get the point, Ben-Gurion didn’t think much of the UN. And, neither should Israel today…

At the end of December 2018, Israel’s intended withdrawal from UNESCO becomes official. Let’s hope PM Netanyahu keeps his word.

Israel quit UNESCO, make Ben-Gurion proud!

Ariel Natan Pasko, an independent analyst and consultant, has a Master’s Degree specializing in International Relations, Political Economy & Policy Analysis. His articles appear regularly on numerous news/views and think-tank websites and in newspapers. His latest articles can also be read on his archive: The Think Tank by Ariel Natan Pasko.
(c) 2018/5779 Pasko

 

Israel Quit UNESCO, Um-Shmum, Make Ben-Gurion Proud!

Bus load after bus load brought Jewish spiritual tourists into Hebron-Kiryat Arba last Friday afternoon. You could feel the electricity, this Shabbat was going to be different. A quiet excitement filled the air. Soon tents were sprouting up on the lawns between buildings, like mushrooms after a good rain. Homes were filled with guests. Schools and gymnasiums turned into makeshift hostels. Separate sleeping arrangements were set up for yeshiva guys and seminary girls, sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Cars at first filled the parking lots, then overflowed into double parking, and finally onto the sidewalks.

In the end, over 40,000 Jews voted with their feet, coming out to Hebron-Kiryat Arba in Judea, more than quadrupling the Jewish population, including Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ze’ev Elkin and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, who was also acting prime minister, while Netanyahu spent the weekend in Europe. For more than a day, Hebron-Kiryat Arba became a city of over 50,000 strong.

What caused this vast human migration? The annual, Shabbat Hevron! Jews came to connect to their forefathers and foremothers, their roots and the roots of the Davidic kingdom.

This past Sabbath Torah reading, was Parshat Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah). In it, we learn that the matriarch Sarah, has died in Kiryat Arba, which is Hebron (Genesis 23:2). Then, Abraham buys a burial place for his dear wife Sarah and buries her there (Genesis 23:16-20). That place is called today, the Tomb or Cave of the Patriarchs, or Ma’arat HaMachpelah. One of the most fought over holy sites in the world, and the second holiest place in Judaism, after the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

But, why should it be fought over?

The Bible clearly tells everyone, that Abraham purchased it. The cave and surrounding field, became the Jewish homestead and family burial plot. Abraham’s purchase included the land around the cave, and we find all the patriarchs living in Hebron. Abraham and Sarah are buried there. So, too are Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah. Its well documented (Genesis 49:29-32, 50:12-13).

Who could contest it?

The “Palestinians,” and Arab/Muslim world, for one. And, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for another.

“Um-Shmum,” as David Ben-Gurion said. In 1955, the Israeli cabinet discussed Defense Minister Ben-Gurion’s plan to take over the Gaza Strip from Egypt, because of increasing terror attacks originating from there. PM Moshe Sharett, worrying about the UN response, pointed out that if it hadn’t been for the UN resolution of 1947, the State of Israel would not have been founded. Ben-Gurion shouted, “Not at all! Only the daring of the Jews founded this country, and not some Um-Shmum resolution.”

UM is Hebrew for United Nations, and Shmum, is a term of belittlement. You get the point, Ben-Gurion didn’t think much of the UN. And, neither should Israel today…

There they go again, “Um-Shmum,” UNESCO, with new anti-Israel resolutions, denying Jewish rights, as usual.

For example in 2010, a report by UNESCO, labeled Kever Rachel or Rachel’s Tomb, a mosque. Imagine that? Its clearly documented that Rachel died and was buried by Jacob “...On the road to Efrat, which is Bethlehem. Jacob set up a monument over her grave; its the tomb of Rachel’s grave until today” (Genesis 35:19-20). And, Jews have been going there to pray for millennia.

And, in October 2016, UNESCO passed a resolution denying Jewish ties to holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount (site of two Jewish temples) and the Western Wall. The resolution referred to the area using only their Arabic names, stating their importance to Islam. The resolution passed 10 to 2, with 8 abstentions. Tunisia and Lebanon proposed the resolution on behalf of the Palestinian Authority and Jordan.

At the time, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon castigated UNESCO for the move, “The absurdity continues, and UNESCO has adopted yet another ridiculous decision that is completely disconnected from reality. UNESCO embarrassed itself by marching to the tune of the Palestinian pipers. All attempts to deny our heritage, distort history and disconnect the Jewish people from our capital and our homeland are doomed to fail.”

Then, in July 2017, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee declared the old city of Hebron (where King David ruled before Jerusalem, I Kings 2:11), and the Tomb of the Patriarchs, “Palestinian” heritage sites.

In December 2017, Israel announced that it intended to withdraw from UNESCO, after the US made a similar announcement, primarily because of UNESCO’s continuous anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli behavior.

PM Netanyahu in September 2018, explained why he would not attend a UNESCO sponsored conference on anti-Semitism, “Since 2009, UNESCO has passed 71 resolutions condemning Israel and only two resolutions condemning all other countries combined. This is simply outrageous. Anti-Semitism once discriminated against and defamed the Jewish people. Today it distinguishes against and defames the Jewish state.”

Then at the beginning of October 2018, the PX Commission of the Executive Board of UNESCO, adopted the following resolution:

III. The two Palestinian sites of Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi/Tomb of the Patriarchs in Al-Khalil/Hebron and the Bilal Ibn Rabah Mosque/Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem
13. Reaffirms that the two concerned sites located in Al-Khalil/Hebron and in Bethlehem are an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and shares the conviction affirmed by the international community that the two sites are of religious significance for Judaism, Christianity and Islam;
 
“Occupied Palestinian Territory?” Liars, its liberated Judea, tribe of Judah, belongs to Jews, get it.

14. Deplores the ongoing Israeli excavations, works, construction of private roads for settlers and of a Wall inside the Old City of Al-Khalil/Hebron which are illegal under international law and harmfully affect the authenticity and integrity of the site, and the subsequent denial of freedom of movement and freedom of access to places of worship and asks Israel, the occupying Power, to end all violations which are not in conformity with the provisions of relevant UNESCO conventions, resolutions and decisions;

15. Regrets the visual impact of the Wall on the site of Bilal Ibn Rabah Mosque/Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem as well as the strict ban on access of Palestinian Christian and Muslim worshippers to the site, and demands that the Israeli authorities restore the original character of the landscape around the site and lift the ban on access to it;

Anything Israel does do, is a security precaution, to protect Jews from ongoing Arab attacks.

The resolutions were submitted by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan, and were approved several minutes after the beginning of the commission’s meeting, without much discussion or debate, rubber-stamping the Palestinian’s request.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, responded to the resolution, saying “This is further evidence, for anyone who did not understand why the United States and Israel withdrew from UNESCO, that again proves that UNESCO is a body based on lies and biases, and is deliberately acting against us. The State of Israel will not be a member of an organization that is trying to rewrite history and willing to be manipulated by our enemies.”

Issuing a Press Release in response, in late October, The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), “...expressed concern about two resolutions recently adopted by a commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).”

“On October 10, 2018, the Programme and External Relations Commission of UNESCO’s Executive Board adopted Resolutions 28 and 29 concerning religious sites in the Holy Land. USCIRF appreciates the Commission’s efforts to affirm, correctly, that these sites ‘are of religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.’ At the same time, Resolution 28 describes holy sites in Hebron/al-Khalil and Bethlehem solely as ‘Palestinian sites’.”

“Commissioner Gary Bauer cautioned, ‘The idea that there’s a question about the Jewish historical presence in the Holy Land and specifically at these sites is unacceptable and diminishes the religious rights of the Jewish people. UNESCO has no business pronouncing on territorial sovereignty or arbitrating territorial disputes.’”

The new French Jewish Leftist Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, appointed in November 2017, has claimed to be trying to “reform” the organization. When she was brought in, she said she would try to eliminate the endemic culture of anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism at UNESCO. She has been working hard, to prevent the withdrawal of the US and Israel, which is to take effect at the end of 2018. But since this latest resolution was passed on her watch, she seems largely ineffectual.


If the members of UNESCO don’t know how to open up a Bible and read about Abraham’s purchase of the Ma’arah, Sarah’s burial there, and later, how it becomes the family burial tomb; If UNESCO members hate Jews and Israel so much, and want to deny their rights in the Land of Israel, then Israel doesn’t belong in UNESCO. Don’t subject Israeli diplomats to associate with a bunch of illiterates, filled with hatred and lies.

About Hebron, Ben-Gurion wrote in 1970, “...we will make a great and awful mistake if we fail to settle Hebron, neighbor and predecessor of Jerusalem, with a large Jewish settlement, constantly growing and expanding, very soon.” Like Ben-Gurion, the over 800,000 visitors annually to Hebron-Kiryat Arba, and to the Ma’arah, know the truth.

Israel Quit UNESCO, Um-Shmum, make Ben-Gurion proud!

Ariel Natan Pasko, an independent analyst and consultant, has a Master's Degree specializing in International Relations, Political Economy & Policy Analysis. His articles appear regularly on numerous news/views and think-tank websites and in newspapers. His latest articles can also be read on his archive: The Think Tank by Ariel Natan Pasko.
(c) 2018/5779 Pasko

Pity Yitzhak Rabin Wasn’t Israel’s Trump!

Yep, its that time of year again, when the Left, accuse more than half of Israel (the Right), for killing former PM Yitzhak Rabin. To prove my point, even centrist Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid, was booed and jeered, when he told a recent memorial rally in Tel Aviv, “not all of the right-wing killed Rabin.”

This annual charade, this orchestrated political frenzy, of remembering Rabin, has lasted about two weeks in Israel, due to the discrepancy between his Yahrtzeit (death date in the Hebrew calendar) and the day of his murder, Nov. 4th in the secular calendar.

Education Minister, Naftali Bennett blasted the Tel Aviv rally calling it a “shameful leftist protest.” In response to the crowds loud heckling of Minister of Regional Cooperation Tzachi Hanegbi’s speech at the event, Bennett wrote: “Booing against Hanegbi. The right did not kill Rabin, Yigal Amir did.”

“As a leader on the right who opposes a Palestinian state, I am tired of the annual false accusations from the left.” Bennett added, “The lesson from the extreme left, its the right's fault.”

The Left “religiously” bemoans every year, how the “Rabin Legacy” is disappearing. There might be some truth to that. According to a recent opinion poll from the Jewish People Policy Institute, only about 15 percent of Israeli Jews planned to attend memorial events dedicated to Rabin this year. The numbers continue to decline, year after year.

But why? Maybe people are tired of being berated by the Left? Maybe the Left has a distorted memory of Rabin?

But what’s not disappearing so fast, is memory of his quick wit, foul mouth, and the vitriol he threw at his opponents regularly.

Who can forget Rabin’s diatribe against citizens living on the Golan Heights, when he started “Peace” talks with Syria, “They can spin around and around like propellers...” Imagine what the situation in the north would be like today, if Israel had given away the Golan.

Or, Rabin calling suffering Israelis, hiding in bomb shelters, “Crybabies,” because they complained about coming under Hezbollah rocket fire in northern Israel, and called on the Israeli government to put an end to the missile attacks.

Earlier in his career, Rabin called the nascent Samarian town of Kedumim “a bloated fart.” And said, “Gush Emunim [the religious Zionist settlement movement]...is comparable to a cancer in the tissue of Israel’s democratic society.”

Name calling political opponents, seems to be something, Rabin and Trump both have in common.

But, that’s probably the only thing they have in common. What they don’t have in common is drinking, smoking, and womanizing. Rabin was a chain-smoker, and evidently an alcoholic too. Ezer Weizman revealed, that Rabin had suffered a collapse on the eve of the Six Day War and was temporarily relieved of his duties. Trump never touched the stuff. But he has touched a few women in his day. Whereas, Rabin seems to have been a faithful husband.

Leah Rabin and her husband certainly were like minded,“Sometimes I think, despite the fact that we are Jewish and the right is Jewish, that it would be easier to find a common language with Palestinians and Arabs,” she told an interviewer once. “Because we [the right and left in Israel] live on two different planets.” In contrast to her rebuke of the Israeli Right, after Rabin’s murder, she said she was moved by the condolences offered by PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat.

Imagine that, good “friend,” and terrorist mastermind Arafat?

And who can forget Rabin’s disgustingly coarse description, of victims of Palestinian suicide bombings, as “Korbanot L’Shalom” (sacrifices for peace), while Jews died, and the nation screamed out in pain.

“The Peace Process must go on at all costs,” could have been Rabin’s slogan.

Contrast that, with Trump’s response to the Nazi-like slaughter of 11 innocent American Jews in Pittsburgh attending Sabbath services, recently:

“I want to address the horrible shooting that took place earlier today. The hearts of all Americans are filled with grief following the monstrous killing of Jewish Americans at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You’ve all seen it, we’ve been watching it, It’s horrible...”

“This evil anti-Semitic attack is an assault on all of us. It’s an assault on humanity. It will require all of us working together to extract the hateful poison of anti-Semitism from our world. This was an anti-Semitic attack at its worst. The scourge of anti-Semitism cannot be ignored, cannot be tolerated, and it cannot be allowed to continue. We can’t allow it to continue. It must be confronted and condemned everywhere it rears its very ugly head.”

“We must stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters to defeat anti-Semitism and vanquish, the forces of hate, that’s what it is. Through the centuries, the Jews have endured terrible persecution, and you know that, we’ve all read it, we’ve studied it. They’ve gone through a lot and those seeking their destruction, we will seek their [the anti-Semites] destruction.”

“And when you have crimes like this, whether its this one or another one, on another group, we have to bring back the death penalty, they have to pay the ultimate price. They have to pay the ultimate price, they can’t do this. They can't do this to our country, we must draw a line in the sand, and say very strongly, never again. Tonight, everyone in this arena and every citizen across the land sends our prayers to the victims and their families. And we all do.”

Quite a contrast with Rabin’s “Korbanot L’Shalom,” after Jews suffered from murderous Palestinian anti-Semitism.

The Talmud, Yoma 22b, can provide a framework to understand what’s going on, R. Huna explained: “Saul sinned once and it brought calamity upon him [he lost his kingship], David sinned twice and it did not bring evil upon him. What was the one sin of Saul? The affair with Agag [not killing the Amalekite king after capturing him in war]. What were the two sins of David? The sin against Uriah and that of taking a census, counting the people to which he was enticed.”

Both of David’s sins were considered personal, and he kept his right to the kingship, while Saul’s one sin was of a national-political nature, and therefor he lost the right to rule.

Similarly, Trump’s name calling is of a personal-attack nature, so too his other indiscretions were personal.

But, with Rabin, the name calling was meant to delegitimize vast numbers, whole sectors of the Israeli population, so that he could carry out his ill-conceived political policies. And so too today, the Left’s annual “Guilt-In,” which is meant to cower and shut-up, those who disagree with their delusional “peace” policies.

And, let’s not forget the “Rabin Legacy.” After firing on the ship, the Altelana in 1948, Rabin, commanding soldiers on the shore, ordered the fledgling IDF to open-fire on defenseless Irgunists in the water, fleeing the sinking ship, killing many.

Much Jewish blood was on his hands...

While Trump has sworn to protect Americans, beefing-up America’s defense posture and pursuing an “America First” agenda; in contrast, Rabin helped establish a Palestinian beachhead on the Israeli body politic, a terrorist mini-state in our midst, that has led to thousands of deaths.

So, Trump like King David, has had personal failings, but that didn’t cause either of them to lose leadership. With all that could be said against Trump, at least he has tried to defend America from external enemies, and protect Americans, from internal enemies as well.

That couldn’t be said of the “Rabin Legacy.”

Rabin’s sins were of a national-political nature, issues of war, peace, and the land of Israel, just like that of King Saul, and so too, like Saul, he fell. 

Pity Yitzhak Rabin didn’t put “Israel First.”

Pity Yitzhak Rabin wasn’t Israel’s Trump!

Ariel Natan Pasko, an independent analyst and consultant, has a Master's Degree specializing in International Relations, Political Economy & Policy Analysis. His articles appear regularly on numerous news/views and think-tank websites and in newspapers. His latest articles can also be read on his archive: The Think Tank by Ariel Natan Pasko.
(c) 2018/5779 Pasko

Yitzhak Rabin was Israel’s Trump, Only Worse

Yep, its that time of year again, when almost half of Israel (the Left), accuse the other half of Israel (the Right), for killing former PM Yitzhak Rabin. This annual charade, this orchestrated political frenzy lasts about two weeks, due to the usual discrepancy between his Yahrtzeit (death date in the Hebrew calendar) and the day of his murder, Nov. 4th in the secular calendar.

 

The Left religiously bemoans every year, the loss of the “Peace Process,” and how the “Rabin Legacy” is disappearing. There might be some truth to that. According to a recent opinion poll from the Jewish People Policy Institute, only about 15 percent of Israeli Jews planned to attend memorial events dedicated to Rabin.

 

But what’s not disappearing so fast, is memory of his quick wit. Who can forget Rabin’s diatribe, “They can spin around and around like propellers...”

 

Or, Rabin calling suffering Israelis hiding in bomb shelters, “Crybabies,” because they complained about coming under Hezbollah rocket fire in northern Israel, and called on the Israeli government to put an end to the missile attacks.

 

Earlier in his career, Rabin called the nascent Samarian town of Kedumim “a bloated fart.” And said, “Gush Emunim [the religious Zionist settlement movement]...is comparable to a cancer in the tissue of Israel’s democratic society.”

Rabin regularly belittled Israelis who left the country for greener pastures. He would routinely call Israeli emigrants, “nefolet she nemushot” (the fallout of weaklings).

 

And who can forget his disgustingly coarse description, of victims of suicide bombings as, “Korbanot L’Shalom” (sacrifices for peace), while the nation bled, and screamed out in pain.

 

“The Peace Process must go on at all costs,” could have been his slogan.

 

Name-calling political opponents seems to be something, Rabin and Trump both have in common.

 

Then, there’s their pursuit of the delusionary “Peace Deal,” between Israelis and Palestinians.

 

What they don’t have in common is drinking, smoking, and womanizing. Rabin was a chain-smoker, and evidently an alcoholic too. Trump never touched the stuff. But he has touched a few women in his day. Whereas, Rabin seems to have been a faithful husband.

 

Leah Rabin and her husband certainly were like minded,“Sometimes I think, despite the fact that we are Jewish and the right is Jewish, that it would be easier to find a common language with Palestinians and Arabs,” she told an interviewer once. “Because we [the right and left in Israel] live on two different planets.” In contrast to her rebuke of the Israeli Right, after Rabin’s murder, she said she was moved by the condolences offered by PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat.

The Talmud, Yoma 22b, will shed some light, R. Huna explained: “Saul sinned once and it brought calamity upon him [he lost his kingship], David sinned twice and it did not bring evil upon him. What was the one sin of Saul? The affair with Agag [not killing the Amalekite king]. What were the two sins of David? The sin against Uriah and that of counting the people to which he was enticed.”
 

Both of David’s sins were considered personal, and he kept the kingship, while Saul’s one sin was of a national-political nature, and therefor he lost the right to rule.
 

Similarly, Trump’s name calling is of a personal-attack nature, so too his other indiscretions were personal.
 

But, with Rabin, the name-calling was meant to delegitimize vast numbers, whole sectors of the Israeli population, so that he could carry out his ill-conceived political policies.
 

And, let’s not forget the “Rabin Legacy.” After firing on the ship, the Altelana in 1948, Rabin, commanding soldiers on the shore, ordered the fledgling IDF to open-fire on defenseless Irgunists in the water, fleeing the sinking ship, killing many.
 

Much Jewish blood was on his hands...
 

While Trump has sworn to protect Americans, beefing-up America’s defense posture and pursuing an “America First” agenda; Rabin helped establish a Palestinian beachhead on the Israeli body politic, a terrorist mini-state in our midst, that has led to thousands of deaths.
 

So, Trump like King David, has had personal failings, but that didn’t cause them the loss of leadership. With all that could be said against Trump, at least he tries to defend America, and protect Americans, from external enemies.
 

That couldn’t be said of the “Rabin Legacy.” Rabin’s sins were of a national-political nature, just like King Saul, and so too, like Saul, he fell. 
 

Pity Yitzhak Rabin didn’t put “Israel First.”

 

Ariel Natan Pasko, an independent analyst and consultant, has a Master's Degree specializing in International Relations, Political Economy & Policy Analysis. His articles appear regularly on numerous news/views and think-tank websites and in newspapers. His latest articles can also be read on his archive: The Think Tank by Ariel Natan Pasko.

(c) 2018/5779 Pasko

Elder Aliyah to Israel, Like Abraham and Sarah

Over 30 years ago, as a young rabbinical student in Jerusalem recently graduated from college, I met some members of a Jewish Federation mission from America, in downtown Jerusalem. We began talking, one thing led to another, and I then told them one of my “pet” ideas of the time.

 

Not only did I tell these people on a Federation mission, but I also told others who came for the World Zionist Congress meeting and for the Jewish Agency meetings held later that summer. I was telling everyone in those days about my “idea”.

I pointed out that there were a lot of programs run by the Jewish Agency or funded by various ministries of the Israeli government, to encourage young people to come to Israel. What’s lacking, I said, was assistance from the organized Jewish community, to help finance these young people to get to Israel, or help for those who really fall in love with Israel, and decide to make aliyah (immigrate to Israel), with the aliyah process.

 

Now, three decades later, I am satisfied to see free programs like “Birthright Israel” helping young people get to Israel. And “Nefesh B’Nefesh,” which helps individuals and families, with financial aid, employment guidance and networking, information about housing, banks, schools, the army, etc., help to navigate the bureaucracy, making the aliyah process smoother.

 

Why do I tell you all this? As an introduction to my next “pet” idea.

 

While reading the Torah portion Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1), where God tells Avram (not yet renamed Avraham), to “Go from your land, from your relatives and father’s home, to the land I will show you,” which is the basis for the mitzvah – divine commandment – for Jews to live in the Land of Israel; I thought about this verse in today’s context. Its the Zionist mitzvah – aliyah – par excellence.

 

Yet, Avram and Sarai – later Avraham and Sarah – were not youngsters when they made aliyah. According to the Torah, they were 75 and 65 years old respectively.

 

So here is my new idea, based on G-d’s model: Develop programs like “Birthright Israel,” to send older people to Israel. Many baby boomers have never been there. Elders need to be encouraged to see Israel, make aliyah and “retire” there, to start the next stage of their lives, just as Abraham and Sarah did.

 

You could call it the “Abraham and Sarah Project.”

 

I say “retire,” but most older people today don’t really stop working, and sit around reminiscing about the good old days. With many people living into their 80s and 90s, these days retiring at 66 leaves at least 20 more good years of life. Since today’s retirees are in much better health for their age than used to be the case, they can still be productive contributors to society. Bring those people to Israel; they’re full of life experiences, skills, connections and yes for many, resources.

Unlike younger people just starting out in life, most older adults have worked for many years. They’ve raised families; many own homes, have investments, businesses and property. They won’t come to Israel as financial burdens, but as assets.

 

We should be encouraging our elders to “retire” to Israel, to start chapter two or three or four of their lives. Encourage them to volunteer. Encourage them to start businesses. Encourage them to act as consultants. Israeli businessmen need help getting into markets abroad. These people have a lifetime of connections. The weather is as good as in Florida or California, and it’s the Jewish state.

 

Most people in professional Zionist circles have always encouraged youth to make aliyah. The work was tough. Israel needed soldiers. It wasn't a place for sissies. It still isn’t, but most people don’t work in agriculture or backbreaking labor anymore.

Israel has a modern, developed economy, and the white-collar and entrepreneurial skills of Jews from America, Europe, Australia and South Africa fit nicely into that. Older people can make great contributions to Israel’s economy and to Israeli society.

It was always thought in professional Zionist circles that young people settling down in Israel would act as a magnet to attract their families. It was hoped that parents, brothers and sisters would follow and move there too.

 

I want to propose a new model of aliyah. Older people – grandparents – moving to Israel, pulling their kids and grandkids there.

Their grown children, who also have more wealth and resources than those just starting out in life, will come out for visits. Who doesn't fly across America to visit their elderly parents? They’ll send their kids on vacation to see Savta and Saba, or Bubby and Zaidie – their grandparents, only now the grandchildren will be taking a trip to Israel. Since people are living much longer these days, someone who “retires” out to Israel at 66, might just see their children “retire” out there as well.

 

This is the future. Jewish birthrates are at an all-time low, except in Israel. The aging Jewish populations of America and Europe are growing faster than the general population. While the potential pool of aliyah by young Jews in America and Europe is drying up, the numbers of Jewish retirees is growing.

The baby boom generation must be tapped for the next big wave of aliyah.

It makes sense to reach out to these people. When Grandma and Grandpa move to Israel, they'll be setting an example that will have lasting impact on the family.

Since grandparents tend to be the links to Jewish tradition, it will teach everyone in the family how important being Jewish and living in Israel are. If they open a new business, well, they'll be able to invite someone (their grandson or granddaughter?) from the “old country” to help run it. And although it's not pleasant to talk about, when they die, family members will want to go out to Israel to acquire their inheritances. How many will decide to move to Israel permanently when they already own factories, stores and real estate there?

With all the elderly moving to Israel, whole new industries will pop-up; remember, they're elderly with some money. Geriatric medicine will blossom (aging Israelis will benefit too); adult education will expand; new entertainment places will open. Why can't retirement communities be built, just as in Florida? They can be.

G-d would never have told Abraham to pick himself up and go to Israel if it wouldn't have been good for him. There is a Torah concept, “Ma’ase avot siman l’banim,” (the actions of our forefathers are guides to what we should do).

Rather than just encourage aliyah for the young, Israel and professional Zionists in the exile, must make a concerted effort to encourage aliyah for the elderly. It will be the renewal of their lives, and that will be good for them, and for the Jewish people.

Just as for Abraham and Sara, who started their lives anew, elder aliyah makes sense!

 

Ariel Natan Pasko, an independent analyst and consultant, has a Master's Degree specializing in International Relations, Political Economy & Policy Analysis. His articles appear regularly on numerous news/views and think-tank websites and in newspapers. His latest articles can also be read on his archive: The Think Tank by Ariel Natan Pasko.

(c) 2018/5779 Pasko

Hurricane Michael, US Passports, Trump, Jerusalem...the Flood is Coming!

 

Michael is the guardian angel of Israel/the Jewish People. Trump just declared no “Jerusalem, Israel” on US Passports, for American citizens born there. The G-d of Israel uses natural phenomena as his Rod of Judgment. This week’s Torah reading is Noah, the flood story.

 

Have you noticed this? I have, let’s explore each of these four statements…

 

1. Michael is the guardian angel of Israel/the Jewish People.

According to Jewish tradition, Michael acts as the advocate of Israel, and sometimes fights with the angels of other nations to protect the Jews, particularly with the angel Samael, Israel's accuser. Samael is the angel of death, and the title ‘The Satan’ is accorded to him. While ‘The Satan’ describes his function as an accuser, Samael is his proper name. Samael is the guardian angel of Esau and Edom. And, according to the medieval Rabbi, Don Isaac Abarbanel, by extension Rome, Christianity, and Western Civilization. While Samael tempts people to sin, Michael defends Israel's actions.

 

The rabbis of the Talmud and Midrash tell us about Michael’s role as defender. His activities can be seen with the biblical patriarchs. It was Michael who rescued Abraham from the furnace into which he had been thrown by Nimrod. It was Michael, the “one that had escaped” (Genesis 14:13), who told Abraham that Lot had been taken captive, and who protected Sarah from being defiled by Abimelech. Later, he announced to Sarah, that she would bear a son Isaac, and he rescued Lot at the destruction of Sodom.

 

Michael later prevented Isaac from being sacrificed by his father, substituting a ram in his place, and saved Jacob, while yet in his mother's womb, from being killed by Samael, Esau’s angel. Michael prevented Laban from harming Jacob.

 

The midrash says that Michael defended Israel at the time of the Exodus, when The Satan (as an adversary) accused the Israelites of idolatry, pointing out to G-d, that there is no difference between them and the idol-worshiping Egyptians, about to be drowned in the Red Sea. Michael is also said to have destroyed the army of Sennacherib from Assyria.

 

Jewish tradition claims that Michael was first sent by G-d to bring Nebuchadnezzar against Jerusalem, but that afterward, Michael worked to free the Jews from Babylonian captivity. According to the midrash, Michael saved Hananiah and his companions from the Fiery furnace. Michael was active in the time of Esther, “The more Haman accused Israel on earth, the more Michael defended Israel in heaven,” (Esther Rabbah 3:8). And, it was Michael, who reminded Ahasuerus, that Mordechai had saved him. Michael’s activities, have continued to be discussed throughout the medieval and modern periods, and in kabbalistic literature.

 

And, now a hurricane called Michael hit America. America, draw the proper conclusions. The Promised Land and especially Jerusalem, is exclusively for the Jewish People.

 

2. Trump just declared no ‘Jerusalem, Israel’ on US Passports, for American citizens born there.

Despite the United States recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last December, and moving it’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May, American citizens born in Jerusalem, are still unable to list ‘Jerusalem, Israel’ on US passports.

 

In September, 55 House Republicans, sent a letter to President Trump, calling on him to order the State Department to list Israel on US passports, as the birth country, for American citizens born in Jerusalem. The letter stated,“Despite the progress in moving the embassy, the State Department has not yet fully implemented the administration’s policy of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital for purposes of registration of birth, certification of nationality, or issuance of a passport of a United States citizen born in the city of Jerusalem.”

 

In response, a State Department spokesperson explained, “The president has made clear that the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem remain subject to final-status negotiations between the [Israelis and the Palestinians]. We have not changed our practice regarding place of birth on passports or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad at this time.”

 

Although Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, he has the authority to not have ‘Jerusalem, Israel’ listed on US passports. According to constitutional scholar Ilya Shapiro, in Zivotofsky v. Kerry, the Supreme Court ruled that only the president has the power to recognize foreign entities in accordance with the US Constitution’s Reception Clause. “Zivotofsky ruled in favor of the executive; he was not required to comply with the Federal law. Trump, like Obama, can decline to stamp ‘Israel’ on the passport of a citizen born in Jerusalem.”

 

John Sitilides, a Washington-based geopolitical strategist, proposed that Trump may be withholding putting ‘Jerusalem, Israel’ on passports, due to his much-anticipated Mideast peace plan. “President Trump has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, but is now emphasizing his support for a two-state solution, and is withholding on the passport issue to maximize US leverage as his diplomatic negotiating team finalizes its proposals. He has publicly stated that Israel must be more flexible now that Jerusalem has been recognized.”

 

But, I already warned about that in a Dec. 2017 article, Palestinians, Beware Jewish Days of Rage, Hanukkah is Coming to Israel! reviewing Trump’s speech, in which he recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Notice carefuly, Trump during his speech didn’t say ‘undivided capital.’ Trump continued, “We are not taking a position on...specific boundaries of the Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem...Those questions are up to the parties involved.” So let’s just be clear. This ‘recognition’ doesn’t preclude the re-division of Jerusalem into the capitals of Israel and a Palestinian state.

 

Trump also said, “Jerusalem is today, and must remain, a place where Jews pray at the Western Wall, where Christians walk the Stations of the Cross, and where Muslims worship at Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

 

Hence, preserving the status quo of the Old City and Temple Mount. A status quo that denigrates Jewish Rights.

 

Then, during his recent UN press conference, Trump said, “Well I'd love to be able to make a deal with the Israelis and the Palestinians. You know, my whole life I was told that's the toughest deal...but we're going to take care of that too...I think we're going to make a deal...”

Trump continued, “...one of the reporters asked about the one state two state, and I said I think the two state will happen, I think it's way more difficult because it's a real estate deal, because you need meets and bounds and you need lots of carve outs and lots of everything...I said well, I think the two state will happen, I think we're going to go down the two state road...”

So it’s pretty clear to Trump, Jerusalem is still on the cutting board, not exclusively for Israeli hands.

3. The G-d of Israel uses natural phenomena as his Rod of Judgment.

I described this in my Aug. 2017 article, Hurricane Katrina, Harvey, and the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. “In fact, the G-d of Israel has been doing this [‘natural’ disasters], since the beginning of the Peace Process. In March 1991, after the first Gulf War, President George H. W. Bush pushed Israel into attending the Madrid Peace Conference. Later that year, at the same time as the conference, Hurricane ‘Perfect Storm’ attacked the East Coast of the United States. Bush, staying at his vacation home in Kennebunkport, Maine at the time, had to be evacuated. His house was damaged.”

 

In my September 2005 article, Israel to America, I Warned You... I wrote, “Well, it’s begun; less than a week after the Israeli army expelled thousands of Jews from their homes in Gaza and Northern Samaria, uprooting 25 communities, American troops were evacuating people from their homes in Louisiana and Mississippi. The greatest ‘natural’ disaster has happened in American history. The Hand of G-d is written all over this one.”

 

Many in Israel and America, Jews and non-Jews at the time, saw “G-d’s Hand” in the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

 

I explained why G-d did this, in my earlier June 2005 article, Israel, Tell America the cold, hard truth warning there, “America, your country is in danger. The G-d of Israel, who has brought His people (the Jews) home after 2,000 years, is watching your every move. Stop pushing Israel into suicidal concessions (giving away parts of its homeland to a non-existent group, the so-called Palestinians), before it’s too late, and your fate is sealed.”

 

As I said then, “The redemption of the Jewish People and their return to the Holy Land (Israel) is an unstoppable divine process...the ‘Palestinians’ won’t stop it, the Europeans won’t stop it, and America won’t stop it. If America continues to promote the ‘rights of the Palestinians’ (what the Bible calls ‘a non-people’ Deut. 32:21), know that you are going against the G-d of History and Jewish destiny, beware!”

I concluded in my Aug. 2017 article, Hurricane Katrina, Harvey, and the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. “Just like when George Bush and Condi Rice worked to promote the expulsion of about 10,000 Gazan and Samarian Jews from their homes, destroying whole communities in the process, in 2005, to curry Arab favor (to gain support for America’s war efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq); the Trump administration is continuing to work, to sacrifice Israel, on the Altar of ‘Middle East Peace,’ to gain support of a Sunni coalition of states against Shiite Iran.”

 

I believe this plan continues, note what Trump said in his recent UN press conference:

“When we had – in Saudi Arabia, we had one of the great conferences in history...we had, I believe 58 Muslim countries – their leaders, the kings, the Emirs, the absolute leaders from every – there was nobody in second place, they were the leaders of the whole thing.”

"And unbeknownst to anybody else people would...come up to me and say, “sir, you can’t have peace in the Middle East without peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians...So I heard that from...the King of Saudi Arabia whose a great guy...I know where they’re coming from.”

 

He continued, “I must have had 12 leaders say it...I started to realize that peace between Israel and the Palestinians for the Middle East is a very important thing and we’re trying very hard to get it. I think probably two state[s] is more likely, but you know, if they do a single, if they do a double, I’m OK with it if they’re both happy. If they’re both happy, I’m OK with either. I think the two state is more likely...”

 

4. This week’s Torah reading is Noah, the flood story.

And all this, (the floods and damage from Hurricane Michael and Trump’s holding back full normalization of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, in State Dept. policy) comes during the week of learning about Noah and the Flood in the weekly Torah reading.

 

Interestingly, the American scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce, that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere is called NOAA (Noah) – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – which had been reporting on the progress of Hurricane Michael.

Notice the parallel, NOAA/Noah, observing the flood brought on by G-d. The Torah describes the evil behavior of Noah’s generation, which is said to be according to tradition, stealing such small amounts that no one could be prosecuted, i.e. ongoing injustice.

 

And, in this generation, BDS, the UN, the ‘Palestinians,’ and yes, the Trump Peace Plan, are all unjust attempts to steal the Land of Israel and in particular Jerusalem, from the Jewish People.

 

But wait, America always helps Israel...

 

Since George H. W. Bush, American policy has been slowly moving to reverse the miraculous outcome of the 1967 Six-Day War. Potentially ripping away parts of the Land of Israel from the Jewish People, and dividing Jerusalem in half; Trump’s election has also led to the ripping in half of American society itself. Democrats and Republicans are guilty in both. Now another hurricane. It’s not surprising that the G-d of Israel is angry, and bringing warnings of disaster to America…

 

Ariel Natan Pasko, an independent analyst and consultant, has a Master's Degree specializing in International Relations, Political Economy & Policy Analysis. His articles appear regularly on numerous news/views and think-tank websites and in newspapers. His latest articles can also be read on his archive: The Think Tank by Ariel Natan Pasko.

(c) 2018/5779 Pasko

Reality Check: Palestinian-Israeli Coexistence is a Big Lie

The Barkan Industrial Zone massacre, is just days old, and already the moral watchdogs of the Peace Process are wringing their hands, mourning it’s possible demise. “We shall not allow abominable terrorists to harm coexistence,” is the rallying cry.

President Reuven Rivlin addressing the attack said, “I’m appalled and distressed by the horrible terror attack carried out in the Barkan industrial area...This was an attack against the idea of Israelis and Palestinians coexisting, and living peacefully side by side. I call upon the Palestinian leadership to condemn this despicable terror attack...”

Against coexistence? I thought it was an attack against Jews?

Then Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, comparing the attack to the one at the Gush Etzion junction last month, said, “its unfortunate and disappointing to see a terrorist – for the second time in a short period – do damage to prosperous areas of coexistence such as the Barkan Industrial Zone and the shopping mall in Gush Etzion where Ari Fuld was murdered...The appropriate response to the murderous attack in Barkan is to continue to strengthen the joint industrial zones. We shall not allow abominable terrorists to harm coexistence.”

This is how Yedioth Ahronoth, one of Israel’s leading papers, reported, “Over 30,000 Palestinians from the West Bank have work permits for the different industrial zones in the territories or for the Israeli communities. To this day, only a few—less than ten—took advantage of the situation to carry out terror attacks (among them was the attack last month in Gush Etzion), so Israel's policy of differentiating between terrorists and the uninvolved population has proven itself, and that is also why the IDF did not impose a closure on the terrorist's village. Despite the grave attack, the IDF will seek to maintain this policy and the coexistence in the industrial zones, which aids both the Palestinian and Israeli economy.”

An example of how Israeli media obfuscates the Israeli public. Five or ten murderous attacks on Jews is five or ten too many...

While describing the IDF search for the murderer, IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Ronen Manelis said that the terrorist had a work permit, yet he managed to enter the factory with a rifle, and that needs to be investigated. “The industrial area is a zone of coexistence where Palestinians with work permits are employed alongside Israelis. We’ll review this incident and decide how to proceed from here. Nevertheless, preserving the coexistence is one of the army’s missions,” the IDF Spokesperson went on to say.

Even settler leaders are on the “coexistence” bandwagon.

After the attack, Yossi Dagan, head of the Samarian Regional Council said, “This is a serious incident in an area which symbolizes a bridge of coexistence in the West Bank. More than 8,000 employees work in the Barkan industrial area, with half of them being Jewish and half residents of the Palestinian Authority.”

Notice the emphasis is on how “coexistence” is under threat, as endangered, as the Jews themselves...

Yet a poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR), in September 2018, asked Palestinians to choose between the two-state solution, the one-state solution, or any other third solution, 53% preferred the two-state solution, 24% preferred the one-state solution, and 14% preferred some other solution.

By a 2 to 1 margin, Palestinians want a separate state rather than live with Israelis.

When asked their preferred way out of the current status quo, to “reaching a peace agreement with Israel,” only a very small minority of 14% prefer to keep the status quo.

Clearly smashing the myth of Palestinian support for coexistence...

And, a Jerusalem Media and Communication Center survey, at the end of June 2018, found that more than 61% of Palestinians said they opposed the Oslo Accords (up from 48.3% in March, 2013).

And, that opposition always translates into support for terrorism.

The PSR study also found a large majority, 54% support “resistance” (33% armed attacks and 21% non-violent resistance), to only 39% who think that negotiation is the most effective means of establishing a Palestinian state next to the state of Israel.

Important to note, a Pew poll (Sept. 2013) of global attitudes, surveying the Muslim populations in 11
countries/territories, the only majority to support suicide bombings was found in the West Bank and Gaza. 62% of Palestinian Muslims believe that suicide bombings were often or sometimes justified (37% often, 25% sometimes). Almost double the next closest country, Lebanon with 33% support for suicide bombings.

And, even a Feb. 2014, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Summary, wrote themselves: “The demonization of Jews and Israelis, including by the use of antisemitic motifs; the hatred generated by this incitement is a precursor to violence and terrorism, which relies in part on the dehumanization of the target. The denial of Israel's existence and its delegitimization in any borders, in part by denying the existence of a Jewish people and its historic, religious and cultural ties to the land of Israel...encourages violence and harms prospects for peace, as a true resolution of the conflict is not possible until the Palestinians are willing to recognize Israel as the national homeland of the Jewish people.”

Nothing has changed since then. We’re all familiar with Palestinian Authority incitement, and payments to terrorists or their families. So, where exactly is the “coexistence”?

Sarah Vettori, an employee of the Alon factory, who was moderately wounded in the shooting attack, said, “I’ve worked with Arabs for many years, and I'm not afraid. Unfortunately this is not the first and not the last time something like this happens...Obviously, I'll go back to work as usual, I do not think everyone is bad…it’s just the nature of the situation we have in our country. I don’t think it will shake the coexistence we have there…We will all work together and everything will be fine…This is what I am hoping for,” she concluded.

Hope is not a strategy!

Assaf, the manager of the Alon factory, said that he is in charge of 75 Palestinian workers, with whom, he claims, he has a good relationship. “I believe in coexistence, but one [attack] destroys everything.”

It seems many in Israel are mesmerized with the idea of “coexistence” even if it is only one-sided. Only Jews seem to dream of it. In contrast to the Jews fawning for coexistence:

The Hamas terror organization welcomed the terror attack, “The Barkan shooting is a new chapter in our resistance in the West Bank...The incident has proven that the attempts of the Palestinian Authority to normalize relations with the Zionist occupier are unsuccessful...The Palestinian youth want confrontation.”

Daoud Shehab, an Islamic Jihad spokesman, described the shooting attack as reply to “Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, Jerusalem, the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar and the damage Israel causes to the al-Aqsa mosque...We call on our people to rise up against the settlements terror until the West Bank is free from it.”

At least Hamas and Islamic Jihad are openly honest. Is anybody listening?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Ashraf Na’alwa, who carried out the Barkan attack, will receive payments from the PA. “The Palestinian terrorist who murdered Kim Levengrond Yehezkel & Ziv Hajbi will be paid a monthly salary for life by the PA, thus incentivizing more murderous terrorism against Israelis.”

So, Fatah and the PA are obviously against “coexistence” too...

But there are some sane voices out there. Education Minister Naftali Bennett stated: “While Israel endures terrible sadness, Hamas is handing out candies and Abbas is looking after salaries. We must stop this celebration. The State of Israel is obliged to ensure the security of its citizens. We must restore the deterrence.”

And, Minister Yuval Steinitz, responded to the attack in Barkan by saying, “This is another deadly terrorist attack...the basic reason is clear: The anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli education from kindergarten [on] for hatred against Jews, against Israelis – from kindergarten in the Palestinian Authority – at the end of the day, Abu Mazen is to be blamed, because these are the messages of his education system for kids when they are 1, 2, 3 years old.”

When one side dreams of peace and coexistence and the other side doesn’t, that’s a prescription for Asymmetrical Warfare, that’s a prescription for disaster. It lulls the Israeli public into a state of defenselessness.

Israel needs a Reality Check. Palestinian-Israeli Coexistence is a Big Lie!

Ariel Natan Pasko, an independent analyst and consultant, has a Master's Degree specializing in International Relations, Political Economy & Policy Analysis. His articles appear regularly on numerous news/views and think-tank websites and in newspapers. His latest articles can also be read on his archive: The Think Tank by Ariel Natan Pasko.
(c) 2018/5779 Pasko