An old high school friend, who’s taken great exception to a couple of my most recent Jerusalem Post columns, has been telling me of late on my Facebook page how out of touch with American Jewry I am. He let loose again today. Here’s what he had to say:
Hey Danny….yet again a misguided Israeli political and military mission with regard to Gaza that American Jewry will be asked to stand by and support. All over the news Israel will be referred to as “the Jewish State” as worldwide condemnation will pour in. As a Jew I will be on the defensive despite the fact that I have no vote and no say in whatever the politicians in Israel decide. Again, you will no doubt ask for solidarity by Jewish folk worldwide and we will answer for Israeli decision-making. I love Israel as my religious base, but the policies do not reflect my peace loving values. I support Israel with bonds and donations and visits, but the thriving American Jewish experience is independent of it.
OK, there’s a lot there, and most of it I won’t respond to now. But this is one of those moments when I don’t think we have the luxury of writing a column over days, printing it out and editing it, sleeping on it and editing it again. Too much is happening, and people are too hurting and too confused for something not to be said.
To be sure, there’s much more that we don’t know than we do. We’ll learn a lot in the days and weeks to come. But we do know that this was a tragic day and an excruciatingly painful one in Israel. At the fruit market, and at the dry cleaners, I asked people working there how they were, and all I got was a sigh. And then, Yom kasheh. A tough day. They’re going to eat us alive.
They will, indeed, eat us alive. It’s taken a full day for the Israeli government to say anything coherent at all, riots are breaking out in Israeli Arab towns, Israelis in Istanbul have been warned by the Foreign Ministry not to leave their hotel rooms, and the international community is raining down condemnation.
But I jump to conclusions very different than those of my high school friend, and I responded to him in language very close to this:
David, we couldn’t disagree more strongly. Israel’s actions were “misguided”? Let’s take that first. Were there tragic outcomes? Obviously. But “misguided”? Gaza is under the malicious and cynical rule of a terror organization sworn on Israel’s destruction, that is holding an Israeli soldier captive in contravention of all international treaties, and that oppresses its own population while even Palestinian witnesses there acknowledge that there is no food shortage. Given Hamas’ military objectives, Israel would be crazy not to check what’s going in. But Israel had already pledged to pass on any humanitarian goods after they were inspected, and told the boats the same thing. So, no, I don’t think that the idea of stopping the boats was misguided.
What we know is that on five of the ships, the commandos (among them friends of our kids, by the way) boarded the boats, and there was no resistance and no fighting.
On one boat, however, the first soldiers to land on the boat were attacked with metal rods and knives. There’s video of it. It’s playing all over Israeli and all over the internet. In some cases, soldiers’ weapons were stolen and used against them. One was stabbed, apparently in the abdomen. Another was tossed from a desk and trampled when he landed. There were a handful of commandos there, and 600 “peace activists. On Israeli news tonight, the soldiers on helicopters taking them to the hospital were interviewed. They descended the ropes, they said, planning to talk the “activists” into going to Ashdod. Their weapons were not in their hands, but strapped to their backs. “We went into war,” one in his 30′s said bitterly tonight, “and all we had were toys.” They were beaten, trampled, shot (yes, there were bullet injuries) but only after forty minutes of combat did they resort to live five. They were going to get lynched if they didn’t fight back, they said.
Was I there? No. Do I know what really happened? No. But do I trust these kids and their officers? Yes, I do.
As for “peace activists,” David, how much do you know about the IHH? It’s a terror support group, supported by Turkey (among others) and it was ent to provoke. If they just wanted the goods to get to Gaza, they could have agreed to transfer them to an Israeli ship, or to unload them in Ashdod, as the Navy personnel asked them to. But they didn’t want that. They just wanted to break the blockade. Why? For food? Even a few Palestinian journalists with some guts are reporting that there’s no humanitarian food crisis in Gaza. No, it wasn’t about food. They want the blockade broken so that after that, non-humanitarian items (read weapons) could brought in. Why should Israel allow that? So that they can be better armed the next time we have to send our kids into Gaza?
As for “being on the defensive,” you will be on the defensive only because you totally don’t get it. For if you did get it, you wouldn’t feel that way. There’s only one country anywhere on the planet about which there’s a conversation about whether it has a right to exist. Do you ever think about why that is? What, the fate of the Palestinians is worse than that of aborigines in Australia? Or people in the Congo, or Rwanda? Why all the attention on Israel? Do you really not get it? You think that New Zealand just coincidentally decided this week to make kosher slaughtering illegal? You think it’s really about humanitarian commitments? Come on.
No, David, you really don’t have to defend Israel. No one’s asking you to. We know that it’s too late to expect many Americans like you to assume we’re right before you assume we’re wrong. As we look out at Jews across the world, we’re just assessing who gets Jewish history, and who’s so thoroughly intellectually assimilated that they’re actually embarrassed that that Jews don’t have to continue to be victims. I’m horrified by what happened on the ship, and I’ll be shocked if after all is in, we find that Israel made no mistakes. (This was pretty clearly an intelligence failure, at the very minimum, sending those soldiers into something for which they had not at all been prepared or armed.) But if that had been my kid on the ship, and he’d gone in to prevent the blockade from being broken, but had no intention of fighting, and had then been attacked, I’d want him to defend himself. No matter what. I’d want him to come home whole, because that’s part of the new Jewish reality that this country is supposed to make possible.
The loss of life is tragic. So are the injuries to soldiers, including serious head wounds. But most tragic of all is that the world is so willing to be blinded to what’s really going on here.
At the end of this excruciating day in Israel, at least given what I know at this moment, I’m saddened but not apologetic. I’m not surprised by most of the world’s reactions. But I haven’t lost sight of who provoked this, and why they did that. But you’re a very smart guy. Why have you?
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Dr. Daniel Gordis is Senior Vice President of the Shalem Center, where he is also a senior fellow. The author of numerous books on Jewish thought and currents in Israel...
The Jewish State must end, say its enemies, from intellectuals like Tony Judt to hate-filled demagogues like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Even average Israelis are wondering if they wouldn't be better off somewhere else. 
By the way, most of the passangers were peace activist thats why they r back at theire countries not harmed in any way.
Dear Dr. Gordis,
What you say is 137% correct. Any person who does not support Israel is a criminal. But Jews who do not support Israel are monstrous criminals. They want to distance themselves from the problems of the Jewish survival, but they cannot: they will be the first to suffer if—God forbid—something happens to Israel. On no-one will have pity for them.
I. Mel’cuk, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Robert F, you apparently haven’t watched the clips where these amusing implements were used. I am purdy sure that if you were in a situation similar to one on the boat, you wouldn’t be that amused. Bats, knives, metal rods, yes, they are weapons, compared to paintball guns. Plus the handguns taken form injured soldiers. Weapons too.
To those with sympathy for the flotilla terrorists:
http://www.rishon-rishon.com/archives/044412.php
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Kol mi shena`asa rahaman bimqom akhzari
Sof shena`asa akhzari bimqom rahaman
All who are made to be compassionate in the place of the cruel
In the end are made to be cruel in the place of the compassionate
Qohelet Raba, 7:16
I believe that, by the time the truth comes out, it will “no longer be newsworthy” and will be ignored by the media – who are not ignoring the opportunity to take shots at Israel. The truth, regardless of its nature, won’t make it on the evening news – in the United States, or anywhere but Israel. So, while I’m certain that Israel made some mistakes, I’m also certain that innocent people with strictly humanitarian motives don’t attack soldiers.
To me it was a no brainer…. I am aghast at the world’s response.
I am ashamed of the UN, the world, and not to mention Obama….
I do think that this was a setup planned with the expected result…. Why are people so blind to this?
Nie Wieder ron
Several readers here lamented the news media referring to Israel as “Jewish State”.
They need to face the reality: Israel was established as a Jewish State. The state for the Jewish people. Other than that, there was absolutely no need for any Israel.
The very word Jews is derived from Latin (Roman)word Jude which is derived from Judea, the country of Jews. So Jews are Judeans. The people of Judea, just like Chinese are the people of China and Germans are from Germany.
So those American Jews who object to being associated with Israel, are traitors of their own people. They think that the Jewish religion can be divorced from the Land of Israel, however Judaism is a nationalistic religion. It stressed the importance of the Land of Israel and Jerusalem for Jews. Virtually all Jewish holidays are nationalistic just like the 4th of July:
Defeating Egyptians and escaping from the slavery, defeating Hamman and saving Jews, defeating the Seleucid Greeks and assimilated Jews (Hanuka), etc.
The Jews who don’t support Israel are traitors of their people. They betray the dream of their ancestors who for 2000 years have been praying for restoration of the Jewish State!
The self-hating, self-denying, anti-Israeli Jews, would do a great service to the Jewish people by converting to some other religion.
Your friend probably would have opposed Warsaw Ghetto uprising. At least they should not call it a Jewish ghetto. Ho would condemn the Jews who were killing “innocent” Germans.
The psychology behind this condemnation is very simple, if he acknowledges that Israel is fighting for its very survival against barbarous and genocidal neighbors, he would feel guilty about sitting comfortably on his hands while his people are facing the existential threat. Going to Israel and fight the barbarians is scary, but even standing up against the tide of leftist-Islamic antisemitic alliance is scary. It is safer to join the haters of Israel.
ummm – sticks and jackknives?!?! Robert F?…what the F?!
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Behind+the+Headlines/Seizure_Gaza_flotilla_31-May-2010.htm#premeditated
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Israel_Navy_warns_flotilla_31-May-2010.htm
And here’s another gem; rioters actually PREPARING their weapons and improvising others in preparation for the soldiers arrival;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZlSSaPT_OU
Re: Robert F. on weapons cache:
The YouTube video presented a more complete picture of what weapons were seized and it left no doubt as to the peaceful intentions of the folks on the ship.
I’m sure the jar of liquid with the road flair stuck in it was to there so someone could catch up on his reading if the light was bad.
The collection of metal bars and pipes was undoubtedly so arts-and-crafts types could make wind chimes during those boring stretches at sea.
Looking at the large pile of wooden clubs and bats in the photo, I can’t help thinking that, in the unfortunate event that someone attacks me with heavy pole, I sure hope I have my paintball gun on me!
I realize the world is yin and yang now. The US voters are deeply divided over political issues now and animosity runs high between the two sides, moreso than I’ve seen on my 60+ years on this earth.
But what’s been going on with Israel defies logic to me. The left goes after Israel for reasons, at least in their own minds, that are not due to anti-Semitism, yet give Palestinians almost a free pass despite their decades of hatred to the Jewish nation.
Much media react with a swift, reflexive diatribe against Israel. These are the same people who have nothing to say regarding N. Korea’s deliberate sinking of a S. Korean ship. Where’s the outrage? Who’s out stirring up votes at the UN for this horror? Where were these folks when Hamas lobbed thousands of rockets into Israel? As far as I’m concerned, they have no voice now.
Thanks for your wonderful article.
I find it disconcerting to read any evil attacking remarks or feeling against Israel for reacting to the aid ships for Gaza. Can we simply believe the Arabs are just getting needed humanitarian aid. Based on there solid track record of terrorism which continues on daily basis against and continual Arab doubletalk and spewing hatred and threats against Israel and the US and the recent terror attacks on American soil. Israel has every right to be concerned and sending a flotilla of boats carrying military personnel to inspect everything on board ship from ship sailors to civilians to all aid and equipment. Let us not forget or look the otherway to the way the Arabs solve their issues thru decent lying murdering and saying and feeling it is their religious right.
From what I understand they were not supposed to be in the area. What were they doing there?
Here is an American who will always stand with Israel. That’s all I have to say.
The world is ready to condemn Israel before knowing anything about any event. Israel has a right to make sure that more weapons are not channeled into Gaza. The scariest part of this whole scenario is the fact that Europe doesn’t give Israel a chance and, for a change, Obama is vacillating. His (Obama’s) greatest accomplishmnent so far has been to weaaken the Israel-America relationship. As American Jews we really are in a difficult position; I feel like I am banging my head against the wall.
June 2
Here is a Canadian, non-Jewish, who will ALWAYS stand with Israel. My heart aches over the insanity of the media and the bigotry of my nation. G-d be merciful to the Jewish people and may He protect that precious Jewish nation He has called the apple of His eye. G-d said to Abraham that He would bless those who bless him and his seed and curse those who curse him and his seed. According to these scriptures, the nations stand condemned already! In that light, let’s not be surprised at the mayhem North America is experiencing these days.
Hey Daniel,
Tell David he does NOT speak for all of American Jewry.
I am a single mother, a returning Jew (thanks to my ancestors) and an American Jew.
I get criticism from all sides: people who are critical of single moms, people who don’t like women, arabs who don’t like americans or jews, mexicans who don’t like whites, jews who don’t like or are suspicious of converts/returners, messianic jews who are angry with me for leaving christianity, my own dad who thinks I’m going straight to hell regarding Jesus, missionaries of all sectors of christianity, conspiracy theorists who still believe that Jews control everything, fanatics who think I’m lilith, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
You know what? I don’t give a shit. I am a sabra at heart. Every time I hear about something like this, I wish I had the money to make aliyah right now. I’m 42 years old, but I would love to put on some buckskin and grab a rifle – which is probably the Cherokee in me. (Interestingly enough, their name for God is Yah.)
I am an American Jewess with both Sephardic and Ashkenazic roots, and I proudly support and defend Israel. Add 4 more, my kids, and you have an entire basketball team in support of Israel. I am absolutely sure I am NOT the only one over here who feels this way.
P.S. To those who would call me a bitch, I thank you. Sometimes it takes a bitch.
One more thing, my friends:
Kee Emmanu El!
Worrisome is the minimal to non-existent articulated response from the organized American Jewish “establishments.” Today, at Carnegie-Mellon Univ. in Pittsburgh, a group with posters saying “Support Israel” stood while Pres. Obama spoke on the campus. Not one of them was Jewish. (they were middle-aged “tea party-ers.” Two blocks away was the Hillel building. Not a student appeared in support of Israel. One mile away was the United Jewish Federation Bldg. and the Jewish Community Center. They evidently couldn’t find a soul to stand up visibly for Israel either. Synagogues used to flaunt “Save Darfur” banners. They’re gone, but nothing says “Support Israel.” What have we learned from our history?
@Rabbi Leonard Levin:
Thank you for bringing us back to fundamental Torah values.
A little later in BavaMetzia 59b, it is written: “What is the meaning of the verse, Thou shalt neither wrong a stranger, nor oppress him; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt? It has been taught: R. Nathan said: Do not taunt your neighbour with the blemish you yourself have.”
I AM A PROUD SOUTH AFRICAN JEW AND I SUPPORT YOU ,AND ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO DEFEND ISRAEL AND ALL ITS PEOPLES.WHY DONT THESE SO CALLED HUMANATERIANS HELP,ZIMBABWE,RUANDA,SOMALIA,AND OTHER MUSLIMS WHO ARE SUFFERING UNDER DICTATORSHIPS IMPOSED BY FELLOW MUSLIMS IN AFRICA?
A lesson of the 20th century has been lost on too many American Jews. The lesson: Pacificism in the face of terrorism is immoral. Never Again ! ! !
There is one issue that noone seems to address: Yes, all the Jews, wherever they live, are part of the fate of the State of Israel. Yes, there never will be a comprehensive peace because a radical few in the Arab and Muslim countries don’t want peace.
BUT: No military safety can be achieved by periodic incursions into neighbouring areas. It is a lesson we had to learn in Lebanon and in Gaza. After every war the arms flooded back into the area, as they do now to Hisbollah and to Hamas.
Israel should not blockade Gaza or Lebanon, let them buy and import all the arms they want, with a little luck they will use them on each other, as they have done so many times. We live in an age where Iran, Syria and all other of those around us who wish to do so can fire missiles into Israel which are a hundred times as deadly as those Kassem rockets. We should return the West Bank to the Arabs, all of it, let them cut each other’s throats, as they have done time and again. We don’t need those territories, not for defense reasons, they harm our morale because occupation is against the jewish spirit. And, don’t forget, historically the Kingdoms of Yehudah and of Israel were never ethnically clean, there was always a population of 20 to 30% of Philistines, Nabateans and others. We don’t need those settlements, Yehudah and Shomron today are not ours but theirs, we got instead Akkad, which in former times was rarely controlled by the Hebrews. Give them a part of OLd Jerusalem, I’d rather have the Kotel and Har Hazeitym, and let them have their capital and their state, whether it is peaceful or not, we will defend ourselves, because then again our boys will be motivated and will not have to police occupied territories.
We need to achieve unity, we already lost our home once because there was no Akhdut.
The real SHAME is on all those Jews who are so willingly anti Israel : a Third Column within Eretz borders and abroad. Shame on all those Jews and WHY don’t they live within Gaza or even on the West bank ? Good riddance I say. Ayee MdC
No matter how Israel reacts, pro-actively or re-actively, the rest of the world will condemn them. This incident is another way for the terrorists to use the media to turn Israel into the bad guy.
I am really perplexed on how staged the incident was and the world response to it. Who would actually film the thing if they were just peacekeepers. And yet there are more then 1 video and seems like the world is a tuned to just one side- how come only one video is seen in the US and another is seen by Israel? I am uncertain why the populations of the world should pass judgement on a sovereign nation. Did the world say the embargo around Cuba was a bad thing? SO why do they think that they have any business butting in to another countries business.
My question is to all countries statesmen, ” If your country was bombarded with rockets and terror(suicide bombers) on a daily basis, how would you respond?” How would you protect your people?
I would love to hear what you have to say!
189 out of 189 countries have condemned Israel. Not a single one had the guts to stand up for her in case they might be seen to have broken ranks. They can’t seem to understand that in the end they will pay for this lilley-livered stance with their own blood and that of their citizens. The sheer dishonesty of it all just boggles the mind. I hate to play the anti-semitism card but when you consider the continual negativity against Israel their has to be something more than just a universal love and sympathy for the Palestinian cause. The fact is, the true feeling of the world towards Jews is decidely negative and Israel is simply far too successful for general acceptance. We are only tolerated if we are victims – but now that we are no longer cast in that mould can only be, by extension, the villains. That’s the logic behind it all.
WE CAN NEVER DISSUADE THE ARABS FROM THEIR COURSE OF ACTIONS, EVEN IF WE WIN BATTLE AFTER BATTLE.
WE MUST THINK OF A WAY TO HAVE THEM SAVE FACE WHILE ACCPETING US.EVEN IF WE HAVE TO OFFER ALMS.
MORT GOODKI
Following is a Letter to the Editor that I sent to major newspapers earlier this morning:
To the Editor:
It’s really a shame that the story being told by the world’s media regarding the Israeli boarding of the Turkish vessel on it’s way to Gaza is one-sided and factually wrong. The Israeli embargo of ships entering Gaza has been an ongoing process. The vessels arriving were told ahead of time that they were violating the embargo and they needed to turn back or be inspected for contraband (basically weapons). Israel has, over the course of the embargo, inspected other ships and allowed true humanitarian goods to be delivered. In fact, Israel has taken the materials and delivered the humanitarian goods directly to the Gaza authorities.
The boarding of the Turkish ship by the Israeli commandos was the direct result of the ship breaking the embargo and refusing to turn back or be inspected. The Israelis, rightfully so, took appropriate measures to insure that the ship did not contain arms or other contraband. No deadly force was used until the ship crew attacked the troops. The question I need to have answered is not whether the Israeli actions were appropriate but whether or not the intent of the Turkish boat was specifically to provoke an international incident?
Wholeheartedly, I support Israel in her efforts to defend herself. Israel is sovereign and has every God-given right to defend her people. Which by the way are my spiritual people as well. Not many await the coming of the Messiah as we share this most precious of expectations. Those who actively support Israel are truly blessed just like was promised to Abraham and his descendants (B’Resheet 12:3). As a popular song says: “I pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”
To whoever posted the youtube video supposedly showing the “peace activists” preparing weapons for the attack, uh, it’s obviously fake. The ship is on the open sea, and not one person seems to be swaying at all. I can appreciate that the security camera may move 100% with the ship (so the ship might seem stationary), but the people shouldn’t.
Comments have been disabled on the video to prevent people from pointing this out.
Eric, I agree the video could be a fake, but swaying is not proof. I have sailed on the Med often and it is calmer than most seas. The waves usually come up after midday due to thermal winds if one is near land.
Eric
1.Comments were disabled by YOUTUBE!!!!!!
u can chek that with youtube
2.Its a huge Cruise ship in the mediterranean sea at summer, there no big or even avarage waves.
sea any vidoe from thoese ships u want see any movment!!!
U just made the point that its doesnt matter what happend. U alrady “know” what hapend u dont want to be bathered with FACTS (like security cameras)
As an American Jew with 43 family members killed by the Nazis, I am unwilling to sit back and watch another Holocaust so I speak out. The people who argue with me for supporting Israel as a nation of “my people” are leftist American Jews who refuse to see the world as it is. They are so brain-washed by 35 years of diversity and political correctness training that they are unable to distinguish between good and evil. They put it all on equal footing. It’s delusional. My advice to Israel: step up your public relations in this country. Establish a speakers’ bureau. Use intelligent American Jews who are conversant with the truth, train them to speak out as surrogates for Israel and to field questions. This war against these insane radical Islamists must be fought on two fronts: militarily and in the media. Michael Oren and Bret Stephens are good surrogates. Israel needs many more.
I am sad that no one in the world talk about Egypt that is part of the blockade as mouch as israel. No one is trying to enter Gaza from their side. Only israel asked to stop the blockade….
This make me sad couse its shows me that the world does not realy care about the palestinians, it only care of criticizing Israel.
UN in couple of hours made the desition to blame israel but they can say nothin of Darfur or any ather country after years of negotiations. The UN cant even speak of N.KOREA that do what ever they want. I didnt hear a word from any one when Turkish army entered Iraq to fight Curdish resistens.
When will American Jews realize that leftists have become the enemies of Israel. The only home for American Jews interested in Israel’s survival is the Republican Party. As a conservative christian I cannot believe how large numbers of American Jews are willing to throw Israel under the bus.
Israelis say one thing; the peace gang, anolther. Where is the truth?
simple way to figure out what took place.
All mainstream newspapers reported that some 40 people aboard the ships did not have either passports or identification and would not give their names.
Question: what country–here we refer to Turkey–allows 40 people to board a ship leaving their port without passports or identification, esp.in that area of the world?
Conclusion: Turkey in cahoots with this terror gang.
First Daniel I think you should ask your friend David has he ever looked at the Keenest, has he ever sat in a cafe in Israel-Jews never speak with one voice even if we’re judged as one. As a Jew should I be blamed for Israel’s action or as a Canadian should I take blame for Canadian wrongs in the prison transfers in Afghanistan or The Somalia Affair which was a 1993 military scandal later dubbed “Canada’s national shame”. It peaked with the brutal beating death of a Somali teenager at the hands of two Canadian soldiers participating in humanitarian efforts in Somalia. I’m sure as a Jew David has no trouble acknowledging Einstein, Schweitzer, Freud or various other Jewish greats in the vast array of fields where Jews have shined despite our small numbers in the populace of the world. I say David you want the good-which there is plenty of, than you get the bad and you don’t defend the bad you condemn it but if you think anti-Semitism is either dead or just provoked by Israeli actions than I’m sorry for your delusions. Israel does many things wrong but without Israel nobody would be able to feel as free as Jew as we are. I have no desire to follow Daniel’s footsteps and move to Israel but I do know I’m very grateful for its being. I don’t think as Jews we could be as free without it.
I will point out to David here in Canada there were certain beaches I could not go to up to the 1970′s. I believe in America there were certain hotels he could not get into the 1960′s.
I’m a Jew, I’m a Canadian and I’m a human inhabiting this part of the Universe they call earth-when there is something wrong done I should condemn it but what ever glories I gain from the various identities I have I should know they aren’t mine unless I did something personally to facilitate them.
I would a quick PS I had just read Daniel’s letter- none of the responses. The response that annoys me is when people try to justify wrongness on their part by the wrongness of others. Sorry wrong is wrong. The reasons for wrong can vary from err to intent but justifying or trying to excuse it perpetuates and justifies other’s wrong against you. Apologize, try to rectify and see if you can avoid a repeat.
Stephen G
I think u live in some perfect wolrd but the probleme is the the world is not perfect. When arm thieves come in to your house and u exadently kiil one of them when u felt in danger IS IT WRONG?
probebly yes its wrong u know it and everybody else know it but due to the circumstances people will undertand u.
No one in israel like what happend or wanted this to hapend… But we feal that in that spesific point when those soldiers were at the ship they had no choice!!!
When u stang agains some one that WINS in every sitiuation, ship erive to gaza they won, ship stoped in israel they won , they die during the fught against the soldiers they won. and i am not talking about real peace activist who were at the ship i am talking about 100 activist that had nothin to do with peace!!!
So was it wrong? afcourse .Would israel prefer diferent ending? afcourse. Would israel do this again if the knew how its gona end? YES – but in diferent way so it wouldnt happen.
Enough is enough with playing the victim. If every single nation in the world is condemning Israel – even nations that have never oppressed Jews (even though many nations that oppressed Jews also oppressed other minorities in the past because that was just the spirit of the time), then isn’t it time to say that there is something wrong with Israel and not the rest of the world?
Pointing the blame at others, saying that the rest of the world has it out for Israel is not getting the state anywhere.
Of course you are right, but I suggest a method of getting Israel ahead of the PR mess.
Israel should announce that landing the boat will be considered an act of an independent country, and Israel should noe recognize the independent country of Gaza. Why not? We have no troops, no border disputes, no reason no to recognize the newly independent state.
What do we gain? We are no longer an “occupying power”. We have no further responsibility to supply electricity, food, water, medical supplies or anything else. If they want to establish friendly relations with Israel (maybe the Messiah will come tomorrow, about as good a chance) fine. If not, let all the “humanitarians” take over. It is no longer Israel’s problem.
As an independent country, Gaza would be responsible for securing its borders. Any rocket attack on Israel would provoke a quick and harsh retaliation, ending promptly when requested by the UN. Another attack, another quick and strong retaliation. An act of war is an act of war and no one could be only sightly at war more than they could be slightly pregnant.
In short, independence for Gaza would cut the Gordian knot that binds us as “occupying power” with no power and no occupation.
My wife was appalled by the last three sentences of my post (June 1, 2010 1:56 am which I herewith retract and apologize for.
It was unworthy to suggest Rabbi Gordis is not concerned about the welfare of ALL Israeli citizens and residents.
I am impressed by the variety and diversity of comments here. The dictum of Hillel and Shamai lives! I only wish more folks would talk less about whether Israel had the RIGHT to do what it did, and more about whether it was a smart thing to do.
Shabbat shalom to all from the Big Apple.
Very well put, i couldnt have explained that better myself
No one understands except those who have lived in israel or now live in israel what the israelis face on a daily basis and what they need to do in order to always protect themselves.
The non smart thing to do would have been to allow the floatilla to reach the Gaza harbor.
I have full faith in Israeli Military to do what it must to protect the lives of Israelis, and thats pretty much it, there is a reason why they have florished this long and it partly lies in the fact that the israeli military always does what it must to protect the state of Israel as best it can, always
Remember people, when those in the world decide to burn us at the stake only that small piece of land with its strong hearted military will protect you, ONLY them.
The torah says, if you know someone is coming to kill you, kill them before they kill you. pretty simple.
And Victor made a VERY GOOD POINT above
As an American Jew I understand what your friend is saying, as I am living some of it as well.
In my view, one of the key problems that has got to be resolved is the horrible PR that Israel has or doesn’t have. For the generation growing up in America, they/we are confused by the media and not sure anymore what to believe or who to believe is doing the right thing .Who is initiating the aggression does not seem clear more and more often. Why so much ? Is it just?Is it too much? This is constantly being questioned.
The incident that occurred a few weeks ago with VP Biden and the settlements is confusing to many of us. Where do the majority of Israelis stand on that issue I’d like to know?. Why does it feel that we are so ‘aggressive’ in our stance on that issue? And It is even more confusing where to stand in relation to this recent Flotilla incident, even as we wait for more information. It feels like we( staunch supporters of Israel) are not sure exactly what Israel stands for anymore,preserve life first, or use extraordinary aggression to protect or prevent future aggressions. We appear in the public eye to appear as the aggressors more often than I can remember, even if all or most of our actions are in response to one offensive act after another. It is the perception. It is the PR.
So, my sense is that we , as Jews, as Israelis, or as Americans that support israel through and through, need to figure out every single thing we can do to clarify better(MUCH BETTER) to the world around us, that we ARE NOT THE AGGRESSORS and prove it. This is , in my view, what the main PR problem is and until we figure out how to change that perception, Israel will be more and more alienated than it unfortunately already is.