Tag: Palestinian

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Who Has the Moral High Ground?

(Originally published on Arutz Sheva)

As many of you know I have long been promoting an alternative Humanitarian Paradigm, to replace the failed Two-States-for-Two-People (TSS), that has dominated the discourse for decades.  This alternative paradigm involves the funded relocation and rehabilitation of the Palestinian-Arabs living beyond the 1967-Green Line, in third party countries.

Putting aside the question of feasibility for the moment I should like to focus on the relative morality of the two paradigms. (After almost a quarter-century of failed endeavors to implement it, the TSS has proved itself a fatally unfeasible fiasco.   It certainly can claim little advantage in terms of feasibility over an alternative that is based on the eminently plausible proposal that economically hard-pressed individuals will accept a generous financial grant to enhance their economic well-being).

So in answer to the numerous critics, who have excoriated the Humanitarian Alternative, allegedly on “moral” grounds, I suggest reflection on the following question:

WHO HAS THE MORAL HIGH GROUND?

Those who promote the establishment of (yet another) homophobic, misogynistic Muslim-majority tyranny, which will comprise the diametric opposite and utter negation of the very values its advocates invoke for its establishment – and whose hallmark would be: gender discrimination, gay persecution, religious intolerance and oppression of political dissidents?

Or:

Those who advocate providing non-belligerent Palestinian individuals with the opportunity of building a better life for themselves elsewhere, out of harm’s way,  free from the recurring cycles of death, destruction and destitution that have been brought down on them by the cruel corrupt cliques, who have controlled their lives and led them astray for decades?

Why does promoting the former make one “moderate and liberal”; while advocating the latter, makes one a …“right wing extremist “?

 Moreover, why is it considered morally acceptable to offer financial inducements to Jews in Judea-Samaria to evacuate their homes in order to facilitate  the establishment of said homophobic, misogynistic tyranny, which, almost certainly, will become a bastion for Islamist terror; while it considered morally reprehensible to offer financial inducements to Arabs in Judea-Samaria to evacuate their homes in order to prevent the establishment of such an entity?

2. TIME FOR REFLECTION

I have decided to take a break from writing my weekly column to catch up on some much neglected administrative tasks and to reflect on the possible restructuring of my future pro-Israel activities.  I am coming to the conclusion that my current mode of operations rapidly exhausting its potential and is beginning to yield diminishing returns on effort invested.  Involving very long hours, seven days a week (apologies to my observant readers) virtually all pro-bono, it is certainly becoming very onerous for me both in terms of my economic, and apparently, health situation.

Faced with an unsympathetic and uncooperative Establishment, on the one hand (even the relatively likeminded portions thereof), and heavily funded ideological adversaries, on the other, it is becoming increasingly difficult to effectively drive our message home—no matter how much thought is invested in its argumentation, and effort in its formulation.

Accordingly without the ability to harness greater resources to enhance the impact presently being made, serious doubts must be raised as to the efficacy of continuing in the current format.

I am working on a few ideas in this regard, which I will share with you in the near future and most probably request your involvement/participation.

3. THE TURKEY THAT ONCE WAS.

Further to my recent article on the Israel-Turkey deal:

FORMULA FOR STABILITY: TURKEY PLUS ISRAEL by  Çevik Bir and Martin Sherman (2002)

www.meforum.org/511/formula-for-stability-turkey-plus-israel#_ftnref1

This is an article advocating strong Turco-Israeli ties that I co-authored with General Çevik Bir, former deputy chief of staff of the Turkish armed forces from 1995 to 1998, who negotiated several landmark Israeli-Turkish military agreements.

Sadly nothing that was relevant then is relevant today.  Apart from its geographical location and size, nothing in Turkey is as it was then.

To underscore the dramatic metamorphosis: It was Bir’s military, who arrested Erdogan in 1998 for “inciting hatred based on religious differences”, while about 14 years later, Bir, arguably the major architect of Israeli-Turkish ties, was arrested by the Erdogan regime for “overthrowing the Turkish government [of Islamist Necmettin Erbakan] by force”

See also NYT lead story on Turkey (July 4, 2016). http://tinyurl.com/jqdchyr

Hardly reassuring!!

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We Don’t Need the World’s Permission

(Originally published on Israel Hayom)

“Now there is one less of them,” a Danish Facebook user wrote gleefully after a 13-year-old Jewish girl was stabbed to death in her sleep in her bedroom by a Palestinian man. He thought that the heinous, cowardly murder of an innocent child in her sleep was simply a part of “the resistance” against the Jews.

What kind of human being seeks to justify the cowardly murder of an innocent child in her sleep? Imagine the outcry, if that child had been an Arab and its murderer a Jew. The news would have caused an uproar on the front pages of all the news outlets in the world. Since the girl was Jewish, needless to say, the latter did not happen.

The Israel-Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, Sari Bashi, could not just do the decent thing and condemn the murder but had to tweet instead that “settlements are illegal, but settlers are NOT legitimate targets.” What sickening times we live in, when a human rights organization cannot bring itself to say more than that the murder of a sleeping Jewish child is not legitimate. Bashi had no response to Mark Halawa, who told her, “I was one of those brainwashed Palestinian children. All Jews are our targets. This settler nonsense you speak of is for idiots!” Contrast that with Bashi’s tweet from June 27, when she emotionally gushed, “Powerful, chilling research by B’Tselem on boy killed, cousins hurt when Israeli soldiers sprayed car with bullets.”

The Palestinian Authority was very quick to honor the terrorist. According to Palestinian Media Watch, Fatah’s official Facebook page immediately posted his picture, declaring him a shahid (martyr) — the highest honor achievable in Islam. WAFA, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency, honored him as well. The murderer’s family will immediately start receiving a monthly stipend that the PA pays to the families of all “martyrs.”

On Twitter, the EU Embassy in Israel was asked for a response to the fact that the EU funds are used to fund these stipends. Their response was “technical,” as always: “We are not claiming that the payments have stopped. However, FYI, technically, they are no longer paid by the PA but by the PLO.”

In plain English: The EU is fine with supporting terrorism, and knowingly does so, as long as the support is indirect — inasmuch as you can tell the PLO and the PA apart, which you cannot.

The EU Embassy’s response should hardly come as a surprise, after a week in which the EU Parliament gave Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ medieval blood libel a standing ovation. President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, tweeted that the speech was “inspiring address by Pres. Abbas to EPlenary — EU supports aspiration by large majority of Palestinians for peace and reconciliation.”

Let that sink in for a moment: The president of the European Parliament thinks that a speech peddling medieval blood libels is “inspiring.” Furthermore, the “aspirations by large majority of Palestinians for peace and reconciliation” — where did he spot those aspirations? In the constant terrorist attacks? In the polls, which show that a majority of Palestinian Arabs support terror against Israelis? Or in the command of Abbas aide Sultan Abu al-Einein, a Fatah Central Committee official who said that “wherever you see a Jew, slit his throat”? Clearly, Palestinian Arabs pay very close heed to those words and act upon them promptly. But then again the EU never lets facts get in the way of its ideology.

As for the United States, the State Department issued their condolences to the family — no mention of the generous American funding of the PA, which enables all of this — but the White House, predictably, remained silent on the matter, despite the fact that the murdered girl carried American citizenship.

“The entire world needs to condemn this murder just as it condemned the terrorist attacks in Orlando and Brussels,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I expect the Palestinian leadership to clearly, unequivocally condemn this vicious murder and take immediate action to stop the incitement. Enlightened nations must join in this demand and pressure the one who heads the incitement that leads to the murder of children in bed.”

Waiting for the world to condemn and pay lip service to Israel’s fight against terrorism is a dead end in every sense of the word. It will never happen. It did not happen on 9/11, when the world was most likely to understand what Israel was facing, and it will not happen 15 years later, when political correctness and a jaded sense that this is just the “new normal” has eroded any hopes that might have once been for genuine world solidarity with Israel. Israel must fight the terror as it sees fit in order to end it finally and prevent the killings of Jewish children in their sleep and pedestrians on their way to the supermarket.

We are a sovereign nation. We do not need the world’s permission to defend ourselves against those who seek our destruction.

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Headlines July 3: Gaza Rocket Hits Kindergarten, 58 Muslim Extremists Arrested, Hamas Threatens Glick, Elie Wiesel Dies at 87

Hamas Animated Video Threatens Assassination of MK Glick
[The Jewish Press]

 

Nobel Prize winner and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel dies at 87
[The Jerusalem Post]

 

Jerusalem police have arrested 58 Muslim extremists involved in recent riots and disturbances on the Temple Mount.
[Arutz Sheva]

 

In 5-hour meeting, National Security Cabinet passes new measures to counter terrorist incitement.
[Arutz Sheva]

 

Israel welcomes the Quartet’s recognition of the centrality of Palestinian incitement and violence to the perpetuation of the conflict. This culture of hatred poisons minds and destroys lives and stands as the single greatest obstacle to progress towards peace.
[Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

 

A kindergarten building in Sderot is badly damaged in a Gaza rocket attack on the Sabbath.
[The Jewish Press]

 

In an emotional video released Sunday morning, the children of Rabbi Michael “Miki” Mark, who was murdered by Palestinian gunmen on Friday,  pleaded with the public to attend their father’s funeral.
[The Jerusalem Post]

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The Silent Intifada Weekly Report [July 1, 2016]

There were nearly 100 attacks this week that killed 2 Jews and injured 11 more Jews.

This week as almost every week there were dozens of terror attacks of varying severity not reported in most major media outlets. We report on these silenced events to present a fuller picture of the reality in Israel and balance the picture presented to innocent readers abroad. We hope that by reporting these incidents we can raise awareness so that actions can be taken to rectify this problem and improve reality in the Jewish State.

This week (June 24th-July 1st) in the ‘Silent Intifada’ updates on Hakol Hayehudi there were 98 attacks in which 2 Jews were murdered and 11 were injured.

On Thursday June 30th, a 17 year old Arab from Beni Naim penetrated the Harsina neighborhood in Kiryat Arba. There he entered the home of the Ariel family and stabbed their 13 year old daughter, Hallel, to death. Shuki Gilboa and another member of the emergency response team arrived at the home in minutes. The terrorist jumped on Gilboa and the second member of the team fired at the terrorist, but also hit Gilboa with stray fire. Gilboa is currently in the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in stable condition.

On the afternoon of Friday July 1st, Arabs opened fire on a vehicle near Negohot in Har Hevron. The vehicle was struck by the gunshots and early reports indicate that one Jew has been murdered and two others are in critical condition. The story is still being updated as we post this article.

There was also a stabbing on Thursday June 30th in Netanya. An Arab there injured two Jews who were taken for treatment in moderate condition.

On Friday June 24th, two Jews were injured from a vehicular attack by an Arab near Kiryat Arba.

On Tuesday June 28th, a woman praying at the Kotel was injured from rioting and stone throwing by Arabs on the Temple Mount.

In addition Jews were injured from stone throwing near Sinjil and in the South near Bedouin communities.

Silent Intifada full list of attacks:

Friday July 1st

  • Arabs throw stones near Heremiya.
  • Arabs throw an IED at IDF forces in Tulkarem.

15:15- Shooting attack: Arabs open fire at Jews near Negohot in Har Hevron. Early reports state that one Jew was murdered and two others were injured seriously.

2:38- Two Jews are injured from stone throwing near Nili.

Thursday June 30th

  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Hizme in Binyamin.
  • Arabs riot in Dahit Al-Barid.
  • Arabs riot in Bir Naballah.
  • Arabs throw stones in Issawiya.
  • Arabs riot in Bethlehem.

20:13- Bedouin throw stones at a bus near Rahat.

20:00- Arabs throw firebombs at police in Issawiya.

19:44- Shooting attack: Arabs shoot at an army post near Tel Aras in the Shomron. One soldier is lightly injured.

19:10- Stabbing: An Arab stabs several Jews in Netanya.

17:55- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on Route 443 near the Dor Alon Gas Station.

11:43- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Alei Zahav.

8:55- Stabbing: An Arab stabs and murders Hallel Yaffa Ariel HY”D, a 13 year-old girl, in her home in Kiryat Arba. 

8:15- Arabs throw stones at a garbage truck near Baal Hatzor.

7:20- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on the road near Gush Etzion.

Wednesday June 29th

  • A woman is injured from stone throwing near Nabatim in the South, close to many Bedouin villages.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Ras Al Amud.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Issawiya.
  • Arabs throw stones in Silwan.
  • Arabs throw stones in Issawiya.
  • Arabs throw a homemade grenade at IDF forces near Rachel’s Tomb.
  • Arabs riot in Silwan in Jerusalem.
  • Arabs riot in Ras Al Amud.
  • Arabs riot in Abu Dis.
  • Arabs riot in Husan.

23:00- Arabs attack a group of leftist activists entering Ramallah for an interfaith event. At least one vehicle is totally burned.

22:56- Arabs riot in Issawiya in Jerusalem.

19:50- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Beitar Illit.

19:42- Arabs throw stones at a bus near Beit Umar in Gush Etzion.

19:29- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Husan in Gush Etzion.

7:55- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Maale Amos in Gush Etzion.

7:50- Arabs throw stones at a bus near Al-Arub in Gush Etzion.

Tuesday June 28th

  • Arabs riot in Dahit Al-Barid.
  • Arabs attack police officers in Ras Al Amud.
  • Arabs throw stones in Umm Tzafa.
  • Arabs throw stones near Sede Tzvi.
  • Arabs throw stones near Nabatim.
  • Arabs throw firebombs at police in Issawiya.
  • Arabs riot in Zevuva.
  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Sinjil in Binyamin.

3:33- Arabs riot in Anata and attack IDF forces.

23:08- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Beit Anun.

21:01- Arabs throw an IED at Border Police in Paron.

15:57- Arabs throw stones at vehicles in Binyamin.

15:46- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Efrat in Gush Etzion.

15:10- Arabs throw stones at vehicles in Horon.

13:00- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Al-Hadr in Gush Etzion.

10:34- A driver is injured from stones thrown by Arabs near Sinjil.

7:30- Arabs riot on the Temple Mount and throw stones. A woman praying at the Kotel is injured.

Monday June 27th

  • Arabs throw stones in Sheikh Saad.
  • Arabs throw stones in Dahit Al Barid.
  • Arabs throw stones in Issawiya.
  • Arabs throw stones in Silwan.
  • Arabs throw stones on Route 443 near the Dor Alon Gas Station.
  • Arabs throw firebombs at Border Police near Mount Scopus.
  • Arabs riot on the Temple Mount.

21:48- Arabs throw explosives at soldiers near Rachel’s Tomb.

7:44- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on Route 443.

Sunday June 26th

  • Arabs throw stones in Hizme.
  • Arabs throw stones in Meyer.
  • Arabs throw stones in Husan.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Issawiya.
  • Arabs throw firebombs near Tekoa.
  • Arabs throw firebombs in Abu Dis.
  • Arabs throw stones on Route 443 near the Makkabim Checkpoint.
  • Arabs throw stones in Al-Hadr.
  • Arabs throw firebombs near Dir Abu Mashal.
  • Arabs throw firebombs at police in Issawiya.
  • Arabs riot on the Temple Mount.
  • Arabs throw stones in Halhul.
  • Arabs throw stones near Beit Anun.
  • Arabs throw stones on Route 443 near the Dor Alon Gas Station.

23:24- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Amos Junction in Gush Etzion.

21:06- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Al-Hadr in Gush Etzion.

19:58- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on the Avud Bypass Road causing damage to vehicles.

5:53- Arabs set a fire near the town of Karmei Tzur.

1:36- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Ofra.

Shabbat June 25th

  • Arabs throw stones near Beit Anun.
  • Arabs throw stones near Al-Arub.
  • Arabs attack IDF soldiers in Zeita in the Shomron.
  • Arabs throw stones at soldiers near Kadum in the Shomron.
  • Arabs throw firebombs at an IDF post near Negohot in Har Hevron.
  • Firearms parts at found in the vehicle of an Arab near Adam Junction.
  • Arabs attack IDF soldiers in Hizme in Binyamin. 
  • Arabs throw stones at IDF forces in Yatta in Har Hevron.
  • 22:53- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Al-Hadr Junction in Gush Etzion.

22:26- Arabs throw firebombs at vehicles near Hizme in Binyamin.

22:09- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on Route 437.

20:01- Arabs throw an IED at Border Police in Abu Dis.

19:14- Arabs throw stones at vehicles on Route 443 near Modiin causing damage to vehicles.

13:03- Arabs throw stones at police on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

Friday June 24th

  • Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Kiryat Arba.
  • Arabs destroy the Mezuza at the Tomb of the Patriarchs.

19:05- Arabs set fires near the town of Esh Kodesh and throw stones at police.

18:33- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Beit Umar in Gush Etzion.

18:18- Arabs throw stones at vehicles in Hawara in the Shomron.

14:46- Vehicular attack: Two Jews are injured from a vehicular attack near Kiryat ARba.

12:18- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Yitzhar Junction in the Shomron.

7:57- Arabs throw stones at vehicles near Ofra in Binyamin.

7:54- Arabs throw stones at Bus Route 160 near Beit Umar in Gush Etzion causing damage to the bus.

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Headlines June 30: Girl Murdered In Her Sleep by Terrorist

Terrorist breaks into Kiryat Arba home, stabs teenage girl dozens of times, killing her. Member of local security team also wounded.
[Arutz Sheva]
Leftist Israeli activists were attacked on the way to an Iftar meal in Ramallah, then ejected by the Palestinian Authority police force.
[The Jewish Press]

 

PM Netanyahu: Israel strongly condemns terrorist attack in Istanbul
[Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

 

Israeli-Arab Arrested for Trying to Join ISIS in Syria
[The Jewish Press]

 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday claimed that Israel is behind all the conflicts in the Arab world, and called on all Muslims in the world to take part on Friday in various activities as part of Al-Quds Day, which takes place on the final Friday of Ramadan and is used by Iran to spread anti-Israel propaganda.
[Arutz Sheva]