Category Archives: Israel

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel made clear that signing an agreement with Israel which provides $10 billion for new missiles and advanced aircraft sends a signal to Iran not to mess with Israel. Of course, Israel has over 50 atomic bombs to drop on Iran, Israel already has advanced missiles and planes to use against Iran, but we must make clear to that terrorist state to mess with a nation possessing nuclear weapons could result in bad things occurring. The US is always sending “messages” to Iran, but for some strange reason we are unable to send a “message” to Israel to offer its Muslim citizens  equal rights, or to insist that Israel adhere to United Nations decisions.

Perhaps, if the United States sent a message to Israel to work for peace with its Palestinian neighbors there might actually be peace for the people of Israel. Perhaps, if we insisted that Israel respect the rights of Palestinians, the end result would be peace and security both for Palestinians and for Israelis!

Them history of Israel’s desire for peace in the Middle East is a story of failed hopes and ironic twists of fate. At the birth  of Israel  in 1948, Jewish leaders were willing to accept less land in exchange for more peace. They wanted recognition of the state of Israel and were willing to accept the reality of Palestinians having their own  land. Of course, up until the 1970s, what we term, “the West Bank,” was part of Jordan. Time after time Palestinian leaders refused offers of peace and land on grounds they wanted more and more. Secretary of State John Kerry will once again attempt to use the power of America in  order to stimulate the possibility of peace in the Middle East.

Of course, these days Israel plays the role of Yasser Arafat or other Palestinian leaders who turn down peace. Kerry may try and try but the ultimate decision rests with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his collection of petty Israel leaders. Whenever people claim that “God” told them to do something, you can rest assured hope for human peace will not occur.

There is no question that Israel occupation of the West Bank is in violation of international law and violates the essence of what it means to be a Jew. Amira Hass is an Israeli journalist who hates the occupation of  Palestinian land by Jewish soldiers and settlers. She justifies violence against those who occupy the lands of Palestinians and argues, “throwing stones is the birthright and duty of anyone subject to foreign rule.” She is correct in noting the presence of “systematic, institutionalized violence” on the part of Israeli occupiers.

However, throwing stones is bound to receive a response that is violent. During the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King youth were urged to respond to violence with peace and love. During the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations,  youth threw flowers at soldiers rather than hate and anger. Sorry, Ms. Hass, throw a flower with love, it will not receive hate in return-maybe confusion.