Category: Israel

Where do we go from here?

The situation is fluid, and things are different from what we thought.  We have come to an inflection point, and what happens next depends entirely on how boldly we are willing to consider acting.

It is relatively easy to kill people but almost impossible to kill an idea.  Hamas has shown it knows no limit to the extent it will go to achieve the dual goals of killing Jews and eliminating Israel.

Israel thought it could manage the situation, lulling Hamas through what are essentially bribes and occasionally “mowing the lawn,” that obscene notion that periodically Israel engages in a military action to repress the militants.  This is similar to blowing on the boiling pot of pasta to keep it from boiling over.

The pot boiled over, and the ensuing pogrom was devastating.

Furthermore, Hamas retains substantial control.  The delay in releasing hostages on Day 2 of the truce showed their continued capacity to manage the situation psychologically.  Equally distressing was the celebration in the West Bank because the jubilant welcome home to the released prisoners was met with Hamas flags instead of only Palestinian flags.  A weak Palestinian Authority is losing control, and Hamas is ascendant.

And an uncontrolled group of Jewish right-wing extremists is engaging in violence against Palestinians that could only be understood as ethnic cleansing of the territory.

The situation is dire and requires bold action.

Strangely, a scene from The Godfather movie keeps running in my mind.  As Don Corleone grieves his murdered son, he looks up and, from the depth of his pain, declares the killing has to stop.  Peace is required even though vengeance courses through the blood. For us, this is that moment.

The killing must stop.  Recognition by each side is required, and we must forge a way forward. Is Israel able to do this, and if so, who is courageous enough to make that declaration and commitment?

We’ve learned that ignoring the other side and building walls is not a solution.  Walls cannot be high enough or thick enough to provide security.  We also cannot do it alone.

Many are vested in maintaining the status quo of hostility, hatred, and turmoil. But others have a clear interest in seeing peace in the region.  These nations need to join in the effort to work with Palestinians and Israelis to build trust and an infrastructure of hope. Together, we can realize a vision of dignity and security for both people who claim a right to the region. And those who envision a future for their children to live in a world without violence must be convinced we are all committed to their future.  Building trust out of the rubble of destruction and pain that now exists will take time.   But now is the time to start.

The killing must end, and now is the time to start on a path forward.

 

 

Leaving Israel

On our last night in Tel Aviv, we had a wonderful dinner and began reflecting on what we saw and what it meant. As we stepped toward our bus, the sirens went off. And we swiftly moved to the shelters.

Israelis now measure distance in the time it takes a rocket from Gaza to reach a destination. On this trip, our distance was between 20 and 90 seconds. Tel Aviv is 90 seconds away.    But as I looked southward, I saw the flash of the Iron Dome taking out a rocket. I didn’t wait to see a second one. We were fine. But to say the least, it is an odd experience. I guess this is something that Israelis never get fully used to but learn to live with.

We entered Ben Gurion airport and were escorted to a particular security check-in. This esteemed bunch of American Rabbis were to be treated as VIPS. And the sirens went off. And swiftly, we went into the shelters, just like everyone else. The moment passed, and we all emerged, but Ben Gurion didn’t return to normal. Security and travelers engaged in the typical dance that is done at departure. But this time, it seemed different.   I felt discomfort. The airport routine wasn’t quite the same. The dance was off by a beat. The process seemed longer, as though the thorough checking still needed double-checking. The ramp leading to the departure area was lined with pictures of hostages, just like the ramp on the arrival side. The message was to remember the hostages from the first moment you entered Israel and as the last thing as you left.

The airport was empty; El Al and Emirates were flying. One or two other airlines were on the board, but the major carriers were not listed, and half of the departure floor was empty.

We left a different place than the one I remembered from previous travels, and yet the emotional and spiritual connection remain strong, perhaps stronger.

 

 

Israel Kippah- Standing together

 

It is a difficult time in Eretz Yisrael.  Our Israeli brothers and sisters need to know we stand together, with them and with each other.  With every $36 donation, we will send you this beautiful Israel Flag Kippah.   $36 is twice $18 (and 18 means “life” in Hebrew).  All net proceeds go to World Central Kitchen and the Magen David Adom.

The inside of the Kippah are the words:

I Stand With Israel

עם ישראל חי

Proudly identify who you are and support the important humanitarian work so desperately needed.

Thank you




War is Hell

The death and destruction of war are terrible, and it has never spared civilians.  It cannot.  The objective is to defeat the enemy, and that is done by breaking things and killing people.

The victims are innocent civilians, and the people in the hospital in Gaza are among them.  Everyone bears responsibility regardless of who fired the missile that caused the bloodbath.  This kind of tragedy will continue to happen as long as the war lasts.

As terrible as war is, moral wars need to be fought when you face an existential threat.  Hamas has proven that it is an existential threat to Israel and, therefore, must be eradicated.

For anyone needing proof of their barbarity beyond the vicious brutality unleashed on Israeli civilians, look no further than the keeping of the hostages.  These hostages include the 200 kidnapped from Israel but also the civilian population of Gaza trying to flee the carnage.  They have not permitted humanitarian aid into Gaza, and what little has gotten in has been stolen.

Hamas must be eliminated.  There is no choice.

It is time for all nations to find a way towards peace in the region.  Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi must join the United States and others to create a new Marshall Plan to rebuild in the aftermath of war, providing physical and governmental infrastructure to finally give the Palestinians the opportunity to live in peace and security alongside a safe and secure Israel.  Whoever cares for the region’s people must come to the table and start the work.

Every decent person is appalled by the loss of human life.

We pray for peace.