"Two men look at life through bars; One sees mud, the other, stars."



These words, written by an anonymous poet, so accurately describe the opposing views of Israelis today, and indeed of Jews throughout the world, concerning the right of the Jewish people to settle everywhere in the Land of Israel.



This burning issue has become a bizarre cause celebre for leftists of every ilk and stripe, many who literally 'climb the barricade' and put themselves in harm's way in order to prevent Jews from building homes in the so-called 'occupied territories', as well as calling for the demolition of those already established. In the muddied and muddled view of these renegade leftists, it is solely Jewish "settlers" and the "settlements" that are obstacles to peace with Israel's 'docile' Arab neighbors.



It would, of course, be an exercise in futility to ask these "peace-now-pay-later" proponents to explain why Arabs launched numerous wars of aggression and continuous nefarious terrorist attacks against the Jewish State prior to l967 - decades before there were Jewish settlements in Gaza, Judea and Samaria. No matter.



The recent outrageous decision by the Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, to uproot and transfer Jewish residents from their homes in Gush Katif is providing additional grist for the mill for the myriad die-hard leftists; those who apparently believe their brother is the enemy, and the enemy is their brother.



But what of Jews like myself that see the "settlers" as shining Jewish stars who embody the heart and soul of the Torah-true Zionist dream - the ideal for which countless generations of our people longed, sacrificed and paid the supreme price of martyrdom?



Can one adequately pay tribute to such courageous Jews, who - despite having to suffer the "slings and arrows" of being demonized, maligned and made a scapegoat for Israel's power-hungry politicians who dance to the tune dictated by gentile nations - nevertheless have chosen to blaze a trail of greatness for the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael?



Can one truly appreciate the dedication of these noble Jewish sons and daughters, who, unlike many of their Israeli brethren with values that center on a villa and Volvo, often reside in remote areas of the Jewish State in order to insure its security. They have to face life-threatening travels to and from their homes, where they are considered 'fair game' targets for Arab so-called "peace partners".



What in the world possesses any Jew, much less the prime minister of a Jewish government, to deny Jewish citizens the right to live where they choose, thus making a mockery of the words in Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah - "...lihiot am hofshi b'artzenu...." ("...to be a free people in our land....")



During these summer months, when most youngsters are enjoying the fun and sun associated with vacation, it is especially painful to observe how the youth of Gush Katif and their families must now spend endless days and nights devoting all their energies to activities aimed at preventing Sharon's "disengagement" plan of retreat. Those who have had to endure more than 4,000 missiles lobbed into their surroundings, as well as innumerable shooting, stoning and stabbing terrorist attacks, have to prevent Sharon from expelling them from their homes, synagogues and businesses. All of which, with G-d's help, was built to fulfill His commandment, "Go up and settle the land."



After all, was not that the raison d'etre for the creation of the Jewish State?



It is my fervent prayer that the Al-mighty will continue to bless Am Yisrael with many more wonderful "settlers". May their unique idealism and courage impel Jews throughout the world to join their valiant struggle; not only in Gush Katif, but everywhere that Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisrael is threatened by 'leaders' with myopic vision who, as the poet so sagely observed, "see mud instead of stars."