The sage adage "many true words are spoken in jest" has long been utilized by popular comedians, as well as writers of satire, who understand that truth couched in humor can often convey a strong message to the public.



Admittedly, I do not fall into either of the above categories. Nevertheless, in seeking to impart a 'wake-up call' to those still optimistic Jews who have not yet awoken to the dangerous "disengagement" (retreat) policy that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is determined to foist upon the citizens of Israel, I was reminded of the following humorous anecdote. It is intended to convey a necessary, albeit painful, truth.



The story centers on Leibel, an impoverished Jew living in a shtetl (hamlet) in Europe, who was invited to a rich man's home one evening . There, he was served a plate of delectable fish, seasoned to perfection with various spices, the likes of which he had never tasted. Complimenting the hostess profusely, he asked if it would be possible to acquire the recipe, which she graciously supplied for him. For weeks on end, Leibel skimped, saved and fantasized about the day he could go to the marketplace to purchase the special fish, and prepare it according to the recipe he had been given.



Finally, the great day arrived. Leibel purchased the expensive fish and made his way homeward, daydreaming about how he would soon again experience the taam Gan Eden (the taste of Paradise) of this delicacy. Tragically, just before reaching his abode a cat jumped out of an alley, grabbed the package containing the coveted fish and ran off, leaving Leibel devastated and in tears.



A short time later, after recovering slightly from the initial shock of his loss, our hero began to smile.



"Aha!" he exclaimed to the vanished cat. "You think you're so smart. You may have the fish - but I have the recipe!"



This humorous story, however, is not laughable, but rather potentially tragic, when understood as a parable for the flawed policies of Prime Minister Sharon and his plan to uproot Jewish citizens from their homes in Eretz Yisrael. Attempting to justify the transfer of Jews from settlements in Gush Katif, Judea and Samaria, he declares it necessary in order for the world to "allow" Israel to keep the larger blocks of settlements. In this way, Sharon is emulating the shtetl Jew who lost his prized fish, but kept the recipe.



How tragic that the prime minister of the State of Israel, which came into being, with G-d's help, after two millennia of persecution of the Jewish people, still believes he must make "painful concessions" of our sacred land to Arab enemies, in order for "the world" to allow" (sic) Jews to live in our one Jewish homeland.



How tragic that the prime minister of Israel seems not to have learned from Jewish history - there will be no end to the pressure on Israel for more and more suicidal concessions. "The world", which by and large sides with the so-called 'Palestinians', couldn't care less if, Heaven forbid, Israel ceases to exist.



It is high time for the Jews of the world to understand that Sharon's "disengagement" policy is a recipe for disaster. They must, therefore, become involved in thwarting his ill-conceived and dangerous plan.