In today's world, one of the most popular methods utilized democratic countries to gauge public opinion concerning a myriad of subjects, particularly in the realm of politics, is by conducting a poll.



Israel, of course, is no exception to this phenomenon. Indeed, many of the decisions made by Knesset members on crucial issues affecting the lives of Israelis are often predicated on the results of a poll

which, more often than not, determines which way they vote.



It is, therefore, quite amazing (but not amusing) to witness the sudden chameleon-like change occurring in politicians such as former (and once-again wanna-be) Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Having voted in favor of Sharon's disastrous disengagement plan several times, Bibi, sensing a shift in the wind as new polls show a marked decrease in public support for the expulsion of Jews from Gush Katif,) now vociferously informs the citizens of Israel about the dangers of increased Arab terrorist attacks should the evacuation from Gaza be implemented.



More ludicrous (and hypocritical) is the notion that polls being conducted in Jewish communities in the Diaspora, particularly in the United States, can be influential in deciding the fate of the residents of Gush Katif.



While living in relative quiet and comfort, far removed from the

thousands of Kassam rockets that incredibly have not caused these courageous Jews to flee their homes, American Jews are being asked whether or not they favor Sharon's expulsion plan.



Well, as the saying goes..."turn about is fair play". Why not conduct a poll in Israel among the 8,000 Israelis of these threatened communities who are slated to be forcibly removed from their homes by the Sharon government,... asking if they are in favor or against expelling American Jews from New York, California, Chicago and other "Jewish populated areas" in the United States, so that President Bush can implement his 'road map' for "peace"?



What on earth has happened to the Jewish mind? How can any Jew, knowing our long and painful history of expulsions, Inquisitions, Crusades, pogroms, and the unspeakable HOLOCAUST which was the lot of the Jewish people before the AL-MIGHTY in HIS great mercy brought us back to Eretz Yisrael, ...even harbor the thought of uprooting a Jew from his home in his own homeland?



Even the horror of increasing Arab terrorist attacks after the ill-fated Oslo Accords, which has resulted in more than l,700 Israelis murdered and over 6,000 wounded, seemingly cannot sway successive Prime Ministers both, left and right from the 'policy of folly' of capitulation to the demands of Arab enemies!



Having already given up the entire Sinai, Jericho Bethlehem, and 80 percent of the Sacred City of our Patriarchs, HEBRON, for the non-existent 'peace' (sic) ... Israel's 'leaders' (as the great visionary Zev Jabotinsky, of blessed memory warned before the HOLOCAUST) keep "rushing madly toward the precipice" of destruction.



'Eyes they have...but see not; ears they have, but hear not". What does it take for the obtuse ' Prime Minister Sharon, Minister of Defense (or the fence) Mofaz, Ehud Ohlmert and all the other power-hungry Knesset Members who are in favor of 'disengagement'...to understand that appeasement and weakness will never bring peace.



The conflict between Israel and the Arab enemies ...is not political! It is a religious war dictated by the Koran against 'infidels"...meaning first the Jews, (and, by the way, President Bush)... also the Americans!



To be victorious, wars must be won with faith and strength, not fear and flight! It is truly incredible to see how Abu Abbas, Arafat's alter ego successor, is able to keep a straight face as he assures our gullible 'leaders' that each new concession will insure peace with the 'Palestinians' ...even as terror continues.



In the final analysis, I believe the words expressed by our Torah Sages, best explain the reason that the thousands of grass root Jews who oppose Sharon?s disastrous disengagement plan can clearly see the ominous danger ahead, while, he the Prime Minister of the Jewish State and others who blindly follow his 'leadership'....do not!



"If you have wisdom...what do you lack; if you lack wisdom, what do you have?"