In the aftermath of the forced expulsion of the Jews of Gaza, which was followed by the obscene burning of remaining synagogues by frenzied Arab mobs, it is instructive to note the reaction, or lack of same, by world Jewry.



With the notable exception of former Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, who called for the tearing of one's garment as a sign of mourning, there was no call by the myriad of rabbinic organizations for a collective outpouring of grief and anguish to mark this historic Jewish tragedy. As for the 'leaders' of secular Jewish organizations - apparently they are too preoccupied with raising funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina to provide aid and comfort for the many traumatized Israeli victims of Gush Katif, whose 'painful sacrifices' won Ariel Sharon his coveted applause at the United Nations.



And what is the reaction of world Jewry when the prime minister of the Jewish State - which has suffered from decades of bestial Arab terrorist attacks that have resulted in the murder and wounding of thousands of Jews - declares before this "unbiased" body of United Nations' representatives that he "respects the Palestinian people" and "they deserve a State of their own"? For the most part, a deafening silence. Or worse, a literal and figurative embrace of Sharon as a 'courageous leader' who is 'bringing peace to the Middle East.'



Such undeserved adulation flies in the face of reality, as Kassam rockets continue to be lobbed into Israel and IDF soldiers are threatened to be kidnapped in exchange for the release of Arab prisoners. Nevertheless, Diaspora Jewry, by and large, remains undaunted as Sharon promises to follow the Road Map leading to a 'Palestinian state', which is endorsed by the so-called Quartet of nations whose concern for Arab oil takes precedence over Jewish survival.



Jews, wake up! Israel is being destroyed! As the battle rages between Sharon and his arch-rival, Benjamin Netanyanu, to become the captain of the ship of state, the ship is rapidly sinking. Tragically, neither they nor any Israeli political 'leader' has the foresight or fortitude to steer it to safety. Nether they nor any Israeli politician seem to understand that the war of terror being waged against Israel - and indeed, against the West - is not political. It is a religious war against all 'infidels' who do not subscribe to the teachings of the Koran.



The myriad of insane concessions made by Israel to its implacable enemies should have made it abundantly clear that no amount of appeasement will ever bring 'peace' with Arabs who seek to Islamize the world, utilizing terror as their most potent weapon.



There is only one solution to prevent another 'final solution' from annihilating Israel. The Talmud teaches, "when one comes to slay you, you must slay him first." The Israel Defense Forces must act, not re-act, to prevent murderous attacks against innocent men, women and children, regardless of 'world opinion'.



On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, a special blessing is recited before eating the head of a fish, symbolizing that Jews should be the 'head' and not the 'tail'. Tragically, Israel's 'leaders' fail to recognize this and, G-d forbid, are bringing the Jewish homeland, Eretz Yisrael, to the brink of unprecedented disaster.