Are There Really Limits to Israel's Restraint?

Sitting with folded hands won't stop Hamas, Fatah and Islamic Jihad from attacking the Jewish state
Talk about a bombshell revelation.

Speaking at the UN the other day, Israeli Ambassador Dan Gillerman let the international community in on an amazing little secret.

To the astonishment of those in attendance, and the surprise of those who live here in Israel, Mr. Gillerman declared, "There is a limit to Israel's restraint".

Gosh.

Mr. Gillerman's announcement will come as news to those of us who have been following the events of the past few months with increasing concern, apprehension and dismay, as Israel has failed to respond to numerous Palestinian terror attacks.

These have included suicide bombings, stabbings, shootings, attempted kidnappings of Israeli soldiers, and the bombardment of the Negev with mortar shells and rocket fire.

Pardon me for sounding cynical, but in recent months it has begun to seem that there is in fact no limit to Israel's restraint – and that is precisely the problem.

By failing to hit back at the terrorists, Israel's leadership has demonstrated unpardonable weakness, which only serves to invite further violence and aggression.

Sitting with folded hands won't stop Hamas, Fatah and Islamic Jihad from attacking the Jewish state – launching a major, counter-terror operation aimed at uprooting the terrorist infrastructure is clearly the way to go, and such a move is long overdue.

So while I am glad to hear that "There is a limit to Israel's restraint", I'll be more convinced when those words are translated into action.
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I am proud to say that this blog - "Fundamentally Freund" - has been nominated for three awards in the annual "Jewish & Israeli Blog Awards". 

If you have a moment, please go to the following 3 links and cast your ballot for "Fundamentally Freund":

1 - Best Overall Blog category: http://www.jibawards.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=101

2 - Best Right-Wing Blog category: http://www.jibawards.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=143

3 - Best Pro-Israel Advocacy Blog category: http://www.jibawards.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=138

thanks,

Michael Freund

A Broom & A Flag - The Meaning of Independence Day

"Master of the Universe, may I yet merit to raise the flag of Israel over a high place in the Land of Israel."
Sometimes, amid the rush of events here in Israel, it becomes easy to lose sight of the significance of the rebirth of the Jewish State.

We often get so caught up in the headlines, with its political intrigue, diplomatic challenges and security threats, that we fail to keep things in their proper perspective.

So here is a true short story that should jar us into appreciating just how fortunate we are to live in an era of renewed Jewish sovereignty and independence:

"The righteous Rabbi Avraham Yaakov, the late Rebbe of Sadigora, who lived in Tel Aviv, would customarily attend the city's Great Synagogue on Israel's Independence Day and recite the Hallel (prayer of thanksgiving) in public. And when the worshippers danced in the plaza in front of the synagogue, he joined them in the circle and danced with great enthusiasm. And there was a feeling that the Rebbe experienced a special sense of joy on this day. Subsequently, when one of his Hasidim (followers) went to speak with him, the Rebbe told him about the time when he had lived in Vienna, during the period when the Nazis entered the city. Their first order of business was to persecute and humiliate the Jews. And since the Rebbe was considered the leader of the Vienna's Jews, the Nazis chose him to sweep the streets of the city, and they gave him a large broom. While doing the work, the Rebbe turned his gaze heavenward and said, "Master of the Universe, may I yet merit to sweep the streets of the Land of Israel." The Nazis then handed the Rebbe a Nazi flag, and forced him to raise it over a large building in the city. And while he was doing so, the Rebbe again turned to G-d and said, "Master of the Universe, may I yet merit to raise the flag of Israel over a high place in the Land of Israel." Subsequently, after the war, the Rebbe emigrated to the Land of Israel, and wanted to fulfill his promise.... So what did he do on Israel Independence Day? He arose at 3:00am, took a large broom, and went out to sweep the streets. And then he would take an Israeli flag and hoist it high on the roof of the building with great excitement and enthusiasm, for G-d had accepted his prayer. And this was the source of his joy on this day - the day of the establishment of the State of Israel."

(Excerpted from the book Alei Tamar by Rabbi Yissachar Tamar zt"l)

So the next time you find yourself down in the dumps, reading the newspapers and wondering about this country and its leadership - think back to the Rebbe of Sadigora, with a broom in one hand, a flag in the other, and a heart full of gratitude to G-d for the miracle that is the modern State of Israel.

Happy Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)!!

 

 

Why is the US arming the Saudis with advanced weaponry?

It is simply astonishing that despite its ongoing export of extremism, the Saudis continue to get a free pass from Washington and the West
There were two particularly disturbing bits of news this week regarding Washington's continued kowtowing to the Wahabist extremists in charge of Saudi Arabia.

First, as I reported exclusively in the Jerusalem Post (here) on Monday, the Saudis continue to violate the pledge they gave over a year and a half ago to the Bush Administration to drop the Arab boycott of Israel.

It was based on that promise that the Saudis were granted entry into the World Trade Organization in December 2005, but once they succeeded in joining, they back-tracked on keeping their word. And yet, Washington has done little to call them to account.

And now, there are reports in the media (here) that despite Israel's objections, the US has agreed to sell advanced, satellite-guided smart bombs to the Saudi regime. This, despite the danger of such weapons falling into the hands of Islamic fundamentalist terrorists, and the fact that such a sale will dilute Israel's qualitative edge over its enemies.

It is simply astonishing that despite its ongoing export of extremism, the Saudis continue to get a free pass from Washington and the West. For far too long, they have overlooked the dictatorial desert kingdom's mischief and misbehavior.

But as recent years have shown – and particularly the events of September 11, 2001 – such an approach is not only short-sighted, but dangerous too. Instead of strengthening the Saudi regime, the West should be aiming to reform it and replace it.