As the Israel Defense Forces continues plunging hundreds of underground tunnels used by Hamas jihadists to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip, the world's most famous plumber has flown in to wash away the media-related grime. He was interviewed by Israel National Radio's Yishai Fleisher.
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Joe Wurzelbacher became famous during the 2008 US presidential election season after questioning Democratic candidate Barack Obama about his small business tax policy during a campaign stop in Ohio. Republican candidate John McCain referred to Mr. Wurzelbacher as "Joe the Plumber" in subsequent debates, a moniker later adopted by the media which became a metaphor for middle class Americans.
Picked up by Pajamas Media, a fledgling professional news service, "Joe the Plumber" is now in Israel representing the "average American," to investigate the justice of Israel's war against Hamas, and to learn about the experience of Israeli citizens in the bomb-riddled Western Negev and coastal cities.
In an interview with Israel National Radio's Yishai Fleisher, Joe described his feelings about the media, Israel, the "American way" of maintaining security, and about achieving success.
Fleisher: "The United Nations just condemned Israel and asked Israel to stop all aggression against Gaza, with no mention of Hamas' rocketeering, no mention of the terror that is implicit in the very idea of Hamas… and also their parent state, which is Iran … and the danger Israel finds itself, … and the United States, it seems, abstained. I heard today on Israeli news, that in fact Condoleeza Rice wanted to condemn Israel totally. She wanted to go with the UN, it was Bush who kind of pulled an abstention card, and the United States, which is considered Israel's good friend, seems to have let the United Nations call on Israel to stop all fighting, and yet demands nothing of the Arabs or of the terrorists. I know in America, if we were attacked, there would be no hesitation. We would respond with force, and mighty force at that. What do you think about that?
Joe: It absolutely makes no sense in my eyes, because you look at past actions of other countries … for example Tokyo. America wiped out millions of innocent people to end the war. Israel is in no less of a fight. Hamas has called for the destruction of Israel. One, you can't speak to people like [Hamas], at least I can't find any way to, and [Israel has] been unable to find any way. [Israel has] tried for 8 years, while their own people suffered under a barrage of missiles. I think that's about as patient as anybody can be. I know in America, if we were attacked, there would be no hesitation. We would respond with force, and mighty force at that. So for America, or the UN as a whole to call for a ceasefire… That's very unfair.
Regarding the fight for Judea and Samaria, Joe expressed his perplexity, "What more can you guys do? I don't understand that," Joe said. "As far as your neighbors wanting you dead, yes, if my neighbors wanted me dead, obviously I would arm myself heavily. A good front usually deters violence. That's pretty much what I would do. I would stop appeasing, and have a strong front."
Despite his focus on providing Pajamas Media viewers with a different perspective on Israel, Joe is also taking time to experience his first trip to Israel. "Israel has an incredible history," Joe said. "If you're practicing your religion, you definitely feel a connection to the State of Israel. I know I do, just being here… I feel an incredible sense of connection. That's actually a pretty bad word for it, because there's something more to it. So it's incredibly special for me, and I'm enjoying absolutely every second of it."
Asked if his impressions of Israel were what he expected, Joe expressed his enjoyment of Israel, and his interest in maintaining a connection. "Knowing what it looks like from maps and so on and so forth is one thing," Joe said. But seeing it… it's prettier than I had thought, actually." The famous handyman also told Fleisher "I hope to come back after this, time and time again, to be frank with you."
Joe expressed his support for the growing and continuing Jewish presence in the Land of Israel.
Fleisher: "This is our Biblical homeland, and we want to show to people that we're living the life of the Bible, and yet people like Jimmy Carter want to say that we're stealing this land away from the Palestinians and nothing could be further from the truth… "We believe we're back on our ancient homeland, that that's what we're doing here."
Joe: "Absolutely, I believe that as well."
Joe also shared words of wisdom from his grandfather with Israel National Radio listeners. "My grandpa was working during the Great Depression," Joe told Fleisher, "and one of the biggest things he told me, he said "Joe, when I worked at people's homes, the way I fed my family through that, is that I did very good work. I would treat each people's house like it was my own, and word of mouth got around, therefore I stayed busy throughout the Great Depression, and was able to feed my family…. Treat people with respect, work hard for 'em, and you'll go far in life."… obviously, I read my bible and I do my best."
Joe the Plumber's ongoing coverage of the Gaza War can be seen at www.pjtv.com