"Some with chariots, and some with horses, but we - in the name of Hashem,
our G-d, we call out." (Psalm 20:8)
The morning-after phenomenon in Israel usually takes place two mornings after a terror attack. The first morning and a good part of the day, you walk around in a dazed, semi-functioning state. But by the second morning, the clouds have begun to clear and life resumes at a normal pace (unless you, your family or friends have been directly affected by the attack).
So, it?s two mornings after the twin bombings in Tel Aviv and my husband and I are having a leisurely cup of herbal tea (forget the coffee, as it only exacerbates the heart palpitations) and discussing mundane matters, like where are we going to store the recommended 4-day supply per person of water that we?re supposed to have on hand in case of a chemical/biological attack on the nation?s water supply. This is harder than you think, as we?ve been blessed with a large family and very small rooms. I figure if I move the gas masks to the opposite corner of the bedroom, then the oversized gerricans will fit. Oh, darn! Where will I put the extra blankets and emergency changes of clothing? And what about the fifth day? And what if it?s not a bio/chemical attack, but a nuclear one?
No sooner had these concerns crossed my mind when CNN headline news reported the following:
Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.N. agency searching for evidence of a nuclear weapons program in Iraq said Monday that so far it has not found evidence of one. Mohamed El-Baradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said inspectors have found no proof that Iraq lied about nuclear weapons in its declaration on weapons of mass destruction presented to the United Nations.
Imagine, the whole world is now having to rely on and put their faith in the words and vigilance of Dr. Mohamed El-Baradei, an Egyptian national, who now heads the International Atomic Energy Agency. El-Baradei began his illustrious career as part of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1964, under President Gamal Abdel Nasser (remember him, the guy who swore he?d throw the Jews into the sea?). Oh, I forgot- we?re at peace with Egypt.
Now what could I possibly have against Egypt or Egyptian nationals or a very astute and brilliant man like Dr El-Baradei? Well, try the following on for starters:
a) Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said that the double suicide bombing in Tel Aviv was the result of ?provocations? on the part of Israel.
b) Egyptian national television has been broadcasting an anti-Semitic series endorsing the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
c) One of the 9/11 hijackers was an Egyptian national.
d) Last Fourth of July, an Egyptian national perpetrated a deadly attack at the Los Angeles International Airport.
Well, I guess at frightening times like these, it?s only right and proper that we in Israel recognize and pay homage to one of the pioneers of our last line of military defense....
Israel?s nuclear program was, in no small part, developed due to the tireless efforts of none other than Shimon Peres back in the 1950s. Some ?grow older and wiser,? but in typical Peresian style, Shimon inverted this common axiom - he exhibited a touch of brilliance and vision as a young man, which rapidly dissipated and warped with time. It would be the ultimate in irony if Israel were to be saved as a result of one of the efforts and visions of Shimon Peres. Some will cringe at the very thought of having to express gratitude to the man. I confess that it is by far the most petty of my top ten reasons for why I don?t want a nuclear war. Nevertheless, at times, the fact that I have for years berated the man and lambasted his visions lays ever-so-lightly on my conscience (like a feather).
And this is why I love being Jewish. The Almighty anticipated this type of dilemma of conscience, and in His great wisdom He created for us fallible leaders with clay feet. Ours is not a religion based on mythology. And, it seems that whenever this nation does place disproportionate belief in local or international military heroes and celebrated intellectuals, we get an omnipotent and very painful slap on the wrist.
So, I don't trust Dr. Mohammed El-Baradei?s assessment with regards to Iraq?s nuclear capabilities because, as an Egyptian national, he most likely has a strong aversion to Israel. And, when push comes to shove, his pride in who he is and who he represents, whether it be Islam, the Arab world or Egypt, will take precedent over his loyalty to any non-partisan, international body.
I don't trust Shimon Peres for the opposite reason. Mr. Peres has forgotten who he his and who he represents. He has pride only in himself and his visions. He has no qualms about exchanging his heritage and eternal covenant from Sinai for a few rounds of international applause and a little medallion from Sweden.
Faith in G-d is, always has been and always will be, our last line of defense. So after this crisis passes, and it will, I look forward to thanking G-d.
--------------------------------------------------------
Ellen Horowitz, a painter and writer, lives on the Golan Heights with her husband and six children. She can be reached at ilan-acu@netvision.net.il.
our G-d, we call out." (Psalm 20:8)
The morning-after phenomenon in Israel usually takes place two mornings after a terror attack. The first morning and a good part of the day, you walk around in a dazed, semi-functioning state. But by the second morning, the clouds have begun to clear and life resumes at a normal pace (unless you, your family or friends have been directly affected by the attack).
So, it?s two mornings after the twin bombings in Tel Aviv and my husband and I are having a leisurely cup of herbal tea (forget the coffee, as it only exacerbates the heart palpitations) and discussing mundane matters, like where are we going to store the recommended 4-day supply per person of water that we?re supposed to have on hand in case of a chemical/biological attack on the nation?s water supply. This is harder than you think, as we?ve been blessed with a large family and very small rooms. I figure if I move the gas masks to the opposite corner of the bedroom, then the oversized gerricans will fit. Oh, darn! Where will I put the extra blankets and emergency changes of clothing? And what about the fifth day? And what if it?s not a bio/chemical attack, but a nuclear one?
No sooner had these concerns crossed my mind when CNN headline news reported the following:
Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.N. agency searching for evidence of a nuclear weapons program in Iraq said Monday that so far it has not found evidence of one. Mohamed El-Baradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said inspectors have found no proof that Iraq lied about nuclear weapons in its declaration on weapons of mass destruction presented to the United Nations.
Imagine, the whole world is now having to rely on and put their faith in the words and vigilance of Dr. Mohamed El-Baradei, an Egyptian national, who now heads the International Atomic Energy Agency. El-Baradei began his illustrious career as part of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1964, under President Gamal Abdel Nasser (remember him, the guy who swore he?d throw the Jews into the sea?). Oh, I forgot- we?re at peace with Egypt.
Now what could I possibly have against Egypt or Egyptian nationals or a very astute and brilliant man like Dr El-Baradei? Well, try the following on for starters:
a) Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said that the double suicide bombing in Tel Aviv was the result of ?provocations? on the part of Israel.
b) Egyptian national television has been broadcasting an anti-Semitic series endorsing the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
c) One of the 9/11 hijackers was an Egyptian national.
d) Last Fourth of July, an Egyptian national perpetrated a deadly attack at the Los Angeles International Airport.
Well, I guess at frightening times like these, it?s only right and proper that we in Israel recognize and pay homage to one of the pioneers of our last line of military defense....
Israel?s nuclear program was, in no small part, developed due to the tireless efforts of none other than Shimon Peres back in the 1950s. Some ?grow older and wiser,? but in typical Peresian style, Shimon inverted this common axiom - he exhibited a touch of brilliance and vision as a young man, which rapidly dissipated and warped with time. It would be the ultimate in irony if Israel were to be saved as a result of one of the efforts and visions of Shimon Peres. Some will cringe at the very thought of having to express gratitude to the man. I confess that it is by far the most petty of my top ten reasons for why I don?t want a nuclear war. Nevertheless, at times, the fact that I have for years berated the man and lambasted his visions lays ever-so-lightly on my conscience (like a feather).
And this is why I love being Jewish. The Almighty anticipated this type of dilemma of conscience, and in His great wisdom He created for us fallible leaders with clay feet. Ours is not a religion based on mythology. And, it seems that whenever this nation does place disproportionate belief in local or international military heroes and celebrated intellectuals, we get an omnipotent and very painful slap on the wrist.
So, I don't trust Dr. Mohammed El-Baradei?s assessment with regards to Iraq?s nuclear capabilities because, as an Egyptian national, he most likely has a strong aversion to Israel. And, when push comes to shove, his pride in who he is and who he represents, whether it be Islam, the Arab world or Egypt, will take precedent over his loyalty to any non-partisan, international body.
I don't trust Shimon Peres for the opposite reason. Mr. Peres has forgotten who he his and who he represents. He has pride only in himself and his visions. He has no qualms about exchanging his heritage and eternal covenant from Sinai for a few rounds of international applause and a little medallion from Sweden.
Faith in G-d is, always has been and always will be, our last line of defense. So after this crisis passes, and it will, I look forward to thanking G-d.
--------------------------------------------------------
Ellen Horowitz, a painter and writer, lives on the Golan Heights with her husband and six children. She can be reached at ilan-acu@netvision.net.il.