We write this with great trepidation, for we recognize that not all readers will agree with our perspective. But write we must, for the sake of truth and honesty.
There has been much said and written about the refusal of Israel to admit the two Muslim Congresswomen into the country. How could Israel do this, the progressive liberals screamed. After all, these are congresswomen and Israel, supposedly a democratic country, is refusing them entrance.
Ironically, and tragically two children from our Yishuv, Elazar , Nachum Elimelach Refael son of Zahava Rivka , 17 (נחום אלימלך רפאל בן זהבה רבקה) and Noam Aliza 19,(נעם עליזה בת זהבה רבקה) were run down i a ramming attack last Friday, outside the Yishuv, walking to the bus stop on Route 60. The stolen, Israeli car that crashed into them was driven by a 27 year old Arab terrorist from Bethlehem, with intent to kill. His car hit them with such force that the car flew up in the air and flipped over behind the bus stop.
Luckily, a passing policeman witnessed what was happening and shot the terrorist as he crawled out of the wreckage. From the contents of his car it was clear he was on his way to wreak more damage but took advantage of the opportunity of two young people hurrying to make their bus with their backs to him.
The kids were immediately ambulanced to the hospital, Nachum with serious and life-threatening head injuries and Noam with many non-life threatening injuries. This is true terror and trauma. Thank G-d, Noam is post surgery with casts on both legs, but smiling, Nahum is still intubated and sedated, reacts to some extent so far, but we wonder. How can anyone, especially teenagers just starting out in life, ever truly recuperate and recover from this terrorist attack.
Come to visit. We will give you a grand tour, including the many monuments along the road dedicated to the memory of those killed by terrorism.
The Neves family is our neighbor. The two victims are siblings, and very special kids. They are known in our Yishuv, as are their parents, for their chesed and sweetness. They are living Sifrei Torah in their “midot” and their only sin was that they are Jews.
Three weeks ago, an 18 year old Yeshiva student walking near Efrat was stabbed to death. On Friday, a 17 year old girl was killed, her brother and father injured seriously by a bomb. And the list goes on and on.
These events are connected. For the truth is that there are those who want to malign, spread falsities, and even destroy the country. And these two congresswomen fall into this category. And know two things which the media doesn’t tell you.
One – Israel has a law that bars supporters of the BDS movement from coming to Israel. It has banned past BDS promoters from entering and hopefully will ban future BDS members from coming. How do you allow those who seek your destruction, with every fiber of their being, to enter the country? And, second, days before this, there was a Democratic Congressional Delegation Mission to Israel. One would think that these ladies could have been part of that delegation, but they chose to come independently to spread their poison.
And, two final comments. We go into the malls in Israel, to hospitals, to restaurants and yes even into the health clubs and swimming pools, and all these places are packed with Arabs, and no one says a word. Could you ever imagine taking your family to a Ramallah swimming pool? We can’t and we don’t because we would not feel safe or secure - our lives would be in immediate danger. They are welcomed everywhere without fear or trepidation.
Second of all, don’t criticize unless you’re willing to come and live here. To come and see, especially the numerous attacks on Jews by those who wish to destroy us. Come to visit. We will give you a grand tour, including the many monuments along the road dedicated to the memory of those killed by terrorism.. Always remember that there is another side to the story, the one they won’t tell you. Be proud of this country, it’s our only hope.