The Washington Times
April 12, 2002
A visit to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem by Ariel Sharon was enough to kick off this second Palestinian war of terror on Israel known as the Intifada. Or so the legend goes. In fact, as even Palestinian Authority spokesman Imad Al-Faluji has stated on more than one occasion, Palestinian military action against the Jewish state was planned long before Mr. Sharon's "provocative visit" to Judaism's most holy site, which adjoins a site revered by Muslims as Haram-al-Sharif.
But imagine: If a mere day trip by Mr. Sharon into the vicinity of an Islamic holy site -- which, frankly, as Islamic sites go, ranks way below your Meccas and your Medinas -- could be considered reason enough to go to war, what about the armed Palestinian occupation, now into its second week, of one of Christianity's most sacred sites, the Church of the Nativity?
Needless to say, the seizure of the 1,677-year-old church by 250 guerrillas affiliated with Islamist terror factions has hardly roused the armies of Christendom. Crusades, Christian-soldiering and all that went out in the last millennium.
Still, it's a shock to realize that this desecration of the ancient church built over what's believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ has brought down neither Christian wrath nor international pressure on the desecrators to lay down their arms and leave. The closest thing to a meaningful call for action out of Rome, for instance, comes from Father David Jaeger, a Catholic spokesman, who said this week, "We appeal to the world to condemn this act and stop this behavior from continuing."
Father Jaeger's condemnation would be a good start -- only he was referring to Israeli troops, not the terrorists.
Father Jaeger's statement would be a good start -- only he was referring to the Israeli troops who have encircled the church, not the terrorists who have occupied it. Church officials, meanwhile, insist on styling the latter "refuge" seekers, but you could say only heaven knows why. They also insist that the Franciscan friars and nuns inside the church are not, emphatically not (perhaps too emphatically not), hostages.
This line is starting to wear thin as contradictory stories leak out of Bethlehem, including a Thursday report by UPI of a cell phone call made to German journalists from "a German" inside the church who said, "The Palestinians use us like human shields."
Occupier or guest, this band of sanctuary-seekers doesn't exactly call to mind a hunted herd of panting Bambis. According to the Israeli government, among those inside the church are notorious killers from Yasser Arafat's Fatah, Tazim and Hamas rosters. They include Ibrahim Musa Salem Abayat and Ismail Musa Muhammad Hamdan, two leading Tanzim operatives responsible for -- among multiple terrorist attacks -- the kidnapping and murder on Jan. 15 of Avi Boaz, a 72-year-old American citizen.
Also inside are Nidal Ahmad Isa Abu Gali'if and Muhammad Sa'id Attallah Salem, a pair of henchmen thought to be in on the March 29 suicide bombing at an Israeli supermarket that killed, among others, a 17-year-old girl out shopping for a Passover meal. There's a Fatah general-secretary named Kamel Hassan Hamid, who reports to the Palestinian Authority's Marwan Barghouti, and is said to be responsible for distributing funds to terrorist agents. Hamas is also represented by such operatives as Ibrahim Muhammad Salem Abyat, a chief organizer of the faction's terror operations.
In other words, Sunday school it ain't. No wonder Mr. Sharon told the Israeli Parliament he would "expect the international community to demand that they the terrorists lay down their arms and leave the holy place."
No official of church or state has demanded that Palestinians holed up over Christ's birthplace drop their weapons and leave the church.
But no. A strange hush hangs over the world, including the still-mainly Christian West. From the European Union to the Holy See, from the resolution-happy United Nations to the newly "involved" United States, no official of church or state has demanded that Mr. Arafat order the Palestinians holed up over Christ's birthplace to drop their arms and leave the church ASAP.
Very politely, Israel this week rejected the Vatican's idea of a solution, one that would have guaranteed all 250 terrorists safe passage to the Gaza Strip, where they would only re-arm and regroup -- and reattack. As Israeli President Moshe Katsav wrote the pope, "Under the circumstances, I regret with all respect and consideration we have for Christian Holy Places, we have no alternative but to prevent armed Palestinian terrorists, who have murdered innocent Jews, from escaping and continuing their acts of bloodshed."
Mr. Katsav might have also mentioned that the Vatican's solution would have turned sacred religious sites into sure-fire escape hatches, all but guaranteeing future seizures.
And so the stand-off continues, with surrender being the only solution to avoid a pitched battle. Whose surrender will it be -- terrorism's or civilization's? You would think -- you would hope -- that the world wouldn't want to stay quiet on this one.
Copyright © 2002 News World Communications, Inc. Reprinted with permission of The Washington Times. Visit http://www.washingtontimes.com
(17) Anonymous, November 21, 2018 11:13 PM
I thank G-d for comment number 14, below
G-d gave Charles such common sense and moral clarity. Blessings.
(16) Jack St. Paul, May 26, 2002 12:00 AM
Sanctuary, not anti-Semitism
Most of these comments are so far off the mark--as is the Washington Times article, it's nearly hypocritical.
Christian churches have served for millennia as "sanctuaries" for those on the run from some sort of pursuer. There was nothing particularly strange or unique about the situation at the Nativity, but it being the Nativity and the refuge sought during the Mideast conflict makes it more noteworthy. Almost always when sanctuary is given it's a hot political issue, because there's some party outside the church who wants to get their hands on those inside.
Why no outrage? Because it's not a big deal. It was clear to Christians--and anyone else--that the Palestinians came seeking sanctuary, not to rob, destroy, vandalize or otherwise desecrate the church itself or make a political or religious statement. The same can't be said of Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount; it was a very calculated political maneuver.
Anti-Semitism the root of the lack of outrage? Get a grip on yourself and your paranoia. Christians do not sit and decide "We won't be outraged about the Palestinians in the Nativity because it's Jews (well, mostly Jews--Israel's 20% Arab) who want to get them. Were it any other case we would be outraged." Those of you who raise the specter of anti-Semitism should be ashamed of yourself and ashamed of your collective egocentrism.
Jews and Muslims ask the world to understand their religious beliefs and values and how they relate to the conflict. Well, Christians have beliefs and values, too, and I assure you what Christians believe and want doesn't revolve around Jews--whether supportive or derogatory, i.e. anti-Semitism. To suggest anti-Semitism explains the lack of outrage is to think the world revolves around Judaism and Jews. It doesn't. Sanctuary in a church is a very special, highly regarded, and sacred principle in Christianity and it has nothing to do with Jews or Israel. There are Jews who've been saved throughout history thanks to having been given sanctuary in a Christian church.
Moorabbinpcs wrote on 4/27/2002
‘This once again proves..... that Christendom will continue to instill and aprove of the anti-semitism which they created, the same anti-semitism that has been adopted and utilized so effectively by the muslims who ironically are the greatest persecutors of Christians today.”
Your comments reveal that you are guilty of bigotry and prejudice against Christianity equivalent to that of anti-Semitism. Your dismissal and slander against Christendom and Christians is appalling—as appalling as anti-Semitism. Unfortunately I don’t know a catch-phrase that applies to your bigotry similar to the term “anti-Semitism,” but if there is one, it describes you. Perhaps some wordsmith out there knows of an appropriate term.
Anonymous, November 21, 2018 5:33 PM
To Jack, from an aspiring "Wordsmith"
I came up with a word "trolling" to describe what you got yourself caught up in with your essay above. White supremacists roam cyber space looking for places to add vitriol (on sites that might be Jewish oriented for example). They've been called out by those formerly in their ranks as "troll"s for that method. I started to see refined seeming "academic contributions" like yours above, Jack, "trolling" anti-semetic propoganda as well as part of the movements to infiltrate not only Universities, but faith-based communities. Good Christians (and there are many, thank G-d) shouldn't be schlepped in that direction. I would say a good Christian like Nikki Haley who is so very knowledgeable about world events should be listened to for proper information about what is anti-Semitic and cruel to women and children on the part of "Palestinian" "refuge" seekers in so many instances-- this is their method of propoganda in the war on Jews and the West. And besides being wise, caring, and good, Haley is technically a "woman of color" for "open-minded" idealists to be able to deem a person worthy of listening to. Also we can listen to people like Nonie Darwish who've really "beenthere". Who always listens, without discrimination? The One G-d Who created us all in His image. Jack, I respond to your or anyone else's trolling by crafting my words to G-d, by thanking Him for letting people see the truth (Haley and Darwish are just a couple of valiant women He created who I am aware of and thankful for). I will add to my book of gratitude (diary). I will say a psalm of King David in the holy Hebrew language of prayer. In my own words in English, I will use words to talk to G-d to bless us to see the truth (in spite of the distractions and purposeful propoganda) and do what's right.
anonymous, November 23, 2018 11:05 AM
Same nonsense
as calling other Jews "self-hating" to dismiss them.
Now, the bullying will be "trolling."
I Thank you, Jack for speaking out and speaking up.
I am a Jew. I had Thanksgiving with my 35 other Orthodox relatives and we are incredulous over the intolerance of Jews toward other Jews.
We are proud and strong Jews whose lives are devoted to HaShem.
But, we are not Zionists.
This is evidently unheard of, for some, and the labels of self-hating, now trolling, abound.
It is heartbreaking.
So, thank you for your clarity in recognizing that when Jews yell "anti-Semitism," over nothing, i.e. legitimate criticisms of the government of Israel, it harms all of us.
Thank you for your integrity and post.
Thank you recognizing that not everything is anti-Semitism.
And for sharing your beautiful explanation of Sanctuary.
(15) Anonymous, May 25, 2002 12:00 AM
Media control
In recent years the extremists have been touting the media as being controlled by the Jewish people.
It seems to me that they are so eager to dispel this myth that they are willing to disperse with their journalistic "integrity" at the drop of a hat. Can we really be surprised by anything they say anymore?
(14) Charles Unterberger, May 1, 2002 12:00 AM
The USA media does not represent the us
I am an american and I support your right to defend yourself from these terrorist. Not only with my words but I am willing to donate to Israel as I have in the past financially. I ask Israel's forgiveness to the way we turned our backs most of the war in the Holocaust and allow the slaughter of so many Jews. Ignore CNN's liberal bias and foul representation of the "truth". Remember God will alway protect and when they gather against you God will exact judgement in the final hour.
Very best Regards,
Charles
(13) Anonymous, April 28, 2002 12:00 AM
What would you have Christians do?
I am really puzzled by this article. I can't, of course, speak for the Catholic church (which, last time I observed, does not occupy any of the sanctuaries in the church of the Nativity.) Having been brought up a Presbyterian in Scotland, for me it's the word of God as written in the bible, that counts - not a building.
I do think that most Christians - even if they don't say so - are more sympathetic to the Israelis than they are to the Palestinians. They are not fools. They can see that the Palestinians who occupy the church are both cowards and opportunists.
What else can they do but wait until the Israeli government solves this problem as solve it they will.
Israel has more to lose than Christendom if the building falls. It is a tourist attraction - nothing more.
It is not worth the lives of people inside or outside it.
(12) Ben Wallace, April 27, 2002 12:00 AM
This once again proves..
... that Christendom will continue to instill and aprove of the anti-semitism which they created, the same anti-semitism that has been adopted and utilized so effectively by the muslims who ironically are the greatest persecutors of Christians today.
(11) Jeff Pomykala, April 26, 2002 12:00 AM
It's staged
To me, it's obvious this is a planned event in the radical Islamist' arsenal. They purposely holed up in the church to try to draw Christianity and the west into the conflict - perhaps erroneously thinking that were the IDF to damage the church in trying to get the terrorists that somehow the west and Christianity would be angy with Israel and condemn them. Barring that, were the west to get angry with the radicals themselves, then they could scream even more about "Crusades" etc. and inflame their pawns, the palestinians and all other uneducated backward and barbaric Islamists, into an even worse frenzy of animilistic destruction around the world. In their eyes, either way it's a win/win situation for radical Islamic terror. One of the earlier comments mentioned the converse of this situation -- what WOULD happen if it were a group of Christians or Jews holed up in one of their mosques? It wouldn't even have to be any place special - just any old Mosque, and Islam would be screaming of their childish "JIHAD-in the name of Allah!" -- which is why they could erroneously believe we would react that way to their occupying of the church. Sad, really, that the descendants of Ishmael still ignorantly hate so much. --"He will be a wild man, with his hand against his brothers" -- It's sad, really, that they can't see the obvious truth. They have been at war with Israel from the beginning of Israel's recreation. They have NEVER stopped being at war except to regroup and re-arm and, in these last decades, win the public relations war. Every time they have attacked - in the name of Allah - (and screaming Allah would give them victory) -- they have been beaten back like the ignorant animals they are acting like. EVERY TIME!! So when will they stop all this nonsense and begin to realize that, just maybe, ALLAH IS NOT ON THEIR SIDE IN THIS!! The facts of reality - as the Islamist own actions creating the present reality shows - is that Allah is either a completely made up FALSE god, or he is NOT on the radical Islamists side else they would not keep losing. So to any intelligent, thinking human -- Islam is either a false religion that bears no semblence to fact and only encourages barbarism and animilistic behaviour, or that Allah is NOT on their side. Take your pick, Mr. Islamic terrorist.
The media, and their moral relativism actually help to perpetuate the hatred by not reporting the facts in a truly unbiased manner. The analogy often used of the appeasment of Hitler by Europe is more than apt - it's history repeating itself - with Europe now trying to appease the animal loosed by the Arabs - radical Islam. Why did CNN recently report that 20 palastinian "children" were let go from the church? These "children" were aged 14 - 20. Even in the west they wouldn't be called children (the word child makes one think 4 - 10 year olds and hence brings about a false sympathy for "those poor palastinians!")....and in the palastinian camps where they breed their hatred and affronts to humanity and G-d, 14 is a young man able to lift and fire a rifle - after being brainwashed his whole life to go out and kill Jews. And yet CNN called them children. Why the blind stupidity among the "moral elites" in Europe and America as well? Is it just me or does it seem like the more "enlightened" a group of people claim to be, the more idiotic their dogma and the stronger their refusal to see any inconvenient fact that gets in the way of their false visions of human nature and mentality?
Selah
Selah
(10) David Buxbaum, April 25, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent article, inspiring.
Please send this article to Christian churches especially in the USA; it is
excellent.
(9) Olga, April 24, 2002 12:00 AM
What is happenning to the world? Is this world community blind& I start having a feeling that we live in Orwell's "1984" - with all these lies about "Israely wolfs" and "Palestinian lambs". Have Christians forgotten about Holocaust - or they want a repetition? I have a feeling that the world is going nuts - and growing antisemitism is the first sign of the insanity. Mass media clearly reminds me Goebbels or Communistic propagands where black is declared white and vise versa. Sometimes I feel sorry that this antisemitic idea of the World Jewish Plot is just a fiary tale - othervise Arabs would be stopped. I am not a Jew but I am wholeheartedly with Israelis. They are fighting for Life and human values, for Eros versus Tanatos. They have got their land after two thousand years of sufferring. Palestine and Israel are just two words designating one and the same land (Judea, Galilee and Samaria). They are making a blossoming garden out of desert! Please don't let terrorists take this land from you!!!
(8) Anonymous, April 23, 2002 12:00 AM
Smoke Them Out
Why doesn't the Israeli Army smoke the rascals out?
(7) una brown, April 22, 2002 12:00 AM
Nice to hear a bit of balance n the news
How can the world's media, as well as the international community as a whole be so gullable and open to deception. For goodness sake lets have more honest reporting of the situation.
(6) Jake Freedman, April 22, 2002 12:00 AM
The Pope is too Senile and Self Righteous
As well as running on residual anti-Semitism. The fact that all the major Christian countries and Churches have acquiesed or support this utter travesty is an indictment of swamp of moral, or immoral relevatism that the West has sank into. Not to mention too loudly, with the amoral relevatism has come a resurgence in old fashioned Jew hating!
(5) Tamara Kennedy, April 22, 2002 12:00 AM
typical Palestinian trash
I am outraged that the christian community has not been more vocal about the Church of the Nativity full of hostage holding terrorists. I am a christian, and as much as I'd like the church left intact, what I'd really like to see is the IDF go in and get those lunatics who are holed up in there. As for the vatican's comments, sad to say, what do you expect? This pope may have done a lot in regards to "reconciliation", but historically and presently, the vatican has been no friend to the jewish people or Israel.
I would like to say that though I am only one, I completely support the actions of Sharon & the IDF. May G-d truly bring peace to Jerusalem in our day.
(4) Jill Montes, April 22, 2002 12:00 AM
Whre is the Pope?
I read your article about the lack of outrage from the Christians about the Palestinian takeover of the Church of the Nativity. I was wondering the same thing myself. The Pope should be raising cain and denouncing the Palestians for descecrating the church ahd holding monks and nuns hostages. If the Pope and other Christian denominations would really denounce Arafat for not making the terrorists leave the church, this thing would probably be over with. (Am not a Christian but just observing)
(3) hannah robinson, April 22, 2002 12:00 AM
The world has done it again
At times I am really truly ashamed to be a Christian especially in times like this it looks like this whole world has gone mad in its anti- Semitism, but there is hope at the end of the rainbow. don't despair Yisrael your G-D is with you come what may.
(2) kevin ingram, April 21, 2002 12:00 AM
straight to the point
I AM A CHRISTIAN AND IAM APPALED BY THE HYPOCROSY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN WAKE OF PALESTINIAN TERRORISM.MY BIBLE CLEARLY STATES THAT THE LAND OF ISRAEL CLEARLY BELONGS TO THE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM ,ISAAC AND JACOB YET THE CHRISTIAN WORLD LEADERS ESPECIALLY THE POPE ARE AFRAID TO SAY THIS .CAN YOU IMAGINE JEWS OR CHRISTIANS TAKING REFUGE IN THE AL AQSA MOSQUE A FATWA WOULD BE DECLARED IMMEDIATLY .IN CLOSING KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,GOD BLESS YOU ,LONG LIVE ISREAL ,LONG LIVE AMERICA AND MY SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR PRESIDENT BUSH AND ARIEL SHARON . KEVIN INGRAM
(1) Anonymous, April 21, 2002 12:00 AM
good point
I just finished writing to the Australian TV show. As for me I think that the monks are scared of gunman because monks know that gunman would kill them and then blame it on Jews.