Reprinted with permission from National Review Online
The Muslim world is mystified as to why Americans support the existence of Israel. Some critics in the Middle East excuse "the American people," while castigating our government. In their eyes, our official policy could not really reflect grassroots opinion. Others misinformed spin elaborate conspiracy theories involving the power of joint Mossad-CIA plots, Old Testament fundamentalists, international bankers, and Jewish control of Hollywood, the media, and the U.S. Congress. But why does an overwhelming majority of Americans (according to most polls, between 60 and 70% of the electorate) support Israel -- and more rather than less so after September 11?
The answer is found in values -- not in brainwashing or because of innate affinity for a particular race or creed. Israel is a democracy. Its opponents are not. Much misinformation abounds on this issue. Libya, Syria, and Iraq are dictatorships, far more brutal than even those in Egypt or Pakistan. But even "parliaments" in Iran, Morocco, Jordan, and on the West Bank are not truly and freely democratic. In all of them, candidates are either screened, preselected, or under coercion. Daily television and newspapers are subject to restrictions and censorship; "elected" leaders are not open to public audit and censure. There is a reason, after all, why in the last decade Americans have dealt with Mr. Netanyahu, Barak, and Sharon -- and no one other than Mr. Arafat, the Husseins in Jordan, the Assads in Syria, Mr. Mubarak, and who knows what in Lebanon, Algeria, and Afghanistan. Death, not voters, brings changes of rule in the Arab world.
The Arab street pronounces that it is the responsibility of the United States -- who gives money to Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Afghanistan and others, has troops stationed in the Gulf, and buys oil from the Muslim world -- to use its influence to instill democracies. They forget that sadly these days we rarely have such power to engineer sweeping constitutional reform; that true freedom requires the blood and courage of native patriots -- a Washington, Jefferson, or Thomas Paine -- not outside nations; and that democracy demands some prior traditions of cultural tolerance, widespread literacy, and free markets. Moreover, we give Israel billions as well -- but have little control whether they wish to elect a Rabin or a Sharon.
Israel is also secular. The ultra-Orthodox do not run the government unless they can garner a majority of voters. Americans have always harbored suspicion of anyone who nods violently when reading Holy Scripture -- whether in madrassas, near the Wailing Wall, or in the local Church of the Redeemer down the street. In Israel, however, Americans detect that free speech and liberality of custom and religion are more ubiquitous than, say, in Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Palestine -- and so surmise that the Jewish state is more the creation of European émigrés than of indigenous Middle-Eastern fundamentalists.
Pluralism exists in Israel, rarely so in the Arabic world.
Pluralism exists in Israel, rarely so in the Arabic world. We see an Israeli peace party, spirited debate between Left and Right, and both homegrown damnation and advocacy for the settlers outside the 1967 borders. Judaism is fissured by a variety of splinter orthodoxies without gunfights. There are openly agnostic and atheistic Israeli Jews who enjoy influence in Israeli culture and politics. In theory, such parallels exist in the Arab world, but in actuality rarely so. We know that heretical mullahs are heretical more often in London, Paris, or New York -- not in Teheran or among the Taliban. No Palestinian politician would go on CNN and call for Mr. Arafat's resignation; his opposition rests among bombers, not in raucous televised debates.
Israeli newspapers and television reflect a diversity of views, from rabid Zionism to almost suicidal pacifism. There are Arab-Israeli legislators -- and plenty of Jewish intellectuals who openly write and broadcast in opposition to the particular government of the day. Is that liberality ever really true in Palestine? Could a Palestinian, Egyptian, or Syrian novelist write something favorable about Golda Meir, hostile to Mr. Assad or Mubarak, or craft a systematic satire about Islam? Past experience suggests such iconoclasts and would-be critics might suffer stones and fatwas rather than mere ripostes in the letters to the editor of the local newspapers. Palestinian spokesmen are quite vocal and unbridled on American television, but most of us -- who ourselves instinctively welcome self-criticism and reflection -- sense that such garrulousness and freewheeling invective are is reserved only for us, rarely for Mr. Arafat's authority.
Americans also see ingenuity from Israel, both technological and cultural -- achievement that is not reflective of genes, but rather of the culture of freedom. There are thousands of brilliant and highly educated Palestinians. But in the conditions of the Middle East, they have little opportunity for free expression or to open a business without government bribe or tribal payoff. The result is that even American farmers in strange places like central California are always amazed by drip-irrigation products, sophisticated water pumps, and ingenious agricultural appurtenances that are created and produced in Israel. So far we have seen few trademarked in Algeria, Afghanistan, or Qatar.
There is also an affinity between the Israeli and Western militaries that transcends mere official exchanges and arms sales. We do not see goose-stepping soldiers in Haifa as we do in Baghdad. Nor are there in Tel-Aviv hooded troops with plastic bombs strapped to their sides on parade. Nor do Israeli presidents wear plastic sunglasses, carry pistols to the U.N., or have chests full of cheap and tawdry metals. Young rank-and-file Israeli men and women enjoy a familiarity among one another, and their officers are more akin to our own army than to the Republican Guard, Hamas, or Islamic Jihad.
The Israelis also far better reflect the abject lethality of the Western way of war. Here perhaps lies the greatest misunderstanding of military history on the part of the Arab world. The so-called Islamic street believes that sheer numbers and territory -- a billion Muslims, a century of oil reserves, and millions of square miles -- should mysteriously result in lethal armies. History teaches us that war is rarely that simple. Instead, the degree militaries are westernized -- technology that is a fruit of secular research, group discipline arising from consensual societies, logistical efficiency that derives from capitalism, and flexibility that is the dividend from constant public audit and private individualism -- determines victory, despite disadvantages in numbers, natural resources, individual genius, or logistics.
We hear a quite boring refrain from enraged Palestinians of "Apache helicopters" and "F-16s". But in the Lebanese war of the early 1980s we saw what happens in dogfights between advanced Israel and Syrian jets in the same manner Saddam's sophisticated weapons were rendered junk in days by our counterparts. So Israel's power is more the result of a system, not merely of imported hardware. The Arab world does not have a creative arms industry; Israel does -- whether that be ingenious footpads to wear while detecting mines or drone aircraft that fly at night over Mr. Arafat's house. If the Palestinians truly wished military parity, then the Arab world should create their own research programs immune to religious or political censure, and ensure that students are mastering calculus rather than the Koran.
The 20th century taught Americans that some Europeans would annihilate millions of Jews.
Nor are Americans ignorant of the recent past. The United States was not a colonial power in the Middle East, but developed ties there as a reaction to, not as a catalyst of, its complex history. Israel was instead both created and abandoned by Europeans. The 20th century taught Americans that some Europeans would annihilate millions of Jews -- and others prove unwilling or unable to stop such a holocaust. We sensed that the first three wars in the Middle East were not fought to return the West Bank, but to finish off what Hitler could not. And we suspect now that, while hundreds of millions of Arabs would accept a permanent Israel inside its 1967 borders, a few million would not -- and those few would not necessarily be restrained by those who did accept the Jewish state.
Somehow we in the American heartland sense that Israel -- whether its GNP, free society, or liberal press -- is a wound to the psyche, not a threat to the material condition, of the Arab world. Israel did not murder the Kurds or Shiites. It does not butcher Islam's children in Algeria. Nor did it kill over a million on the Iranian-Iraqi border -- much less blow apart Afghanistan, erase from the face of the earth entire villages and their living inhabitants in Syria, or turn parts of Cairo into literal sewers. Yet both the victims and the perpetrators of those crimes against Muslims answer "Israel" to every problem. But Americans, more than any people in history, live in the present and future, not the past, loath scapegoating and the cult of victimization, and are tired of those, here and abroad, who increasingly blame others for their own self-induced pathologies.
#Europe's policy in the Middle East is based on little more than naked self-interest.
The Europeans are quite cynical about all this. Tel Aviv, much better than Cairo or Damascus, reflects the liberal values of Paris or London. Yet the Europeans rarely these days do anything that is not calibrated in terms of gaining money or avoiding trouble -- and in that sense for them Israel is simply a very bad deal. All the sophisticated op-eds about the shuffling of Mr. Jack Straw about Islamic liberalism cannot hide the fact that Europe's policy in the Middle East is based on little more than naked self-interest. If Israel were wiped out tomorrow, Europeans would ask for a brief minute of silence, then sigh relief, and without a blink roll up their sleeves to get down to trade and business.
Our seemingly idiosyncratic support for Israel, then, also says something about ourselves rather than just our ally. In brutal Realpolitik, the Europeans are right that there is nothing much to gain from aiding Israel. Helping a few million costs us the friendship of nearly a billion. An offended Israel will snub us; but some in an irate Muslim world engineered slaughter in Manhattan. Despite our periodic tiffs, we don't fear that any frenzied Israelis will hijack an American plane or murder Marines in their sleep. No Jews are screaming at us on the evening news that we give billions collectively to Mubarak, the Jordanians, and Mr. Arafat. And Israelis lack the cash reserves of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and they do not go on buying sprees in the U.S. or import whole industries from America. So the reason we each support whom we do says something about both Europe and the United States.
Instead of railing at America, Palestinians should instead see in our policy toward Israel their future hope, rather than present despair -- since it is based on disinterested values that can evolve, rather than on race, religion, or language that often cannot. If the Palestinians really wished to even the score with the Israelis in American eyes, then regular elections, a free press, an open and honest economy, and religious tolerance alone would do what suicide bombers and a duplicitous terrorist leader could not.
This article originally appeared on National Review Online
(64) Simfumene (Sami), August 1, 2014 9:25 AM
Remove the dirt in your face first
I have been at pains recently to explain my support for Israel. Unfortunately people are short sighted and emotional when discussing this subject. At work one of my colleagues referred me to tons of books (some of which Ihave read like Alison Weir, Noam Chomsky and others). When I refer them to historians like David Andelmann and others, they cry that I am reading and using Jewish sympathetic writers. When I use the argument that they are using anti-Israeli writers they dismiss me. This is a difficult topic, but my support for Israel will not be blackmailed by people who refuse to see reason.
(63) patricia, June 19, 2014 4:15 PM
Our whole future depends on how we treat and support Israel,because that is how we will be Judged. Our Jewish people should be loved by us, and supported, after what they have gone through,Stand up for Israel, I promise you will be Blessed by G-D
(62) Phalo, February 12, 2014 3:37 PM
Israel rights ignored
The haters of Israel invoke the victim mentality in order to cast Israel in bad light. Through this "we are victims" cry, facts and truths are lost in the noise. I have chosen a different path, a path that asks the question: If people deny the existence of Israel, people and territory that exist, must Jews fold their arms and perish under the attacks from haters? Why has there been no one condemning the attacks on Jewish senttlements? Well, people will say those settlements are illegitimate to start with. I beg to differ. As an African man, if African immigrants are attacked anywhere in Europe, etc, we cry foul. We do not say, well they were not supposed to be there to start with. So Israel has a right to be, the people of Israel are peace loving but are always ready to defend themselves.
Rather than continuing with lies and expend our energies to demonise the State of Israel, let's look at lasting solutions, solutions that must be brokered with Israel. Of course Israel will refuse to be bullied, I support that. Israel will set terms for peace, let's allow that. We cannot urge Israel to drop its guard when barrels of guns are pointed at her people!
(61) Anonymous, December 18, 2013 12:59 PM
Support Humanity, not Arabs, not Israel
Politics has extended from throwing muck at others to killing innocent people. Yes, I'm a Muslim, and YES, I HATE MOST ARABS. Reason is simple. These people discriminate other Muslims. The so called "Muslim rulers" of Saudi, the land of the Prophet, drink and gamble more than most! These people, with their extravagance, make a MOCKERY of Islam. Want Islam? Look at American and European Muslims, and not these whoremongering hypocrites! The political power play has killed 8000 Palestinian children. Fault of US? No. Fault of Pakistan? No. Fault of the rich Arabs? Yes. If there's such discord among Muslims, the credit goes to Arabs. Saudi plays, Palestine pays! "If you kill even one innocent person, you've killed humanity. If you've saved one person, you've saved humanity" All Quran, 5'90
(60) sara, November 22, 2012 9:24 AM
look
http://www.mako.co.il/travel-visit-israel/visit-israel-en-picture/Picture-5444f247c038a31006.htm?ref=sY45rTiDX2
(59) Paul Sylver, November 17, 2012 9:49 PM
Terrorists
By any definition, the two entities that best fit the description of "terrorist organization" are the governments of Israel and the United States. The use of force and violence to persecute civilians is unjustifiable and criminal. Israel, by virtue of its creation from land stolen from those who lived there for thousands of years, has no legitimacy other than the contrivances propagated through political manipulation and enforced through military brutality. Zionists are the emulation of Hitler and Pol Pot.
(58) jim in GA, November 7, 2012 5:34 PM
the clock is ticking
with 69% of American Jews supporting Obama do you really expect the US to come to Israel's aid? I am so sorry for Israel. The Republican conservative base is Isreal's greatest supporter.
(57) K, October 21, 2012 9:58 AM
I am a non-muslim from muslim majority country and understand the fundamental hatred of muslims toward Israel. Israel needs support from the rest of the world and pro-islamic media only worsens the sentiment of the general public
(56) Hillel Azau, August 19, 2012 10:58 PM
Because am a Jewish and the of Avraham
(55) Peaceful Warrior, July 31, 2012 12:57 AM
1 Problem at a time
We can all live 2gether & fix things 1 problem at a time.We all know what problems R.Lets fix them so we all be in harmony.
(54) Anonymous, June 27, 2012 2:52 PM
Enough is enough.
I fail to understand why the world has such a problem with the formation of a Jewish nation. A place to call home after being persecuted by almost every society it has encountered since history has been recorded. Walk tall Israel, we salute you.
(53) Rainys Andrew Blekaitis, May 28, 2012 1:09 AM
I love the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland
Before I forget, I agree with everything in the article I read. I want to support charities benefiting Jewish people and the Jewish homeland of Israel. I've seen racism and antisemitism all my life and it's never pleasant. What amazes me isn't just how resilient the Jewish people are, having suffered medieval inquisitions, pogroms and the Holocaust, they're an amazingly loving people. The Jewish population is very small, yet Jewish Charity is huge. And my parents were from Lithuania, Holocaust Central, where 90% of the Jewish population were wiped out. The general liberalism of Israel, the Holocaust in Lithuania, and the boundless warmth and generosity of the Jewish people are reasons I support Israel. I'm poor and heavily in credit card debt, but I will donate money to support Israel or Jewish needs. Thank you.
(52) adrian burr, February 26, 2012 6:16 PM
i support isreal
im 48 and english. i am not left wing european and fully support isreal. the enemy of my enemy is my friend. there lets keep it simple/
(51) Worried Young Kiwi, August 27, 2011 11:05 AM
Right to exist
Israel and it's people have the right to exist. They are our friends. If we do nothing to protect and defend the freedom of our allies then we don't truly believe in freedom. Who will help when they come for us?
(50) JLF, August 22, 2011 3:03 PM
Isolation
I think we just need to keep our nose out of everyones business in the first place. Every nation is guilty of doing bad things; Israel and our country is no exception. We need to worry about fixing our own problems before we worry about other nations.
(49) Paul Jacobson, July 7, 2011 11:55 PM
Palistinian Homeland?
First, until 1966, the Jews WERE the Palistinians. Then, Yasser Arafat changes the definition to mean that the ARAB and Muslim Palistinians were the only REAL Palistinians. Garbage. Second, In 1923, the arab Palistians received a homeland. Called Transjordan. Now shortened to Jordan. The agreement, with ALL concerned, was that the 650,000 Jewish palistinians living east of the Jordan Rver would move west, and thew 750,000 arab palistinians living west of the Jordan River would move east. The Jews, left everything behind and moved. Quite a few of the arabs didn't. But Jordan came into being as a nation. Israel had to wait until 1948, and then they had to fight for it. And they still are, because the arabs will not stop attacking them. Lets get real about this. Paul Jacobson
(48) Kibbitzer, June 1, 2011 2:25 PM
Why support Israel?
You may substitute the word "Jews" for "Israel" in your sub-heading and it would still be true. You doubt it? Cast your mind back to the '72 Munich Olympics!
(47) melynda, May 24, 2011 4:27 AM
I support Israel
I support and respect the nation of Israel. The land was given to Israel by God himself. The Palestinians are violent people who do not want to coexist with Israel, they want to destroy Israel and take over. I have no sympathy for Palestine or other Arab nations who seek to kill and destroy those who do not agree with them.
anne, July 17, 2011 9:06 AM
amen.
(46) sherrb, May 20, 2011 4:47 AM
What VALUES do you people BELIEVE IN
What is important to you? Do you not value your family and friends, you common goals and ethics in what is truly right and wrong? God will take us all soon enough, and in our own time .... try to appreciate each other as human people that are your friends and family and the warmth and love you can enjoy with that in the meantime. Do you really need to KILL EVERYONE THAT DOESN'T AGREE WITH YOU? Really? If so, how sad. We won't be in the end, but I would wish that you wouldn't be either. So sad.
(45) Shaun Moorcroft, March 19, 2011 11:23 PM
The Ugly Truth
There is a website called The Ugly Truth. It talks about Zionist plots to brutalise the people of Palestine. I talk to a lot of people these days who are under the growing belief that Israel is part of the New World Order and there is a sinister plan to eradicate all non-white, non-jewish peoples. I see so many clips on Youtube having one think that everyone outside the muslim world is moving towards a cleansing.......but let's face it folks: the ruling muslim elite of every islamic state 'cleanses' it's own peoples, they don't need outside help; islam is spreading like a wildfire and these forces don't have guantanamo's: they don't take prisoners or at least one isn't incarcerated for long before facing a brutal execution; Israel is surrounded by enemies who would attack at any moment if they knew they could survive the back lash and fury of free people the world over; Israel is free, it's people are free; if you disagree or change your mind in Israel you won't be stoned to death or shot in the back of the head in a football stadium; if the west is in support of Israel it is justified, because the enemies of Israel are the enemies of all of us. I could go to Israel and know I would be safe.....could I feel the same in Iran, Jordan, Afghanistan, Palestine or any muslim dictator country...? NO! My name is PROUDLY on the "I'm a Proud Friend of Israel!" website. When the battle-lines are drawn on Har Megiddo at the end of days I know where I'll be standing.
(44) Shalah, March 14, 2011 9:33 PM
HaShem will protect HIS People!
HaShem will protect HIS PEOPLE! He will not abandon Israel. The real question is: Are HIS PEOPLE trusting HIM? Are HIS PEOPLE praying for HIM TO intervene? Shalah
(43) Bill Conlon, February 18, 2011 7:35 PM
Roman Catholic Supporter of Israel
This is not a comment about this particular article. But I am very, very ashamed and disappointed with the current administration's abandonment of 40 years. Of unwavering support for the Jewish state. No Republican administration would grovel so low ...
(42) joe, January 11, 2011 5:21 AM
i'm a free thinker and i'm proud of it
and i can't see what people are possibly complaining about: a 1st world constitutional democracy vs a league of 3rd world islamic dictatorships. no surprise who's side i'm on.
(41) Tonia, December 3, 2010 8:10 PM
I support Israel
I proudly support Israel. Anyone against Israel is a complete idiot or evil, no alternative. May Israel destroy every enemy that comes against her.
(40) Jazz, July 6, 2010 5:38 PM
Support Israel
Great article!! Israel continues to be on the front lines battling islamo-facism. LONG LIVE ISRAEL!!!
(39) Tim Yeadell, June 17, 2010 5:53 AM
Ashamed Of Britain, Dedicated Friend Of Israel
I am not Jewish. I have goodwill towards Arabs and Palestinians, and have supported Muslims in daily life and in protesting on their behalf to MPs etc. However, I am ashamed of British conduct towards Israel over more than sixty years. I fully support Israel's right to exist, I admire its people and leaders for their courage and decency. Of course I grieve when they do wrong, but overall the Israelis have done more that's decent, upright, legal, proper, democratic and humanitarian than their enemies. The hatred of Israel is appalling. The record of Europe and Britain in their relations with Israel is cowardly, mendacious and hypocritical. God bless Israel. However, I pray and hope that extremists within Israel will never succeed in destroying the basic humanitarianism that has characterised the state since 1948.
(38) Damian, June 12, 2010 6:05 PM
One of Many Here in the USA
I am a PROUD supporter of the existence and prosperity of Israel. I, among many others here in the USA are quite fond of the Israeli people and when I look into the eyes of the people of Israel, I see human beings interested in positive advancement and constructive growth, surrounded by a mass of primitive, blood-hungry nations, desperate for power and wealth and religious domination. Israel is a nation of PROGRESSIVES surrounded by DIGRESSIVE apes whose answer to any problem is violence and religious condemnation. LONG LIVE ISRAEL! LONG LIVE THE ORPHANED LAND!!
(37) alan, June 10, 2010 3:30 AM
keep up the good work
Very ashamed to be Irish at the moment, i can't walk the street without seeing people asking me to sign a petition supporting Palestine. I am not a Jewish nor do i like to see people suffer but for the good of all Europeans and Americas we must support democracy in the middle east and oppress those whose religion demands we die. It's a sad case of them or us. As for Grahams post above you should note that their were also loyalist terror groups in Northern Ireland, in fact they planted the first bombs, you left that out because you are a unionist. Theirs peace now, we must stop dragging up the past and refuse to support any side.
(36) KARTHIK, June 2, 2010 1:37 PM
I am an Indian, and a hindu by religion. I started loving israel since the time, it was created. I appreciate the dedication, and the determination which the israelis defend their country despite all odds they face. I'm completely suprised by the attitude of the european countries which supports israel's enemies, in spite of knowing that they are a potential threat to the world too. Only america, is israel's trusty ally. My own country which faces the same problem as israel, hesitates to support israel, due to political reasons. I wish israel with its jews live, as long as this world lasts.
(35) Bruce, June 2, 2010 12:22 PM
God Bless Israel
Israel is our brother and our sister. Israel is our family. We, as Americans, must never turn our back on our family. Unfortunately, much of the world is ready and willing not only to turn its back on Israel but to support those who want its destruction. We must stand up to those who wish Israel harm. They hate Israel, they hate the United States and they hate freedom. Those who hate us and wish our destruction are the tools of Evil. We must always stand united against them and bring all our force to defend ourselves against them. Israel is a land and a people who desire peace surrounded by those who desire war. Let us never turn our backs on Israel but rather join hands with them and help defend them now and forever. God Bless Israel!
(34) jason, June 2, 2010 5:27 AM
Americas best friend
I am an American and I support Israel 100%! I will pass the word on to other Americans why they should support our best friend in the world. I sincerely apologize for the misguided actions of our current government.
(33) Graham, June 1, 2010 10:24 PM
hold the fort Oh Israel
Israel is surrounded by the armies of hatred and mockery towards all things peaceful. Israel have done and are doing a good job in keeping the Holy Lands secure. I wish the US and Britain had more of a back bone to support them too. As agreeing with Michael down below, i have lived in Northern Ireland and seen the work of a pro active murder gang the IRA. These people are not peace keepers, nor religious freedom fighters. They are hungry blood thirsty killers. Hamas, IRA.. its all the same but we must stand up against them. Good luck all who hold the lines. NO SURRENDER
(32) Henry Tobias, April 17, 2010 9:50 AM
Is the US such a good friend of Israel? I don't think so
All the administrations since 1967, have failed to recognise Israel's right to an undivided Jerusalem, failing to move their embassy. Wake up, the Americans are not much better than Europeans. They will also carry with 'business as usual'.
(31) Anonymous, April 4, 2010 4:34 PM
The God of Israel
Why support Israel? Why Not? Israel needs to be a growing community, not one that is being stifled, like the Arabs are trying to do to it. Israel is the only land that the Jews can call their own. For the Christians there is England, Italy, the United States, Germany ect. ect. The Muslims have Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq ect. ect. The Jews, only have Israel, and how much do they have of that? Each country really only tolerates their own countries religion. This passover we saw on the news all the three major religions come together at Jerusalem to celebrate in their religion their festivals, all in the same place, and a very small place it is. So no matter what religious background someone is, they all are supporting Israel, as the Holy Land! So Why Support Israel? Because it is the Holy Land!
(30) shuebydoo, April 9, 2009 7:40 PM
Arab extreme intolerance
Palestine was never a country. It was British territory pre-1947. So called "Palestinians" are Arabs. Arabs sit on 99.998% or all the surrounding land, while Israel sits on 0.002%. Arabs are so intolerant, they think 0.002%. is too much. The problem with the middle east is the extreme intolerance of Arabs and hate for their fellow humans, in this case the Jews. They've tried repeatedly since 1948 to eradicate the Jews but cannot due to supernatural intervention.
(29) Alex, March 12, 2009 4:24 PM
SUPPORT ISRAEL 100%!
The Muslims use their own people as human shields and go to Israel to kill ''infidels''. The muzzies also blow up trains underground in London and hijack airplanes into the most important buildings in the USA.
Israel just wants to be left alone but that won''t happen as long as Islam exists, and let''s forget about Israel for a second, and talk about the whole world. Islam interrupts peace everywhere possible. Bash Islam and 90% of the problems in the whole world will disappear IMMEDIATELY.
Peace.
(28) michael, January 23, 2009 6:46 PM
live and let live
hamas is is a terrorist group whose sole purpose is to threaten the the people of israel and to try and gang press them into an arab controlled state by any means. they send hundreds of rockets per week into israel without response but when your people think that enough is enough and respond they try to pretend that they are the ones that are having there human rights violated.The world is looking at them for what they are! I myself have lived in Northern Ireland all my life and have came up agaisnt the same mentialty with the so called republicans in the ira /inla who my country [britain]try to gangpress us into an all ireland were nationalist/republican agenda is oppressed on the northern irelands majority people the unionist/protestant who wish to get on with there own way of life and religous beliefs but in the same time respect others and just want to exist without hatred like yourselfs.i just wish britain had the backbone of israel to stand up for its people in northern ireland and not leave us to the dogs many thanks and good luck
(27) crazyy_momma, January 17, 2009 12:10 PM
I fully support Israel it is gods country and should remain that way
Why should Israel put up with this violence and criticism from other countries? If Hamas continuously fired missiles into all of these other critical countries they would be the first to retaliate....
(26) Aikey3, January 15, 2009 5:58 PM
international media
from an outsider looking in, im amazed to see how vilanised israel has been made to look by many international media groups, it seems to me that isreal is acting and not REACTING like america did in iraq etc. i dont think it will be a conflict that will ever be resolved due to the staggering/ ridiculous support of islamic fundamentalism in palestine these people want nothing but chaos and islamic dictatorship, yet the media does not illuminate this fact in the same way they did with american invasions of the middle east. i sincerely hope isreal will stand fast and reamin and hopefully one day you will be granted peace.
(25) alex, January 15, 2009 2:12 AM
SUPPORT ISRAEL
Right on Paul Lim!This is no world for bigots who kill in the name of religion. Malaysia's government is fully corrupt by the way.
(24) Mary Ann Majchrzak, January 13, 2009 9:57 PM
I hate the hatred
Listening to the hamas terrorists one can easily hear the hatred coming out of their mouths like Niagara spewing over the Falls. They are out to kill Israelis and this is easy to see, hear, feel. I feel sad to see the people of Gaza suffer so, but they voted for Hamas. What do they expect Jewish people to do when being bombed daily by hamas? Is there any grey matter between the ears? I hope daily that the IDF finds every terrorist and bombing site, and either captures or destroys them. They seem incapable of letting their death grip with Hatred go. Israel, I am with you all the way. Godspeed. mary ann
(23) Paul Lim, January 12, 2009 10:25 PM
Israel, go forth and wipe them all out
I'm from Malaysia, a muslim dominated country. Support of the Hamas from the muslim community is bias and blinded - merely because of similar religion. Mulims do not care about what's right and wrong. They will blame everyone for their poverty and troubles and kill all which is of a different religion. If there is a religion to be globally banned, it would be islam.
(22) dylan timm, January 12, 2009 5:15 PM
puyallup supports israel
I for one think that if it wasn't for Israel, there quite likely could have been a nuclear war by now. Go Israel.
(21) Stephen Adamski, January 11, 2009 2:08 PM
I support Israel
I am a Christian and I am deeply ashamed of the attitude towards Israel by the Governments of Europe, they are not representative of the people who voted them in, Israel is a shining light amongst the evil and despotic regimes in the Middle East, today I took to the streets of London waving an Israeli and English flag side by side to show my support. Our demonstration went peacefully but as usual we had very little press coverage but we made our point. GOD BLESS ISRAEL
(20) gary, January 11, 2009 6:48 AM
uk supports israel
the poeple of gazza voted for hamas, knowing hamas would fire rockets at israel now the poeple of gazza have the full attention of israel, why are they now complaining ?, they asked for it !. so now live with it.
(19) Corey, January 9, 2009 4:38 PM
Go get the Israel
I was appalled to see the protests in NYC and DC supporting the terrorist groups.
(18) wendy gardner, January 8, 2009 1:11 PM
Palestine is now reaping what it has sown
I'm not Jewish and even I've had it up to here with Hamas. The Palestinians invited this horror into power, I just read Hamas' Charter. Israel has every right to bomb them back to the stone age and I hope they do. Israel is the Palestinian peoples best hope for a better life. But not when they allow a bunch of terrorists to keep flinging bombs at Israeli children! Wake up San Francisco and Florida! Israel is not the bad guy here, they are the victim.
(17) Mike P (UK), January 7, 2009 8:11 PM
Supporting only what is right
Israel has every right to defend herself. Its sad to see the dead bodies of Palestinian children on the BBC. But this is due to Hamas hiding amongst the children, and also provoking israel in to defending herself by launching rockets endlessly into Southern Israel. If your neighbour kept throwing hand grenades into your back garden where your children play, what would you do? Why then are people surprised that Israel is replying? That worries me, because surely their not that thick, and if they are not thick, then maybe they support the ideals of Hamas themselves? That includes the BBC!
(16) vincent, January 6, 2009 1:55 AM
siding with the people of Israel
Richard Mather, I'm French, I live in the country and I support Israeli people in their fight for survival.My experience with arabs paradigm is that this war could last for as long as hatred is alive. I wish I could do more to help.
(15) Joan Venn, January 4, 2009 5:40 PM
Israel - a nation born from suffering
I have strong feelings regarding Israel and I am not a Jew. A people who have struggled to come from 'abroad' and build a nation again after the horrors of the holocaust should be supported and protected on every side. To grow 'roses' in the desert and to meet in Jerusalem ...I would fight to preserve this dream. There's no romantic ideal here, but a pragmatic approach to re-building something which has been the inheritance of mankind. Temporary dwellers have a problem, so let them return to their origins! Britain has a lot to answer for in this situation, with the scuttling of refugee ships etc., Joan Venn
(14) Rachel, January 4, 2009 12:35 PM
My heart and prayers go to the innocent people caught in the middle of so much hate and violence. However, I absolute support to Israel. They have every right to defend their state and fight for their existence. May God bless and protect Israel's troops and deliver them from harm's way.
(13) Subra Narayana, January 4, 2009 9:12 AM
Tolerance
I hope the Arab/Muslim world comes upon religious and cultural tolerance in our lifetime. Not just Israel... but many other countries (incl India) and many other peoples have suffered enough.
(12) Robert G., December 29, 2008 5:18 PM
How could any democracy NOT support Israel? Given the region, western nations should appreciate the Israeli perspective and situation it faces. No other country would tolerate what Israel has from it's "neighbors". Look what Putin recently did to Georgia. China to Tibet, and any other half a dozen insurgent protests that resulted in the country administering a harsh response.
(11) Richard Mather, December 29, 2008 11:29 AM
European Left is anti-Semitic
As a Brit, I am enraged by the European perspective on Israel. The European Left tends to be vehemently anti-Israeli, which is often just anti-Semitism in disguise. Even in Britain, which tends to depart from Europe on many issues, there is an increasing strain of anti-Israelism and anti-Semitism. We've got newspapers and media outlets like the Guardian, the Independent and the BBC, which report from a pro-Palestinian / anti-Israeli perspective. We've also got left-wing politicians like the odious George Galloway who makes no secret of his aversion to Israel and the Jews. Europe has a long tradition of antipathy towards the Jewish people. Catholicism, Protestantism, Fascism, Nazism and Left-Liberalism have all pursued an anti-Semitic agenda. Despite this, I would like to make clear my support for Israel and for Jews everywhere.
(10) Kari, December 27, 2008 1:06 PM
I would like to support the Jewish people's struggle in this world. I am a 50-year-old Finnish man and all my life I have been abhorred and deeply disgusted about the way the German murdering machine could ever treat your people. I even have had some nightmares about the holocaust even though it never touched me or any of my family. We Finns generally are very tolerate and accepting people but there are those among us who do not believe in equality and the humanity of men. I am so mad about the Arabs' decades long aggressions against the Israeli State. I hope you will win this struggle as well! Rauhaa ja hyvinvointia Israelille! Kari Leppänen
(9) Anonymous, December 13, 2008 12:40 PM
I am an european and an orthodox christian and I support Israel with all of my heart.I admire the quest of anti terrorism and wish them all the best in destroying ill minded terrorists! Your article is unfair towards european people and does not represent our feelings!We are all united against any form of terrorism and Israel is an important shield. You are soooooo wrong!!!
(8) tony randall, February 12, 2008 2:55 PM
ZR, brilliant observations!
You hit the nai on the head, Zacharias! And it takes courage to say what a majority feels and is afraid to say...Well done.
TR
(7) Zacharias Reubenstein, January 5, 2006 12:00 AM
Ignorance shall not be rewarded
It amazes me that despite what is obviously well acquired knowledge on your part, Mr. Hanson, that you would waste our time with such child-like views on the world today. Innocence? Nay, ignorance.
1. America helps for the sake of helping those liken to America - I'm not a fan of conspiracy theories either, but what you're saying simply defies what I consider common sense. No government and certainly, not our Bush administration, helps cause it makes them sleep better at night. First and foremost, the concern of course is from a military point of view. You mention American bases in the Muslim countries - yet it's clear you are unaware of the long list of restrictions placed on US military bases in the Middle East (now, of course none exist in the GCC area). Israel is the only area within the Middle East where America is allowed free reign to have a military stronghold to launch any attacks/defense should a need arise. Zionist conspiracy? I wouldn't go so far as to call it a conspiracy, but I'd say you're living in a box if you don't believe that we wield substantial influence in the American politics. Take for example the poll that shows a whopping 42% of the top private high schools in the US celebrate Yom Kippur. Not the students, but as an official school holiday. Flip it around. If there were so many influential Muslims in the US do you honestly not think there would be drastic changes in attitude?
Take a more realistic example: China. There is no freedom of religion or much less freedom of anything. Though most would not agree with those principles, America has no venue through which they can influence themselves. Which makes it one of the only LUCRATIVE countries in the world where the US has absolutely no control over. You brush off the media and subsequent conspiracy theories. But who may I ask influences the votes and thus the outcome of the Presidency and the following administration. The regular folk. And you know what, you ask a regular blue collar folk what he thinks about the Middle East, Arabs, etc. He will give you a description verbatim of what the media is spewing out. The same story is reported from a far different point of view in Al-Jazeera (not anymore since BBC purchased it) or Al-Arabiyah. Were it that these two networks were the maintstream medium as opposed to CNN or MSNBC, don't you think that would have a profound impact on people's views on the Middle East conflict?
2. Israel is developing their own technologies - NOW they are. How do you think Israel got their start? Where do you think all of our tax money which was sent to Israel in trillions of dollars, went to? And the Israeli technology that is coming back to the states - is simply one of the return on America's investments. How? America shares patent rights to the technology developed in Israel. Bet you didn't know that. As a Directing Consultant of IT, I've worked heavily in projects involving Israeli technologies - and trust me, the funding came from America and therefore America owns the technology (which, yes you're right, is the best in the world) and all licensing rights and receives a huge share of return on technology sold.
3. Why do I, a Jew, sound like I'm attacking my own Altar? Again, regardless of the religious beliefs, what we are doing is wrong.
(6) Anonymous, February 13, 2002 12:00 AM
indigenous
It seems a bit naive calling Arab-Muslims indigenous. I've never heard of any indian blowing himself into pieces for a religious cause.
(5) carmel D, February 12, 2002 12:00 AM
U.S support fluctuates
I'm afraid that a look at US foreign policy towards Israel over the decades shows that it is based on self interest no less then the European foreign policy. Democracy and inventiveness are very nice qualities but foreign policy is determined by what's good for my country first. So it should be. As long as Israel is a strategic asset to the US the US will support it. If that situation should change the US support will also change. It has many times in the past. Israel too must do what is best for it's country and not take risks with the lives of its people to please its supporters with "goodwill" gestures and such.
(4) karl rose, February 11, 2002 12:00 AM
Victor,you are so right.
Israel and America, seperation of church and state is something that we also have in common, it is a good thing.
Israel reminds me of our little brother country, they have been through alot of mayhem and violence, just trying to establish themselves and at times nobody coming to their aid, but they hung in their and made it and America loves the underdog who stands and fights back after being knocked down, America respects that. These other countries that are bigger than Israel, get their eye blackened by Israel and then come crying to the U.S.,we have no repect for them, but we have to listen to them.These other countries with their religious and political beliefs intermingled is something that Americans can not accept. Most important is that Israel is God chosen Nation, those that stand against Her are doomed to fall and I think that our political leaders know this, which is wise to do so. Thank you,Karl:)
(3) juan tealdo wensjoe, February 11, 2002 12:00 AM
The European attitude towards Israel,in my opinion is to sell the idea to the world of a certain equilibrium between its interests in doing bussines with Arab countries,and the shared values with the democratic Israel.....but we must conceed that spiritually speaking ,the beautiful Europe is dead, and Israel,althought its terible problems is full of people and spirit. We must try to see the problem in two or three diferent levels.....politicaly and economic....spiritual and moraly.....militarily and cultural aspects....or we may committ terrible mistakes in the apreciation of all the problematic here.
(2) Rodney DeZarn, February 11, 2002 12:00 AM
Israel-A light unto the World
I do agree with your forensic analysis of the present foriegn policies of both the European Union and the U.S. and applaud you on your bold stand regarding the volatile policies of Arab regimes and states. The United States has unfortunately changed the landscape of Israel by brokering peace accords that provide Israeli lands to terrorist entities that wish nothing more than the destruction of the Jewish State. The State of Israel was created as a home for the Jewish People to live at peace and be secure, never again to be brought to the brink of extinction by evil men and anti-semitism. The problem does not just lie with the U.S. and Europe nor with the Arab/Muslim peoples but with the Israeli government itself that has willingly succumbed to pressure from these parties and has turned a dream into a nightmare. The U.S. and Europe want peace at any cost to secure Arab oil and various other interests, and the Arab States and terrorist regimes want nothing more than to drive the Jewish State into the Meditteranian. Has the Israeli Government forgotten the reasons for the creation of its home, is the Holocaust in the past when a potential one is now brewing? I firmly believe that in order to protect the lives and interests of its citizens Israel must eliminate the PLO structure and hierarchy and forcibly escort the palestinian population to Jordan which is a Palestinian State with its capital Amman. The State of Israel must next sever diplomatic strategies with the U.S. and the European Union regarding the Land for Peace initiatives and stick with the policy of protecting their own people and interests. The present situation that exists does not warrant a total isolation to the international community but it does warrant a policy of survival and responsible diplomacy to protect the citizens of the State of Israel that the horrible attrocities of the past and present be avoided.
Thankyou
Shalom
(1) Rod Stone, February 11, 2002 12:00 AM
European attitude towards Israel
Some Europeans may breath a sigh of relief, but only out of ignorance. Anyone who is a Christian and has even a basic grasp of biblical concepts knows that Israel is God's anointed land and I for one have no argument with my maker. If Europe abandons Israel it will be an act of supreme folly and give the green light to every half assed Muslim extreemist in Eruope and Asia. I for one am tired of the hypocrisy espoused by politicians and extreemists alike and whould be happy to see all of the radical fanatics returned to their spiritual homelands where they can spout their opinions without offending those whose families fought and died for the rights we (and they!) hold so dear.
In my foolish and ignorant youth I was fashionably anti-semitic for a while, I have repented of this and an happy embrace any who would live in peace and harmony. There is no place in God's ultimate plan for bigotry, hatred, violence and dissention and all who seek to achieve their ends by these means will perish. God's plan is being worked out before our eyes in the Middle East, America (or some of it) realised this, Europe still has it's eyes closed and will probably remain so until Aramgeddon.
All that evil needs to prosper is that good men do nothing.