Death is a misfortune. Murder is far more horrible to bear. Turned into a massacre, it shocks us into unmitigated grief.
But there was still more to the terrorist attack of this week in Israel. It happened in the holy city of Jerusalem, a place in which we are meant to feel the nearness of God. It took place in a synagogue attended by early-morning worshipers who came only to stand in the presence of the Almighty and worship the Creator of the universe.
It was carried out by those who brought axes, knives and weapons of violence into the house of God.
The victims were in the midst of the silent prayer, reverently reciting words that dream of peace, as well as the hope for a messianic time when all people dwell together in brotherhood and tranquility. They wore the phylacteries, tefillin, signs of God's closeness to our hands and our minds. Garbed in their prayer shawls they were brutally executed by those for whom their very holiness proved provocative.
Could there be anything more horrible than this?
Palestinian Response
Yet we need to weep bitter tears for another tragedy of comparable magnitude. It is the tragedy of the aftermath – the tragedy that illustrates the true horror of a crime that makes us question the right of mankind to call itself civilized.
To start, there was the response of the Arab world with whom we keep being challenged to make peace – as if we were the ones waging wars meant to annihilate us and refusing even to recognize us. No sooner did the news of the massacre become public than the Arab street began to joyously pass out sweets to their children and offer praise for the "glorious martyrs" who carried out the gruesome bloodbath. Murder of innocents needs no justification; when the victims are Jews it is a time for rejoicing.
Abbas warned not to allow Jews to "contaminate" the Temple Mount.
There was the response of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, whose name rarely appears in the media without the prefix "moderate," who gave the pro forma required regrets to the English-speaking world – while at the same time, to his own people, praising those who carried out the violence against Jews for which he has been loudly agitating these past months.
Abbas also made certain to demand an end to the "Israeli provocations" that he made clear are the cause of all Palestinian uprisings. Just a few days ago he warned that he and fellow Palestinians would not allow Jews to "contaminate" the Temple Mount, adding that allowing Jewish prayer at the site would result in a global "religious war." For the "moderate" Abbas, Jews dare not pray on the Temple Mount – or for that matter in any synagogue – with hope for safety and survival.
There was the response of Tawfik Tirawi, former chief of the Palestinian General Security in the West Bank and a member of Fatah's Central Committee, who told a radio station that the attack was "nothing but a reaction to the recent crimes of the occupation and the settlers in occupied Jerusalem and across the nation."
There was the response of Hamas, with whom humanitarians round the world demonstrated in solidarity this past summer, who in a message published on its official website, Al-Resalah, called the synagogue slaughter "a quality development in fighting the occupation" (i.e. the nonexistent occupation in Gaza) and declared: "We highly value the heroism of its operatives."
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri praised the attack on Qatari news channel Al-Jazeera as "heroic," calling for more attacks of the same sort to "stop the occupation's aggression against Islamic holy places."
There was the response of the media which continued the kind of "balanced reporting" we were treated to this past summer when Israel struggle to defend itself against rocket attacks around the country. BBC led the news with the headline "Jerusalem police fatally shoot two after apparent synagogue attack." The four murdered rabbis were apparently not worthy of mention.
CNN's headline (after first calling it an attack on a "mosque"), "Four Israelis, 2 Palestinians killed in synagogue attack, Israeli police say," left the reader to wonder whether two Palestinians were also the victims of the attack, giving moral equivalence to the terrorists and their victims.
Waiting in Vain
Far more significantly than all the above was the response from those in the forefront of criticism of Israel; from those urging the boycott of the Jewish state; from those marching in the streets of Europe because of their profound sensitivity to the plight of Palestinians; from those who ostensibly cannot keep silent in the face of injustice.
With the world's silence, the hypocrisy is revealed.
And what was their response? What was their reaction to an unprovoked slaying of rabbis with the words of God on their lips?
We wait – and we wait in vain for any outcry. But now we know. The hypocrisy is clearly revealed. It has never been about compassion for innocent Palestinians. That was merely a camouflage for anti-Semitism. The world's silence is simple. The horrific murders in Jerusalem have stirred no demonstrations, inspired no revulsion, caused no governments to denounce Arab terror.
The aftermath of the carnage makes me weep most of all – to cry for a world that still does not understand that – in failing to properly mourn for murdered Jews – it sows the seeds of its own destruction.
(53) Davida, November 23, 2014 6:07 PM
ASK FOR ABBAS TO BE REMOVED FROM ALL NEGOTIATIONS
YOUR ARTICLE STATES ABBAS APPROVED OF THE MURDERS, HAS SAID JEWS MUST NOT CONTAMINATE THE TEMPLE MOUNT, AND ISRAEL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVOCATIONS. LIES!! LIES!!! LIES!!! YOU MUST WRITE AN ARTICLE WHICH STATES THIS FACT AND PRESENT IT TO THE AMERICAN CONGRESS.
ALL FUNDING TO ABBAS AND HAMAS MUST END!!
PERIOD. END OF SUBJECT. MURDERS OCCUR BECAUSE ISRAEL HAS INEFFECTIVE PRESS. PERIOD.
(52) Sarah, November 22, 2014 1:55 AM
I refuse to refer to the murders as "terrorist"
I refuse to refer to the murders as "terrorist" because that would be saying that they had accomplished one of their goals to strike terror in our hearts. Grief is in my heart that a human could be so far removed from the knowledge of the Most High that they would even think of such a heinous act. Discussed is in my heart that a human would carry out such acts. Great love and sympathy is in my heart for the families who have lost husbands and fathers. But I refuse to be terrorized.
Chavi, November 23, 2014 11:49 PM
It's TERROR!!
The word you want is 'disgust', not 'discussed'. The murder of holy Jews praying, is TERROR, no matter what you refuse. It is akin to the terror perpetrated by the Nazis, ym"s. Or does that also not qualify as terror in your mind? (Why don't you ask the victims and their families how they define terror?) It's not all about you, dear.
(51) Dr. Sam Lax, November 21, 2014 7:35 PM
Yet another example of savagery
Had we (Jews) commited this atrosity it would have been condemed by goverments all over the world yet the fact that it happened to four scholars as they were praying had people rejoicing in the sreets of our neighbors.
(50) erin, November 21, 2014 4:50 AM
yes, sacred is a good word to use, because this attack is a violation of sacred.
I don't think our lovely Jews know how HaShem loves them; He loves them with love that is like warm, flowing, gold rivers flowing out from Himself in deep permeating love that overflows oneself when it has reached them.
I wish you could see it 'cause there's nothing else on earth like it, but for now, I will say it. And I will keep saying it until you know it. May you be in our prayers every day, just as these prayed for us. Thank you.
(49) Zsolt, November 21, 2014 1:29 AM
unity
As such a savage act, common grief unites Jews all over the world again, we must not forget it is our unity, mutual guarantee that can guarantee our safety and future survival.
We received the Torah on the condition of becoming a Nation "as one man with one heart", we pray together in a minyan, the whole Jewish existence is based on our mutual guarantee.
Moreover our unbreakable and undoubted unity is the positive example, the "Light" we have to radiate to others in order to prevent further crisis, deterioration in the world that has lost its direction.
(48) Anonymous, November 20, 2014 10:10 PM
Nothing is sacred when you are them
Just as video gamers seek ever higher scores, l'havdel, these scum seek ever lower lows. As terrible as their actions are, we should not be "surprised". Their "game" is to sit and plot the next more disgusting deplorable act and then attempt it. Jews are the people of the book; they are the demons of destruction. If they had their own state they would not know what to do with themselves. They stand for nothing but destruction and devolution and continue along that same twisted, sad path. Like all evil, they prey on those who live a moral, legally upright life because they do not tie themselves to such rules. They do not subscribe to a "World Order" but only disorder. From ISIS to Hamas to Hezbollah to Iran there is a common thread. Nothing is sacred. If we do not fight fire with fire we will all be burned alive.
(47) jack chachkes, November 20, 2014 5:03 PM
Qur'an and the infidel
The Qur'an calls for death to the infidel. To the Qur'an a synagogue is not a holy place.
(46) Anonymous, November 20, 2014 3:08 PM
There will be no peace for Yisrael until...
If the people of Yisrael goes on being passive as he has been for too many centuries, the end will be very near.
(45) Patrick Maher, November 20, 2014 12:20 PM
Massacre
I was very pained by the recent recent massacre in Israel, however the week I was there a Palestinian was killed in an attempt on a Rabbi life in the square next to your office. This should have been a big red flag to the authorities that more was to follow and it did. .The pain and sorrow of the loved ones left behind is too much for me to imagine or comprehend. I will continue to pray that Almighty God will bring comfort and peace to them.
(44) Bruce A Wachter, November 20, 2014 11:49 AM
Solidarity
The attacks against Israel are attacks on the G-d of Israel, human dignity and the very fabric of freedom which is supposed to affirm worship as a right not a hand out. My heart/ mind is grieved beyond proper expression at the level and depth of violence against a people who have blessed all nations more than any other people. May the G-d of grace and truth remember all H-s enemies for justice and set and H-s friends in the shelter of life without end. May Israel stand up against the face of this evil and in justifiable indignation return to the terrorist terror fitting their crimes. As a gentile G-d fearer I love and support Israel in their times of grief and vindication to come.
Moishe Perl, November 20, 2014 12:50 PM
The G-d of the Jews cannot be attacked.
Very kind words Bruce and indeed so needed at this time.
I would however like to draw a distinction between some of the followers of Islam and Judaism. Hashem cannot be attacked by any human might. By attacked I mean even an attempt. Hashem thus does not need our defense. Our ability to deny his very existence is a key to our faith and is a gift from Hashem. This attack allows non believers to question Hashem and deny him. Those of us with faith are not shaken. Sadly, we've been through much worse and came out with faith sometimes strengthened.
It seems whatever god these Islamists subscribe to needs to be defended. Cartoonists are killed in retribution for offending a god.
Thank you for your words of support. Hashem is a loving and kind G-d who will bring redemption when he alone sees fit.
(43) Jewish Mom, November 20, 2014 8:40 AM
The World and Israel
To demonstrate Rabbi Blech's point, watch this clip of Ami Horowitz waving an ISIS flag and then an Israeli flag at Berkeley:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcGjC5E3PTA
That seems to be the prevailing attitude in many countries around the world.
(42) Theresa Anderson, November 20, 2014 7:23 AM
We will be judged
Every nation worldwide will be judged, not on immorality, idolatry, cheating, lying or even murder, but precisely, did we stand up for and defend and cast our lot with the Chosen People-Israel?
What we do in relation to Israel will be the deciding factor. Peace be upon Israel!
(41) Miriam, November 20, 2014 7:01 AM
actually it showed something else
Anyone who didn't "get it" during the Gaza war, that the nations of the world have no compassion for Israel, will not "get it" now either.
What is specifically shocking about this incident, is that it is being specified as a more severe crime than the other terrorist acts our people have suffered in this terrorist war. Why - are we surprised that Arabs would sink so low and not consider our shuls off-limits? We have armed guards sitting in front of many synagogues in the diaspora.
Is it because as one of the locals was quoted on the news "we are not violent people, we didn't go to the army" - surely not everyone in kollel believes they are somehow immune to Heaven-help-us-all terrorism, and that G-d forbid our soldiers are the "violent" ones.
Our enemies make no distinctions.
It is high time for us to realize that G-d doesn't either.
(40) Anonymous, November 20, 2014 5:49 AM
Synagogue massacre
A cruel massacre. I care very much for the Jewish people and Israel.I think ignorance of history of the world in general, and especially of the Jewish people can be a cause of so much inexplicable hatred.
(39) Simen Arnesen, November 20, 2014 1:44 AM
Tragedy
This is a tragedy when terrorist attack appear in Israel and gods people get killed, my hearth is with you Israel. Psalm 121
Anonymous, November 20, 2014 10:13 AM
G-d is our refuge and strenght a very present in trouble.Psalm 46:1
(38) Mr & Mrs Mills, November 20, 2014 1:11 AM
Support for Jewish people.
Once again the barbarism, and cowardice of the Palestinians is clearly displayed for all the world to see. Sadly however, whatever happens in Israel, and in particular the Holy city of Jerusalem, is always twisted and distorted so as to always put the the blame on the Jewish people.
It is impossible to rationalise or debate with the likes of Abbas who seeks the annihilation of the Jewish people. Jerusalem, as every right thinking person knows belongs to the Jewish people, and has done for the last 3500 years. It was given to them by God, the Creator of this universe.
Any country that purports to being a Christian nation, and any individual who claims to be a Christian, should unequivocally support Israel against all those that seek her destruction.
For all you so called Christian countries and individuals that support the Palestinians in their terror attacks against the Jewish people remember what the Bible, God's Holy Word tells us. "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those innocent, unarmed worshippers, that have been murdered by these evil creatures, and our prayers go out to the Jewish people.
May God bless you all.
(37) Raphi S., November 20, 2014 12:34 AM
Har Nof: site of massacres
It bears remembering that Har Nof was formerly known as Deir Yassin. It is incumbent on all of us to know the significance it holds in the Palestinian psyche. HaShem yerachem.
(36) brura, November 19, 2014 11:44 PM
Weeping regarding the carnage...
I too weep regarding the carnage and it continues. I light candles as well and weep. Daven everyone and please keep Emuna alive. This is just another reason to light know that everyday a candle of remembrance can be lighted every day to remember those who have died for simply being a Jew at prayer.
(35) Chris Rettenmoser, November 19, 2014 10:54 PM
The world does not care for Israel
The world wants Israels destruction.
It will fail.
(34) Manasseh, November 19, 2014 10:38 PM
It Pains Like It happened In My Own House!
Beloved Ysroel,
We hurt just as though it happened in our own house
Though the deeds of the evil ones hurt deep but they do not kill the spirit of Ysroel it only UNITES us
Not even the hypocrites can hide the blood, the carnage and the heartlessness of those murderous Hard as it may be let me say it;SHALOM YSROEL, SHALOM SHALOM
(33) Dan, November 19, 2014 10:27 PM
Palestine Mocks
And as we cry out to Hashem to save our communities, we invite – no, we even pay - Palestinians to come into our neighborhoods, our stores and our buildings. (They would never allow us into their neighborhoods, even if we paid them.) We make it possible – no, easy is a better word - for these tragedies to happen. We pray to Hashem to protect us – but then in order to save a few Shekels on labor costs, we make it just about impossible for Hashem to do so.
While we accuse CNN, BBC, New York Times, etc. of anti-Semitic anti-Israel reporting, we continue our subscriptions, dutifully paying for more.
While our leaders protect us in words, what happens in deed? On the same day as this massacre, Israel approves 40,000 tons of fresh building material to enter Gaza.
The Midrash says that although all the Jews prayed for Pharoah to stop inflicting misery on us, only 20% were willing to do something about it, to pick up and follow Moses to freedom.
Our country provides concrete for tunnels and metal for missiles to those who daily sing the Palestinian National Anthem, (which calls for fire and "revenge" against Israel - just Google it to see for yourself). How can we hope that any country in the world will help us if this is how we help ourselves?
Our communities support stores staffed by people happy to admit they give out candy when their friends kill us. How can we do this & cry to Hashem to protect our communities? Cannot communities get together and do something about it?
Our individuals support media outlets that malign us. How can we expect media to change? Start with something small, sensible and personal. Cancel your subscriptions.
Will any of this make a difference? As we know, even a miracle cannot happen without us. Even the sea won't split until we take a step into the water. What will be your sensible step?
אם אין אני לי, מי לי?
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
(32) Shoshanah, November 19, 2014 10:24 PM
Jerusalem massacre
I fell to my knees when the news broke and sobbed, my heart is grief stricken for what is occurring to our mishpachah.
(31) chaya, November 19, 2014 9:54 PM
thank you
thank you for this article.
i know moshiach is coming so soon!!!!he has to!!!!!
(30) Siva Heiman, November 19, 2014 9:47 PM
I totally agree but want one thing more.
Dear Rabbi Blech,
Thanks for your well written evaluation of this situation. You have helped me understand it much more clearly, but I'd like you to go one step further and tell all of us what we can do about, it other than pray. Please keep in mind that in the U.S. we still live in a democracy and we would like it to stay that way. How can we use the tools of democracy to keep it a democracy that is safe for everyone. Understanding a problem is only the first step in solving it. Nothing will happen without action.
(29) Anonymous, November 19, 2014 9:31 PM
Heartbreaking
The blindness of the world to what is really going on is heartbreaking. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
(28) Anonymous, November 19, 2014 9:27 PM
Time to fight back
The western world and Israel is fighting the moslem terrorists with their sense of 21st century civilization. The moslem world have one constitution only " the Koran" . Killing is a highly recommended act in Islam in the name of Allah and Mohammed and their killers are hailed as heroes and rewarded in their heaven. If the world wishes to survive this plague, it will have to fight them in their mosques, in their streets, as they do you.
(27) Charles, November 19, 2014 9:21 PM
Jerusalem is th capital of Israel
The Jews have a right to pray on the Temple Mount
(26) Anonymous, November 19, 2014 9:01 PM
Media
What disgusts me more is how the Media like CNN & BBC stated a Mosque got attacked and 2 Palestinians were killed. Already creating more Animosity! Give me a Break.
(25) Surak, November 19, 2014 8:02 PM
Do not pity us, the perpetual willing victims
It didn't have to be this way. But we chose weakness. We chose not to obey HaShem's Torah in its entirety. Yes, many commandments relate to kosher, Sabbath and so on. We are also, however, commanded to take the land, and to drive out those inhabitants that will not live with us in peace. Failure to observe this commandment has terrible consequences outlined by HaShem. So what is our justification for acting shocked?
We waste our energy on trying to convince an unsympathetic, hate-filled world that we are wonderful and deserve pity. This strategy has not worked. I would rather that Israelis be reviled and alive, than admired and dead.
Don't say "May HaShem avenge their blood." How does HaShem accomplish things? Through us. We are the agents of HaShem. The blood will continue to flow until we are willing to follow HaShem and His prophets, by executing murderers, and taking back Har Ha-Bayith (the Temple Mount) and all the land.
(24) Shelley Rothman-Benhaim, November 19, 2014 7:51 PM
Please pray for my brother Howie (Chaim) Rotman injured in this terrorist attack
Please say a prayer or tehillim for the complete recovery and refuah shlaimah of all those injured in this horrific terrorist attack, including my brother, Howie (Chaim Yechiel ben Malca) Rotman, formerly of Toronto, who was severely wounded in the head, eye and arms. Todah rabba.
(23) Carolyn Wilson, November 19, 2014 7:41 PM
My heart breaks for you, Israel.
I am so sorry for the way the press, the world has responded to this horrific attack. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and blessing of Israel. Perhaps we can be comforted by the prophet Isaiah. I just read Isaiah 36 in my quiet time with God today and reflected on how, in the face of overwhelming odds, God rescued Hezekiah and his remnant in Judah from the Assyrian King Sennacherib. We don't know what will happen between now and then, but a day will come when the Messiah will reign in Jerusalem and Israel will live in safety. God said so.
(22) StanleyT, November 19, 2014 7:29 PM
Great column
Rabbi, this column deserves distribution far and wide. It should be printed in at least one major newspaper in every city in the civilized world. Sadly, that's exactly why it won't be.
(21) Peter Bartlett, November 19, 2014 7:26 PM
The global effect of anti-semitism
The world does not realize that Israel is God blessed. Their antisemitic actions or non-response to the massacre in the synagogue will have an eternal consequence.
Technically the media did not tell any lies, but the reporting of the incident was so biased it really couldn't be called news, just hate speech, dangerous propaganda!><>
(20) Jim, November 19, 2014 7:16 PM
Unimaginable Conditions
I cannot imagine being a Jew and living in Jerusalem with such violence happening around me almost daily and receiving such unfair treatment from the US media. Terrorist are portrayed as those innocently protecting their homeland and few are raising their voices against them. The USA was always an ally but not so much anymore with our current administration. My heart screams because of the injustice
(19) Pinchas Levin, November 19, 2014 7:04 PM
After the last intifada more Israelis obtained legal firearms carry permits than ever before. Soon, everyone knew that Israeli civilians were armed, and wanton violence was greatly suppressed (In America most Jews STILL believe that licensed firearms are common in Israel). But the governing Leftists, who always seem more attached to their utopian beliefs than to public safety (or even common sense), eventually succeeded in disarming the majority of civilians. On their Web site, the Ministry of Public Safety boasts of having "greatly reduced the number of licensed firearms owners". In the face of such predictable and gleeful acts of mayhem on the part of a criminally insane enemy, the MOPS deserves a large share of blame for disarming legal firearms owners. Will the Israeli public hold them accountable?
(18) nishant, November 19, 2014 6:52 PM
AM ISRAEL CHAI - NO MATTER WHAT
This is the most despicable act or terror against God's chosen people - THE JEWS....got no words to express the anger i feel..no point wasting words n emotons when the liberal world will in no uncertain terms blame only Israel...JUST GO ISRAEL AND RECLAIM EVERY INCH OF THE LAND GOD HAS GIVEN YOU...STOP ALL NEGOTIATIONS AND LET WORLD OPINION BE DAMNED....I STAND WITH MY JEWISH BROTHERS N SISTERS IN THIS HOUR OF GRIEF AND PROCLAIM THAT GOD WILL JUDGE THOSE WHO TOUCH THE APPLE OF HIS EYE.
(17) Merv, November 19, 2014 6:49 PM
Eye for an eye?
Perhaps the Arabs will better understand something a little different. Put out a message to the Arab world that if Jews are attacked again in ANY synagogue in the world by Arab extremists, then 1 Arab holy site will be desecrated in equal fairness. An "Eye for an eye."
(16) Anonymous, November 19, 2014 6:44 PM
Rabbi Bleich's article on the Har nof massacre
"The aftermath of the carnage makes me weep most of all – to cry for a world that still does not understand..." I respectfully disagree with Rabbi Bleich. The world does not make me cry at all. There is nothing surprising in their response (or lack of) to murdering Jews. Sin'at Esav l'Yaakov - the hatred of Esav towards Yaakov - is an ancient and eternal fact, part of the fabric of the world, and will continue until the arrival of Mashiach. What makes me cry is the fact that Am Yisrael has still not found its true voice. We still pretend that this is a war about territory and security, that it can be solved by rational people of good will, if only.....
Until we understand that this is not a war about occupation or territory or refugees, until we believe and are able to declare that this Holy Land was given to us as our eternal heritage by G-d Himself, we have no real moral justification for being here. Our having lived here a few thousand years ago means nothing. Things change in the world. We are, at the moment, more powerful than our enemies but does that give us the moral right to be here?
At least the Arabs are truthful. This say they are engaged in a Holy War against the infidels. For us it should be a holy mission to return the Holy People to their given Land. The power of Yishmael and Esav (and the world at large) is in their "hands" – their armies, their strength. Our salvation will come not only from our own "hands", but from our “voice” – our Kol Yakov - the truthful Voice of Jacob speaking the word of G-d. When all is said and done, He is running the world. When we get our act together, He will respond accordingly. May we only be wise enough to do so.
(15) Anonymous, November 19, 2014 6:42 PM
Wait for the Messiah
This is so sad and heartbreaking for the Jewish people; and a contemptible, cowardly and inhumane act by the terrorist Arabs and/or Palestinians. There will never be peace as we know it to be. Their version of peace is and Heaven is terror and killing. They love the darkness and evil. But keep in mind, it is not all Arabs or Palestinians that are behind this. Just as in every race, creed or religion there are good people, there are also a small faction of them evil as well. Don't let that small faction inflame and fuel the fires of continued hatred. The solution is to continue to pray for them and to forgive them of their sins. That is the only thing that shocks their limited sense of decency, honor and any respect for others. God knew this was coming into His house that day and he allowed it to happen. Why you ask, well I'll tell you why! He knows all and controls everything in the universe. Don't you think that if He did not want this to happen in His house, that He would have just changed the circumstances and the outcome. So, the rest of the story is this..... He gave all of us free will to choose good or evil..... They chose evil...What should we now choose? This is what The Almighty is waiting to see, to test the Jewish people once again. He knows that we have suffered unbearably and as any Father would say, Enough is Enough, I want good things for my children....Just think, Your own earthly fathers (who are sinful) want everything that is good for you. Just think of our Heavenly Father (who is without sin) would want to do so much more for us. He is watching to see what we do next. Are we really true children of God, the chosen ones? Do your part and extinguish the flames of hatred. Continue to reach out to everyone including our Arab brothers and show the world true kindness and forgiveness. That is what makes us "the chosen ones". And when you least expect it, the Messiah will come and there will be peace.
(14) Placido E. Jaramillo, November 19, 2014 6:40 PM
Shades of Krystalnacht
The response to the atrocities committed on Krystalnact was silence and the Nazis moved on to more violent anti-Semitism. Something to ponder, uh?
(13) John, November 19, 2014 6:38 PM
All because of.....
All this because Abraham, the father of both Arab and Jew, had to have a child with a Egyptian house maiden. Just think if his wife hadn't be barren, and only one true line of genealogy was established. How much simpler things may be today.
(12) Roberto Rodriguez, November 19, 2014 6:35 PM
Cowards
These terrorist , murderers , cowards , works of satan, they believe in peace this way . No way. I as a catholic are thought we have to love everyone no matter race , color. , or religion. I think it's pride that is in the way , we need more humility and love for one another. My heart goes out for the family of the victims. My GOD is a GOD of love not harming each other. On the bible it says to love your neighbor as you love yourself. , it doesn't say harm. I can't even imagine what the Jewish people are going through at this moment , the only thing I can recall is nazi Germany why? The bible states that if we pray for the peace of Israel and it's people we are blessed . Please pray psalm 122 daily. I love every human being regardless of race. , color or religion we are all brother , everyone has red blood. , right ? I love America because I find people from every part of the world. GOD bless America, and justice for all .
(11) Yonah, November 19, 2014 6:33 PM
every time jew is murdered/attacked/bus exploded etc....100 arabs IN JAIL for violent crimes should be EXECUTED that DAY by executive order/govt decree:make it a RULE of law...and for each jew injured or killed 100 arabs should be picked from troublesome spots and deported out of Israel for life, and their homes given to JEWS for $10,000(low prices)each home. The deportees would have their blood/dna/fingerprints and facial features entered into computers so they can never come back. penalty for coming back is 10 years jail in solitary confinement with no parole. Rock throwers get deported first offense (word will get out don't mess with Israel!) They will call you dirty jews but have respect for you finally!
(10) ron, November 19, 2014 6:31 PM
we must learm self defense for ourself and our families.
please help us all to learn self defence in our own ares
(9) Jimmy shea, November 19, 2014 6:30 PM
Had this massacre happened in a church there would have been worldwide outcry.
Dan, November 20, 2014 6:34 AM
You mean mosque
There are massacres happening to Christians in areas of conflict and little is being reported about it, let alone there being an outcry. I understand that there is even a significant drop of Christian Arabs in areas under the Palestinian Authority, including the formerly very Christian city of Bethlehem. (But in Bethlehem, it's "just because" of intimidation, not outright massacre.) But as we can all agree, if this happened in a mosque (as originally reported by a major news network), then we would have seen fireworks... Maybe we should learn from mosque-goers what they are doing right... maybe we ought to stop worrying about "proportional responses" and start being a little more passionate about restoring law and order.
(8) denise.dudley, November 19, 2014 6:12 PM
My reaction
I am a non-Jew who lives in Texas. I felt almost nauseated when I heard about this brutal attack on CNN, I consider myself to be a liberal person,and not all that religious. When I saw the Palestinians dancing and handing out candy,after the brutal synagogue murders, I almost cried. There should be a world-wide outcry over this horror,but I guess it won't happen! Iam so sorry about this tragedy, and just wanted to offer my prayers.
(7) Leslie martin, November 19, 2014 6:00 PM
No they are not anti Semites they are anti Jewish the Palestineslike the Jewish people are Semites they cannot stand our existstance we took the swamps and the arid land and turned it in the land of milk and honey they want what we toiled for for years for nothing at any excuse they will take violent action against us
(6) Malcolm brown, November 19, 2014 5:56 PM
Silence
Silence. Silence of the "good" people. That is what is missing and correctly terrifying. I lived in Germany as a student for a year in 1964, only 20 after The War. I was amazed at how normal like Americans the Germans seemed. The family I first stayed with were good people, and made sure that I knew of and went to the temple in Cologne. So if it could happen in Germany, I later reflected, it could happen anywhere and at any time. So if at first the good people are too complacent and quiet. Then later they will be too afraid too speak. Then the forces of evil will prevail. It seems we are heading down the same path to a destructive time.
(5) SELECTION, November 19, 2014 5:56 PM
wickedness.
This can simply be describe as a cold blooded muder case. Even in state of war there are clear rules. The world silence means destruction.
(4) rt, November 19, 2014 5:50 PM
Abbas is Arafat in a suit
(3) leah, November 19, 2014 5:32 PM
The clarity of your article articulates the situation well. Thank you.
(2) Shirlee Rosenthal, November 19, 2014 3:08 PM
Jerusalem Massacre
It is terrible. Abbas says that THE Jews con not worship at the Temple Mount, he say's we are contaminating it. Actually it is the way around. And do forget we( the Jewish people) own it just like G-d gave us Israel he also gave us the Temple. He ( Abbas) is a worst enemy to us than Arafat. Shirlee Rosenthal
Elijah, November 20, 2014 3:34 AM
I beg the differ
Actually, we are the ones who are probably defiling the temple mount. The arabs are protecting our future Temple grounds by not letting impure Jews from going up.
(1) Bracha Goetz, November 19, 2014 2:12 PM
Outstanding!