I was interested the other day when I heard that the de facto Saudi ruler, Crown Prince Abdullah, made a statement which was received by many in this country as if it were a statement of fact, as if it were something new, a concept for peace in the Middle East that no one had ever heard of before. I was kind of shocked that it was so well received by many people who had been down this road before.
I suggest to you that what Crown Prince Abdullah talked about a few days ago was not new at all. He talked about the fact that under the Abdullah plan, Arabs would normalize relations with Israel in exchange for the Jewish state surrendering the territory it received after the Six Day War, as if that were something new...
[But] there isn't anything new about the prospect of giving up land that is rightfully Israel's land in order to have peace. When it gets right down to it, the land doesn't make that much difference, because Yasser Arafat and others don't recognize Israel's right to any of the land. They do not recognize Israel's right to exist.
Yasser Arafat and others don't recognize Israel's right to any of the land. They do not recognize Israel's right to exist.
I will discuss seven reasons why Israel is entitled to the land they have and that it should not be a part of the peace process. If this is something that Israel wants to do, it is their business to do it. But anyone who has tried to put the pressure on Israel to do this is wrong.
We are going to be hit by skeptics who are going to say we will be attacked because of our support for Israel, and if we get out of the Middle East -- that is us -- all the problems will go away. That is just not true. If we withdraw, all of these problems will again come to our door. I have some observations to make about that.
But I would like to reemphasize once again the seven reasons that Israel has the right to their land.
1) ARCHEOLOGY
The first reason is that Israel has the right to the land because of all of the archeological evidence. All the archeological evidence supports it. Every time there is a dig in Israel, it does nothing but support the fact that Israelis have had a presence there for 3,000 years. The coins, the cities, the pottery, the culture -- there are other people, groups that are there, but there is no mistaking the fact that Israelis have been present in that land for 3,000 years. It predates any claims that other peoples in the region may have.
The ancient Philistines are extinct. Many other ancient peoples are extinct. They do not have the unbroken line to this date that the Israelis have. Even the Egyptians of today are not racial Egyptians of 2,000, 3,000 years ago. They are primarily an Arab people. The land is called Egypt, but they are not the same racial and ethnic stock as the old Egyptians of the ancient world.
The Israelis are in fact descended from the original Israelites.
2) HISTORY
The second proof of Israel's right to the land is the historic right. History supports it totally and completely. We know there has been an Israel up until the time of the Roman Empire. The Romans conquered the land. Israel had no homeland, although Jews were allowed to live there. They were driven from the land in two dispersions: One in 70 A.D. and the other in 135 A.D. But there was always a Jewish presence in the land.
The Turks, who took over about 700 years ago and ruled the land up until about World War One, had control. Then the land was conquered by the British. The Turks entered World War One on the side of Germany. The British knew they had to do something to punish Turkey, and also to break up that empire that was going to be a part of the whole effort of Germany in World War One. So the British sent troops against the Turks in the Holy Land.
One of the generals who was leading the British armies was a man named Allenby. Allenby was a Bible-believing Christian. He carried a Bible with him everywhere he went and he knew the significance of Jerusalem. The night before the attack against Jerusalem to drive out the Turks, Allenby prayed that God would allow him to capture the city without doing damage to the holy places.
That day, Allenby sent World War One biplanes over the city of Jerusalem to do a reconnaissance mission. You have to understand that the Turks had at that time never seen an airplane. So there they were, flying around. They looked in the sky and saw these fascinating inventions and did not know what they were, and they were terrified by them.
They dared not fight against a prophet from God, so Allenby captured Jerusalem without firing a single shot.
Then they were told they were going to be opposed by a man named Allenby the next day, which means, in their language, "man sent from God" or "prophet from God." They dared not fight against a prophet from God, so the next morning, when Allenby went to take Jerusalem, he went in and captured it without firing a single shot.
The British government was grateful to Jewish people around the world, particularly to one Jewish chemist who helped them manufacture niter. Niter is an ingredient that was used in nitroglycerin which was sent over from the New World. But they did not have a way of getting it to England. The German U-boats were shooting on the boats, so most of the niter they were trying to import to make nitroglycerin was at the bottom of the ocean. But a man named Weitzman, a Jewish chemist, discovered a way to make it from materials that existed in England. As a result, they were able to continue that supply.
The British at that time said they were going to give the Jewish people a homeland. That is all written down in history. They were gratified that the Jewish people, the bankers, came through and helped finance the war.
The homeland that Britain said it would set aside consisted of all of what is now Israel and all of what was then the nation of Jordan -- the whole thing. That was what Britain promised to give the Jews in 1917. In the beginning, there was some Arab support for this action. There was not a huge Arab population in the land at that time, and there is a reason for that. The land was not able to sustain a large population of people. It just did not have the development it needed to handle those people, and nobody really wanted this land. It was considered to be worthless land.
Mark Twain -- Samuel Clemens -- took a tour of Palestine in 1867. This is how he described that land. We are talking about Israel now. He said: "A desolate country whose soil is rich enough but is given over wholly to weeds. A silent, mournful expanse. We never saw a human being on the whole route. There was hardly a tree or a shrub anywhere. Even the olive and the cactus, those fast friends of a worthless soil, had almost deserted the country."
Where was this great Palestinian nation? It did not exist. It was not there. Palestinians were not there. Palestine was a region named by the Romans, but at that time it was under the control of Turkey, and there was no large mass of people there because the land would not support them.
This is the report that the Palestinian Royal Commission, created by the British, made. It quotes an account of the conditions on the coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea in 1913. The Palestinian Royal Commission said:
"The road leading from Gaza to the north was only a summer track, suitable for transport by camels or carts. No orange groves, orchards or vineyards were to be seen until one reached the Yavnev village. Houses were mud. Schools did not exist. The western part toward the sea was almost a desert. The villages in this area were few and thinly populated. Many villages were deserted by their inhabitants."
That was 1913.
The French author Voltaire described Palestine as "a hopeless, dreary place." In short, under the Turks the land suffered from neglect and low population. That is a historic fact. The nation became populated by both Jews and Arabs because the land came to prosper when Jews came back and began to reclaim it. If there had never been any archaeological evidence to support the rights of the Israelis to the territory, it is also important to recognize that other nations in the area have no longstanding claim to the country either.
Did you know that Saudi Arabia was not created until 1913, Lebanon until 1920? Iraq did not exist as a nation until 1932, Syria until 1941. The borders of Jordan were established in 1946 and Kuwait in 1961. Any of these nations that would say Israel is only a recent arrival would have to deny their own rights as recent arrivals as well. They did not exist as countries. They were all under the control of the Turks.
Historically, Israel gained its independence in 1948.
3) AGRICULTURE
The third reason that land belongs to Israel is the practical value of the Israelis being there. Israel today is a modern marvel of agriculture. Israel is able to bring more food out of a desert environment than any other country in the world. The Arab nations ought to make Israel their friend and import technology from Israel that would allow all the Middle East, not just Israel, to become an exporter of food. Israel has unarguable success in its agriculture.
4) HUMANITARIAN
The fourth reason I believe Israel has the right to the land is on the grounds of humanitarian concern. You see, there were 6 million Jews slaughtered in Europe during World War Two. The persecution against the Jews had been very strong in Russia since the advent of communism, and before then under the Czars.
These people have a right to their homeland. If we are not going to allow them a homeland in the Middle East, then where? What other nation on Earth is going to cede territory, is going to give up land?
They are not asking for a great deal. The whole nation of Israel would fit into my home state of Oklahoma seven times. They are not asking for a great deal. The whole nation of Israel is very small. It is a nation that, up until the time that claims started coming in, was not desired by anybody.
5) STRATEGIC ALLY
The fifth reason Israel ought to have their land is that she is a strategic ally of the United States. Whether we realize it or not, Israel is an impediment to certain groups hostile to democracies and hostile to what we believe in, hostile to that which makes us the greatest nation in the history of the world. They have kept them from taking complete control of the Middle East. If it were not for Israel, they would overrun the region.
Israel votes with America in the United Nations more than England, Canada, France, Germany -- more than any other country in the world.
They are our strategic ally. It is good to know we have a friend in the Middle East on whom we can count. They vote with us in the United Nations more than England, more than Canada, more than France, more than Germany -- more than any other country in the world.
6) ROADBLOCK TO TERRORISM
The sixth reason is that Israel is a roadblock to terrorism. The war we are now facing is not against a sovereign nation; it is against a group of terrorists who are very fluid, moving from one country to another. They are almost invisible. That is whom we are fighting against today. We need every ally we can get. If we do not stop terrorism in the Middle East, it will be on our shores.
One of the reasons I believe the spiritual door was opened for an attack against the United States is that the policy of our government has been to ask the Israelis, and demand it with pressure, not to retaliate in a significant way against the terrorist strikes that have been launched against them.
Since its independence in 1948, Israel has fought four wars: The 1948 War of Independence, the 1956 Sinai campaign, the 1967 Six Day War, and the 1973 Yom Kippur War. In all four cases, Israel was attacked. They were not the aggressor. Some people may argue that this was not true because they went in first in 1956, but they knew at that time that Egypt was building a huge military to become the aggressor. Israel, in fact, was not the aggressor and has not been the aggressor in any of the four wars.
Also, they won all four wars against impossible odds. They are great warriors. They consider a level playing field being outnumbered 2-to-1.
There were 39 Scud missiles that landed on Israeli soil during the Gulf War. Our president asked Israel not to respond. In order to have the Arab nations on board, we asked Israel not to participate in the war. They showed tremendous restraint and did not. Now we have asked them to stand back and not do anything over these last several attacks. We have criticized them. We have criticized them in our media. Local people in television and radio often criticize Israel, not knowing the true facts. We need to be informed.
I was so thrilled when I heard a reporter pose a question to Secretary of State Colin Powell. He said: "Mr. Powell, the United States has advocated a policy of restraint in the Middle East. We have discouraged Israel from retaliation again and again and again because we've said that it escalates the violence. Are we going to follow that ourselves?"
Mr. Powell indicated we would strike back. In other words, we can tell Israel not to do it, but when it hits us, we are going to do something.
But all that changed in December when the Israelis went into Gaza with gunships and into the West Bank with F-16s. With the exception of last May, the Israelis had not used F-16s since the Six Day War. And I am so proud of them because we have to stop terrorism. It is not going to go away. If Israel were driven into the sea tomorrow, if every Jew in the Middle East were killed, terrorism would not end. You know that in your heart. Terrorism would continue. It is not just a matter of Israel in the Middle East. It is the heart of the very people who are perpetrating this stuff. Should they be successful in overrunning Israel -- which they won't be -- but should they be, it would not be enough. They will never be satisfied.
7) BIBLICAL RIGHT
I believe very strongly that we ought to support Israel, and that it has a right to the land, because God said so. In Genesis 13:14-17, the Bible says: "The Lord said to Abram, "Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward, southward, eastward and westward: for all the land which you see, to you will I give it, and to your seed forever... Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it to thee."
That is God talking. The Bible says that Abram removed his tent and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar before the Lord. Hebron is in the West Bank. It is at this place where God appeared to Abram and said, "I am giving you this land" -- the West Bank. This is not a political battle at all. It is a contest over whether or not the word of God is true.
CONCLUSION
The seven reasons, I am convinced, clearly establish that Israel has a right to the land. Eight years ago on the White House lawn, Yitzhak Rabin shook hands with PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat. It was a historic occasion. It was a tragic occasion. At that time, the official policy of the government of Israel began to be, "Let us appease the terrorists. Let us begin to trade the land for peace." This process continued unabated up until last year.
Here in our own nation, at Camp David in the summer of 2000, then-Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Barak offered the most generous concessions to Yasser Arafat that had ever been laid on the table. He offered him more than 90 percent of all the West Bank territory, sovereign control of it. There were some parts he did not want to offer, but in exchange he said he would give up land in Israel proper that the PLO had not even asked for.
Barak even spoke of dividing Jerusalem. Arafat stormed out of the meeting.
And he also did the unthinkable. He even spoke of dividing Jerusalem and allowing the Palestinians to have their capital there. Yasser Arafat stormed out of the meeting. Why did he storm out of the meeting? Everything he said he wanted was offered there. It was put into his hands. Why did he storm out of the meeting? A couple of months later, there began to be riots, terrorism. The riots began when now-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon went to the Temple Mount. And this was used as the thing that lit the fire and caused the explosion. Did you know that Sharon did not go unannounced and that he contacted the Islamic authorities before he went and secured their permission to be there? It was no surprise.
The response was very carefully calculated. They knew the world would not pay attention to the details. They would portray this in the Arab world as an attack upon the holy mosque and use it as an excuse to riot. Over the last eight years, during this time of the peace process, where the Israeli public has pressured its leaders to give up land for peace because they are tired of fighting, there has been increased terror.
In fact, it has been greater in the last eight years than any other time in Israel's history. Showing restraint and giving in has not produced any kind of peace. It is so much so that today the leftist peace movement in Israel does not exist because the people feel they were deceived. They offered a hand of peace, and it was not taken. That is why the politics of Israel have changed drastically over the past 12 months. The Israelis have come to see that, "No matter what we do, these people do not want to deal with us... They want to destroy us."
That is why even yet today the stationery of the PLO still has upon it the map of the entire state of Israel, not just the little part they call the West Bank. They want it all.
We have to get out of this mindset that somehow you can buy peace in the Middle East by giving little plots of land. It has not worked before when it has been offered.
These seven reasons show why Israel is entitled to that land.
I yield the floor.
(93) Anonymous, December 1, 2020 6:22 PM
I feel like this was a useful page for my project and I hope to use it again for any future projects
(92) Janette Johnson, September 4, 2020 5:29 PM
Clear and to the point
Thank you for your perspective on this matter.. clear and precise information written so even a child in school could understand thank you so much everyone in America needs to read this
(91) rs ruhil, May 3, 2020 11:27 AM
truly enlightening thanks to the author
had not been in any doubt anyway in re the right to exist for all creatures
(90) rabbi hirsch joseph Simckes, August 6, 2019 8:51 AM
well documented, fairly analyzed, clearly articulated
SEN. INHOFE HAS DONE HIS HOMEWORK, WEARS THE PROPER EYEGLASES AND SEEKS AN HONEST CONCLUSION TO THE COMPLEX QUESTION SURROUNDING JEWISH SOVEREIGNTY IN THE HOLY LAND. I SALUTE HIS EFFORTS AND FOR THE MOST PART AGREE WITH HIS SOLID REPORTING.
(89) Anonymous, August 4, 2019 3:48 PM
Forever Israel - No more land concesion
My greatest respect for Sen. Inhofe. I did not know when those other Arabic countries were born, and now it makes me question, why they all support the so call “Palestinian” violent behavior against Israel. I do agree 150%, that this land belongs only to Israel. Thank you Sen. Inhofe for your very well articulated concise piece of Israel history. May Hashem protect you and your family, at every step of your way.
(88) Anonymous, March 6, 2018 6:23 PM
Pro-palestines
Thank you for giving me reasons so I can refute them all!!!
(87) Jose, December 25, 2017 2:51 AM
Israel has a right to all her land
Israel has the right to be a country and their land was given to them by god who led moses and then joshua to conquer the land all arab countries have their own land why not israel and remember god is with israel and god will protect them from malicios adversaries, lets not forget all the miracles that god the almighty did for our jewish brothers to include when the walls of jericho crumbled as god promised joshua
(86) Anonymous, December 5, 2017 11:24 PM
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-claim-to-the-land-of-israel
Jewish logic about why Israel belongs to them
1) God promised the land to the patriarch Abraham
2) the Jewish people settled and developed the land
3) the international community granted political sovereignty in Palestine to the Jewish people
4) the territory was captured in defensive wars.
Boils down to God said so and Jews were there first maybe. (Actually if you read about the Twelve Tribes who originally settled Israel for the Jewish people you'll know that they had to eliminate to previous inhabitants too.) And then because the western world that wants to subjugate the Middle East supports them. Only the last reason really means anything and if they didn't have Britain sending them there and then helping them attack there is no doubt they wouldn't have had reason 4 to fall back on.
If we follow that train of thought though the Mandate from Heaven gives the ruling party of China dominance over "tian xia" and what is "tian xia" you might ask? The words mean everything under heaven. God's word is law right? So China should by Jewish logic own the world. Wonder if the world would appreciate that when they even question China's right to its own territory. Its own territory which would meet both #2 and #4 even if it doesn't meet the last remaining thing on that list.
Additionally
"By the early 19th century-years before the birth of the modern Zionist movement-more than 10,000 Jews lived throughout what is today Israel."
Dvirah, May 4, 2020 6:56 PM
Clarification
It's a late correction, but Britain never really supported Israel. During & after the Holocaust Britain refused most Jews entry to the land. They gave weapons to the Arabs, not the Jews, before & during the war of 1948.
As for "tian xia", this is a good expression of Moslem thinking. One of their internal arguments against the existence of Israel is that once Moslems have lived in a place it must then remain Muslem forevermore.
(85) Aethelstan, October 11, 2016 5:11 AM
If Jews should have Israel, shouldn't native Americans get America. I'd say that's a stronger case, as it's much more recent in history and they never left the land
Right, September 25, 2017 10:36 PM
By the same rights that China deserves the islands that America's been threatening war against it over. Of the 7 reasons made to justify Israel China fulfills all but the last one though I suppose a Mandate from Heaven would be the equivalent.
It boils down to who the ally is and who the enemy is. Israel is allowed because the Middle East has been a western enemy for centuries. Having Israel there will keep that region unstable and at war meaning they won't be able to consolidate the power needed to be the same threat to the west that they had been throughout history. Meanwhile China is viewed as the same thing. Even though China has never started a war with any other region it is seen as a dragon and has proven to be indomitable especially in the case of the west. So even though both Israel and China could lay claim to territories using the same reasoning Israel is seen as just while China is not.
It is this kind of thinking that is why China can't really take the west seriously anymore.
Dvirah, May 4, 2020 7:06 PM
More Clarification
Another belated correction. No one is denying China her right to her ancient enormous country. It is only when China seeks to grab even more land, such as the invasion of Tibet, that there are protests.
(84) YJ Draiman, September 26, 2016 3:19 AM
The Consequences of Appeasement & Concessions by Israel to the Arabs
The Consequences of Appeasement & Concessions by Israel to the Arabs - Part 1 of 2
The decisions made by the government of Israel since The six day war of 1967 leading up to Gaza war with Hamas July 2014, as well as those of the first ten months or so after the turnover of Gaza in 2004 began, have dumbfounded historians ever since.
The PA leader Abbas makes a speech in front of the UN and announces that the Oslo Accord is no longer applicable and that he is not going to abide by its terms. Thereafter, Arab terror and violence, car ramming, knifing, stone throwing and every conceivable method of disturbance and destabilization is being applied.
The current Arab terror and violence facing the people of Israel, and the Arab claim to forbid Jews from Temple Mount, is a product of restraint to Arab violence and the concern what world reaction would be, while sacrificing Jewish lives, and diminishing the safety and security of Israel and its people.
The appeasement of Israel to the Arabs-Palestinians, in particular, has been so often held up as an example of how not to deal with a rising terrorism and violence that it has become a stereotype.
Had Israel stood its ground and responded to terrorism or any violence with utmost force and zero tolerance. Israel would not be facing today’s crisis.
As many have said – appeasement, concessions and lack of proper response to terrorism is detrimental to Israel its people and the Jewish people worldwide.
Israel under International Law has the right to build and live in Judea and Samaria and any other territory formerly within the boundary of the Mandate for Palestine in 1920. As decried by the San Remo agreement, confirmed by the treaty of Sevres and Lausanne; and the 1919 Faisal Weizmann Agreement, of which terms are survived in perpetuity.
YJ Draiman
Read complete article at the following link.
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/comments/70683
(83) Santos Torres, June 11, 2015 1:48 AM
God will judge
I completely agree with Israel right to exist.
Anonymous, September 25, 2017 10:36 PM
Then by the same logic you completely agree that America should not exist and should be returned to the Native Americans.
malka, June 9, 2020 10:06 PM
I wonder why you are anonymous?
(82) YJ Draiman, May 13, 2015 12:53 AM
Israel must be steadfast in protecting its rights and its people
Israel must be steadfast in protecting its rights and its people
Many nations and people are questioning Israel’s control of its liberated territory.
No one is mentioning that the Arab countries had ejected about a million Jewish people and their children from their countries, confiscated their assets, businesses, homes and Real estate. Many of the Jews ejected from Arab countries died while their forced departure from Arab countries, due to hardship, famine and starvation. 650,00 Jewish people and their children of these expelled Jewish people and their children were resettled in Greater Israel. The Land the Arab countries confiscated from the Jewish people 120,440 sq. km. or 75,000 sq. miles, which is over 5-6 times the size of Israel, and its value today is the trillions of dollars.
The Jewish people and their children during the over 2,000 years living in Arab countries have suffered Pogroms, Libel claims, beheadings, beatings, false imprisonment and extreme hardship as a second class citizens. They had their businesses and homes pillaged, their wives and daughters raped, sold them as slaves, their houses of worship pillaged and burned, forced conversion to Islam.
Today over half of Israel's population are Jews expelled from Arab countries and their children and grandchildren.
The Audacity of the Arab countries in demanding territory from the Jewish people in Palestine after they ejected over a million Jewish people and their children who have lived in Arab land for over 2,000 years and after they confiscated all their assets and Real estate 5-6 times the size of Israel (120,440 sq. km. - 75,000 sq. mi.), valued in the trillions of dollars.
Now the Arab nations are demanding more land and more compensation.
The Arab countries have chased the million Jews and their children and now the want to chase them away again, from their own historical land.
YJ Draiman
(81) plazaliz, May 11, 2015 6:05 AM
This should be catapulted over social media!
I cannot imagine why I am just reading Senator Inahofe's presentation for the first time. This is the most concise factual address on Israel's right to their land I've read or heard. It's hard-hitting, riveting, inarguable and just the bottom-line facts anyone can understand. Teachers and professors should be teaching this to their students - exactly like this. They would remember. I am going to share this everywhere. I'll wait until Saturday morning when FB and other outlets are traffic heavy. I'm going to print it and make copies in stacks to hand out wherever I go (in taste of course, I'm not an overzealous messenger whose wacky behavior interfers with the message). So grateful I stumbled on this article. Wow, it's powerful. Thank you for sharing.
(80) Sarah, May 4, 2015 10:11 PM
Very interesting and extremely helpful!!!
I am doing a school research paper on "Why Palestine and Israel shouldn't share modern day Israel" and I found this article to be VERY helpful!!!! Not only did I want to do this as a school research paper, but I also wanted to know, myself, why Israel had every right to the land. Being a Christian, I knew that most of it was because God promised it to the Israelis, but I wanted to delve a little deeper. Thank you so much Mr. Inhofe, for writing this article!
(79) Raina Warren, April 25, 2015 1:42 PM
Well-Said
I agree with this article and all the arguments in it for Israel's right to exist, it's borders, and it's birthright given by God Almighty.
America must always be Israel's staunchest ally!
Sarah, May 4, 2015 10:13 PM
Totally agree!
I totally agree with you!!! It's good to see that there are others that stand up for Israel when there are so many that don't know days!
(78) Anonymous, December 31, 2014 11:42 PM
Islam the world religion
These people's agenda is to conquer the entire world for allah/islam and install a world Caliphate/leader to rule over all muslims and non muslims worldwide. The aim is to destroy Israel first and then to finish the takeover of the rest of the world. How naive can the western leaders be or is there something else going on that we are not privy?..
(77) Evelyn Wenitsky, December 27, 2014 10:01 PM
excellent article
it is so pleasurable to read an article with such truth such accurary, and i have enjoyed this more than many papers I have read. Anytime, write more and explain maybe the world and proper tv channels will publish it thank you,love and light,Evelyn
(76) Brah, October 30, 2014 11:40 PM
Well, lets assume we give the entire land to the arabs and a nation called Palestine. Take all the Jews to USA or EU. Ofcourse EU & USA takes so many refugees...well the Palestinian people will still not strife for peace...they will come after the western nations for more bloodshed.
(75) M M Zuhair, August 18, 2014 6:23 PM
Can you please explain
But I do not understand how the people from Europe should have a right to live in Arab lands just because they are Jew where the local Arabs are to be driven out of their mother lands? Will it be acceptable in any other part of the world?
(74) Anonymous, August 9, 2014 6:37 PM
The problem is, that in the modern day, civilizaed people reject racism. No Race is better than any other race, and g0-ds master race does not have any particular right to other peoples property. It only exists due to theft and violence and sin.
(73) Keith, August 2, 2014 5:05 PM
Not about land
People seem to miss the point. The Palestinians and Islam do not want land. They want the destruction of all western civilization. It is about power and control. You could give them every piece of land through out the world and they would still desire to kill everyone who fails to convert to Islam. Until people recognize this fact, until the supporters of the Palestinians and Islam fall victim to their barbarian tactics and way of life supporters will remain blind to the truth because that is the way it is to be until the end.
Lana M., August 5, 2014 5:40 AM
Keith..I completely agree with you...100%! The Arab world needs to learn to share...not everything belongs to them. They seem to be arrogantly thinking that they own all of the Middle East..they don't and never will.
Phill Hudson, August 29, 2014 3:56 PM
Such an American thing to say!
I can't believe I just read this! your mistaking all Arabs for Muslim extremist. The Arab world as you think of it is perfectly capable of sharing and co-existing with the western world. In Britain particularly where I live we have ha huge population of Muslims and I have to say not once have I ever felt or been threatened by them I certainly don't think they want to take over my country!
We can look at this from the perspective of the Native Americans, restricted to reservations so the white man could claim land that didn't belong to him. What would the USA do now if the natives tried to take back what was rightfully theirs?
Religion has no place in politics, it harbors extremism and creates unstable relations between nations. The Jewish people have no right to any state just as the Christians and Muslims have no homeland. A state should be secular and governed without religious prejudice.
plazaliz, May 11, 2015 7:08 AM
Please don't be naive! Better read the Quran...
All who do not believe in Islam are infidels and must be destroyed according to the Quran. Currently there are multiple problems in Europe with Muslims insisting on others curbing policies so they are not offended. They want Sharia Law. They believe homosexuals should die; it is acceptable for women caught in adultery to be stoned to death (Interestingly the men seem to skate); in the husband's right to beat his wife; a woman has no rights; infidels cannot be allowed to exist unless they convert and the leadership determines whether or not a conversion is authentic. These aren't antiquainted laws, but practiced in Muslim countries and behind closed doors in countries where these barbaric beliefs are illegal. You can espouse the (scary enough) moderate Muslim philosophy all you want, but until there is an uprising within that religion and the people reject much of what is in the Quran, they will follow Islamic bullies just like the nation of Germany followed Hitler. Some Germans opposed Hitler but it didn't much matter, did it? And because no one spoke up 6 million Jews were murdered along with 8 million other civilians. Underestimating evil as well as the unwillingness to acknowledging that existing evil has an insatiable thirst for power, could mean the destruction of nations. The majority of Middle Eastern and African fundamental Muslims don't want peace, they want power and control. They don't want to share and live in harmony, they want it all.
Anonymous, May 11, 2015 7:24 AM
What's the real question everyone should be asking?
What is the big deal about the Jews having that teeny tiny piece of land? Seriously! Jews are not only defined by their religion. They are a race of people descended from the tribes of Israel, they are the people of and from that tiny land, scientifically and historically proven countless times over. Other nationalities have hundreds of thousands of square miles more land in comparison. Here is the real question...why is it such a big deal that the Jews have it? This one point continues to be glossed over - no one wanted it until the Jews asked for it and then created an astonishing oasis out of nothing. Why are the Jews persecuted throughout history more than any other race or religion? Like Hitler, it's about coveting, it's about greed and power. What they don't seem to understand is if the Jewish people are destroyed, the land they have enriched will turn back to dust in the hands of those who lust after it. Look what they've done with that land in 67 short years! NO ONE else in the Middle East has accomplished as much, and possibly the entire world. How could anyone doubt when looking at history that they have been unusually, even miraculously blessed, even though so horribly persecuted. Why do you think that is? And if you want to go the Native American reclaiming route, that the Israelite squatters' rights aren't enough, they have also won that land fair and square by sheer military force. They have won unprecedented battles and historically, that means what? The winner gets the spoils! So why is there even a debate? Everyone needs to just back off and let them have, not only what belongs to them, but what they have earned the right to have. But for some reason there is a magnificent double standard in this world, and what is good for everyone else does not seem to be good for Israel. Which brings us back to the question everyone should be asking. Why is that?
Anonymous, June 14, 2015 2:18 PM
To commenter Phill Hudson
Yes, the Jewish people certainly DO have a right to a Jewish state. The Christians have ALWAYS had a homeland. If you don't believe me, then just wait until the month of December rolls around. What holiday is emphasized in the United States? Here is a hint. It is not Chanukah. Are you Jewish? Granted, I am still learning about Israel so I do not know everything about how the country operates. However, it is the ONLY democratic nation in the middle east. That fact is not something to be overlooked. Jews coexist along with people from other religious/ethnic groups. The apartheid comments are utter nonsense.
(72) Nicole T, July 28, 2014 2:52 PM
Get our facts right
François-Marie Arouet, known by his nom de plume Voltaire
was
Born: Nov 21, 1694 · Paris, France
Died: May 30, 1778 · Paris, France
Thank you
(71) Mohamed Faleh Boughdiri, June 6, 2014 7:01 PM
my know is muhamed faleh boughdiri and i support jews and israel and i 150% agree with israel
Anonymous, June 9, 2020 10:09 PM
you are awesome!
(70) Jim Kay, November 15, 2012 11:54 AM
equality
So by the same means of justification, should what we call the United States of America be returned to the native americans ? if your saying yes to Israel then you must say yes to my point also ?
Ivonne, July 30, 2014 11:20 PM
Agree
Let's return the land to native Americans and Mexicans
Ida L., August 6, 2014 4:09 PM
That is not comparable!
If the Native Americans would take over America, with superior force, settle all over it for 50 years, win four wars defending it, put a democratic government in place, and make the land flourish agriculturally, and then Americans complain and shoot rockets indiscriminately at them, maybe you'd have a point. But that's not the case. America became her own independent country years ago, and the Native Americans have learned to deal with it, they made the best of their situation. They know there's no way they'll ever get back leadership over America, and that it would be pointless to try. They don't send terrorist bombers into Washington D.C.! There are some things you just have to accept. Once a country is settled, and the people living there have fought multiple wars to defend it, they do have a right to live there- (side point-especially if they have managed to make much more of it than than previous occupants ever did or ever will, and if they promote peace over a culture of death). If you want to argue with their right to live there since they took it over, go to every single country in the world. There is no country that has the same occupants it began with. Every civilization has taken over land from other nations. That's just the way the world works. You don't see England coming back to the Americans either and going, hey this was our land, you kicked us out and took control, now give it back! They understand it is not in their hands anymore! You really can't compare America and the Native Americans with Israel and the Muslims.
(69) Kerry, June 3, 2012 6:01 PM
Deist
I am not religious, but Jews need a homeland and contribute much to humanity.
Anonymous, July 30, 2014 11:26 PM
Agree
These people have a right to their homeland. If we are not going to allow them a homeland in the Middle East, then where? What other nation on Earth is going to cede territory, is going to give up land? Brookline, Boston, Brooklyn, Ny..USA is the promised land. Jewish clans are wealthy and have a strong hold in government. Better quality of life in USA, see statistics how many successful Jewish people in USA, in fact the wealthiest community in USA are Jews! Live and let live!
(68) Anonymous, February 28, 2011 12:24 AM
I must agree with(63).God gave it to ISRAEL,like it or lump it! GOD,HASHEM will always defend His chosen,ISRAEL. LONG LIVE ISRAEL !
(67) AEWHistory, February 1, 2010 9:13 AM
What we get for our money.... an answer to Helga and others:
Often the question is asked, “Why must our tax dollars go to support Israel?” And, more pointedly, “What do we get for the billions in dollars of aid that we’ve given to Israel?” Leaving aside all of the religious, moral, and ethical issues, the money given to Israel has been one of the best investments this nation has ever made, although you rarely hear the details. Here are a few examples: from Israel’s inception it has relied on the exceptional clandestine assets of its intelligence community for security, but these assets have scored coups that have benefitted the USA when Israel managed—fairly often I might add—to procure then state-of-the-art Soviet weapons from Arab states and then passed them on to the American government. Without Israel we’d never have had early access to the MiG-21 and a host of other Russian weapons that allowed us to better assess the state of Russia’s military capabilities. More recently Americans benefit from Israeli experience in urban combat. This was especially valuable leading up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The Israelis already had long years of experience, painfully earned, fighting Muslim insurgents in congested areas, and had formulated doctrines to cope with the changing tactical landscape. Rather than learn these painful lessons ourselves, and pay the price in blood, we were able to use Israeli doctrine to save American lives (and continue to do so). So the next time someone suggests pulling funding on Israel, ask them if they know who serves in the army and how much is that person’s life worth, because—without most anyone even realizing it—our investment in Israel might have actually saved the life of a young soldier you know.
Anonymous, May 11, 2015 7:31 AM
Absolutely!
The best return the U.S. has ever received on an investment is the State of Israel. Hands down.
(66) bru, June 20, 2007 9:32 AM
i agree
beautiful story by senator james inhofe.i agree 100% word for word to the point i can not ad any comments.i will say that the u.s. policy of pressured restraint on israel has hurt them,us and the whole world.terrorists at heart will never change they must be defeated by the whole world as one,put aside our differences and we can in a few days destroy it before it destroys all of us.they are becoming better organized and one day take over a nucleur country like pakistan.lets tell iran to knock it off or we will attack,syria also and lets roll into lebanon and gaza as a united world to once and for all end this.
(65) John Edgeley, London, UK, August 15, 2006 12:00 AM
Does this apply to the world as a whole?
Excellent article, but does this mean the original american indian population has claim over North and South America or the Aboriginis have claim over Australia as Archeology suggests they were the original inhabitants and the new settlers were nothing but new squatters, please share your thoughts on this.
Anonymous, June 3, 2012 6:06 PM
????
Do the Saxons have claim in GB? How about the Celts or the Garelic tribes.
Joanne, November 5, 2012 1:11 AM
Yes, aboriginal peoples do have rights to their historical lands.
America's treatment of Native Americans has been shameful and shameless. Every treaty made was broken. That is one reason why I think if the USA winds up with a Hispanic majority -- largely from Mexico, many of whom are descendants of native peoples -- it would be a just outcome.
(64) Matthew Pilch, May 6, 2004 12:00 AM
The Senator makes some very -enlightening points.
Before I had read this, I did not know many of the facts presented here. I was under the impression that this was merely a "holy" war spanning centuries. There are some very eye-openning issues here, even for the secular world. Before reading this, I must admit that I had sided with Palestine, believing Israel to be the greedy empirical power at hand. However I now realize that Yasser is the offensive leader at hand. Thank you.
Kerry, June 3, 2012 6:04 PM
Learn history
Matthew, You are just realizing this after the thousands of Arab attacks massacring Jews? Take a history class.
(63) David Gatehouse, February 4, 2003 12:00 AM
Senator Inhofe's reasoning is only aimed at the secular mind.
Senator Inhofe's 7 points are an excellent presentation for the secular and logical mind - but there is a more fundamental reason why Israel belongs to God's chosen people. Simply put, God, the creator of all, gave it to them. Case closed. "Those who love my people I will love, and those who hate my people I will hate." Nations of the world who do not heed this warning-beware - you have no concept of the impossible odds against which you war. The script has already been written. God and Israel win; it is only a question of timing.
(62) George Davis, April 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Senator Inhofe's 7 points are well reasoned-each alone justifies Israel's right to defend itself!
Hard to understand our government's rebuke of Israel's swift military actions against the documented Palestinian threat to it's existence.
Have we forgotten the futility of Neville Chamberlain's policy of appeasement against Hitler's Axis? An axis of pure evil. History is replete with examples of the importance of military victory over avowed predators, and where these predators have not been defeated, Humanity has paid dearly.
(61) Susan Warren, April 16, 2002 12:00 AM
accurate
Why can't every educated person be so reasonable?
(60) Keith Hall, April 2, 2002 12:00 AM
Senator Inhofe Comments
Powerful and appreciated...and right.
Time to take an international stance and tell the oil producing arab world that it will as easy to take back as it was to give it they don't correct their conduct.
(59) Enrique Clunie, March 30, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent article.
A very eloquent article. I sheds so much light on the history of the region and the unquestionable and inherent right of the Jews to the land of Israel.
(58) JEFF AMES, March 30, 2002 12:00 AM
SENATOR JAMES ON ISRAEL
I APPLAUD SEN. JAMES COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF ISRAEL. IT IS NOT OFTEN WHEN THE TRUTH IS TOLD AS ELOQUENTLY AS HE HAS DONE..... BRAVO !
(57) Anonymous, March 30, 2002 12:00 AM
I agree
The comments of Senator Inhofe are right on the money. If more people understood what is actually going on, there might be a better chance for stability in that area. The majority of the Arab peoples don't like us, want all jews dead and can never be trusted over the long run. They are religous monarchies or dictatorships, that raise their people on hate and fear.
(56) Anonymous, March 21, 2002 12:00 AM
peace possible?
is peace possible in our time?
I would say no, since the palestinian leaders continue to play with the emotions of international society. We are buying it all, most people are not even considering the facts displayed in the displayed article...
Would any of us willingly offer our country to terrorists? I think not. Would we accept the kind of behaviour now displayed by palestinian terrorist organisations daily? No, and an even stronger NO, we would not. I celebrate peace. I celebrate acceptance. I celebrate, most of all, the Israeli's right to defend their land, for it was theirs from the beginning of all time. What was originally given by G-d should not be taken away by people...
(55) Anonymous, March 21, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank You
When i saw your article i was almost in tears.The truth should be spoken and you have done that.Senator Jim Inhofe you will always have my full Support.
(54) Allen Miller, March 21, 2002 12:00 AM
Senator Inhofe speaks for Congress.
Senator Inhofe's thoughtful remarks to the Senate elicited my note of thanks. Perhaps others will see fit to do likewise. Thankfully, I believe that the Senator reflects the will of the Congress.
Despite friends like Senator Inhofe, Israel can expect little more than moral support so long as its own political leaders continue to undermine any and all efficacious measures to relieve Israel's present untenable plight. For example, in Mr. Sharon's ever changing "red lines", Israel's enemies sense a cynical weakness, while her friends sense a debilitating lack of confidence and resolve. Therefore, until the Sharon government acts to lift the current Palestinian siege, the hands of Mr. Inhofe and his likeminded friends are tied.
Consider what the Congress could do were an Israeli Prime Minister to act with unconditional resolve, to wit:
The Prime Minister calls a news conference to announce a radical change of policy. First, the Prime Minister thanks the United States for its past friendship, but to the extent that the Bush/Cheney/Powell administration gives moral equivalency to wanton murder and inadvertant collateral casualties, as a friend, Israel must say, "You are wrong, dear friend. And because your lapse in good judgment places the very survival of Israel at jeopardy, we must part company for the moment."
The American administration justifies moral relativity behind the facade of realpolitick - Arab support must be had and maintained at all cost. Suppose Israel's Prime Minister were to tell the assembled media the following, "Vice-President Cheney has attempted to persuade me that the upcoming war with Iraq requires Israel to passively take some unspecified number of scud delivered weapons of mass destruction. Sadly, I had to remind the Vice-President that Israel is a country, not a target. In short, Israel will instantly and decisively retaliate to all such violations of her sovereignty."
Having laid out Israel's policy with reference to Iraqi attack, the Prime Minister might ice the cake, saying, "It is an ill-kept secret that Israel is a reluctant nuclear power. Therefore, should Iraq resort to the use of weapons of mass destruction against Israel, Israel will, after 48 hours advance notice, reduce Baghdad and detectable launch sites to a heaps of radioactive waste."
Addressing the general Arab world, the Prime Minister might say, "Since its founding, Israel has been attacked by Arab armies on four occasions. Consequently, Israel has come into possession of certain territory. Your hatred has been and remains implacable, despite the very best efforts of Mr. Peres etal. Therefore, the State of Israel does hereby lay claim to the aforesaid territory in the entirity as the matter of strategic necessity. Furthermore, the residents of said territories are hereby given a choice:
1) After submitting an oath of loyalty, you and your decendants may become citizens of the State of Israel, or;
2) For those who cannot abide the thought of living in peace alongside Jews, you may depart in peace, having submitted claims for reparation."
Finally, the so called Palestinian Authority is hereby outlawed within Israel.
Given the above, one wonders whether Vice-President Cheney would be considering a trip to Egypt next week to kiss the cheeks of Mr. Arafat, or, rather, he would be on the first plane to Israel.
(53) Anonymous, March 21, 2002 12:00 AM
It's about time...
Senator Inhofe, beautiful article. It's about time somebody talks about obvious truths. Hope as many people as possible get to read it. Thanks.
(52) George Kennedy, March 21, 2002 12:00 AM
Bless Israel - Newfoundland
My Congratulations to the honourable Senator Mr.James Inhofe. We live in a world of very slanted views and kindergarten understandings when it comes to the complexity of Israel. So-called reporters with secular views demostrate this aberration each and every day. What I find so refreshing about Senator Inhofe's presentation is the combination of being so accurate from a Biblical and historical perspective along with the fact that it's coming from a politician. That we would have more leaders like Senator Inhofe. May God bless him largely has he continues his support for Israel.
(51) Anonymous, March 20, 2002 12:00 AM
tolerance has limit
Mr. Senator James Inhofe, your articles are great. Hope many people read and accept the existing land of Israel. Peace in the Middle East. Thank you!
(50) Salee Jordan, March 20, 2002 12:00 AM
Bravo!
We have known these facts for years and years and yet only now, after a horrendous attack against our nation, are Americans acknowledging them. It is time. It is very welcome, especially to those of us who have been howling into the wind for so long. I hope this article receives the widest distribution possible.
Senator Inhofe, you have my most profound thanks.
(49) Anonymous, March 20, 2002 12:00 AM
This was a very eloquent & moving speech!
Thanks for this email. I totally agree with Senator Inhofe and appreciate his boldness to stand up and speak out for Israel. America's policy makers need to take care that we support Israel!!
(48) Anonymous, March 20, 2002 12:00 AM
History is subjective
That's a very entertaining article by the senator, nice and full of that flag-waving spirit, but quite void of any historical certainty. Squabbling over land that really belongs to no one but the one above, we are all destined to destroy ourselves if we keep jumping on this idiotic, nationalist, religious, bandwagon. If it weren't so politically expediant for the senator at this moment in time, I'm sure he would have no problem hosting pogroms outside of his well protected estate back in "tolerant and christian" Oklahoma. He doesn't care. Everything he said is told from a very limited point of view, the one that says "I'm right, and everyone else is wrong". It sure felt good for that minute though, didn't it? Remember, it's a piece of land, or, whether you like it or not, it's your brothers. They are our brothers, but....I guess I'll see you in Megiddo............
(47) Meredith Fox, March 20, 2002 12:00 AM
everything I learned while studying about Israel is here
Terrific! God bless you!
(46) Anonymous, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
Sensibility Rules
Words of thanks are hardly adequate to convey the sense of encouragement and appreciation I feel in repsonse to Senator Inhofe's recent and vital address. His deep interest in Israel's historical geography and its legitimate and convincing claim (a civil term unfelt and surely uncivilly asserted by the other side), spoken for the record on the Senate Floor, does more for the hearts and guts of Jews and all lovers of freedom anywhere, I feel, than could ever be supposed.
People of sensibility are bginning to take careful note of the travesty called The Peace Process; read it better, for the sake of civilization as we know it, as "The War Process."
With such keen sight and strong conviction as Senator Inhofe's, to go deeper into President Lincoln's expressed determination of more than a century ago, Israel, like and with America, "shall not perish from the Earth."
The distinguished Senator from Oklahoma thus proclaims to me his added identity. He says, in effect, in a very extended but very concrete sense and perhaps to honor the cause of freedom for which Daniel Pearl and so many other Jews and non-Jews alike are losing their precious lives these days, "I am a Jew."
I take special note, finally, that Senator Inhofe represents the people of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City....
(45) Anonymous, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
Not only that...
Not only is this article a wonderful testament to the historic claim for all Jews in the land of Israel, but let us NOT forget that the Western Wall is the first and most holiest site in the world for ALL Jews, whereas the Dome of the Rock for muslims is their third holiest site. Who then has more right?
(44) Mitchell Goldberg, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
Clarity and truth in a nutshell.
What an excellent article. I pray that more people are exposed to this concise truth of the Middle East situation, so that in their minds they can offset the distortions in the media like the term "occupied" territories for example. This is a war of truth. Thank-you Senator.
(43) Anonymous, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
bravo
Thank You! How very refreshing. I will remember you U.S. Senator James Inhofe. I appreciate your courage and honesty confronting our government at this time on this issue. You are right. Your presentation is grand. Thank you for a job well done.
(42) Tom Slatton, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
I agree. As a school teacher I wish we had more people like you in positions of power (It makes me think that maybe I should be teaching in OK.)
(41) deborah oliphant, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
hooray for the senator from Oklahoma!
Truth on the floor of the US Senate! At long last! Thank God!
(40) Anonymous, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank you AISH for the truth!
It was so encouraging to actually read the truth
being made known in government; now, let us move our embassy and acknowledge Jerusalem as
Israel's capital.
(39) Doug Powers, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent speech. To the point, and long overdue.
God bless the good Senator from Oklahoma. What an excellent and long overdue speech. Makes me proud to live next to the great state of Oklahoma.May we all pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
(38) Gregg Levitan, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
This article can save Israel
Senator Jim Inhofe's article must be disseminated to every media outlet, elected official, and read at the UN. Senator Inhofe is to commended for his brilliant truth. How can we help Israel?
This article is the answer. Thank you aish.com
(37) John Rodgers, March 19, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank-you Senator Inhofe
Dear Senator;
I thank-you so much for your courage to stand up for the Jews. The Arabs seem to be winning not only their war of terror but also the media war. We must continue to Pray for peace in Jerusalem but not at any cost. Jerusalem without the Jew would be like Washington D.C. without the American.
(36) Kathryn Hibbard, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Jewish Issues
I truly believe that the state that
Israel is in - IS NOT JUST A "JEWISH" ISSUE! I BELIEVE THAT IT NEEDS TO BE A "WORLD
ISSUE"! And I pray every day that AMERICANS would open their eyes and see that WE all should stand up for Israel!
(35) Anonymous, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Senator Jim Inhofe for President
Senator Jim Inhofe is taking a stand against the propaganda and falsehood proliferated by the Arab world to fight for Israel's right of existance. This is the type of leadership America needs!
(34) Bill Mills, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
This is truth; this is Bible and you've said it well.
I thank God that the good people
of Oklahoma had the good sense to
elect you to the Senate.
(33) Anonymous, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Bravo
Israel needs a Prime Minister as principled and eloquent as Senator Inhofe.
(32) Nathan Abrams, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Most people won't accept the Senator's compelling arguments
The Senator's article is much appreciated and very well written. May G-d bless you.
However, the most compelling of his arguments are based on one underlying principle which most of the world (many Jews included, unfortunatley) will not accept: The veracity of the original Bible - The Torah. Once an individual accepts that particular truth, all other arguments become somewhat trivial and secondary.
After all, if we don't accept the Torah then there's really no bullet-proof reason to give Jews more rights to Israel than anyone else. The same way that there's no solid rational reason to view the Europeans conquering North America as more 'moral' than Jews conquering Israel - as another reader so aptly points out. If that person accepted the Torah, then there would be no room for that argument.
The bottom line reality is that we Jews have to believe and live Torah. When we do, Mashiach will come and the truth will be obvious to everyone - as stated in various parts of Torah.
(31) Kim, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
to hschmidt@seacove.net & robert_cherry@hotmail.com
The economy in Israel today is greatly diminished due to this war prescribed by Arafat. The loss of tourism alone has caused the loss of thousands of jobs and the closing of many tourist related businesses. Today's economy in Israel continues to require the aid of the US. The unemployment rate is quite high and the food banks run out with still many in need that must be turned away. You can help, there are many organizations that will accept your help for those that need it including Aish. Regarding international law and the Hague court I believe the good Senator explained that the land was deeded to Israel by both the British and the UN. This is clearly documented and these are both recognized by the international community as governing bodies. To compare the native american right to their land with the palestinian right to the Israeli land is incongruous. Truly the native american would have more right, since they can prove historicity of occupation.
(30) Anonymous, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Israel -- Middle East
Dear Senator Jim Inhofe,
I applaud your bold stand on behalf of Israel. I agree with your statements 100% as you presented them recently on the Senate floor, March 4, 2002. I have been so frustrated reading the continual bashing of Israel and media's total disregard to the facts and violations within the PA. Thank you for standing for what is right even though it is not considered these days as polically correct. Shalom
(29) Anonymous, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Great article!!!
What a very poignant and informative piece! Senator Inhofe's seven primary distinctions as to why Israel deserves THEIR land are just some of the numerous reasons for why Israel and the Jewish people should occupy the land. Overall, I couldn't put it better myself -- Mr. Senator: I admire your unrelenting attitude of getting the facts across to anyone and hopefully everyone!
(28) Mary Johnson, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Absolutely the TRUTH and about time!
This is a wonderful piece, and I wish the whole world would take heed! May we always support Israel!
(27) Deacon Moran McMahon, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent article by Senator James Inhofe
I agree 100% with this article. It's what I have been telling people all the time. I will e-mail this article to my friends. The world has to wake up to the reality of the situation.
(26) Rob Mahaffy, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
It's about time....
I have been waiting for a member of our government to voice what I have just read in this article and it is way past due. My question is, the PA says that the suicide bombers are independent of of the PA, but if Israel capitulates to them the violence will stop, so they do have control over the terrorists, so why are we talking to these people? We are negotiating with terrorists that we should be helping Israel wipe out.
(25) Anonymous, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
to hschmidt@seacove.net why Israel gets money from the us
Think of all the billions Israel had to spend over fighting wars and terror.
Very encouraging article. Thank you.
(24) eric siegel, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
in appreciation
It might be nice to e-mail Senator Inhofe at his website (see above) to thank him for his presentation and support.
(23) Shoshana Axler, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
How sad that most of the Jewish community does not have the same breadth of understanding regarding Israel as does Senator Inhofe.
How do I send Sentor Inhofe an email thanking him for his words?
(22) Yolanda Canfield, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Kudos
A timely commentary. More valuable because of where it was presented. It's so good I want to memorize it.
(21) Donna Roe, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Jews have the right to Israel
Yeah! for the writer of this article.
I totally agree with him. Israel needs to keep all of the land that God promised them.
(20) Linda Ekloef, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
G-d bless you, Sen. Jim Inhofe for being light and salt of the earth
We know what happens with salt that loses its saltiness and light that doesn't shine: it's worthless. It gives me hope to see people willing to stand up for the truth.
(19) Ronit Maman, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent article - Why can't the Europeans see the truth?
This was an excellent article that touched all the main points on why Israel has an absolute right to the land in Israel it now possesses (and actually more that it already ceded for "peace." The most important fact that the Honorable Senator brougt out was the fact that it was Israelis who pioneered the land and brought Arab workers to work the land in the early 1900's who built the Israel of today. Before that, it was a wasteland. It's too bad all the pro-Arab (pro-dictatorship) European allies like England, France, and Germany can't see the truth that the Senator has spoken of so eloquently
(18) herman henkes, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Answering Helga's question
As I see it, the reason Israel still need's our financial support is because the Arabic people are so intent on murdering the Israelis. Israel does not have the resources in time and safety to build a base of tax dollars to completely support itself. Also, as with all countries the US has used as buffers with our enemies, we support them because they help keep the terrorists away from us.
(17) renee smith, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
To Helga...a response
Israel has resettled thousands of poor Jewish immigrants over the years. Starting with those who sought to escape the pograms of Europe, then the Nazis. From the former Soviet Union, from Ethiopia, and most recently from Argentina. The Jewish people rescued these oppressed peoples; provided food, clothing, jobs, and integration into Israeli society. None of this comes for free. Any aid from the USA is used not for frivilous expense, but to help a nation that seeks to heal the world, while struggling to defend its right to exist.
(16) LINDA OLIVER, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Best Article on this subject that I've ever read
Thank you for the facts. I, too, had been fooled by the media into believing that the land belonged to the Palestinians. Only recently have I come to my senses. This article proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that the land indeed does belong to Israel, the chosen of God.
(15) Larry Miller, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Wonderful summary.
It is ashamed that this article has not been printed in the major newspapers in this country. What most of them print is the garbage given to them by the PLO and their supporters. As the Senator so rightfully spells out--the Arabs have no real right to the land and any concessions given them only fuel their feelings that we want it all and nothing else. It this information could be spread accross our country via the communications industry, possibly our leaders in the white house would also stop bowing to the Arabs who really despise them anyway. Wouldn't it be nice to overrun the oil fields, nationalize them and them sell oil to the world and the arab countries.
(14) Shlomo, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
to hschmidt@seagrove.net
the provisions for Israel in the U.S. foreign aid bill for 2002 secures approximately 2.3 billion dollars in MILITARY AID. that means that the U.S. gives Israel 2.3 billion dollars worth of American made tanks, fighter jets, warships and superior military technology that are all vital to securing Israel's position among her "friendly" neighbors. The U.S. also gives approximately 750 million dollars in developmental aid. that money is used to create the agricultutal technology necessary for Israel to be economically self sufficient. As Israel's technological dominance grows along with its strengthening economy these lesser funds are being slowly phased out. therefore the figure of 3.2 billion dollars is somewhat deceptive in that it implies, as you inferred, that the money is not specifically deliniated for anything whereas in reality most of the money is in the form of military transfers.
(13) Miles Herman, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
The Truth ... I have FINALLy heard it. But the media?
U.S. Senator James Inhofe's speech of March 4, 2002 greatly lifted my spirits ... as it is a big start. I read with disbelief and deep gratefulness the words of the Senator. Finally, FINALLY, a recognition by a high ranking politician of Israel's right to exist, and how the policy of the U.S. has not exactly been one of reciprocation for the support of Israel when WE need it! The average American citizen, I strongly suggest, has not a clue about most of what the Senator spoke of. The American media has greatly contributed not only to the ignorance by Americans of Israel's historic right to existence, but to the great restraint Israel has exercised in the face of the daily acts of terrorism by persons who have no appreciation for the sanctity of life. The Palestinians not only have no claim to the land they may end up with, but they are portrayed as the "victims" by the media - here and abroad - and the Israelies as the aggressors. And this is how the average American perceives the situation. Overt acts of anti-semitism are at a all time high, according to FBI figures. This has happened many times in Jewish history. The last time 6 million Jews died because the truth was either not known, or people did not want to know or did not give a damn. Israel will not be defeated, make no mistake about that. But it was art to my eyes to read a speech about what I have known for so long to be the truth by a prominent political figure.
Thank you, Senator. Thank you.
Miles D. Herman, Esq.
Plymouth, Massachusetts USA
(12) helga schmidt, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
$3.2 Billion each year
Your report "Israel's right to the land" is very interesting and I learned from your report, however, since Israel is today a modern marvel of agriculture and is able to bring more food out of a desert environment than any other country in the world, why do we pay from the peoples tax money still Israel $3.2 bil each year? In Israel, there are no starving children; the economy is good and they have enough money to build static technical advanced equipment for war purposes, like nuclear bombs etc.
Please could anybody answer this question? Thank you Helga
(11) Robert Cherry, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Interesting arguments that I don't buy
The good Senator has a good understanding of history.
He does not, however, talk about international law and the notion of might makes right or the idea that might does not make right. For me, the question is whether the International Civil Court in The Hague would recognize a 3000 year old claim. The Senator's major premise is, to say the least, not solid. Are you Americans ready to return all the land that the early Americans took by force from your Native American Indians because they occupied it before the first Whites arrived in what is now your country?
(10) Tamara Kennedy, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent!!
What an excellent speech!! I sent a letter to the senator thanking him for his courage to speak the truth without regard for political correctness, and I hope many others will do the same.
(9) JULIUS ROMANOFF, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Senator Inhofe Comments
I found the Senator's remarks to be different from all the articles in newspapers, magazines or as reported by radio and TV commentaters. How did a speech given by a Senator in the Senate be completely overlooked by the media? It did not state what is the popular view namely that the Jews don't belong in the land. They conquered the Arabs and took their homes. Now the Arabs are fighting a war for freedom. Thus, all terroristic acts are justified.
The fallacies in such thinking is clearly defined by Senator Inhofe's speech. I just wish there were more leaders who remember and know history as the Senator. I want to commend Aish.com for printing the speech, and bringing it to my attention.
(8) Anonymous, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
I applaud this Senator for speaking out!
All of Israel should belong to the Jews,
there's no question of that!
I pray for the peace of Israel!
(7) Anonymous, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
I have had the priveledge to travel to Israel twice. I am sadden by this situation. The Arabs have a lot of countries, and they can keep them. The Jews have one little strip of land. We Jews deserve our land.
(6) Mark Newman, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank you for speaking the truth
I directly e-mailed the Senator but thought I would share my thoughts with others:
I am an American Jew from New York and I just read your March 4, 2002 Senate Floor Statement on Peace in the Middle East. May you be blessed forever!
What you said is so obviously the truth but no one seems to think the truth need be said; or, perhaps, from Presidents and Prime Ministers on down, everyone is afraid that the truth will bring more long term harm than good.
You have made clear that America's, Israel's, and the world's long term interests are best served by speaking the truth and acting upon it. ALL of Israel belongs to the Jews and none of the land must or should ever be given up to anyone else. It's so simple and obvious but reading your words were so inspiring given that they are never uttered publically by people in office. Should you ever run for election in New York, you have my vote!
Please continue doing your work and may you be successful in persuading more leaders and men in power to your way of outspoken truthfulness."
(5) Eliazar Cohen, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
I always thougt the way you wrote. Thank God we people like you defending Israel and its people. God bless you
(4) Anonymous, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
This article really touched my heart to know that there are politicians in America that still retain the truth that Isreal Belongs to the Chosen People of G-d and are willing to stand up and speak this truth. The sad part of this is that there are not more poloticians standing up and being counted and also that I did not read this from any American Media Sources.
(3) David Schwartz, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Finally, a rare voice that understands!
I only hope that Bush, Cheney and Zinni also understand as they seem to favor the Arab mentality. What is sad is that they seem to forget what Jews did for medicine, culture, keeping US going in the Depression, and people like Benjamin Touro, an early US freedom fighter. They seem to want Israel to back down. I am not saying that all of the Palestinian claims are without merit, but they never made the soil fruitful, nor did anything to help the land or their own people. Telling children to blow themselves up is not helping anybody. I only hope that we Jews can hold fast and keep the faith, and that HaShem help all of us, especially at Pesach.
(2) Ron Ferstadt, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
The Land Is Ours, Take It Back.
We gave our Land for Peace, Eight Years Ago, and recieved the Blood Shed of our People, the younger people have to wake up and smell the coffee, they are the back bone of our country. If we turn a blind eye to the slaughter of our people , you fill in the blanks-------.
(1) Jerome Eisenberg, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
PLO can not be trusted to stop terrorism
The plot is to reduce the size of Israel. Then continue to use the excuse that terrorists act on their own, even though they continueto receive Arab support. Unfortunately this will continue until either Israel, or the Palastinians are anhilated.