It's all so eerily familiar. A war that began a few weeks after Barack Obama’s presidential election. Gazans had been raining hundreds of Qassam rockets onto southern Israeli towns, along with long-range missiles supplied by the mad mullahs of Iran. With just 15 seconds to run into a shelter before impact, the rockets sowed panic in streets and schools. The danger reached ludicrous proportions and it was time to stop playing Islamic Roulette.
Four years ago, Israel launched “Operation Cast lead” to stop the rockets from Gaza. Now here we are again, this time with Operation Pillar of Defense (Amud Anan). Little has changed. On the heels of a U.S. presidential election, nearly 500 rockets have struck Israel from Gaza. One million Israelis are living in bomb shelters and Iranian-made Fajir missiles have put Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and 50 percent of Israel’s population within striking range.
Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system has successfully intercepted another 250 rockets. Yet the system is not fool-proof; dozens of Israelis have been injured and three civilians were killed when a Hamas rocket hit their home in the town of Kiryat Malachi.
Europeans fear their own capitals may one day be the target.
For now, people of good will are backing Israel’s right to self-defense. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of Israel, and the U.S. State Department – with a historically Arabist bent – was unequivocal: “The onus is on Hamas to stop its rocket attacks." Even traditionally hostile Europeans – perhaps fearing that their own capitals may one day be similarly targeted – are affirming “Israel’s right to live without fear of attack."
For its part, Israel has decimated over 100 rocket production and launching facilities in Gaza. As well, Israel eliminated arch-terrorist Ahmed Jabari, the commander-in-chief of Hamas terror activity who directed a decade of rockets, bombings, and the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit.
Where all this will end is a terrifying unknown. The Middle East is far more volatile than it was four years ago: Syria is immersed in a bloody civil war; Hizbollah positions have been strengthened in Lebanon; Egypt is now run by the Muslim Brotherhood; anti-government riots have erupted in Jordan; and Iran is four years closer to possessing an atomic bomb.
What can we do?
- Stay informed, and redouble efforts to assist Israel’s PR effort.
- Strengthen our commitment to Jewish values.
- Pray for the welfare of Israeli soldiers and all of Israel’s citizens.
We do not have the option of passively standing by. Israel is in real danger and we need everyone on board. The verse (2-Kings 3:27) implies that if our enemies show great devotion and self-sacrifice for their cause, that obligates us to do the same.
For the purpose of education and activism, here are four key points to know:
(1) CNN reporter shills as a mouthpiece for jihadist terror.
For media monitors, CNN has long been the gargoyle in an already-ugly media crowd. In a variety of ways – whether it's CNN founder Ted Turner labeling Israeli defensive actions "terror"; or CNN's Senior Editor of Mideast Affairs, Octavia Nasr, expressing her sadness over the passing of a Hezbollah terror leader; or Palestinian spokeswoman Diana Buttu asserting unchallenged on CNN that Qassam rockets (with their 7,000 metal ball bearings and 20 pounds of TNT) contain “no explosive warhead” – CNN too often seems on the cusp of pro-Palestinian activism.
This time around, CNN seems headed down the same path. A video report by Zain Verjee, the London-based anchor of CNN's World Report, sounds like she'd be more comfortable on Hamas TV, as she discards all semblance of objectivity and assumes the role of disdainful challenger. Note specifically:
- 0:57 – "How do these air strikes bring peace and quiet?"
- 2:00 – "Fifteen children are wounded – these aren’t targeted operations!"
- 3:46 – “Aren't you making an already bad situation worse?”
The good news is that Israel has a superb spokesman in Mark Regev, a native of Australia who displays remarkable articulation and composure in the face of these CNN taunts. Keep your eye on CNN and in the meantime, click here to complain about Verjee’s horribly biased video report.
(2) Beyond rockets and planes, this is a Social Media war.
The days are over when terrorists disseminate their hatred via a spooky video cassette sent to Al Jazeera. Today, you can simply "follow" Hamas missile squads on Twitter’s @alqassambrigade, or surf www.qassam.ps where you even have the option of selecting your favorite color scheme. More nefariously, Palestinian rocket-launching teams now use Google Earth to select their civilian targets.
Israel has traditionally been behind the curve when it comes to public diplomacy – the infamous "hasbara." In trying to influence world opinion, the government’s standard mode has been a cacophony of competing – and sometimes contradictory – messages from various spokespeople in the Government Press Office, IDF, Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry.
This time it's different. Israel is prepared, quick, concise and – believe it or not – "media savvy." The Ministry of Public Diplomacy is coordinating an aggressive campaign under the banner, "Israel Under Fire."
The IDF has issued a series of successful viral campaigns, such as a Facebook graphic which depicts the Statue of Liberty and other international landmarks being swamped by missiles. The message: “What would you do?”
After killing terror chieftain Jabari, the IDF immediately posted a YouTube video of the targeted strike. It has been viewed 4 million times, sending an important message to three different audiences:
- A warning to militants in Gaza: "We can get you anywhere, anytime."
- An appeasing message to the Israeli public: "We will not remain helpless in the face of repeated rocket attacks."
- A reassurance to those concerned with collateral damage: "We can strike with utmost precision."
This is a genuine Social Media War. On the heels of the Jabari strike, IDF tweeted a direct warning to his Hamas comrades; Hamas then tweeted back its own threat:
Get involved. Follow the Israel Defense Forces at: Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr. And most importantly: Share!
(3) Bias in the New York Times – what else is new?
The New York Times has dark stains going all the way back to the Holocaust, when its gross under-reporting of events crippled efforts to generate public support for helping to save millions of Jews.
Now in Gaza, the Times is playing loose with the facts. A Times editorial insists that Hamas "has mostly adhered to an informal cease-fire with Israel after the war there in the winter of 2008-09." Would someone please explain how that jives with the fact that Hamas launched 650 rocket attacks in 2011 and nearly 1,000 this year alone?
Meanwhile, Times’ correspondents Fares Akram and Isabel Kershner profess to be doubtful of events, saying that the Israeli military operation is “in response to what Israel called repeated rocket attacks.” In the eyes of the Times, the launching of hundreds of rockets from Gaza is not a fact, but rather “what Israel called repeated rocket attacks.”
The Times is also uncertain about the nature of Hamas, saying it is
“regarded by Israel as a terrorist group sworn to Israel’s destruction.”
According to the Times, only Israel regards Hamas as a terrorist group. Why does the Times ignore that Hamas is also listed as a terrorist group by the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and United Kingdom?
As for the assertion that Hamas is “regarded by Israel as … sworn to Israel’s destruction,” is the Times somehow unaware of the Hamas Charter which cites the destruction of Israel as its primary objective? Does the Times not believe Hamas foreign minister Mahmoud Zahar when he declares: "Nobody among our sons and grandsons will accept Israel as a legal state... Israel is a foreign body. Not in this generation, not in the next generation, will we accept it here"?
So far, we've at least been spared the fairy tales from the rocket barrage of four years ago when the Times published the Hamas claim that "We did not intentionally target civilians. We were targeting military bases, but the primitive weapons make mistakes."
This calls to mind the words of Mark Twain: While there are laws to protect freedom of the press, there are unfortunately none to protect people from the press.
(4) The Pallywood industry of false claims.
When it comes to civilians casualties, no one plays it like they do in Gaza. Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic notes how Hamas "prevents the burial, or even preparation of the bodies for burial, until the bodies are used as props in the Palestinian Passion Play. Once, in Khan Younis [Gaza], I actually saw gunmen unwrap a shrouded body, carry it a hundred yards and position it atop a pile of rubble – and then wait a half-hour until photographers showed. It was one of the more horrible things I've seen in my life. And it's typical of Hamas."
Hamas has taken the initiative in promoting fake casualties. On Twitter, @AlqassamBrigade uploaded the photo of a "Palestinian child wounded in an Israeli air strike.” Astute media monitors noted that in truth, the photo is of a child injured last month in the Syrian civil war.
Meanwhile, AFP/Getty issued a photo of a Palestinian man picking up a doll lying on shattered glass. Was this scene genuine? It's possible. But with such a rare confluence of elements – the man's hand a split second from the pristine doll perfectly positioned in the rubble – logic rejects the likelihood that the photojournalist "just happened" to be down on the floor in perfect position at the precise moment. It’s simply too good to be true.
In a classic case of “fauxtography,” BBC and others posted footage of a "badly injured" man being carried away to safety by five other men. Thirty seconds later the man is shown – miraculously – walking around, healthy as a lark. (See the clips here, and watch till 2:42.)
In the meantime, Hamas has been desperately fabricating achievements: falsely claiming to have hit Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, to have struck down an Israeli drone, and to have killed several soldiers in a jeep.
To be sure, as Hamas registers more losses in the military confrontation and thus becomes more desperate to win the media war, we can expect more attempts to orchestrate events. As Professor Richard Landes has predicted:
Whether by Israeli accident or Hamas engineering, expect a spectacular civilian massacre in the coming days, followed by an orgy of Pallywood photography, amplified by a compliant Western media, and even greater fury in the streets of the Muslim and Western world. It's in the Hamas playbook.
Four years ago, the U.N. school in Jabalya, Gaza provided fodder for an alleged massacre (later disproven). This time, expect Hamas to hang on just long enough to score those coveted PR points. After all, events in Gaza appear to be happening all over again.
(34) Tziporah, November 21, 2012 11:14 PM
Mr Pope, you are delusional
You are so misguided and ignorant, I don't even know why I am responding to you. Who has fed you, your anti Israel tirade? Where is your condemnation of the rockets launched against Israeli citizens from Gaza over the past several years?Which other independent country would allow their citizens to be under a constant barrage of deadly missiles? Or does that not matter because Jewish blood is negligible ? Your comments indicate that you deny the right of Israel to exist..Half Jewish or not, Am Yisrael Chai!
Ari Rondel., November 23, 2012 7:08 AM
Tziporah who's right?
Tziporah you wish for Israel the 'right to defend their country'. Only Israel? all the Palestinians are doing is 'defending their right to protect their country'. I would like to see peace, however the tactics of Israel's 'hard liners' is going to have the opposite affect. Please do not accuse me of being anti Israel look up my family name in: The Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names and Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. You do not have to live in Israel to be Jewish.
(33) Ari, November 21, 2012 6:33 AM
It will never end or will it?
People are deluding them selves if they think the 'hard hand' tactics of Israel will defeat the Palestinians. In the end all Arab countries will be against Israel (well they are at the moment)the Arab Spring will succeed then all will end through the nuclear bomb. However Jews will live on, in other parts of the world.
(32) Felix Pope, November 20, 2012 7:44 PM
It's not defense when it's not your land
You're defending your land? Is that what the Israli progaganda team calls it when you invade Palistine, take their land, ignore international law, repeatedly ignore the UN and build on the west bank? Is defense firing thousends of missiles into one of the most densely crowded areas in the entire world where half the population are children? Hamas have a right to defend their own land and people when you won't even let aid ships visit them. Yes three Israli citizens have died and I'm not codoning that but over 100 palistinians have died now, many of them children. Just for the record no, I'm not or muslim or from Palistine, in fact I'm part Jewish. I just came across this article and feel disgusted by your jionist progaganda.
Basya, November 21, 2012 7:46 AM
What planet do you live on?
You are spouting fantasy, not history. When exactly did we "invade"? When was the land "theirs"? Who were "they" anyway? And from where, exactly, do you get these "facts"? And even if it were true, does that mean that the US can't defend New York? Texas? etc. etc. etc...... You seem to be a bit confused. Please clarify your knowledge before attacking.
Anonymous, November 24, 2012 12:19 AM
The US can't defend any land it has invaded
If Americans returned to England and declared that because they lived there hundreds of years ago they now had a right to live there they must be given half the land then would they be allowed to defend themselves? NO! Would it be defense if they then murdered the locals and occupied more and more land until the real english were crammed into two corners, would that be defense? Israel has no right to exist, and even if we accept that it now does and we can not remove it then it should stick to the borders agreed by the UN not wherever the hell they want to go.
Gary Katz, May 25, 2013 9:43 PM
It's easy to criticize, when you don't live in Sderot
Felix, you should've listened to the Jewish "part" of you. Maybe then you wouldn't gloss over thousands of terror missiles fired from Gaza at Israeli citizens. Invade Palestinian land? There's not 1 Jew in Gaza. Gilad Shalit was the last Jew there, and I guarantee you, he was happy to depart. Also, you make it sound like Israel randomly fires missiles into dense population areas. The truth is, Hamas launches from civilian areas, hoping its civilians will die when Israel responds. However, Israel fires back with as much pinpoint precision as is technologically available. Otherwise, the civilian casualties would've been a much higher percentage of the total. "Aid ships?" "Propaganda ships" is more like it. The last Gaza flotilla had expired medicine and the organizers admitted its purpose wasn't aid; it was political. Even so, Israel offered to let the ship dock and all legitimate aid cargo to be trucked into Gaza. The "activists" refused, because that didn't serve their get-in-the-spotlight goals. Maybe you have a good heart, and have simply been misled by their expert propaganda. There are none better at it, than the Palestinians.
(31) carolyn, November 20, 2012 9:47 AM
Take Gaza Back
The time comes when you have to say enough is enough. No more talk, no more broken promises, no more rocket attack chaos, its time for action. Take back the land that was given for peace and rule it wisely and make it prosper for Jews and Arabs alike. They have not been able to do this so the time has come for Israel to do it. Show the world how its done, why we are the chosen people and bring light to the land where there is so much darkness. Yes it has to be taken and blood will be shed, but it will be nothing like what they will to do to us. I dont think they (haters of Jews) will ever stop trying to wipe us off the face of the earth, but it cant be done. Some things are eternal and this is one of them. I am a liberal American Jew, a convert, and to anybody who may question my commitment to Israel or to peace, you are wrong. I have my passport ready and if I can do nothing else I will go there and pray, and to show solidarity. This is not the time for divisions, it is time for unity. Oh and by the way I am part native american, so I know what its like to loose your home and it is not within your power or your destiny to change it., It is painful, but you can move on and still keep that part of your identity and learn to live in peace with others around you. It can be done and it is a much better life than an endless cycle of blood spilling,war, hatred, and despair. Accept your fate, you have no choice, you cannot destroy Israel no matter what you do.
(30) Anonymous, November 20, 2012 12:23 AM
Which American News Is Best?
Which American News Channel is Best to get our news from the Israeli War?
(29) William, November 19, 2012 9:22 PM
Military measures can only produce short term results.
There is a tragic parallel btw the actions of the two sides. Hamas et al. either does not perceive that its rocket attacks are the proximate cause of Israeli counter-attacks, or they do understand the link and wish to provoke Israeli attacks for PR purposes. For its part, Israeli policy ignores the link between continued settlement expansion in the West Bank and violent Palestinian reaction. While Hamas is formally committed to Israel's destruction not all Palestinians share that goal. Continued settlement expansion has the unintended result of broadening Arab support for rocket attacks from Gaza. The conflict is fundamentally political and thus requires a political resolution. Resolving the settlement issue is both within Israel's power and in her most fundamental interest. Resolve the settlement problem, clearly indicate Israeli willingness to tolerate a Palestinian state and most of the wind is removed from the extremists' sails. If this is not achieved my relatives in Israel will be in ever greater risk and the demographic asymmetry suggests even worse threats in the future.
Sam, November 20, 2012 3:52 AM
Settlements
William, Arab violence against Jews and Israelis predates the "settlements" you mention. What was the excuse for the Arabs cold blooded murder of Jews during the Chevron Massacre in 1929???????????????? The massacre took place before the founding of the state of Israel and its "settlements." Please stop making excuses for Hamas terrorism.
William, November 20, 2012 9:09 PM
Understanding cause and effect is not the same as making excuses.
Sam, you completely misunderstood what I wrote. Yes, of course there were Arab attacks on Jews before Israel was created. There have also been peace treaties signed with Egypt and Jordan, and though unsuccessful, the Oslo accord was an attempt to resolve the conflict. You completely ignored the heart of my message: the conflict is inherently political and thus requires a political resolution. Yes, Israel has the might to kill great numbers of people, but how does that benefit Israel in the LONG RUN?? Except for the most absolutist groups [whose numbers grow in reaction to Israeli military action] most of Israel's Arab critics point to settlement expansion and the humiliation suffered by Palestinians in the West Bank as a main concern. Israel does not benefit by keeping the people on the West Bank down, and the very effort hardens and poisons attitudes against making peace with her. You should stop making excuses for endless violence that can only harm Israel in the long run and start thinking about what is needed to get the parties to the table. As Churchill said "jaw-jaw is better than war-war", and he was no pacifist, nor am I. There are far more Arabs than there are Jews and if Israel is to survive into the next century peace is necessary. Without it I fear that the goals of the most extreme of Israel's adversaries will be achieved before the end of this century.
Sam, November 23, 2012 4:05 AM
Settlements
Interesting how you now expanded your explanation ( i mean excuse) for arab terrorism emanating from Gaza against Israel/Jews. It is not just "settlement" expansion. it is also the humiliation suffered by Palestinians in the West Bank. But this article is about (terrorism) missiles being fired from Gaza, not the West Bank. on a separate note What humiliation are you referring to? Security checkpoints/security fences to prevent suicide bombers and terrorists from entering Israel? Have you forgotten the hundreds of Israelis murdered and thousands injured over the years by Arab suicide bombers and arab terrorists coming from the West Ban? Now that Israel has taken steps to protect its people from bloodthirsty murderers it is called humiliation???? "After scores of suicide bombings and daily terrorist attacks against its civilians that have killed more than 850 people and wounded thousands more since September 2000, Israel’s unity government decided to construct a security fence near the northern part of the pre-1967 “Green Line” between Israel and the West Bank to prevent Palestinian terrorists from infiltrating into Israeli population centers. The project has had the overwhelming support of the Israeli public which sees the barrier as vital to their security. There is actually nothing new about the construction of a security fence. Many other nations have fences to protect their borders United built one to keep out illegal Mexican immigrants. Israel has similar barriers along its borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. In fact, a fence already surrounds the Gaza Strip and not a single suicide bomber has managed to get across the Gaza barrier into Israel." STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR TERRORISM!
Yael, November 20, 2012 11:17 AM
the "settlements" are not the problem.
the arabs consider all of israel a settlement. israel removed all settlements from gaza in 2005, and this did nothing but bolster their enthusiasm in attacking israel proper. the only thing that will end this war is when the arabs are so utterly defeated that they have no hope left of destroying israel, and if israel is not willing to do that, then they must re-occupy the gaza strip.
(28) Brian Weaver, November 19, 2012 6:27 PM
To Marlene. Israel does use brain power.
In answer to Marlene, She seems like she just wants Israel to pray and it will go away. I watch Mosaic World news, Arab AND Israel news services. I have never heard Hamas call all occupants of a building and warn them that a rocket was coming, I never heard them give a warning to a town, missiles were coming. I always hear the Arab-Palestinians saying, "We were called and told to evacuate, but we thought it was a joke" Or we wanted to be martyred. IDF and Israel are the most effective and most humane , why? With their opponent's medieval ways I dunno. But you have to give them credit for trying to minimize civilian casualties. I know of no other Armed services that do that.
(27) manuel, November 19, 2012 6:11 PM
Enough is enough, at least Mr Obama equated forces with the media
The day after a rocket faul in Tel Aviv, I read a New York Times, and the bias was clear the photos showing damage in Gazan's property far outnumbered those portraying siimilar quality of damage in Israel.
(26) USA, November 19, 2012 5:41 PM
Why should you support Israel?
Why should you support Israel? Because you are next on the hit list: Israel, Europe, America are all targets. It doesn't matter if you support Palestine or not, jihadists don't ask for a show of hands before they murder. Be smart...support Israel, support peace.
(25) Reinette, November 19, 2012 3:45 PM
May God be with Israel
Our prayers are with you. My family and I support you whole-heartedly. Israel was planted by God, is being nurtured by Him. Truly, in spite of all the world says and thinks, Israel survives! Isaiah 8:12 - 13. May God be with you.
(24) Howard Yagerman, November 19, 2012 3:03 PM
Amalahkites
Hashem told King Saul to kill all of the Amalahkites or they would be a thorn in Israel's side but did Saul listen... no,will we listen now?
(23) lordcsmith, November 19, 2012 1:48 PM
The media
People don't read the news to be informed anymore. They read it to be affirmed. You actually have to work and look at multiple sources to get an accurate story and , frankly, that takes a little while. This is one of those sites that I go to to get a different view of a story. Thanks, Aish.
Dorit, November 20, 2012 1:26 PM
Thanks.
That's what I think about what happens, too. My thanks to Aish, too! Be blessed.
(22) Ayax, November 19, 2012 12:01 PM
BE CAREFUL
I am not a prophet, but normally i don't make any mistake. Day after day the Israeli situation is becoming worse and worse. Israel is surrounded by enemies more and more aggressive. israelis must pay attention, every day the danger is becoming bigger. Egypt, Siria, Lebanos, Iran. All of them want to rub israel off the map. what are you waiting for? Soon Iran will have his nuke bomb and this will be the end of Israel. At The Same Time Russia And China Are Helping Iran to get stronger. There is the danger of a global war, so the Israelis will be sacrificed for a "global peace". once again.It's important to find a way to avoid a global war and to avoid a new holocaust.
Alexander Huzau, November 19, 2012 6:52 PM
We are careful
However you normally do'nt make mistakes, this time you've forgot a crucial thing: Israel will have no end because it is the land of Hashem.
(21) Marlene, November 19, 2012 10:10 AM
I support Israel but not violence
The headline says it all. Israel should fight with the Jews' best weapon - their brain-power They have massive technological superiority, so use it intelligently, to reduce civilian casaulties on both sides. This is the best way to earn the support of the international community. We are all made in the image of God.
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 4:38 PM
Support Israel
If the international community does not respect Israel now, they never will. Israel has been more patient and more polite than any country should be. There is an illness that has enveloped the world, and it is called political correctness. The world can sacrifice Israel, but I can assure you, the rest will fall like dominoes. The world needs to do the right thing: support Israel before it's too late.
(20) JOAN KARVER, November 19, 2012 6:49 AM
The condemnation of Israel is wrong,wrong,wrong...When Hamas can make peace with Fatah and the West bank,using conflict resolution like adults they then can try for peace with Israel,,,Using grown up tools like talking negotiating..
Someone from Gaza and the West Bank should sit down and work out there differences like adults,talking,compromising,negotiating to protect their poor citizens from pain and anguish,they are being used as pawns while Israelis named as the culprit....
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 4:28 PM
No compromise
Sadly, there is no compromise, look up the word "caliphate". Any so called "compromise" will lead to the death and destruction of Israel. The people of Gaza did not honor their first commitment, there is no reason to think that they'd honor any other.
(19) Debbie, November 19, 2012 5:05 AM
"Time" is slime!
We get Time magazine every Fri. & I was curious to see how they would cover the conflict. After all, it's been on AOL all week, for good or for bad. There was not 1 mention of Gaza rockets or Israel anywhere in the magazine. I told my husband I never want to see that magazine in my house again. Israel doesn't exist until there is something to say to bash it.
(18) rut, November 19, 2012 2:06 AM
Bibi is not bringing more hatred onto Jews worldwide!
Jews have been hated worlwide just because they are Jews! You, spk truth, are trying to find and excuse and that is Bibi. Open your eyes. What is the matter with your thinking? Your words bring hate. Stop the hate. Israel is a country because of the Zionist. For what I have been reading, they worked very hard to save the Jews from the opression in Europe. To give them a country that, according to the Torah, is theirs. Most people believe in the G-d of Abraham, Moses and the prophets, but do not believe what the Torah says. Why does everyone contradict the Bible? Do you believe or not? Stop spreading hatred against the leaders of Israel.
(17) Anonymous, November 19, 2012 2:00 AM
is there no way to show these articles to the world?
The article is very well written but why is it only people that are already convinced that are reading this. Isn't there a way to disperse these articles to the public?
(16) John Smith, November 19, 2012 1:43 AM
5) Re-electing the most anti Israel President emboldens jihadists. The American Jews who voted for him have a lot to answer for (I specify American Jews since they really should know better, given history). Since the election thousands of jobs have been lost due to Obamacare, women are still paid less than men in the White House, Hamas has launched rockets that could reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the number of Americans dependent on the government is growing and gay marriage/abortion are the new normal. But hey, FDR was a Democrat in WW2 and that's what matters. Plus the Christian South of the 1930s is a lot scarier than the Jihadist North and Middle East of the 2000s and 2010s.
(15) Love Am Yisrael, November 19, 2012 12:59 AM
BLATANT AGGRESSION COMING FROM HAMAS
I agree with you, Rabbi Simmons. it is important to act and there are things we can all do to help. Israel doesn't run Gaza, Hamas does. Jews are not allowed to live there -Hamas has fired rockets into Israel for over 12 years. That is the truth - this isn't about Benjamin Netanyahu or any politician or policy. This is about hate - I pray that the Palestinians open their hearts to love and respect. Jews have every right to live freely with dignity and respect in Israel. May HaShem watch over Israel with mercy and lovingkindness.
(14) friend of Israel, November 18, 2012 11:59 PM
Israel is for life - Gaza is for death
Israel has every right to defend herself - this might look physical but this is spiritual - Life against death from Hamas - The God of Israel WILL DEFEND HIS PEOPLE - Trust in Him - He neither slumbers of sleeps and we are with you. Do not fear.
(13) enrique, November 18, 2012 10:39 PM
heridos
es increible como se recuperan los "HERIDOS" palestinos deberian darler un OSCAR por lo teatreros espero que el mundo habra los ojos de una vez por todas especialmente los proislamistas espanoles y latinoamericanos
(12) USA, November 18, 2012 10:00 PM
Patient Israel
Israel is a land of patience, kindness & unity. They include people of all faiths. Can the Arabs say that? No, they can't. Israel is a victim of rockets, misunderstanding & a never ending propaganda war by cowardly men who hide in & near mosques and schools in hopes that they can use the damage against Israel in the media. Gazans use their own women & children as shields...they refuse to wear a military uniform to separate themselves from civilians. PM Netanyahu has been extremely careful to target individuals, unlike the terrorists who shoot rockets randomly into residential areas, & at times when innocent children are going to school. Israel must NOT divide their land under any circumstances, instead they should take back the land already given in the name of peace that never came. The people of Gaza cannot be trusted, they do not stand behind their commitments, & it seems that most of them are more concerned about a caliphate than peace. Their false accusations are just that. Intelligent people do not believe their lies. Conservative Americans are extremely upset that we are not helping our good friend Israel. Even though our hands are tied by liberals, we will continue to pray for your safety. The world must pray for peace & Israel must do what ever it takes to keep their citizens safe. In the end, God & His people will be victorious & Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel. Be strong, have faith & stand behind PM Netanyahu..he is doing the right thing. Signed, your friend in the USA. God bless.
(11) Chana Jenny Weisberg, November 18, 2012 8:20 PM
so true
I have been horrified by the pro-Palestinian bias in the New York Times. On the first day of the operation, they hinted that Israel started attacking Gaza with no real provocation-- well what about the hundreds of rockets that Hamas has been firing at the South of israel? It is SO infuriating. Thank you for helping us to set the record straight.
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 4:52 PM
Liberal media
Almost all of American media is liberal and anti-Israel. The only one who comes close to being pro-Israel is Fox, and even they are partially owned by the Arabs. Make no mistake, even though the media does not reflect it, the majority of Americans do support Israel....they just don't have a loud voice.
(10) Israeli Sabra, November 18, 2012 7:57 PM
@ spk
You are so so wrong in your belief that we Israelis want a 2 state solution- 'WE DON'T'- why would we want to have rabid Islamic terrorists living in 'OUR' country??? if you choose to so strongly love 'Gazans' why don't you 'pack up' and live with them-I'd bet that they would just 'LOVE YOU TO DEATH!' BTW- I smell a Jew hater- and the stench is coming from you!
(9) Anonymous, November 18, 2012 6:45 PM
Telling the truth to "SPK TRUTH"
OLIVE GROVES:Where and when? NOT in Gaza, since Israel has no presence in Gaza. Several Israeli Arabs have used their legal access to the Israeli court system to get injunctions against the plowing of some Arab-owned olive trees and groves within Israel proper. No legal access to Palestinian “legal” systems was made available to Israelis, who lost farms and factories to rampaging Palestinians after their withdrawal from Gaza. SHUT OFF UTILITIES:Most utilities are supplied to Gaza by Israel, and have continued to be supplied even during the most serious Palestinian actions against Israel. KILL TEENAGER:Every civilized person deplores the killing of innocents in a war. 300 meters inside Gaza, Israeli border soldiers had discovered a cache of explosives in a tunnel adjacent to a security fence. An attack by a helicopter to destroy the cache resulted in the boy’s unintended and unfortunate death. He was not a targeted victim. War is HELL and innocents sometimes become war’s victims. ASSASSINATE PEACE:The supposed deal was an agreement with Egypt and not with Israel. No one on the outside knows what this “Peace” agreement was. It may well have been as militantly anti-Israel as have previous “peace” agreements put before Israel again and again. Ahmed Jabari was not a lover of peace but a military leader. He was a Qassam Brigades commander, leading a military force of 10,000. He was instrumental in the kidnapping of Galid Shalit, then manipulated Shalit’s release in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel had no reason to believe Jabari was about to bring any real peace discussion to the table. RIGHT TO DEFEND:Gazans have been firing rockets, and sent their military incursions into Israel since the very first day of their official administration of Gaza. Rather than celebrate a step toward nationhood they chose and continue to choose violence against Israeli civilians. Israel has a right to defend itself against attacks by an external aggressor.
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 4:57 PM
Don't divide the land
The only mistake Israel made was dividing the land. Israelis must take note and never do that again. As a matter of fact, I think they should take the land back since the peace agreement was not honored.
(8) Andrés Rosendo, November 18, 2012 6:41 PM
Great article, Simmons
Comments above didn't respond any of the specific facts and Pallywood fabrications shown here. Only lies, insults and antisemitic conspiracy theories.
(7) kay, November 18, 2012 6:33 PM
I am pray for the peace of Israel, all the bordr's and for them to widen their border's and have back all that God told Abrahm he sould have.
Isaiah 50:11
Anonymous, November 20, 2012 2:08 PM
Great -
that's what I wish for Israel as a country, too - as they are G'D's people, HE will not abandon them - they know!! Just reclaim it in prayer, first - in trust and belief to your Almighty One! And let yourself be led in detail by HIM - that's what I wish you, people of Israel and heritage of G'D - all over the world (I mean humans ;-)). Shalom, Shalom.
(6) Peter Bayliss, November 18, 2012 6:08 PM
Future of man
Is there an answer ? Is there ever a chance for a real peace without destruction ? We certainly must pray for the violence to quickly end and all areas live in peace. As a christian i value all Israel for the whole world must love the people to whom God first spoke and so spoke to all.
(5) Ismail, November 18, 2012 5:55 PM
Gazans have a right to.defend themselves. The first step to defence.is.to get rid of.HAMAS. since they came to.power the quality of.life has deteriorated tremendously
(4) Al Rappaport, November 18, 2012 5:13 PM
New York Times Report on Gaza today
"When Israel assasinated the top Hamas military commander in Gaza on Wednesday, setting off the current round of fierce fighting." What happened before they targeted the Commander, the times does not relate to this. It is unbelievable how the human mind can distort events
(3) Anonymous, November 18, 2012 5:10 PM
The right to protect the land and citizens
Go ahead Israel, dont let those evil people intimidate you. Put and end to your enemies.
(2) Abraham Seiman, November 18, 2012 4:47 PM
The anti- semitic coverage are just another sign of the Hatred of Jews throughout history, even the black slave trade has not been despised as much as the Jewish people.
The world-wide conspiracy against the Jews has been obvious throughout eternity as far back as we can observe. Obviously, expect for a few individuals, no group of people have attempted to help Jews. President Obama's "trip to Asia" at this time, reflects this country indifference.
USA, November 18, 2012 10:10 PM
You are not alone
Please don't think that the US is indifferent to the troubles of Israel. Conservative Americans are behind Israel 100%. While it's true that American liberals are not supporting Israel, I believe it is due to ignorance and propaganda...they simply don't understand the truth, and they are too lazy to research the issues. Instead, they listen to corrupt politicians and a biased media. My greatest disappointment is with Jewish Americans who are on the wrong side. This completely bewilders me, and I will never understand it. Does the Holocaust mean nothing? In any case, Israel is not alone, we Conservative Americans love Israel as we love the US. Have faith, God will sort this out.
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 4:57 AM
answer to Abraham Selman
The last thing Israel needs right now is a meddling U.S. president. While the world condemns, Obama remains a solid ally who has enough respect for us, to let us solve our own problems until we ask for help.
(1) spk truth, November 18, 2012 4:25 PM
BLATANT AGGRESSION COMING FROM ISRAEL
Sorry you cannot rewrite history. Bibi targeted the olive groves with bulldozers, shut off electric, water & sewage, killed a teenager playing football, assasinated a man working on a secret peace deal minutes after leaving the meeting. Zionists better wise up. Worldwide protests against the zioinists and Bibi the Terrible couldnt get Robme elected, moved up his election, and now attacks Gazans trapped in "the worlds largest outdoor prison". GAZANS have a right to defend themselves from F16s, drones, white phosperous, percussion weapons outlawed by UN. If you think you can get the majority of Jews to agree with Bibi, your badly mistaken. 50% of Israelies want a two state solution and 70% of the Israelie military will not go into Gaza. Wake up. Bibi is bringing more hatred onto Jews worldwide.
Shelly, November 18, 2012 5:32 PM
Speak Truth
Unfortunately, you are as uninformed (or as ignorant and hateful) as so many others. When, oh when, will you come to the realization that Israel will overcome and be stronger than ever? Open your blind eyes.... AM YISROEL CHAI!!! The people of Israel are alive now and forever!
Anonymous, November 18, 2012 5:51 PM
get your facts straight!!
I guess you forgot that Israel uprooted all the Jewish communities in Gaza in an effort to make peace. What they got in return is a barrage of non stop missiles. The heads of Hamas made Gaza the " world's largest outdoor prison" (as you call it). They take government money for themselves rather than using it to build up the area. WAKE UP!!! The "Gazans" don't want a 2 state solution!!! Don't you hear what their leaders are saying???? They want to final solution-- no Israel. Get your facts straight!
Dael, November 18, 2012 7:32 PM
You think?
You think? I think not and anyone with an "enquiring" mind are well able to sort out the Truth from the Lies, the Fact from the Fiction, etc.
Yaakov, November 18, 2012 7:55 PM
Yeah, right
How dare you post anti-Semite propaganda here? This is a Jewish website Mr. Terror-apologist.
you don't speak truth, November 18, 2012 8:09 PM
speak truth does not
2500 rockets launched at Israel since 2009-- that's all that needs to be said. That sir, is "the truth"
EmRo, November 18, 2012 8:44 PM
spk truth...you do not spk truth
Don't like it when Jews defend themselves? In case you have forgotten plenty of Arabs live in the Jewish state, and they too will be victims of the Iranian made and supplied rockets that Hamas ceaselessly has been firing in to Israel for the past 12 years. This time they will get the message to stop the rocket fire or Israel will continue to remind them to stop the rockets.
Hashoresh, November 18, 2012 9:10 PM
Reply to spk truth
Spk truth, Jews are hated worldwide...PERIOD. Nothing they do or do not do "brings more hatred" on them. They are hated because they are G-d's people: the physical embodiment of His faithful protection through the generations and serve as witness to the Earth of the eternal nature of HIS character. He keeps His covenant with HIS people. THAT is the truth.
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 5:05 PM
God has nothing to do with it.
God has nothing to do with the hatred of Jews in America. As a matter of fact, many Jews in America consider themselves Atheist Jews. American liberals hate them because of foolish propaganda and Conservative Americans don't hate them at all. Honestly, we just don't understand why they support people who want to kill them.
Anonymous, November 18, 2012 9:31 PM
Israel wants peace and always has. Stop spinning the story!
Israel is protecting herself from the mostly deadly evil there is....terrorists lies. And as always stupidity buys into it. . As Jews we teach our kids love and tolerance and making the world a better place. And it has a name for doing good in this world...Tikkun olam. And what do the terrorists do to teach their kids.... How to hate, they treat their women worse than sheep, use their kids as human shields. You have to live in a dark dark place to believe the lies the terrorists feed. They teach death we teach life. Lay down your weapons folks. And watch peace happen.
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 5:11 PM
Excellent post but...
Excellent post for the most part. Unfortunately terrorists don't understand peace because they are driven by the Koran which promotes death to non-Muslims. Nothing that Israelis say or do in the name of peace will eliminate the jihad...it is moving forward. Israel must act quickly and harshly if it expects to remain.
Anonymous, November 20, 2012 2:37 PM
I consider this also an "excellent post" - like the other commentor on your comment. However, I think these people cannot be "awoken" until they convert to your G'D - because HE is the one who taught you to love yourself and your neighbours ... and who is teaching them ...? It is one who says that a human's life is nothing more worth than "what you can get for it" - many virgins in so-called "heaven" (or so) - to come to "heaven" at all. So I think, rather pray for them to convert - because their "inside humans" don't feel confident about their real "worth as being built in the image of G'D" - where should it come from: the destroyer does his work day by day - also among them - not only on the outside (towards Israel, especially). Shalom.
Danny, November 18, 2012 9:42 PM
Another hater
You are not fooling anybody. Go back to your hole please.
Pete Bradley, November 18, 2012 9:49 PM
Blatant agression, Yeah Righ!
Wise up spk truth and take the time to get the real facts. At least you should be writing a balanced report instead of the twisted one sided garbage you trot out in your comments.
Anonymous, November 18, 2012 10:15 PM
Don't like it? Leave.
The Arab world is quite large, if you don't like Gaza, leave. There is mayhem throughout the middle east, I believe that you and your kind will fit in nicely anywhere but Israel. Israel is a tiny little speck on the map. Leave them alone and let them live in peace. You complain about olive trees? Are you that compassionate towards victims of sharia? The violence within the Muslim community is staggering. Stop worrying about Israel and clean up your own cities. Problem solved.
danino, November 18, 2012 10:49 PM
Just be honest with yourself and forget the rest
bruce, November 19, 2012 12:52 AM
you are stupid
you can not fire missiles at Israel and claim to be a victim. Arabs control 99% of land in the middle east and murdered and kicked out Jews from all Arab lands, while Israel allows all people to live in dignity. Arab countries are backward savage terrorist nations who think they have a right to kill others.
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 5:13 PM
Well said
Well said, my friend. Well said.
rulierose, November 19, 2012 1:25 AM
talk about deluded
if you don't think the Israeli soldiers will go into Gaza, you've got a big surprise coming--maybe tomorrow! and the old "the Jews are bringing hatred upon themselves" thing doesn't work anymore. just like any other nation (which Gaza is NOT), Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorists.
Steven, November 19, 2012 2:03 AM
You are full of it
well aren't you a fine spokesman for Hamas.You don't know what the he'll your talking about,but you sure don't mind speaking the lies of the terrorist.You may be one of their plants.A troll is more like it.
Mark, November 19, 2012 2:34 AM
Israel and Gaza
The so called Palestinians have no past, no present and no future because all they embrace is hatred
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 3:27 AM
spk truth... You are an idiot!!!
Where in Israel's charter does it say to eliminate the palestinians? Muslims are free to pray throughout Israel in peace. The hamas charter commands the destruction of Israel. How many churches exist in Gaza?
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 4:55 AM
agree and disagree
Wake up, the world does not need a reason to express hatred for Jews worldwide.... but please read onto the end for my agreement on some of your comments. As a Zionist Humanist I believe that all humans have a right to protect their homeland, even the Jews. Bibi assassinated the Hammas leader who was on the UN list of International terrorists. This was not a peace-loving victim of Bibi's aggression. Also, us Jews must remember that Zionism is not racism, it is simply a believe in the Jewish right to a homeland in Zion. All nations have a right to a home, again, even the Jews. Having said all this, one must be suspicious of Bibi's motives when one week he is threatening war with Iran and the next is in military conflict in Gaza. I am a complete supporter of the 2 nation solution and am frustrated with Bibi's war prone solutions BUT beware the power of self loathing. I am a proud Zionist Humanist who loves my own people and the right for a homeland in Zion while also recognizing that we lose those rights if we forget that all humans have the same rights to home and security.
Shoshana - Jerusalem, November 19, 2012 10:34 AM
you are wrong
You seem to be implyling that Israel denys the rights of other peoples for a home and security. This is a big lie. There is no Palistinian people and has never been such an entity. These so-called "Palistinians" are Jordanians and should be living in Jordan and other Arab countries. Jordan recently revolked their citizenship . This does not mean that Israel has to give up our land that was given to us by Gd. And by the way, the League of Nations partition gave most of it to us also and the arabs took in away in '48. So this group of Jordanians, etc decided to call themselves"Palistinans" and say that Israel should give our land away and let them form yet another Arab state, this time on our land, no less. I would suggest that you study the history of these so-called "Palistinians" and see how absolutely insane is this whole "two-state" business. Furthermore, I would suggest that you look at a map and see hjow tiny Israel is. In most maps there is not even enough room to write "Israel" and put a little dot and our name s flying up in the sky someplace. And look at how many Arab states there are. And you want us to create another one?
Anonymous, November 19, 2012 4:22 PM
Know what you are up against.
It is very important to understand what Israel and the world are up against. The Koran speaks of eliminating anyone who is not Muslim, so you have two choices: fight or convert. There is no peace, even if you do convert. Sharia law is very violent. Never negotiate with terrorists, you'll never win.
Roxanne Grent, November 19, 2012 6:45 AM
Get a life
Before talking gibberish get basic info! My dear you make no sense whatsoever! I invite you to spend a week in Sderot and THEN only then may you be able to have an opinion!
USA, November 19, 2012 5:24 PM
Should have thought about that
I guess the people of Gaza should have thought about that before they sent rockets into Israel. Why is it that jihadists don't understand cause and effect? For every action there is a reaction. If terrorism doesn't achieve a positive reaction, STOP DOING IT!!!
Anonymous, November 20, 2012 2:48 PM
"Hatred of others" should not advise you to go this or that way: It is no good advisor. Hatred is used by us humans as a means to achieve some (often impure) goals. Rather, you should ask, what is for real. These people, who hate the Israel people for defending their state and innocent people - they would not give their blood to save one of their babies or mothers - you know?? So, what kind of advisors are they, who never had to experience such constant violence that already cost so many treasured lives - out of goals that are impure - not worthwile the death of such civilians?? Shalom.