June 11, 2003
When I was in grade school, spelling traumatized me. I couldn't get the knack -- all those exceptions. "I" before "e" except after "c," except for weigh and weird. The rules have so many exceptions, that even the exceptions have exceptions. I still get heart palpations just thinking about it. That's probably why I studied international politics in college -- it's so much easier than spelling.
On the world political stage, there is only one exception and it's the same for each rule. It's called, "Except when you're targeting Jews." Let me explain how it works.
Take for example targeted assassinations, like the first lightning strike in the recent war against Saddam Hussein, which was followed up with more targeted strikes against Saddam, his sons, and others such as "Chemical Ali." These hits were hailed as masterstroke by the media. U.S. leaders said that they were instrumental in shortening the war.
On the other hand, when Israel pursues terrorist leaders with targeted strikes, they are criticized by the world community as excessive and provocative. That is because Exception #1 of World Politics states: Targeted killings of terrorists are okay, except when the terrorist is killing Jews.
Civilian casualties? This week, the Associated Press reported there were over 3,200 civilian deaths in the recent Iraq war. The United States government says as much as they have tried, civilian deaths are unavoidable because the Iraqi military is breaking the rules of Geneva Convention by deploying in civilian areas.
It was just a year ago that an Israeli Air Force jet dropped a bomb on a Gaza apartment building housing Salah Shehadeh, the commander of Hamas who had ordered scores of terrorist acts. In the bombing, 15 civilians perished. Israel was severely rebuked.
Obviously the IDF never read Exception #2 of World Politics: Civilian deaths are to be avoided, but cannot be criticized when the enemy is using civilians as human shields... except when you are targeting someone who is killing Jews.
There is another rule which relates to terrorism. Everyone knows that September 11 was terrorism, that the Bali nightclub was terror, that the airline shoe bomber was a terrorist. Terrorism is defined as "intentionally targeting civilians to advance a political cause." Simple, right?
But open up you local paper and see how perpetrators of the following attacks are described: bus bombing in Jerusalem, Seder massacre in Netanya, Bat Mitzvah shooting in Hadera, shopping mall bombing in Haifa. Instead of "terror," the media uses terms like "militant" and "activist."
Which brings us to Exception #3 of World Politics: Do not hesitate to call terrorists "terrorists" -- except when they're targeting Jews.
And then there's the whole issue of eliminating terror from our global landscape. After September 11, President Bush declared war on terrorists and "all who harbor them." The issue is black and white. There is no negotiating with terrorists. After the recent terror attacks in Saudi Arabia, Vice President Cheney declared, "The only way to deal with this threat ultimately is to destroy it. There's no treaty that can solve this problem. There's no peace agreement, no policy of containment or deterrence that works to deal with this threat. We have to go find the terrorists."
Throughout the 1990s, Yasser Arafat enjoyed full immunity, despite not arresting terrorists, stopping funding or confiscating weapons. Under his watchful eye (and often with his signature), Palestinian terror groups organized, trained, armed -- and killed hundreds. And now as the road map begins, Palestinian Prime Minister Abbas has declared that he will not forcibly disarm Hamas, preferring instead to work with them so that they agree to go along (temporarily) with the diplomatic route.
This week, faced with 53 separate terror alerts, Israel finally decided to take out Hamas co-founder and terror chief Abdel Aziz Rantisi. After the missile strike (which Rantisi narrowly escaped), world condemnation of the IDF was resounding; President Bush called Israel's action "troubling."
It highlighted Exception #4 of World Politics: Weed out and fight terrorism wherever you may find it... except if the terrorists are targeting Jews.
Without knowing these basic exceptions to the rules of world politics, how can anyone make sense of the Mideast situation? If only spelling were so easy...
(66) nameless, June 1, 2004 12:00 AM
whats up
when will the cycle stop,one has to ask,have jews ever been at peace,why is this so ?
Shoshana Jerusalem, February 15, 2015 6:25 PM
Jealously
The answer to your question is jealously of us and resentment of our morality. See Rabbi Coopoersmith's article, "Terror in Copoenhagen"
(65) Anonymous, June 23, 2003 12:00 AM
Excellent
This atricle should definately be widely distributed, if anything it will provoke people to think about the manner in which the media at large sensationalises and "plants" ideologies through their inconsistent sensationalist and biased use of language.I certainly will forward this article to all those in my address book regardless of their religious affiliation, hopefully it will serve as an illustration of how language is used to manipulate our thinking.
(64) shemuel gadol, June 20, 2003 12:00 AM
G-D Help us!
Jeff when did the rules ever change?
Lets put our hopes in the Messiah.
(63) Steven Lukens, June 20, 2003 12:00 AM
LETS ALL WORK TO CHANGE THIS REDICULOUS STERIOTYPE AND JUST GO AFTER WHATEVER IS IN OUR OWN BEST SELF INTEREST.
I think Jewish people fighting back is great.
We need more proud Jews who fight for their rights, compete just like anyone else, and are proud of what they accomplish and when they win.
I wish we can do more kill our foes and JUST PLAIN UNAPOLIGITECTALLY DO WHATEVER IS IN OUR BEST SELF INTERESTS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IN THIS WORLD IS DOING.
(62) Anonymous, June 20, 2003 12:00 AM
Excellent article with valid and objective points. Articles like this need to be sent to the media, especially Toronto Star and CBC. Has Mr. Dunetz mailed this to 'Letters to the Editor'. I ask him to please do so.
(61) Holger, June 20, 2003 12:00 AM
Deal with the Criminals under your Authority
The fact that your article seems to be true troules me for a long time. I have asked myself over again why the Israeli authorities don't deal with terrorists and those who plan the terror activities according to their law. Why are the people responsible not taken to court and then be treated according to their crimes and dealt with according to the Israeli law?
The Oslo agreements and the new deal seem to be a hoax and one could laugh at it if there were not these horrible cantinued bombings. In fact, Israel makes deals with terrorists and criminals, and while Israel keeps the treaties signed, their opponents carry on their terrorist acts.
The media in Europe and other places are clearly biased and report often in favour of the Arab terrorists groups and the Palesinian leader Arafat.
Why does the Israeli government heed to the criticisms of newspapers and tv stations? This way there will be no end to terrorism in the region, on the contrary, it will encourage the terrorists to continue their deeds.
If thousands of dollars are the rewards for the families of those suicide bombers against Israeli citizens, the people who pay for the crimes with money should be brought to full responsibility, including those who take part in the transfer of payments.
I write this to encourage Israeli decision makers to deal with the terrorists just what they are: criminals who kill Israeli people.
(60) Joel Goodman, June 20, 2003 12:00 AM
The simple truth!!
If American newspapers would publish this as an op-ed piece, perhaps many disinterested 'ordinary people' would understand what the Israelis must contend with.
(59) Raylene Ingamells, June 19, 2003 12:00 AM
Right on!
Jeff, your "humour" is tragic. You are so right in your comments I was nearly crying whilst reading your article. I hope you find the answers for your kids' questions then share them with the rest of us. May Hashem send haMoshiach SOON.
Shalom
(58) Yoka, June 19, 2003 12:00 AM
So right
Wow, what a good piece I agree a 100%. It is so sad that the rules change if Israel is involved. I will pass this article on the more people who read it the better and have written the president that I can't support him with his double standards.
Am Yisrael Chai
(57) Anonymous, June 19, 2003 12:00 AM
Excellent
Incisive, smart comments and writing. It's sad that it is true.
(56) David Cohen, June 19, 2003 12:00 AM
Bush is a hypocrite
when America was bombed,they waged war on Iraq an Afghanistan,two defensless starved nations,and killed mostly civilians,in two months they have killed 3200 civilians,in 10 yrs israel has not killed that much terrorists and civilians put together!!!why is it when America is attacked it has the right to destroy nations,but when israel acts in self defense the whole world screams "jew,fight fair" and America screams it the loudest.and we Israelis,unlike the Americans,are fighting people who are armed and right at home,and who will do anything to see us destroyed.we mourned with America for 9/11,but when a terror attack happens on Israelis,Americans don't give a damn!!!what an ally!!and now,America,which suppsedly is waging a war on terrorism,is giving the terrorists a nation,and making the state of Israel further vulnerable,thank u very much Mr.Bush,ur gonna have the blood of a nation which is your only ally in the middle east on ur hands.
(55) E Bridges, June 18, 2003 12:00 AM
Never Again
The road map to peace epitomizes so many of these comments. You cannot negotiate with terrorists. To think there is any merit in these attempts is utter naivette; or utter nonsense. When the Palestinians do not have Israel in their text books; When they refuse to recognize this country; When they teach their children to hate Jews from the moment of birth; it is ludicris to think that we are going to talk our way into peace. The schools, hospitals, and money that Israel gives to the Palestinians is a total waste. It is time to raise our voices and refuse to bend to political correctness. The madness needs to stop.
(54) Dawn, June 17, 2003 12:00 AM
I am an American, I am a Christian. I want to respond to this article.
We as Americans are speaking out against our government for condemning the attack on the Hamas leader. We agree. Just watch Fox News, our leading cable news channel, the one preferred by our Republican government. They agree with you.
What we think is happening is that President Bush just felt the peace process was getting somewhere and you may have had to be "the bigger person" in this incident and let it go to move forward. We do not necessarily agree with this.
You see, we understand what this is really about and most Americans know that Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Martyrs Brigade will not stop until the Jewish and Christian people are destroyed. Yes, both. This isn't about wanting their own state and allowing Israel to be her own. This is about a religion that is evil to the core and we are considered the infidels. Ironically our war on terror is with the same people and it will spread and we will be attacked by one of those three groups eventually.
Please don't feel Americans agree with the statement made by President Bush.
In reality don't even believe he meant it for any reason but good or he was pushed into it. I truly believe our president knows you have the right to defend and supports that. If he doesn't he will loose a great deal of support in this country.
We love our Jewish friends which most Americans consider Family. We see you as Family, not as an ally. Please know this and forgive our President, he is under a great deal of pressure also.
Dawn McCuiston
(53) ana, June 17, 2003 12:00 AM
more exceptions
(sorry for my english) Please don´t forget the bombs in Argentina (AMIA and the Israel embassy). We´re still looking for the assasins !!!!!! And our governants don´t care about our more than 100 deaths.
(52) Robin, June 17, 2003 12:00 AM
excellent article Jeff
I totally agree about the double standard.
(51) Harry, June 17, 2003 12:00 AM
It's PR not anti-semitism
The question put forward here carries the same basic issue of anti-semitism which is non-existant in this situation. The problem stems from the world view of the Israel/Palestine problem as a two-sided conflict in which both sides are inhumane. And of course, since Israel has the military might it is seen as the aggresor. Ever since World War II after which anti-semitism was deemed "bad" by the international community, we, the jewish people, have played the anti-semitism card as an explanation for people commiting any acts against Israel. Although some of these explanations are geniuenly true, most are simply not. Most people who have criticized Israel have done it for pure politics not any reliogious sentiment. The Jewish people must begin to admit to ourselves that Israel's cause needs to be championed not in one-sided denouncements of the palestinians as a whole and the apotheosis of the Israelis as a no-flaw always peace seeking and never wrong group. The way to champion Israels cause is to say: "yes, both sides have suffered let's help heal each others wounds and live together." When speeches like this become commonplace Israel's cause will be championed properly. When the race, religious, and minority "card" is played by a group when in actuality it is not being persecuted or treated differently it leads to a back-fire. The United States gives billions of Dollars to the five million people in Israel while giving the same amount to all of Africa in aid. I speak of course of the U.S. government not private organizations. Egypt whose population greatly outnumbers Israels gets the same dollar amount as Israel in aid from the U.S. also Europe is also not as anti-semitic as may seem. Israel imports/exports more products to Europe than to any other continent in the world. It's biggest trade partners: France and Germany. This article talks about palestinian terror being seen by the world as "a liberationist struggle". The reason is: public relations the palestinian groups have done good public realtions while Al-qaeda has not. So in conclusion: It is not anto-semitism but public relations.
(50) Daniel Neves, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
All nations will come against Israel, then Hashem will show the world who is Israel is to HIM>>>
All nations will come against Israel, then Hashem will show the world who is Israel is to HIM.
I feel bad for my country , but worse for Israeli citizens for having to have their hands tied behind their backs and USA crushing two countries when just 1/100,000 th of our population was destroyed by terrorists in NY city .
Why should'nt Israelis be able to defend and perssue her enemies .
Just like any other country if they were being terrorized....
I say Israel , trust Hashem only for our help and support, yes HE uses people for a season , but then another and then another , so dont let ourselves get locked in to any country, even the USA.
eventually even America will let Israel down,I am for not aginst Israel...
Barruchas , Daniel
I say , wow to any people who would judge what
(49) Roger Dunlop, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
The so called world of the press does not want to recognize the truth as it is in Israel
Ditto , great article but are these sent to the papers of the world? L.A. times etc Even some of the newspapers down here in Australia need to hear the truth, but they too have not got the guts to print the truth and say enough is enough, thanks Jeff, your articles shine, as iron sharpens iron more people will hear and see the truth and understand, that God will have his day and the the world will see.
(48) Steven, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
We must ALWAYS be on a lookout.
Jews are always welcome in one country or another but ALWAYS they produce a government which makes our lifes a living hell. There is no country where we can ALWAYS be safe in. I do hope America will not become one of those countries. I speak of experience from living in one of those so called good countries. Lets support Israel with all we can, do every thing we can because without Israel we will be without a home to go to in case we get expelled and must run for our lifes again.
(47) Miriam, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
I am an American Jew who has friends of many walks of life, including Arab/Muslim Americans. I find many of the comments to this article to be disturbingly generalized blanket statements--i.e., prejudiced. I have never heard one of my Arab/Muslim friends speak negatively about Israel or Jews. I recently met an exchange student who happens to be an Arab Israeli. "I love Israel and I can't wait to go back home" is what he said to me.
I do not like Bush. I do not agree with some of the choices he makes. I question the motives behind his decisions. I believe that the content of this article is right on target.
I believe that, as Jews, we need to be careful in how we word our views. There are many Americans who do not accept or respect Bush's decisions. There are also many Muslim's/Arab's who do not deserve to be included in blanketed prejudiced statements. All cultures have radicals/extremists, and those are the INDIVIDUALS to which we should be directing our energies toward.
I am sure that there are SOME Arabs/Muslims who would like to see Israel disappear, just as I am sure that there are SOME Americans who believe that the US has the right to dictate what other countries should and should not be doing, just as I am sure that there are SOME Jews who would like to dictate who is and who is not a Jew.
My point is that we can not hold a whole culture responsible for the thoughts and actions of specific individuals.
(46) Hal Switkay, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
NPR's rule on the word "terrorism"
I just saw a great article on National Review Online (NRO) by Alex Safian, with CAMERA. He cited an excerpt from NPR's guide to reporters on the use of the word "terrorism". NPR says the word "terrorism" implies that the victims are innocent. Therefore, the deliberate murder of Israeli civilians isn't terrorism, because the victims aren't innocent. Yes, believe it or not, this NPR rule specifically excepts Israelis - and only Israelis - from being described as victims of terrorism. This double standard is clearly racist. Why isn't there an outcry in the Congress to cut off government funding for this clearly anti-Semitic institution? I guess if they did that they might have to shut down the State Department, too.
(45) Freda Flood, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
I am always amazed at the brilliant authors and articles I have read since I began subscribing to AISH - they sustain and nourish my heart and soul, since I don't have the opportunity to share these important ideas with others nearby, so when your emails arrives, they are like rare gems to me. So, thank you,AISH, I have learned more in one year than in many years of "college knowledge" - I feel as if I am earning my real PH.D now! My favorite series, of course, is your "Crash Course in Jewish History" which is then emailed to friends everywhere here in the US and abroad, many of whom have never been exposed to Jewish History and Ethics. What an outstanding treasure this "paper" is - I just wanted you to know how important it has become in at least one person's life.
(44) Alan Becker, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
I couldn't agree with you more. There are double standards everywhere. However' I wouldn't be so harsh on the Americans. What about the French for example. They stopped selling Israel weapons after Israel attacked "first" in the six day war. The fact that Egypt closed the Straits of Teran and , tother with Syria and Jorden screamed threats to throw all the Israeli jews into the sea, was not considered as an attack.
I believe the real problem you so correctly described lies in Israel because they fight back. If Israel would have gone along with the French, maybe there would have been more support but then again Israel would not have survived.
Another point to mention, most people believe the the Middle East problem is local between Jews and Arabs or Moslems. This , of course , is a grave mistake which, I believe, the Americans finaly realised after Sept. 11. The global problem is the desire of Islam to dominate the world. This problem has been taken up only by the USA and Britain in Iraq. The French are next in line for terrorist attacks and I feel sorry for them.
Finally, I would like to quote a speach by one of the Israeli Arab leaders at a rally against America's intervention in Iraq. He said that if Geoege Bush would convert to Islam, this would solve the global problems. This may sound funny to you, but I think that here lies the major world problem.
(43) Jeanette Stintzi, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
This article states the truth very well.
The writer is so right about the way the U.S. is acting. It is very wrong, Israel has the same exact right to defend itself as America has.
(42) Phil Simkin, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
Well said
I wish I could write as well.
(41) Larry, June 15, 2003 12:00 AM
We're with you
As an American and a Jew I was against the war with Iraq but I support Israel's struggle with terrorism. I worked ten blocks north of the World Trade Center and I got a good look at how the Arab world views both Christians and Jews. True, not every Arab was piloting the planes but just about every Arab I ever heard either tried to excuse this attack or accused Israel and the US government of perpetrating it. There will never be peace in Israel until Arabs stop hating. Unfortunately that is something that American might or Israeli right can achieve.
(40) Barbara, June 15, 2003 12:00 AM
Good & Honest Job
Good article with some wonderfully valid points. Great job as always, Jeff.
(39) Michael, June 15, 2003 12:00 AM
Support
A lot of everyday americans support Israel.We here now what it feels like to be murdered just because!
(38) Tanya, June 15, 2003 12:00 AM
Thank you for expressing my thoughts perfectly!
Thank you Jeff for defining so eloquently the ridiculous and ilogical -and let's face it, downright anti-Semitic behaviour and political double-standards that we Jews have to endure. Your article perfectly expressed my thoughts, feelings and frustrations. Am Yisrael Chai!
(37) Robert Kellerman, June 15, 2003 12:00 AM
ARE THE CRUSADES OVER ASK AMERICA
Nothing has changed if it is the US or any other country we are cursed by them all. We should take our great contibutions to this world and and mark them Made by the Jews please don't use them if you don't support us as Equal in all ways.
(36) Drew Lifset, June 14, 2003 12:00 AM
The Shoe Fits!
Todah Rabah for this excellent column!
The point so concisely made here is inescapable. What these leaders and nations DO speaks even more loudly than what they SAY.
The People of Israel must not wait for anyone to come their aid; no one will. Furthermore, the People of Israel must not believe, as we have before, that "they won't really kill us all. . .they don't really hate us"; sadly, many of them do.
Israel MUST protect herself. As a man far wiser than me once asked, "If not us, who? If not now, when?"
Am Yisrael Chai!
(35) Damon, June 14, 2003 12:00 AM
United Nations Peacekeeping Force
On 06-13-03, Kofi Annan was talking about how he was ready to send a peacekeeping force into Israel. This would create a buffer zone between Israel and the terrorists to protect the terrorists so they can carry out more attacks. Negotiations can then resume so that the terrorists get more land to carry out more attacks and get them closer to their goal of the destruction of Israel.
(34) Felice from Providence, June 14, 2003 12:00 AM
It Doesn't have to Be That Way
The UN, US, UK & others have been trying to create a Palestinian state for 55 years. It would appear no arrangement has been acceptable because Palestinians factions feel they are in a much better position to try to take over Israel as a repressed minority than as an independent country.
In 1948, when India and Pakistan were granted independence by Great Britain, 17 million people moved across borders in both directions to be with their own ethnic groups. The Pakistani Moslems accommodated nearly 10 million of their neighbors.
The current situation exists because the 100 Million + Middle Eastern Moslems refused to accommodate a mere 600,000 people, when colonial borders were redrawn.
In 1967, not a word was said by the UN, when India took over 1/2 of Pakistan in unprovoked aggression. No one today refers to the "Occupied Territory of East Pakistan".
A much more severe problem than the plight of Palestinian civilians is the fact that the 20 million Kurds (the 4th largest ethnic group Middle East after Arabs, Persians, and Turks) never received the nation they were promised in 1920. Instead their homeland was divided between the Iranians, Iraqi's, Syrian's and Turks, where they have been been the victims of murder, torture, arrests and atrocities. We don't hear about it much because none of these countries have freedrom of the press.
Perhaps by sharing the stories of truly oppressed people, we can help others obtain a better understanding of world affairs.
(33) Yuri, June 13, 2003 12:00 AM
Exellent!
Right in the eyebal. Great. Thanks
(32) david kadosh, June 13, 2003 12:00 AM
so simple but so difficult to get
(31) Charles Taylor, USA, June 13, 2003 12:00 AM
Get Hamas
I am an American and I support Israel 100%. I have done all that I know to do with emails and letters to congessmen and Mr. Bush. I have noticed that a lot of other average Americans are becoming disturbed with the double standard imposed on Israel. All that I say is kill Hamas, PERIOD. To he** with Bush.
Charles Taylor, USMC '83 '87, Beirut
(30) Rodrigo, June 13, 2003 12:00 AM
Why things happen...
I absolutely agree with the author of the article. And it is painfuly evident that the criteria to judge the jews is radically different to judge other peoples. But things, either good or bad, happen for a reason. If we are convinced that HaShem is running the show, we must acknowledge that our predicament is owed to our wrongdoings. For the record, were you aware that a gay parade was scheduled to take place in Jerusalem today? Just a thought...
(29) Jen, June 13, 2003 12:00 AM
I'm not sure I agree
Could it be that these events are not signs of anti-Semitism but in fact signs of an American double standard?
For example: nobody can possess weapons of mass destruction, or consider using them, except Americans. Nobody can make pre-emptive strikes, except Americans. Nobody can break international law and go to war without the agreement of the UN, except Americans. Nobody can incur civilian casualties, except Americans. If any other country had done half the things the US did in the war in Iraq, there would be hell to pay.
I agree that Israel is not being portrayed the same as the USA for anti-terrorist efforts. However, I think that has more to do with pro-American media than any effort to specifically condemn the Israeli government.
(28) Anonymous, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Great
If only we had more people telling it like it is. The world just does not understand and we have to make them aware that we have the same right as everybody else.
(27) devorah, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
thank you
Thank you for your informative article. i intend on printing it, taking it to my school, and showing as many people as i can. i may even read it at our assembly. It is important for people to be informed of the TRUTH, not the bias news that they see on television and read in the news paper. May you go from strength to strength in all your endevours. Thanks
(26) Robert E. Anderson, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Read article - Found immediate/blatant confirmation!
Dear Mr. Dunetz:
I just read through your article on Aish.com, then turned to today's BBC page -- and found your words blatantly confirmed!
Just check it out, as follows:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
(Edition: Thurs-06122003-14:02-GMT)
This site DOES cover BOTH the Jerusalem bombing (Bus #14) AND the Israeli counterattack on Gaza -- but SHOWCASES the Gaza raid, then Arab reaction, and offers just one sub-site labelled "In pictures: Jerusalem bomb".
Sincerely yours,
Robert E. Anderson
robert.anderson@burgtranslations.com
(25) Murray Kupersmith, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Never Again!
I applaud Jeffrey Dunetz for so deftly pointing out the disingenuousness of the statements and condemnations of Israel we are hearing from the rest of the world.
I am proud of the actions being taken by the Israeli government in defense of that little spit of land awash in a sea of Islamist fanatics. I am, at the same time, much chagrined at the duplicitous nature of President Bush's comments that basically seek to deny Israel the right of self-defense. The US has done the same things in Iraq and in Afghanistan (post 9/11) that Israel is doing with Hamas yet if Israel follows the precedent set by the US somehow that's not acceptable.
Given that Abbas has stated; 1) he does not intend to use force to disarm Hamas, and 2) he checks all his moves with Arafat, there is no sense in dealing with him at all. Sharon's statement that Abbas needs help in disarming the terrorists is right on the mark. I say, Israel and Sharon need to press on; Israel needs to be feared by the Islamists for they only respect power. Attempts at peace are taken as a sign weakness.
The days where Jews are led to the slaughter as sheep are over; NEVER AGAIN!
(24) fabulous, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Fabulous article ,deeply comments about politics and involve author's concept , it worth to read...
I just think if jewish are unity and do something more about it , the sitution maybe will change...really hope!
(23) Chava Shoshanah, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Sad, but True...
Yes. It doesn't matter what the terrorists do to us. It only matters what they do to the rest of the world's population. We're only Jews, after all. Insignificant. Subhuman. Just ask Hitler. Apparently our blood is green.
I've already written to the President of the United States and reminded him of his words after 9/11, that terrorists needed to be hunted down, and those that harbor them would be treated the same. He needs to be bombarded with letters and emails until his thick Texas brain gets it.
(22) Simona, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
be strong, unless you're a Jew
The world has gotten way too used to Jews standing by and allowing themselves to be killed or taken advantage of. We've finally started to defend ourselves and we got shot down for it.
Here's another rule.
"Everyone has aright to defend their life and property, unless that person is a Jew"
(21) Ethel, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
except when targeting Jews
EXACTLY!
(20) Sarah Sousa, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Your wods are my thoughts
Through the last, I don't know, 6 months or so I've been thinking the same thing. I myself, as well, get mixed up with spelling, mind you I'm only 16, and it's frustrating for me. I connected right away with you words n this article, unfortunitly, it's true. Thank you for putting time into showing others the sad reality. I hope that this article will reach the see and ears of the world and they can finally realize how wrong they have been acting, hey you never know! Kol ha'kavud!
(19) Michael Sweeney (a.k.a. "Tigertank"), June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Except when you're targetting Jews...
Dear Jeffrey Dunetz:
Was sent here by a link from nytimes.com ME Forum. You have stated the horrifying truth I've been posting on the forum. Thank You, Michael
PS: I'm an American of Irish-German descent who's a lapsed Episcopalian.
(18) Arthur Heller, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Consistently, I find Jeff Dunetz' articles/comments to be intelligent, sensitive and direct. I never fail to learn something from his writing. He is to be commended
(17) Dr. Jeffrey Lumb, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
No-one will protect Jews!
It is a matter of historical record - following the events of "Krystall Nacht"
Reinhard Heydrich, One of the chief architects of the "Final Solution of the Jewish Question"......openly announced that "no-one will protect the Jews"
How ignorant can we be to the fact that history repeats itself....and frequently!
(16) Anonymous, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
It's true . . so what can we do?!?
I'm serious, what can we do??? I feel that my "two cents worth" is just not enough. There are so many of them (who started "politically correct" :p anyway?) and so few of us (seekers and speakers of TRUTH) . . I mean it IS truth, right? How can SO many people be blind to this injustice. It seems we've got to get some kind of synergy thing happening. By the way - GOOD article!
(15) E. Gordon, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Well written - Bitterly true.
I have been scanning the newspapers all week,looking in vain for a comment on how Abbas has "failed to fulfill his commitments" under the "road map". He is after all required to disarm and arrest the terrorists. Yet he says openly that he won't do it. He will only "negotiate" with them. Why is it only Israel, who receives this attention of not "fulfilled its commitments"?
Another Exception Rule!
(14) Hans Jurgen, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
I agree, but there IS a difference!
i can't but agree with your most interesting and illustrating comment, but I think (a part the usual prejudices, of course!) there is also a positive reason for those surprising "double judgments": from Jews all expect respect of life, of everybody's life, but maybe not all expect that from everybody else! So, despite of the obvious prejudices, Jewish ethical principles seem to be recognised and highly appreciated even by their enemies!
(13) Hector Hernandez, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
thank you
I wish the world would really get the true facts as stated. But the media is biais and unbalenced.
(12) Yehuda Burdman, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
To the point
To the point, witty and clever. Unfortunately, however, you are correct!
(11) David Morse, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Double standard
In the recent Gulf War II, France
disagreed with us in the UN and received
vilification and boycotts. The palestinians supported Saddam in Gulf War I, danced and passed out candy
on Sept 11, 2001, Saddam again in
Gulf War II, and Israel is supposed
to make concessions to them???
And where's the outcry for a Kurdish
state?
(10) Stephen Black, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Very Sad, but by Action VERY TRUE!
Really great article... We the USA needs to WAKE UP! PLO is a bunch of terrorists!
(9) Anonymous, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Open Letter to President Bush
Below is an open letter I sent to President Bush regarding Jeff Dunetz' article. Israel is not alone. Most Americas I know love and pray for Israel on a daily basis. The letter follows...
Mr. President:
Attached is a very good article regarding the Israeli - Arab terrorism issue.
Why are American civilians killed by terrorists any better that Israeli civilians killed by terrorists? If terrorists were killing American civilians with suicide bombings, how long would it be before you ordered United States Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy units to attack the leadership of terrorist organizations in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria? I suspect it would take about as long as it would for you to pick-up the telephone and call United States Central Command and order the attack.
The United States should publicly join with Israel to destroy the terrorist organizations in the region and the world. Your "road-map-to-peace" for the Middle East does not stand a chance if terrorist organizations are allowed to remain.
I encourage you to stand by Israel, no matter the cost in domestic or world opinion. We have and will have no better friend in the region than Israel. Israel deserves our help, terrorism and those that sponsor terrorism, deserves our wrath.
Jim
Indianapolis, Indiana
United States of America
(8) Alan, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
It's time to stop fighting.
I respectfully disagree with Mr. Dunetz. The new Palestinian Prime Minister, Abbas, was working very hard to convince Hamas to cease their attacks. And just as it looked as if he might be succeeding, Israel deliberately targeted the Hamas leader, knowing that in the process they were blowing their chances of peace to smithereens. Whatever the rhetoric, I have no sympathy for Israel's recent immature and inappropriate violence. They're acting like fools, and it's costing lives.
(7) Robert Livingston, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Every thinking person agrees with you-except the news media moguls
Great concise expression of truth!
(6) Beverly Kurtin, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Bush is "very troubled"
I'd like to say a kind word about President Bush's recent remonstrations against Israel. Unfortunately, I don't have a kind word to say about him or his ilk.
Is the man naive or is he a moron. When he hears an Arab say he wants PEACE, he doesn't hear what they're really saying: ALL. The term "Israeli occupation" doesn't refer to the disputed areas, it refers in the Arab mind to the whole State of Israel.
It disturbs my soul to see the whole world carrying the big lie that there is any such thing as a "Paleistinan" when all there are are Arabs of one stripe or another.
We MUST, if we are to survive as a people, start fighting back with BIG TRUTHS. How do we get started?
(5) Bea Williams, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
This was a great article. I wish it were printed in every newspaper in America, except I guess it won't be printed because of Rule #1. I AM going to send a copy to my newspaper and will let you know if it gets printed.
(4) Anonymous, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
JEWS SPEAK UP!!!!
Chris Toensing, executive director of the Middle East Research and nformation Project and editor of the Middle East Report, http://www.merip.org was online yesterday, Wednesday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m. ET, and discussed the situation in Israel and the future of the road map….in my opinion and maybe in yours his viewpoints were extremely pro-Arabic going as far as even considering Sharon to be partially responsible for yesterday’s bombing!!! He claims that his views on the Arab-Israeli situation are “widely shared internationally, and embodied in numerous UN resolutions endorsed -- and sometimes largely drafted -- by the US government". Click here http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/zforum/03/sp_world_toensing061103.htm
to read the rhetoric that I believe he is spreading. Jews.....speak up for yourselves and voice your opinions regarding this issue to him at ctoensing@merip.org
Sincerely,
“”Shover Oyvim Umachnia Zaidim”!
(3) J. Santiago, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Shocked but not surprising!
I visit Aish.com periodically and Thank You for writing an article about what the real truth is. It is rather sad how the news always focuses on the Palestinians getting hurt or their people dying caused by the Jews. What about the innocent people in the bus and the bystanders who get hurt and lose their lives? what about their families? The world should open up their eyes to this act of terrorism. President Bush should maybe ride in a bus in Israel to feel the tension people have when they board a bus in Israel. Maybe then, he will see how the Jews have to continue living their lives with terror just lurking around them.
(2) brian Sutton, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
obvious hatred of jews in secular media
We have observed as Christians who pray always for Israel and Jews as well as Jerusalem that the secular media are so anti Jew and pro Palestinian,ie, when the bus load of Jewish people were killed a few days ago,the local media stated that Israeli forces killed a pregnant woman two little children and a man,They also said 16 people were killed by a terrorist bomb in Jerusalem. They didn't tell us if any kids or pregnant Jews were killed .BIASED as ever.
(1) Blima Pshemish, June 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Psychological Defense
My views of Peace meetings are as follows: It is bad psychological defense when terrorists or anti-Israel groups read, or hear about peace meetings in the media, because it says one thing: The Jewish People are responding to a game of no self confidence. All Israel has to make the world know "We don't care what you have to say or think, we will not have any peace meetings."
Peace meetings increase the chutzpah of these terrorists. See these terrorists are cowards. Their nature is if you fight them , without peace meetings, then they run away. No matter how many soldiers you implement, and train fighters, fire missiles, target terrorists it does not show strenghth when these things are done with a peace meeting, or announce there will be one( it gets into the media) then it shows cowardice. And Cowards(the terrorists) start up with people who show cowardness (peace meetings, or announcements of when there will be peace meetings).
The only one we should rely on is Hashem.
May we be redeemed B'koruv.