A clear message
Much as Yom Kippur provides a time for reflection and consideration of the coming year along with typical intentions or resolutions, I believe the current New Year provides another opportunity for forward thinking and action steps.
Quite simply, Judaism and Israel are under dramatic global siege. From the growing BDS movement, consistent anti-Israel UN resolutions, Iran’s continued threat to annihilate Israel, growth of global anti-Semitism, and rising rates of intermarriage, we face incredible challenges.
In addition, Hizbullah and Hamas have rearmed and the Palestinian Authority arrests Palestinians who befriend or do business with Jews, invoking a 2010 Palestinian anti-settlement products law intended to create “anti-normalization.” Hamas has ordered a revisionist history book that denies Israel’s existence and will be mandatory curriculum for 55,000 Palestinian eighth to 10th graders. There has been special programming for years specifically during Ramadan which vilifies Jews and Israel and is broadcast across the greater Muslim/Arab world.
These are the true colors and diet of the Arabs and Muslims, who lie about the “occupied territories” when in reality these lands were under full Arab control for 19 years (1948-67) and never a word was said about Palestinian statehood. The PLO was actually formed in May 1964, a full three years before these territories were lost in the Six-Day War. Their intention was, and is, to liberate the entire Middle East of Jews. It’s never been about territory; it’s about denying Israel’s right to exist.
While we may have our differences, we all have a common bond. We were born into this global tribethat we have a responsibility to support, sometimes blindly. Things are spiraling downward and we need to speak up and be proud of who we are and our accomplishments. Israel puts every single Arab and Muslim country to shame regarding human rights, basic freedoms, and treatment of its citizens. It’s time each of us sends a clear message to the world and discusses it with our children and families. It is time to stand up and be heard and be proud!
Rich Hausler
Manalapan
comments