I rarely respond to comments. But I love Dave Stewart, and I appreciate his opinions. Plus, he is well known to me as a peace lover, in the positive sense of the term. In many conversations we’ve had, he always made a point to protect the miserable and the suffering, from Burma to Tibet to Africa. And please believe me, I say it with no shred of irony or cynicism.
To the point. Or the points rather.
Hamas’ popularity is not very relevant here. This isn’t a beauty contest. Peoples’ lives are at stake. But still, Hamas was popular enough to get democratically elected by an election imposed by President Bush. Hamas indeed, is extremely popular in Gaza. However, lets assume for a second that Hamas, as David suggests isn’t popular, and is now gaining popularity by the Israeli military actions in the area. I, by the way, doubt that this is correct, but nevertheless…
A serial killer who was very unpopular in his neighborhood, was caught, tried and sentenced. His popularity shot sky-high after the trial and he is now the most popular guy in town. Is this a reason not to catch, put to trial and punish the serial killer? I doubt it.
By the way, please watch the behavior of Israel’s neighbors. Egypt in particular.
David, my friend. I live in the center of Israel. A small place which is not even in question. This place was always settled by Jews, and was part of Israel for thousands of years. Even the entirety of Israel’s neighbors aren’t contesting my right to live where I live. Yet, for Hamas, I and my family are legitimate targets. How do you feel about that?
About the cease fire. Let me tell you (and the rest of the world) something. Israel, unlike many other countries in the same situation, supplies the Palestinians with petrol, food and medicine on a daily basis. Some of the injured (even as we speak, even ones that were hurt by the Israeli airforce in the last week) are being treated in Israel. The Israeli are opposing to lifting the sanctions because Hamas is using the borders to smuggle arms, explosives, rockets and other interesting stuff in addition to the food and medicines. How would you like your border opened for arms and explosives that will ultimately be used against you and your children? Israel is ready for a cease fire which will halt the rocket shooting, will avoid next-to-the-border explosive setting, and no arming. I assume it’s too much to ask…
Finally. When I have to choose between public relations and life, I will always choose life. When I have to choose between media and my children, I will choose my children. You would too.
Happy New Year my friend. I love you. I wish you never have to be faced with ugly choices we have to face here on a daily basis. I wish you peace and quiet. No rockets, no suicide bombings. I wish you will always be surrounded with friends, and not with blood thirsty enemies. I wish you live long and prosper. Ultimately, I wish you, that in the case that you must leave your home, you have a place to go. I have lost that about 60 years ago, when half my family became pollution in Germany. This is the only place I have…
Amiram – I wish you my peace and love also! Thanks for the nice mention in your blog!
Israel is an amazing country to visit, as is the surrounding area of Palestine. I hope to visit again someday, I really want to visit Petra, but that’s a different topic.
As I said in my comment, Israel may not care how they are perceived. Such is the decision we all make about how our actions are perceived, particularly when we need others’ understanding and support.
When I visited, I was really struck by how much hate is openly expressed on both sides of the issue. I do pray for peace and understanding and love. It seems like it may take the next generation to grow up to embrace mutual growth (economic and otherwise) and peace.
Best wishes in the new year…