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Washington - Don't Turn Obama Into an Israeli Enemy |
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The attempt to turn Obama into Israel's enemy is mendacious, foolish, irresponsible and potentially disastrous. There will probably be more disputes between Israel and the new president, not only because of his clear worldview and determination, but also because of the current Israeli government's shortsightedness.
But the portrayal of Obama as hostile to Israel is baseless. Those familiar with the Arab world's sensitivities know it takes a great deal of courage to refer - in a speech in Cairo on conciliation with the Arab and Muslim world - to the Holocaust, the evil and lie of its denial, the Jewish people's persecution over the centuries, its right to a national home, and the "unbreakable" bond between Israel and the United States. Obama's vehement denunciation of terrorism against Israel, referring to suicide bombings and Qassam rockets aimed at Sderot's children, and the firm demand that Palestinians disassociate themselves from this terrorism, were clear and unequivocal.
Obama declared that the United States does not consider West Bank settlement expansion to be legitimate, and demanded its complete freeze. But the Israeli government is pulling the wool over our eyes when it speaks of "natural growth" - the only difference between the Bush and Obama administrations is that the latter won't accept Israel's winks, nudges and bluffs.
The disagreement between Washington and Jerusalem is not over adding a yard to a kindergarten or putting up a health clinic, but over land expropriation, paving roads and adding housing units to communities beyond the separation fence - settlements whose only purpose is to torpedo the chance for a peace agreement. The dispute is based mainly on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to recognize that the solution of two states for two peoples is an Israeli interest, an Israeli obligation and the expectation of the entire world, not to mention most Israelis.
Even before Obama aired his speech, representatives of the right began competing to condemn it most fiercely. The bar was set by Habayit Hayehudi chairman Daniel Hershkowitz, who compared the U.S. president to Pharaoh, and the former's demand to halt settlement growth to the latter's order in Exodus that "Every son who is born you shall cast into the river." The government must stop such malicious nonsense before it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Netanyahu is right in saying that a life-loving nation must identify the dangers threatening it, as well as its real and vital interests. Today's State of Israel faces serious threats, and its alliance with the United States and its president are fundamental pillars of its security. The "special relationship" between Israel and America was forged through tremendous effort over decades, and the current prime minister will have abused his position and violated his obligations if he does not know how to cultivate and protect it.
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Read Comments (41) — Post Yours »
1
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:10 AM Anonymous Says:
Yes, this is exactly what I have been thinking. I have also been disappointed at the caliber (very low) of comments to articles lately. We must act respectable, to be respected. Let's keep ourselves based in truth, fact and not knee-jerk name-calling emotionalism.
2
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:17 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Yes, this is exactly what I have been thinking. I have also been disappointed at the caliber (very low) of comments to articles lately. We must act respectable, to be respected. Let's keep ourselves based in truth, fact and not knee-jerk name-calling emotionalism. ”
Obama turned israel into an enemy, that's the problem. He distorted history, which no other president has done. The palestinian were not oppressed for 61 years. They started a war with us in 61 years ago and lost. Whose making who the enemy. Don't be an apologetic jew
3
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:12 AM Anonymous Says:
nobody is turning obama in to an enemy .he is acting like he is .
4
Jun 07, 2009 at 11:02 AM Anonymous Says:
well obama in his speech campared the 6 million jews killed in the Holocaust to the isrealis what they are doing the last 60 years
to the arabs I mean how can you compare 6 million jews to a bunch of terrorist ??
5
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:55 AM Anonymous Says:
He is just being an emeser person talking facts
6
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:50 AM Anonymous Says:
the arabs were told 61years ago to stay israel & help build the state. the arab nations told the arabs who were living in israel at that time to leave b/c there is going to b a war &that the arabs will wipe out any jew living in then plastine.so a lot of arabs picked up & left. after being atacked by multiply arab nations israel won. the attacking arab nations lost & didn't know wat to do so they kicked out their brothers&sisters out of their own countiers & started this new idea of refugges. the problem today is no one wants to face the facts. it was and is and will always b jewish land for jews given to us by g-d and that state of israel is only there b/c of g-d.
7
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:47 AM Anonymous Says:
"the solution of two states for two peoples is an Israeli interest, an Israeli obligation and the expectation of the entire world, not to mention most Israelis." This is not an Israeli interest-it is putting Jewish-Israeli lives in danger as has been shown when land was given away. "palestinians" are not interested in having the lands that Israel won in the six day war-it wants Israel's destruction. It thinks that the whole Israel is illegal. It is not an Israeli obligation to give away Jewish land and put its citizens into even more danger. It is an Israel's obligation to protect its citizens and stand up to the people who want to take away the land that Hashem has given to the AJewish people. Israelis have been brainwashed into thinking that giving away land will lead to peace.
8
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:41 AM proud jew Says:
two state solution = potential holocaust g-d forbid.
9
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:36 AM yoelish Says:
“ Obama turned israel into an enemy, that's the problem. He distorted history, which no other president has done. The palestinian were not oppressed for 61 years. They started a war with us in 61 years ago and lost. Whose making who the enemy. Don't be an apologetic jew ”
appologetic jew?! What a dumb thing to say. He was merely stating that we must be carefull in how we approach this issue. If we cry wolf to many times, you know what happens
10
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:36 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Yes, this is exactly what I have been thinking. I have also been disappointed at the caliber (very low) of comments to articles lately. We must act respectable, to be respected. Let's keep ourselves based in truth, fact and not knee-jerk name-calling emotionalism. ”
who wrote the original article and if you cant figure out that he is an enemy i will sell uoi a bridge in brooklyn
grow up you have a whole world lookiking to kill jews and yet obama with a country going bankrupt has all the time in the world to worry about israel
the correct thing for obama to have said is we are getting our house in order and if you muslims want to kill each other go right ahead ( remember komeinee, hussein ) but leave our friend israel out of it
11
Jun 07, 2009 at 11:14 AM Anonymous Says:
“ two state solution = potential holocaust g-d forbid. ”
can you just explain WHY??????????
12
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:28 AM Der Aibishter Fiht de Velt Says:
Confused by this article and the comments? Don't be. It doesn't matter what Obama thinks, or what we think Obama thinks. It doesn't matter whether or not the Israeli Government is shortsighted, incompetent, or egotistical - or not.
We say Keriyas Shema twice a day, but do we really pay attention to and understand the words, especially the second parsha??
We must do ours, and HKB"H will do His.
13
Jun 07, 2009 at 11:16 AM Roman Says:
I hate to sound cliche, but its so terrible to see another liberal israeli journalist writing in the interest of the countries' enemies.
"settlements whose only purpose is to torpedo the chance for a peace agreement."
So all the cities in the west bank like Efrat and Beitar which have huge natural growths should just ship their children elsewhere. I hate to break it to you but building another kindergarten isn't going to fix the problem. roads must be paved!
14
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:27 AM kal Says:
"Mendacious" would be the appropriate word to describe both the article and the first comment.All one has to do is look at the source(haaretz),that says it all.Utter rubbish!Ain lanu al mi l'hishoein,eloh al Avinu shebashamayim!Ahd Mossai?!
15
Jun 07, 2009 at 10:22 AM Anonymous Says:
you people are so naive and really stupid! Not once in his speech did he even mention the word "terriorists" Not once did he mention that palestinians are teaching their children in kindergarden that your duties are to blow up innocent children and kill as many jews as possible. While Iran is building a nuclear bomb, he's blaming israel for all the worlds problems because they want to expand their homes. wake up people b4 its too late! this is history repeating itself.
16
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:00 PM Nechemia Says:
You have to think about timing. Obama's aids especially his "member of an orthodox shul" chief of staff Rahm knew that his Cairo speach will get all Israeli supporters upset and scared. In his speach he basically embraced the Palestinians claim to a home and accepted their view of the situation. Especially the view that the Holocaust is the main reason that Israel is in existence. To show people that this view that Israel deserves a state because of the holocaust he went to Germany and to a concentration (that his uncle helped liberate to make it personal and somthing that is part of his makeup) to show he is serious about this claim. With this in mind, I am completely offended that he went to Germany and I think there should be a publc outcry that he is using the holocaust for politicial gains...
17
Jun 07, 2009 at 11:46 AM Shimon Peres Critic Says:
Shimon Peres is the problem.
For twenty years he has been telling the USA and EU that the West Bank is occupied land. It is not occupied. It is disputed territory. Jordan and Egypt ruled the disputed territories from the 1948 UN Mandate to Independance vote. The Arab Union voted no to Palestine. The PLO declared NO, NO, NO to any peace treaty and Palestine in the disputed territories. The Arabs only want the Yidden gone from EY. We must tell Shimon Peres to stand up and tell the USA and EU that he was wrong. That his policy was wrong. Peace cannot come with a PLO state. Only mortars and kassams falling on Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv. Shimon Peres, Tell the truth.
18
Jun 07, 2009 at 11:40 AM Anonymous Says:
the typical liberal non frum yididn have no real concept of ERETZ YISROEL. all they want is a "homeland" and it could have been someplace in shvart africa as far as they are concerned. they dont know what its like to walk the same sidewalks so to speak as the avos ha'kidoshim as well as the roads our grandparents, great grandparents, and great great grandparents for doray doros only dreamed on walking on!
19
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:16 PM Anonymous Says:
it's obvious that some anti Semites and meshumodim infiltrated every news organization including this one, all of you voters of obamas any where just remember that you the likes of # 1 & 8 helped in destroying the only Jewish country, and the only democracy in the middle east.
what did you expect from a man who associated with the likes of wright, and Farrakhan, not to mention his background of all his life with Muslims, and the money he got in the campaign from all over the Arab world, all we have to do now is watch and say nothing? even if some of the things he said the same as is predecessor, it all depends how and what else you say.
i agree we don't have to label him the enemy of the Jews, he did it all by himself.
20
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:14 PM Anonymous Says:
“ you people are so naive and really stupid! Not once in his speech did he even mention the word "terriorists" Not once did he mention that palestinians are teaching their children in kindergarden that your duties are to blow up innocent children and kill as many jews as possible. While Iran is building a nuclear bomb, he's blaming israel for all the worlds problems because they want to expand their homes. wake up people b4 its too late! this is history repeating itself. ”
thank u very much it shows how much the media would like to pull the wool over the eyes of a radical activist whos tottally swayed by his muslim brothers
21
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:14 PM Lawyer Says:
The problem with Obama (as it is with many leftists) can be summed up by something the Chofetz Chaim once said: One fool can create more damage than ten reshaim.
When Bush was President, we heard alot about "reality based" politics -- that you had to test your theories of politics against the realities on the ground. That seems to have gone out the window.
What would a "Palestinian state" be like? You can tell by looking at the closest thing we have to it: Gaza. There is not a single Jew living there and the Arabs control the government completely. The reigning party is a group of terrorist thugs dedicated to destroying Israel. They are constantly involved in planning terrorists acts, not to mention the rockets. They keep their own people in poverty or near poverty to breed resentment and another generation of suicide bombers.
By any objective, "reality" standard, that is what the West Bank will be like shortly after Israeli forces withdraw. Another terrorist state. The continued indoctrination bythe PA in the West Bank of the populace through its educational system -- Jews are dogs, we are going to liberate all of "Palestine" -- simply confirms this.
What Obama and his co-horts offer in place of this is an airy-fairy hope that if only a "two-state" solution were imposed, then everyone would be friends and live like peaceful good neighbors (like the U.S. and Canada).
Obama may have good intentions. But, like a lot of his policies, good intentions without intelligent, "reality based" policies can lead to a disaster.
22
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:09 PM Anonymous Says:
“ you people are so naive and really stupid! Not once in his speech did he even mention the word "terriorists" Not once did he mention that palestinians are teaching their children in kindergarden that your duties are to blow up innocent children and kill as many jews as possible. While Iran is building a nuclear bomb, he's blaming israel for all the worlds problems because they want to expand their homes. wake up people b4 its too late! this is history repeating itself. ”
your right people are stupid.and the sad thing is we dont learn and in 20- 30 plus years g-d forbid there will be a nother sad story to tell.
23
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:19 PM Anonymous Says:
mr Ben Meir should take a walk through some Arab town by himself and the Arabs there what they think of Israel.
24
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:22 PM COMMON SENSE Says:
Anyone who believes that President Obama's speech is the same as those given by President Bush is either delusional of an Obama apologist who does not care about the facts. Let's compare:
25
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:30 PM Anonymous Says:
i agree with 21
how about puerto rico, the folk lands?
the coptics in Egypt? you get the picture, how about the curds in turkey? the had some sort of a holocaust, where is obama demanding 2 states for them? maybe it is that israel is the only one reacting to blackmail.
26
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:56 PM Anonymous Says:
Its not his opinions that is poarticularly disturbing in this case, its his forcefulness on the issue, one which he is just seeing for the first time, and the arrogance with which he conveys his message that only he knows and understands the solution to one of historys most complicated issues.
27
Jun 07, 2009 at 12:43 PM Anonymous Says:
more left wing Propoganda bla bla.. obama is willing to turn a blind eye to iran knowing well in advanced that they are on the doorstep of a nuclear bomb his passion in the speech was opolegetic to the muslims for the US being a bad countrt...
did he forget that the us was attacked while clinton was president and that arab hatred to the west has nothing to do with president bush? the bombing of the world trade center in 93 the bombings of embassies in tanzania
the USS cole these were all pre bush era .bottom line obama is not a friend of israel or the us he hates his own countrt too.
28
Jun 07, 2009 at 01:53 PM Moish Says:
Dont give him credit for not doing wrong
29
Jun 07, 2009 at 01:52 PM Moish Says:
We should take Obama's CHUTZPA in a very very negative way and fight back in every way possiable. Why dosnt Obama creat a state for the prosocuted and discriminated people of the country of Kurdistan? Obama's short sightetness makes him think that Israel is a country that will do what he asks for. I say to Obama mind tour own business and stik your nose in to other countries affaires.
30
Jun 07, 2009 at 02:50 PM Anonymous Says:
“ nobody is turning obama in to an enemy .he is acting like he is . ”
The "Palestinians" did not start a war with us 62 years ago because the "Palestinians" are actually Jordanians and Syrians, There is not such thing as a "Palestinian"
31
Jun 07, 2009 at 03:47 PM Chaim K. Says:
The author of this article has apparently never been to Israel. At least he never visitied Betar Illit, Modi'in Illit (Kiryat Sefer-Brachfeld), Ma'aleh Adumim, Tel Zion, etc. Anyone who has visited these places knows that they are not "settlements". They are cities that don't reflect any sort of ideology. Rather, they provide affordable housing for young couples who often spend years renting storage rooms and basements while raising children. It is a miracle when they are able to move to one of the above cities. I regress to explain "natural" growth to the author. When an Arab family needs to expand they steal land and build a house. They don't have to encroach on security fences since there is plenty to steal in the other direction. Usually they only steal land that nobody lives on. It is only NATURAL that a family has a place to go! Ferstetz?
32
Jun 07, 2009 at 03:35 PM emes Says:
2 state solution hamas@hizbulla y'sh
33
Jun 07, 2009 at 03:23 PM Anonymous Says:
I think its a little to late for that its a done deal already
34
Jun 07, 2009 at 03:16 PM Anonymous Says:
“ can you just explain WHY??????????
”
Since you need to an explanation for what should be obvious, here it is:
Withdrawal from Gaza brought a terrorist hornets nest into existence with 6000+ rockets and mortars being fired into Israel. Withdrawing from Yehuda and Shomron will cause more of the same. How ,many times can we be spit on and we keep calling it rain?? Let the Arabs make sacrifices for peace for a change. No more land to them!
35
Jun 07, 2009 at 04:57 PM Israelis Are Their Own Worst Enemies! Says:
The problem is they keeping calling places where people live "settlements." THE WORD NEEDS TO BE CHANGED TO CITIES!!!
Maybe Bibi should tell Obama that the DC Settlement, the Philly Settlement, the Baltimore Settlement, Chicago Settlement, NY Settlement, Los Angelese Settlement etc., cant be made bigger either?
Better yet, maybe its time for the Izy's to tell Obama to go to g'henim pronto and the EY Govt should do what they want.
36
Jun 07, 2009 at 06:23 PM Rippin Pinchas Says:
Even if I were to give a fool like Obama the benefit of the doubt that he is not trying to become Israel's enemy, he is still a complete and total fool. One thing is clear that he in his limited capacity does not realize: the arabs thrive off of terrorism. They are not people who want peace. They like the wars and the killings. Trying to appease them and pretending they will keep their empty promises is delusional.
Obama lacks the capacity to figure this out. The arab educational system breeds their behavior. Obama may need psychotic medicine so he stops hallucinating how Abbas and his ilk want peace.
In 1991 Bush Sr. started with this stupidity with the Madrid confrences by pretending that the Arabs want peace. His dufas successor Clinton accelerated this foolishness with the Oslo accords in 1993. From 1993-8 more Israelis died than did in the previous 15 years. Dubya Bush seemed to stop this nonsense when he refused to meet with Arafat. But in the end his true colors showed that although he was more intelligent than his predecors, the road map was just another Oslo with the same agreements and pushing off "final status" until later.
Now comes Obama. The fresh face of "change." What does he do? Totally ignores reality and pretends that the arabs will embrace peace. What a moron. What needs change is our man in the White House.
37
Jun 07, 2009 at 06:44 PM Anonymous Says:
In order that our voices be heard regarding the "Two State Solution" as well as the matter of "The Settlements" write and call our very nice Congressman Schumer and any local politician and let them know our shock and horror. Let Congressman Schumer who seems to be close to Rahm Emanuall know that he does not represent us, and he is ramming this down our collective throats. Express your anger at the "Mendacity" and dishonesty regarding the entire matter. Let all the local politicians know that they will not get our votes again when up for reelection. Make yourselves heard. We have a right as citizens and taxpayers to prevent the likes of such a possible horror to G-d forbid take place. DO NOT BE SILENT!!!!! Remember Mayor Rudi Guilliani when he refused to have anything to do with the likes of Arrafat.! How unfortunate that he isn't running the show!!
38
Jun 07, 2009 at 07:31 PM Milhouse Says:
“ In order that our voices be heard regarding the "Two State Solution" as well as the matter of "The Settlements" write and call our very nice Congressman Schumer and any local politician and let them know our shock and horror. Let Congressman Schumer who seems to be close to Rahm Emanuall know that he does not represent us, and he is ramming this down our collective throats. Express your anger at the "Mendacity" and dishonesty regarding the entire matter. Let all the local politicians know that they will not get our votes again when up for reelection. Make yourselves heard. We have a right as citizens and taxpayers to prevent the likes of such a possible horror to G-d forbid take place. DO NOT BE SILENT!!!!! Remember Mayor Rudi Guilliani when he refused to have anything to do with the likes of Arrafat.! How unfortunate that he isn't running the show!! ”
First of all, Schumer won't like being called "Congressman". Second, when there was a pogrom going on two miles from his home, he didn't even bother to visit his fellow Jews. Al D'Amato went there from Long Island, and Schumer couldn't go from Grand Army Plaza. So why do you expect him to lift a finger for this?
39
Jun 07, 2009 at 08:15 PM PMO Says:
“ Obama turned israel into an enemy, that's the problem. He distorted history, which no other president has done. The palestinian were not oppressed for 61 years. They started a war with us in 61 years ago and lost. Whose making who the enemy. Don't be an apologetic jew ”
You are an idiot.... the oppressors he refers to are the militant regimes... as was pretty clear in the speech! He was clearly separating peaceful Muslims from those who commit acts of terror and rule with guns.
40
Jun 07, 2009 at 08:20 PM good american Says:
“ appologetic jew?! What a dumb thing to say. He was merely stating that we must be carefull in how we approach this issue. If we cry wolf to many times, you know what happens ”
you are definitely NOT a student of history!!! if a jew cries wolf once does any nation listen???? if we don't defend ourselves, noone wil!!
41
Jun 08, 2009 at 12:22 AM Anonymous Says:
“ You are an idiot.... the oppressors he refers to are the militant regimes... as was pretty clear in the speech! He was clearly separating peaceful Muslims from those who commit acts of terror and rule with guns. ”
you idiot he was speaking in the country with one of the most opressive regimes. He failed to make a distinction in why the us is against the terrorists but strongly supports the governments like saudi and egpyt that terrorize their people.