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About Ari Bussel
In the series “Postcards from Israel,” Ari
Bussel and Norma Zager invite readers throughout the world to
join them as they present reports from Israel as seen by two
sets of eyes: Bussel’s on the ground, Zager’s counter-point from
home. Israel and the United States are inter-related - the two
countries we hold dearest to our hearts - and so is this “point
- counter-point” presentation that has, since 2008, become part
of our lives. |
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Past Articles
Israel, A
Nation Lost
Israel,
December 1, 2009
Blaming
America
Exporting
Terror
The Report
Repentance
Cry
Palestine, Stand Proud Israel
Fighting
for Israel, But Why?
Stop
Blaming the Messenger
A Changing
Reality
Fighting
for Our Country, Fighting for our Lives
The Second
Disengagement |
Ari Bussel
Israel, A Nation Lost
December 15, 2009
A prospective juror who is a priori prejudiced will, as a matter of
course, be dismissed from serving on a jury pool. Many use this
knowledge to be excused from jury service. Israel finds herself in the
most peculiar position of always being found guilty before deliberations
even begin. The World, itself Judge and Jury, stands and applauds: the
harsher the treatment, the stronger the clapping.
Israel’s Prime Minister decided to freeze all construction within Jewish
settlements for ten months. This created an uproar, first because of the
manner which it was done (decided in a cabinet meeting and implemented
as a military decree), second because of damage it inflicts on those who
entered into contracts and will now have to bear the consequences of a
ten month freeze and third because it is a meaningless, petty attempt to
appease foreign powers.
There are those who claim the decision, backed by some of the more
respected members of the coalition government like Dr. Beny Begin, son
of the late Menachem Begin, is an attempt at deception. They state that
in order to divert attention from other, more pressing issues, noise is
being created. Even if the supposition of psychological warfare is
correct, there are unintended consequences.
Others – mostly among our enemies – raise the argument that the
so-called freeze was designed to mislead the world. Interestingly, not
only those on the left are up in arms. Those on the right are at least
as livid. They, however, are those subjugated to this new decision.
To “break the freeze,” a massive demonstration was scheduled at Paris
Square in Jerusalem, in front of the Prime Minister’s residence. Under
the heading “In spite of all, we will continue to build and blossom!”
Israelis were called to participate. Organized transport was arranged
from dozens of cities around Israel at a much-reduced price.
Various organizations, from the Yesha (Judea and Samaria) Council, Bnei
Akiva movement and others joined forces to explain that the Yesha
Building Freeze amounts to:
Silent Expulsion of thousands of Jewish citizens from their homes
Shameful capitulation to American demands
Foundation stone for a Palestinian state
Collapse of ideology, trampling of human rights.
For those not convinced, they quoted Benyamin Netanyahu’s own words:
“Freeze is the code word for destruction.”
How is it that a “right wing government” headed by “right winger”
Netanyahu would follow such a path? How is it that only right wing
governments, never left, are those that have brought about peace (for
instance under the late Menachem Begin with Egypt)? Why are right wing
governments those willing to sacrifice most, even for the prospects of
an elusive peace?
The protests from right and left may have surprised Netanyahu in their
intensity. If indeed the move is designed to camouflage another activity
(for instance preparation for a strike against Iran), the protests add
to the artificial fire. However, the supposition may be mistaken
altogether and all indications are leading to conclude this is indeed
the case.
Just two days ago, the Prime Minister’s Office published a list of
cities that will be included in the National Priority Map, thus eligible
for tax incentives and other monetary benefits and for substantial
assistance. “Settlements” in Judea and Samaria with 120,000 residents
were included to “compensate” for the freeze.
In one move, Netanyahu managed to inflame the situation, raising the
already burning flames many stories high. A new national debate started.
This debate does not concern me, since it is devoid of any ideological
substance and centers on money allocations and self benefit.
The move, however, sparked a new reproach of the Jewish State. The
European Union led by Sweden is convening its organizations to see how
to respond. A verbal reprimand was already issued. More steps are
expected.
I am listening to the news, and for some reason I am not surprised.
Europe is deciding if Israel’s eternal capital is divisible, so why will
it not dictate what is allowed to be built and where? There are now even
guidelines which products coming from Israel are permissible for
purchase and consumption and which are not.
I stood at Paris Square in the only Jerusalem that exists – the eternal
capital of the Jewish People – and I saw the demonstrators celebrate
life. Young boys and girls, young parents with toddlers, proud
grandparents who want nothing more than the ability to live safely and
securely on their land. They proclaim that Eretz (the Land of) Israel
belongs to the Jewish People, that the idea of Jewish Settlement Project
in their land is the solid foundation of the Jewish People and their
State.
Songs are sung, the spirit is uplifted despite the new “evil edicts.”
The following slogans are heard: “Let my people live!” “Jerusalem is
Israel’s capital not because of Camp David [peace accords] but because
of King David.” “Jerusalem is mentioned 613 times in the Bible.” There
was a call to “educate the young generation to love and support Israel,
for those outside of Israel to come and visit her.”
Probably most importantly, it was not an event designed to bash
Netanyahu. Instead, there was lamentation for not supporting Netanyahu
several months ago, when pressures from outside gained strength and
momentum. Rather than blame others, it was self-criticism and
introspection, a coming together of concerned Israelis from throughout
Israel to support one another, to find synergies in unity, to derive
comfort and strength in knowing they are not alone in their struggle to
protect their country.
Regrettably, other than the many dozens of reporters, the vast majority
of participants – some eight thousand strong – were religious. This
battle is still not shared by all Israelis. The majority has yet to
internalize the outer threat that gained notice with the Goldstone
Report. The hatred has not sprouted with the Report nor will it end
there, only continue to gather strength and intensify, until it surfaces
in its full ugliness.
I am not clear about the plan of action of the current government in
Israel. I do not know how to decipher the conflicting signals. I am
certain of one thing: a ten-month freeze will appease no one – not the
enemy, not the one inflicted with this unjust punishment and definitely
not the puppeteers, the European Union and their cohort gang of bandits
or President Hussein Obama and his gang of anti-Israel advisers.
Instead, it creates the wrong impression that Israel can and should be
subjected to the treatment it receives and will accept it
unquestioningly.
If Israel does not respect herself, no one else will. Indeed, no one
seems to pay attention to the Jewish state’s own needs and concerns.
These and Israel have become irrelevant elements in the equation. Wake
up, Israel. Stir your leaders, Oh People of Israel. We look at you and
see a giant with miraculous powers lying on the ground, his breath
hardly felt, his pulse fading away.
Call your powers, endless and strong. Gather Oh Dry Bones, come into
being once again. The wind will blow and you will regain life. Rise up
remnants of time immemorial, hasten to come to our aid. Fight. Land and
Seas rumble, Fire and Clouds gather. The time has come. From the four
corners of the world, arrive! This is your call to battle. It is your
obligation, it is your destiny.
We will rise once again, and Israel will prevail. |
