Unsurprising
It is astounding to see that there are still individuals who are surprised by subsequent developments following the Hamas pogrom.
Michael Kuttner
One only needs to be aware of the aims openly articulated by all those either directly involved or supporting the ongoing terror campaign to realise what the end objective really is. Unfortunately, far too many in the past and incredibly even now refuse to recognise stark reality.
It is the same “head in the sand” belief that results when those threatening to murder Jews are not taken at their word. Hitler made his intentions very clear well before the Nazis’ accession to power, and tragically, his genocidal ambitions were ignored, dismissed and ignored until it was too late. If ever there was a lesson to be learnt from the Shoah years and, indeed, generations of Jew haters before that catastrophe, it should have been one of believing every word that was written and spoken.
Unfortunately, the very victims targeted preferred in far too many instances to sweep the threats under the carpet. Anyone who sounded an alarm was labelled as a fear monger, advocate of unsubstantiated rumours and some extremist or fanatic. Incredible as it may sound, after all the disasters which have come to fruition over the centuries, these same individuals and groups still flourish today.
In demonstrations now sweeping Europe, the UK & USA, Australia and New Zealand, in the front row of the mobs screaming rabidly for the annihilation of Israel can be seen some purporting to represent Jews. Holding banners proclaiming “Jews for peace,” “Jews for justice,” “Jews supporting Gaza” and “not in my name” they prove that nothing has been learnt. The fact that some calling themselves
“Jews” can, after everything that has transpired, still blame the victims for what is now happening, proves that self-loathing knows no bounds.
Unsurprisingly, the media love these sorts of people and make sure to promote them. After all, what better proof can one dig up than that the rest of us are warmongers, thus showcasing the miserable few who turn the other cheek and are prepared to believe that Israel and Jews were created in original sin.
If it wasn’t so tragic, the spectacle of politically progressive Jews suddenly realising that their former non-Jewish colleagues have no sympathy for them would be funny. A few of these ultra-left innocents have confessed that the total lack of empathy on the part of those they believed were comrades in arms has come as a severe shock. A small number have, as a consequence, started to re-evaluate their hitherto naïve belief that the self-proclaimed champions of the world’s oppressed might somehow display some solidarity with murdered Jews. The rest remain firmly convinced that the Jewish return to Zion is a “colonialist settler” crime worthy of condemnation. The corollary is, therefore, that those murdered must have brought it on themselves by their own dastardly deeds.
Funding for many of the groups demonstrating against Israel comes from a variety of sources, including countries that pretend to be “friends” as well as some well-known funds and foundations.
Following a well-worn script the United Nations has predictably leapt into “action.” Russia and China unsurprisingly have come down on the side of the pogromists and the General Assembly followed suit by passing a resolution which omitted reference to Hamas as a terror perpetrator and kidnapper of civilians. The UK, Germany and Australia sat on the fence and preferred to pretend that they had our best interests at heart. New Zealand, shamefully, to nobody’s surprise, voted again with the immoral majority.
Fourteen nations voted against this travesty of a resolution. Among them was the Czech Republic, whose Defence Minister was so disgusted by the moral gutlessness displayed that she was moved to declare that her country should leave the UN. If any country knows more than most about how the international community can sell one of its members down the river, it is the Czech Republic. As Czechoslovakia, it was abandoned and betrayed by the League of Nations and the major powers of the day. Hypocritical and cynical promises were cast aside as those spouting assurances were busy handing the country into the hands of the Nazi monsters.
This treacherous precedent should be a warning because nothing has changed. The time has well and truly arrived when Israel should seriously consider leaving the UN and declaring their biased officials unwelcome. The UN may once have been a force for good and a midwife in Israel’s rebirth but it has now been subverted by non-democracies which include the worst human rights abusers. How long must Israel, like a battered spouse, be subject to almost daily censure and condemnation?
In the absence of a refusal by Biden, Macron, Sunak and others to recognise that Palestinian Arab rejection of any legitimate Jewish sovereignty is at the root of the conflict, the worn-out refrain of a “two-state solution” keeps being recycled. Following the current war, there will be very few Israelis prepared to buy this nonsense. Has anyone noticed the irony involved? China demands that we accept a two-state solution yet works very hard at negating the same with Taiwan. Russia likewise wants Ukraine to be part of a one-state solution.
It is absolutely mind-boggling that those peddling the creation of yet another terror-supporting “state” cannot see the utter folly of their demands. The PA Prime Minister made the situation crystal clear in a recent statement: “Palestinians own the land. They have been there for thousands of years while Israel is a colonialist entity that conquered our land and expelled our people.” What do the proponents of rewarding Abbas and his corrupt PA not understand? Why are they so oblivious to the stark realities staring them in their face? Is this not yet another case of trying to appease those dedicated to the demise of Jews?
Shades of the Chamberlain and Munich era, all over again.
Some are surprised that Turkey’s President has reverted to his normal default position of supporting Hamas and pillorying Israel. This should not be unsurprising given his neo-Ottoman ambitions. Will Turkish Jews get the message and act in time?
As Jew hate rises internationally to levels not seen since the 1930s, the warning bells should be ringing loud and clear.
Although many Diaspora communities have security plans in place, the fact remains that the lives and safety of local Jews remain in the hands of the Government authorities tasked with protecting citizens. How this plays out depends on the willingness of law enforcement to actively intervene and also whether those in charge are willing to face up to some awkward facts. Will going after and prosecuting those threatening Jewish schools, places of worship and Jewish citizens be actively pursued or will political expediency prevail? Will Jews be advised to stay home and not provoke the haters? Will Synagogues, schools and communal buildings be shuttered in the face of daily threats? Will political hot-air rhetoric substitute for strong deterrence? Will electoral considerations contribute to a weak response in the face of intimidation?
These are the dilemmas currently facing Jews worldwide.
Those who thought that the pastures were greener and more tranquil elsewhere are now faced with a horrible certainty. Nowhere is immune from the oldest virus known to humanity.
This past Shabbat in synagogues, we read the portion from the Torah entitled Lech Leha. Coincidentally, or perhaps by some divine plan it tells us of the promise given to Abraham at the dawn of our history.
We learn about the covenant whereby the Land that was to become Israel was promised eternally to the Jewish People. We also read how Lot, Abraham’s nephew and his extended family were kidnapped by hostile forces. How did our Patriarch react? Instead of wasting time appealing to others and engaging in fruitless negotiations, he gathered his forces and proceeded to engage the enemy in battle. He rescued those abducted and utterly eliminated the terrorists.
If ever there was a lesson for today’s generation of Jews, here it is.
We will never, at least until the arrival of the messianic age, defeat today’s descendants of Amalek by appealing to their better nature and offering them gestures.
The sooner we make that crystal clear, the better for all concerned.
Finally, the Torah portion contains an eternal message.
Those who bless Israel will themselves be blessed. Those who curse Israel will themselves be cursed and doomed.
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel and is J-Wire’s correspondent in the region.
