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The Disengagement Like a volcano which slowly builds up a molten core that mounts in intensity before it explodes, so too is Israel’s projected Disengagement from Gaza developing. Heat and more heat are being brought to the subject. The participants are being brought to the point of, possibly, even violence. The Prime Minister, mindful of what happened to the late Yitzhak Rabin, has donned protective body armor signifying that he, too, fears violence. With pressure on all sides - what is at stake? A great deal because Israel’s democracy is being tested from within. We who are vitally concerned about Israel’s future should try to at least understand the issues. They are not simple. But here is an attempt at clarification: Israel’s desire to be a Jewish State. This desire has motivated our people for centuries if not millennia. Today Israel’s population contains 5.6 million Jews and 1.2 million Israeli Arabs. The territories Israel controlled after the 1967 Six Day War contain 3.4 million Arabs of which 1.3 million are crowded into the Gaza Strip. If Israel retains the post 1967 territories, the Arab population of a single state west of the Jordan River would bring population parity around 2020, thus threatening the Jewish character of the State of Israel. The Disengagement from Gaza detaches a significant Arab population from Israeli control thus protecting the Jewish character of the State. A Palestinian State or Two-State Solution. The “Road Map” proposed by the Quartet (U.S., U.N. E.U. and Russia) posits a two-state solution to the nagging, bloody Israeli - Palestinian Problem. This solution, though seen in fuzzy outline, is based on an anticipated peace agreement where Israel and her Arab nations would disarm terrorists, re-settle Arab refugees outside Israel, build regional economic co-operation among presently belligerent states and result in two independent and sovereign states. The disengagement is Israel’s attempt to change the regional status quo. It requires Palestinians (PA) assuming responsibility for governing numerous factions and groups of armed militants, although the PA is a group yet to prove itself more than as corrupt terrorists. Will establishing a stable Arab state threaten Israeli citizens with terror closer to the main Jewish population centers? The answer at this writing is unclear because of continuing terrorist activity. This risk is thought to be balanced by the attempt to solve the demographic threat; however the magnitude of the adverse impact on Israelis of being wrong remains very high. What of the 8,500 Jewish settlers in Gaza? There are those who cavalierly say “should 8,500 stand in the way of a state’s policy?” or “they - the settlers - will be richly rewarded for relocating.” Both points fail to recognize that these 8,500 settlers moved into the Gaza Strip as part of a Government resettlement plan (which even removed some of them from the Sinai as part of the Israel - Egypt peace accords of the 1970s). These settlers settled in Gaza not only due to their convictions, but also for reasons of state and to help control Arab population and militant movements. These brave Jews have lived with danger and death. Some of their parents and children are buried within in Gaza. They have endured rockets, suicide bombers and mortar attacks. Yet these Jews, at risk of their lives, redeemed the barren waste places, built homes, established businesses and planted roots - all at the behest of the Israeli Government. They have lived in these homes for over thirty years, borne children, married children, made friends and built a life. With the time of re-location less than ten days away, the Government has done very little to meet the needs of this most prominent Israeli segment, let alone acknowledge the pain and uncertainty which lie ahead for the uprooted. Thus one side emphasizes the emotional pain and the other refuses to deal with that pain, which means friction is created. That friction builds and the heat which it creates can lead to some type of melt-down. While I recognize the pain, I believe it can be handled better than by using brute bulldozer force. The situation bears very close watching. Church Groups Vote Disinvestment from Israel Three Christian Church groups have launched campaigns to have their constituent churches withdraw economic support from companies doing business in Israel. They are the Presbyterian Church Federation of USA, the Anglican Church Federation and the UCC – United Church of Christ. These main-line Christian Congregations are urging their individual churches, and thus their individual members, to withdraw investments from and cease doing business with and in Israel. This endeavor comes at a very strange time, seeing that there is a new era dawning in Eretz-Yisrael. Yasser Arafat has departed the scene. With his demise there is a clearer picture of how he and his cronies drained, into their own pockets and personal bank accounts, hundreds of millions of dollars ear-marked for the welfare and economic development of Palestinians who, as a result, often dwelled in abject poverty. Have these Church representatives lifted their voices in protest of such practices? Have these Church representatives done anything to see that the billions of dollars funneled into the pockets of the corrupt Palestinian leaders be used to build housing, provide health services, promote education or stop terror aimed at Israel? Have these Church representatives ever offered support to Israelis who have hired Palestinians to work in Israel at great personal risk to give succor to those kept in poverty for political and other purposes, by the likes of Yasser Arafat and his ilk? Have these Church leaders recognized the risks Israel has taken for peace when Arab & Moslem states have done everything in their power to demonize Israel and isolate Israel? You know the answers as well as I do. I don’t know their motivation. But I do know their efforts are hardly constructive. Such actions, coming when Israel and our country are doing everything in their power to solve the long lived tragedy of the Palestinian rejection of a Jewish State, are hard to comprehend. Thousands of people have been denied decent housing and schooling by being kept in refugee status by blood thirsty leaders who have sought to exterminate Jewish life and lives rather help the Palestinians move on and live in peace. But Church leaders have decided that now, when peace seems to be dawning, they should add to Israel’s burdens. And they claim to be the followers of the Prince of Peace. Do you Know CNIF? CNIF is the acronym for Council for the National Israel Foundation. By using this acronym this pernicious organization hides beneath the cover of anonymity. The Council was founded by none other than former Congressman Paul Findley, who used to represent Illinois before he was defeated by now Sen. Dick Durbin. Paul Findley prided himself on being “Yasser Arafat’s best friend in Congress.” Since his defeat, Paul Findley has used every means at his disposal to weaken the US-Israel alliance. Using code words such as an “even-handled Middle East Policy” (i.e. Israel’s one major friend should no longer be on its side) and by accusing Israel’s supporters of dual loyalty (the old anti-Semite “bogey”) he tries to intimate that supporters of Israel, including evangelical Christians, are disloyal Americans. However, CNIF is not alone in its efforts to weaken support for Israel. There are other organizations which need our careful monitoring so that we can meet their challenge and refute their lies. To Protect Our Heritage needs your help to monitor these organizations. Please contact us for a copy of CNIF’s latest diatribe as printed in the New York Times and if you would like to help keep our members and community aware of the too many “Haters of Israel.” We need your help To Protect Our Heritage.
Battle over Arafat I am just one of a multitude watching the death throes of Yasser Arafat. I am intrigued by the intrigue, and those jockeying for control of the Palestine Authority. The players in the spot light are Abu Mazen (Mohammad Abbas) former Prime Minister of the P.A. who resigned when Yasser Arafat refused to cede any responsibility to him. There is Abu Ala (Ahmed Qurei) the present Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. They are trying to work in concert even if they were given little authority by Mr. Arafat, who held all the power and controlled the security, the finances and everything in between. This arrangement seemingly worked because Mr. Arafat doled out money to keep everybody—or at least those who could not raise funds independently like Hamas, in his thrall. Now lurking behind the scenes are two men with armed militia. The power of the gun is far superior to the power of law in a place where arguments are settled not in court but in violence. These two players are Jibril Rajouf, Yasser Arafat's national security advisor, (Read: he who controls the gunmen in the West Bank) and Mohammed Dahlan (Read: he who controls the gunmen in the Gaza Strip.) So we have a hodge-podge of those vying for power and trying to keep order in the absence of Mr. Arafat who wears all hats. He is the heart of the PLO. He is the head of its largest faction, Fatah. He is President of the Palestinian Authority. His imprimatur is on every deal made in his fiefdom. He got money from every deal in his fiefdom and controls every penny spent by the P.A. Oh Yes. Please do not forget Mrs. Arafat, Suha, who did not see her husband during the entire Intifada. She chose to stay in Paris. Her allowance is $100,000 per month. This sum, of course is the average monthly income of every single mother in every country. Mrs. Arafat is on record as accusing Israeli doctors of infecting Palestinians with HIV-AIDS virus. She is very interested in seeing that her husband is “not buried alive” because of her attachment, so deep and beautiful to “The Father of his People.” And maybe the need to support her lavish lifestyle. Because of Mr. Arafat’s habit of wearing the same suits and head covering every day since 1960 and never ever shooting the two pistols at his waist, he has been able to save enough of his meager salary to give Suha $100,000 a month to live in one of Paris’ swankiest neighborhoods , and also to make him one of the worlds richest men according to Forbes Magazine. All of this is loot safely hidden in some numbered bank account which may go to some gnome banker if Mr. Arafat does not emerge from his coma. Yes, every party in Gaza and the West Bank is mourning for this great father of his country. And we who fortunately are not found among them, can only wonder at all the “Hysteria” over these final moments in the life of a leader who could never say yes to offers of a homeland to his people, to employment and education for those who languish in poverty and destruction. Did such a man deserve to be buried in Jerusalem – The City of Peace?
November 2004
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Judenrein The German word Judenrein means “cleansed of Jews.” Judenrein became common parlance because of the Nazi’s use of this term to describe their efforts to make Germany, then Europe, and finally the world “clean” of Jews. Behind the Nazi’s genocidal mania were their efforts to convince their people and other anti-Semites that all the medieval and modern accusations about Jews were true. We poisoned the wells, killed babies, and used their blood in festival preparations. We brought death, disease, unrest and disorder to neighborhoods and nations, etc. I’m sure you know the charges. I’m sure you thought that they were long ago discredited and Jews could live free of such Anti-Semitic canards in a post WWII world. Wrong! Why else would the Palestinian Authority maintain as one of its chief demands to dismantling of the “Jewish Settlements” in Judea, Samaria and Gaza? Sadly, the media and even most of Israel’s supporters have been taken in by the Palestinian Authority constant claim of removing every vestige of Jewish presence in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. Even leaders of Israel’s government, including Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert seem to concur with this Palestinian Authority demand – The West Bank and Gaza should be cleansed of any Jewish presence. But why the demand? Certainly, dear reader, you are aware that 1.2 million Arabs live within the state of Israel. They live in peace, go to work, study in schools and universities, and use the excellent Israeli medical facilities. These Arabs are citizens of Israel who vote in all elections and pay taxes, just like the Jewish citizens of Israel. With but few exceptions, no Israeli Jews are pressing for the removal of these Arab neighbors from their midst. In fact, Israeli leaders often point out that the presence of Arabs in Israel is part of the proof of Israel’s peaceful intentions towards their neighbors. If this contention is correct, does not the opposite, the Palestinian Authority demand for removal of Jews from a proposed Palestinian state, indicate an Arab unwillingness to co-exist with Jews? Why is it that no Palestinian leader has come forward with the idea that Jews would be welcome in their state? After all, these same leaders constantly demand that Israel dismantle any protective fence to keep Arab marauders and suicide murderers from destabilizing Jewish life. These same Palestinian leaders demand that Israel provide jobs for Arab workers from the West Bank and Gaza. These same Palestinian leaders proclaim that Jews must leave Hebron and East Jerusalem. They deny that Jews have any historical relationship to the Temple Mount. These same leaders refuse to denounce continued violence against Jews living in their midst. They even reward Arab families of those who commit mayhem against Jews in their midst. Do such action of rhetoric serve to demonstrate peaceful intentions? Do not such actions and statements serve to indicate that peacemaking efforts are merely part of an ongoing process to make the land of Israel Judenrein? Combined with all the other Anti-Semitic efforts by Arabs and Moslems, both in the land of Israel and elsewhere in the world, should this not give us pause? Jews are not welcome in Moslem neighborhoods of France. Jews are expelled from Arab lands in North Africa and Asia. Jewish property is sequestered in Arab countries. The Jewish people are hounded by Moslem leaders in Malaysia and elsewhere. We are accused of the same lies that the Nazis used in their campaign to destroy the Jewish people. Should we not reject the dismantlement of Jewish settlements on the West Bank and Gaza because of the indication that this is not a move toward peace? And Jews who raise this issue should look into themselves and ask whether we would like to be forcibly moved from our homes in formerly Gentile neighborhoods that were formerly governed by restrictive covenants. 1-21-04
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Miracles and Those Who Make Them Jewish literature is a mirror of Jewish experience. However, Jewish literature requires a careful reading for us to discover the truths it contains. For example, conventional wisdom believes that miracles were often accomplished by turning to God when our people faced danger and hatred. The Purim story told in the Book of Esther is often viewed in such a light. True, cruel Haman convinced King Ahasuerus to destroy all the Jews in his empire. True it is that Mordecai donned sackcloth and ashes to mourn so cruel a fate. True it is the Mordecai asked all the Jews of the Persian Empire to fast as a sign of danger and supplication. But don’t stop reading! The Megillah also shows us Queen Esther, at the risk of her life planning how to present the plight of her/our people to King Ahasuerus. Since we know that the Megillah is the only book in the Hebrew Scripture which contains no mention of God’s name, we can clearly see that it was not God’s intercession that saved the lives of all the Jews in that far-flung empire. Nor was it God who righted the wrongs planned by a megalomaniac. Rather, it was the initiative of Mordecai and Esther that brought about the successful denouement of the Purim story. For centuries Jews have believed it was divine miracle that brought about both the Purim deliverance and the Chanukah victory. This is attested by special insertions in our liturgy. Our spiritual leaders had a reason for composing the Al Ha’nissim and for teaching us to rely on God’s intercession in times of mortal danger when our people faced exile, persecution and death. As a Rabbi in our time, I have often considered this tradition because of the tragedy of the Shoah when so many of our people were led to the slaughter and so many of the Sh’erit Ha-Pleita the Remnant which survived, asked the question, “Where was God?” “Why didn’t God save His people from the Nazi fury?” The questions are so painful because I know how diligently my own loved ones prayed for the salvation of their brothers, sisters, and their families. Their prayers did not work the miracle so needed. Rather, our prayers pointed out how weak, defenseless and alone we were at that tragic moment. Could there be an important lesson to be learned from prayer and the Shoah? Before one leaps to another false conclusion, let me say that I believe that prayer is an important part of our spiritual life. Prayer helps us focus clearly on the reality of our life’s situation. Better than asking for God’s intercession in our life, prayer helps us perceive what God wants of us. Prayer guides us in God’s service. Prayer gives us strength to confront life’s crises. But prayer alone does not create miracles. Man creates miracles in response to God’s behest. As proof of that truth please refer to the scene at the Red/Reed Sea where the Israelite slaves, newly redeemed, looked back and saw the approaching Egyptian Army closing upon them. They cried out (another description of prayer.) And Moses gave the slaves courage. “Have no fear,” he said, “stand by and see the deliverance the Lord will work for you this day.” Yes, Moses gave Israel hope. But Moses heard another voice. “Why do you cry out (pray) to me? Speak to the children of Israel; tell them to go forward.” The story continues by saying that Moses lifted up his staff and stretched his arm over the sea. The Midrash then tells how Nachshon ran into the waters. It was Nachshon’s action that brought God’s reaction. Thus the truth: Miracle is achieved when human beings summon the courage to do God’s will in situations that demand going beyond the norm. Over and over in our history it is human initiative: stretching forth our arm, rushing into the breach, doing God’s will – going forward – that accomplishes “the Miracle.” This truth cannot be over emphasized. It is men, knowing what God requires, and courageous enough to try to affect that course of human history who have made miracles. Why then did the miraculous chapters occupy such a prominent role in Jewish literature and thought? Could it be because of the millennial condition of Jewish life? For so long the Jewish people were exiled from our land. We lived as strangers in lands that denied us citizenship rights. We were required to pay handsomely for the privilege of settlement. We were dependent upon the good will of venal rulers, victimized by swift changes in leadership and seemed powerless to control our own destiny. Out of desperation God was our last source of hope. While prayer showed our dependence and the dangers we faced, there were often individual leaders among our people who would use their position to intercede on behalf of the entire community. These Stadtlanim wise, often rich, and skilled in the ways of the court would petition the ruler, offering economic aid to help rulers in financial difficulties, showing the righteousness of the Jews’ cause, the benefit of our presence in the community, and calling forth favors in return for favors previously proffered, that would save the day. Such efforts were heralded as miracles in many lands on many occasions. But the wise among us knew then and now that such miracles required human effort, courageous and skilled, to bring joyous outcomes. Reliance on God alone as our sole recourse without our own total effort was unworthy of our calling, to save our people from pain, anguish, fear, impoverishment, and death. And so during the darkest times in our history, while the simple huddled in fear, these Stadtlanim - from the Hebrew - L’hishtadel - to try, worked to change the course of Jewish history. They did whatever possible, using whatever opportunities were at hand to convince those who controlled our destiny to let us live, sometimes to let us leave, sometimes to contribute of our special skills, wisdom, wealth, contacts, etc. for the benefit of the rulers. Even during the Nazi reign of terror countless Jews made heroic efforts to rescue fellow Jews. Some besought Allied leaders to bomb the railroad tracks that led to the death camps. Some sought to arouse governments to open their doors to refuge seekers. Some parachuted behind enemy lines to warn Jews of their fate. Some raised funds to ease the plight of the war-ravaged. Some denounced the hypocrisy of world leaders. Some revealed the tragedy to an unbelieving world. Some worked toward saving the remnant. While our entire people prayed, studious retrospect shows us the heroes who worked. They might have wept at the dimensions of the task. They might have wondered at the demonic hatred and the terrible indifference we faced, but they were too involved in using every ounce of energy, every penny of wealth, every wile and skill, every contact and friend to save human beings who might again live productive lives and blot out the stain upon society’s lassitude in confronting evil. It was such work and courage and daring that some call the miracle of the rescue of European Jewish remnants. Truth be told, the proper question regarding the Shoah is not “Where was God,” but why were so few courageous enough, sagacious enough, socially involved to join the struggle before it became a human tragedy? The answer to such questions do not lie in the past alone. The answers also lie in the present. We continue to see challenges to our well being and our very existence. To wait for miracles to save us, we will run the risk of again being defeated, even destroyed by our enemies. And as Saul Bellow said, “I may be paranoid, but I know they’re trying to destroy us.” We who are experienced know the tragic results of demonic Jew hatred. What can we do to prevent such tragedy? First do not panic. Secondly, think, take stock of our position, consider our strengths. Even though the Jewish people is smaller in numbers than in 1939, our position in the world is infinitely stronger. That fact is not based on numbers. The State of Israel, home to one third of our people, is strong, free and independent. It has shown the willingness to defend not only its own citizens, but to save Jews, wherever they suffer. Many Jews the world over recognize that the courageous exploits of our people in our renewed ancient homeland has dramatically changed our self image, and our political status. The change in status brought about by the courage, bravery and genius of our people in Israel demands a response by American Jews who also comprise one third of the Jewish People. I believe that response should be more than celebration of Yom Ha’Atzma’ut, and intoning the prayer for the State of Israel in our synagogues. The response required demands the realization that we are citizens of the United States of America. We are first-class citizens and like all citizens, we have a responsibility to our country and to its highest ideals. That responsibility transcends merely studying the Constitution, passing a civics exam and voting. Our responsibilities extend to making America the Miracle Country to the World. Just as our responsibilities as Jews extend to keeping our people the Miracle nation of the World. These two-fold responsibilities merge in the United Sates. We have liberties which all cherish, but we have responsibilities which few shoulder. The chief of these responsibilities is active participation in governing. To participate actively in governing requires that we know how government works. Contrary to the cynics among us, government works best when we maintain closest contact with our elected officials. When we recognize that we can help select candidates and not merely ratify other’s selections, we can help some get elected, we can help some get defeated. We can contribute to campaigns and we can closely examine platform promises and voting records. We can reach out to elected officials and realize that they need and want our input in the governing and legislative process. The more we get to know them, the more we will realize how isolated they are, how willing to listen to rational argument and how appreciative they are of our honest efforts to promote the ideals of our great democracies. It is absolutely vital for us as American Jews to realize that living in the United States is a special opportunity to express and defend our highest religious ideals. So many of them are embedded in America’s sacred documents which are rooted in our people’s Biblical vision. So many of these ideals are a light to the downtrodden and a threat to the tyrant. It is similarly vital for us to realize that as the State of Israel struggles to embody these same values in a neighborhood where all of her neighbors represent their opposite we, American Jews, have a solemn responsibility to help the Alliance of the United States and Israel prosper, progress and become ever stronger. This responsibility is borne of the opportunities granted by citizenship here. We cannot afford to be part of the multitude who carp at the political system and who drop out of the civic process. Too much of our future depends on our active and wise participation. We know what happens when others control our destiny. We know what happens when we allow forces of evil to control political systems. We know that freedom, democracy and human dignity are always at risk. We know that we individuals are small and life’s tasks are great. That’s where prayer enters the equation. Prayer helps us know that we are not alone; we are not weak. God gives the righteous strength. God’s presence overcomes isolation and loneliness. Looking to God overcomes natural tunnel vision in times of crisis and enables us to see that there are others, free, proud, constructive, hopeful looking for our help. I believe God wants us to join in the efforts “to build His Kingdom” and not stand on the sidelines judging the efforts of others. This latter belief brings us back to the beginning. Haman needed the King to realize his destruction of the Jews. Mordecai needed Esther to save the Jews. Read closely! Unilateralism does not work. The prophets railed against the evils of their times, but they were solitary voices. It was movements, alliances, organizations led by those who could bring the power of the multitudes who affected change on the evils of their time. We must likewise join together and quit thinking that “elsewhere” “other” is where safety and progress lies; and rather know and believe that our efforts combined with those who believe as we do, are as generous as we are, as faithful as we are, can win the struggle against evil, human degradation, and selfishness. Herzl said, “If you are willing, it is no mere legend. “He worked, enlisted others and we celebrate. It will be our labor's that perpetuate the miracle.
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Sewage and Pollution In Gaza Media in the West point a blaming finger at Israel for the terrible situation in Gaza. They point to the raw sewage that runs in the streets. They point to Israel laying the blame for the pollution of the water that Gaza inhabitant’s drink. In fact they are told by officials that all the troubles in wretched Gaza are Israel’s fault. How convenient a scapegoat! How easy to dupe a willing press corps who have been rendered silent or just plain lazy from finding the real culprits of the tragedy that is the Gaza Strip. The real truth lies in closer view of anyone willing to look. The European Community has given the P.A. (Palestinian Authority) 10 million Euro a month. And the Arab states have given the PA $55 per month to operate the government. Only on February 10, 2004 has the European Community begun to question how their contributions are used. This came about only when the PA made more than $11 million available for the upkeep of Yasser Arafat’s wife Suha and their 7-year-old child now settled in Paris. The EU has yet to question why Arafat has placed members of Tanzim and Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade on the Palestinian Authority Payroll. Instead of employing police to keep the peace, Arafat has hired and paid known terrorists, those who have willingly and openly taken credit for murderous terrorist attacks in Israeli targets. Instead of using monies given for peaceful purposes; instead of using monies for public works that would ameliorate suffering and move the peace process forward, the PA has used monies for Jihad. Such usage has kept the Palestinian Arabs from asking the question which finally emerged when 400 members of Fatah, Yasser Arafat’s own party, resigned their membership over corruption and misappropriation of funds by PA officials. You dear reader, can draw the parallels. 2/19/04
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Strange Celebration Those of us who are accustomed to celebrate holidays by gift giving, family gatherings and worship are often perplexed by the messages which emanate from certain religious leaders at their holy days: We Westerners, whether Jewish or Christian, know that our religious holy days carry the message of love, peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, etc. They call us to reconsecrate ourselves to the service of humanity and to the building of God’s kingdom of peace on earth, goodwill to all men. I am upset by the celebration of Islamic holidays. They seem to become the reason for mayhem, terror, and death, not only in Israel but also in Iraq, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Kashmir, and elsewhere. We have Muslim leaders tell us that suicide bombings are the same as fasting and observing Ramadan. The recent Eid-al Adha celebration was marked by tragedy in Kurdistan. The terrible loss of life there was heralded as a victory and celebrated by rejoicing. Is that what Islam teaches? I’m not sure, but I know that such events and their attendant violence cause me terrible disounnance, because I come from a society where we are taught to declare a ceasefire in celebration of a holiday. I am still uplifted by stories of World War I when both opposing armies left their trenches silenced, their guns, stopped their killing, to remember the Prince of Peace. I am still uplifted by stories of the American Civil War where Union and Confederate soldiers shared coffee on cold nights before resuming their struggle. I am not the least uplifted by those who come to Passover seders where old folks and tender children gather to sing and pray, and blow themselves up turning joy into sadness and seder meaning “order,” into chaos. And I’m less inspired when those who send such suicide terrorists laud such beastly acts. Their prayers are a tragic and vile use of prayer. But please, you decide if this prayer could receive God’s approbation: May Allah have mercy upon you O Abed al Basat Odeh, mujaheed and martyr. Courageously, full of willingness to wage jihad and with faith filling your heart, you executed your assignment and sacrificed your pure soul for your religion. May Allah have mercy upon you, O beloved of the Arab Nation, O Abed al Basat. You evoked hope that had begun to fade; you restored life that had begun to expire; you revived Arab pride, valor, chivalry, and sacrifices that had begun to die; you caused pain to the people who had begun to celebrate and sing. I feel badly for the leaders of such religious groups who laud killers. I feel badly for those religious groups who promise heavenly rewards for those who kill innocents trying to celebrate transcendent moments. I feel shame that such inhuman acts are done in God’s name. It’s a problem. But I feel pride that my religious teaching forbids me to agree with such satanic acts and words. And I feel deep within me the conviction that such teachings and the acts they condone must be confronted lest they prevail. I must Protect My Heritage. 2-27-04
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