Sunday, August 06, 2006
8/06/2006 06:44:00 AM | 
Posted by
JoeSettler
The following was written by Avi Abelow, the Settler, and former soldier I mentioned in last week's post. It is very important to read.
"I have not read any of the comments posted about my action on any of the lists and nor do I intend to. However, I did get some updates as to what was posted and I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you what made me take the drastic action that I did. (I do not plan on making any more posts or replies on this matter to any list).
First of all Olmert and Chalutz have already publicly declared that they can not promise that they will be able to stop the Hizbullah rockets falling on Northern Israel.
In addition, the UN is now working on a draft resolution that will allow a multi national force to patrol South Lebanon and give Lebanon a protected country status – which means that if any other country attacks it, the international community can then attack back.
Basically, put together, this all means that once the multi-national force is in South Lebanon and the Hizbullah continue to shoot rockets on Israel, Israel can NOT defend itself because, if it did, the international community would have the “legal” right to attack Israel. This is the ceasefire Israel will be forced to accept with the direction of the current political leadership.
What does this all have to do with my refusing to serve in the war up North?
Because the best of our soldiers are fighting and dying in house to house combat in Lebanon and millions of Israelis are refugees because our government places the lives of the enemy civilians over the lives of our own – this is not a way to fight, period, and definitely not a way to fight a war that must be won.
Because our government no longer intends to stop the rockets in the North, just like it has made peace with the fact that the rockets in the South are a fact of life that Israelis have to live with as well. Because Olmert is already on record saying that this war is being used to ensure that an international recognized border is implemented on the East as well, via the destruction of more yishuvim and the expulsion of more Jews from their homes in Yehuda and Shomron. Because this war is allowing Olmert to assist the Hizbullah in setting up rockets in destroyed communities in Yehuda and Shomron to then fire on Tel Aviv and the Mercaz.
I’m all for beating the Hizbullah, but wake up and realize that is not what Olmert is trying to do! He already admitted that dismantling the Hizbullah is no longer a demand in any future ceasefire and Israel is not even demanding that the international force disarm them – but the demand concerning the Hizbullah will be some lukewarm demand that basically means the Hezbullah will stay put in Lebanon (maybe a few kilometers away from the border - a lot of good with rockets that fly 150 kilometers)!
So why are we fighting this war?
Our brave soldiers are dying STAM fighting house to house in a war so that Olmert can prove to Israelis that we need to destroy yishuvim in Yehuda and Shomron in order to place a border on the West Bank – an act that will then allow the Hizbullan to fire rockets from the hills of Yehuda and Shomron on the rest of Israel.
I have taken the very uncomfortable step of refusing to serve in this war in order to give across a message to the rest of Israel – wake up! This war is more about disinformation and public statements (JUST LIKE THE GERUSH) and less about actual victorious results.
The government has already given up the fight, the fighting now is just to “look victorious” before a cease fire is implemented, but the Hizbullah has already won – they have proven to the Arab world that rockets could be shot on Israel and Israel WON’T do what is necessary to stop it.
Israel CAN do what is necessary, but Israel’s current leadership is focused making ourselves look good in the eyes of the world and not about protecting its citizens or soldiers. The political echelon and the army leadership no longer have the moral capacity to defend us as a country.
This is what I protest!
Unless the leadership leading this war changes and the target becomes to beat the Hizbullah so that NO more rockets fall on Israel in the future from the North (or from the South) using all military means necessary (and NOT placing the lives of civilians protecting the enemy before the lives of our own civilians and soldiers) then I call on the Israeli government to stop this war now instead of using Israeli civilians and soldiers as pawns in the war to ensure re-alignment, that will put all of Israel in danger.
Somehow this message has to get across because not enough of us are seeing through the media spins, so I took it upon myself to take this drastic action so that people can hopefully start to wake up.
Olmert’s public statement on his real purpose of the war (to ensure the re-alignment plan) allowed me to finally get up the guts to take off my uniform. He finally revealed the truth for everyone to hear and I thought it would be an immoral act to let it get by without any upblic outcry against the way this war is being manipulated.
I know many of you will disagree with me, but I have had enough of the years of derelict Israeli policy that has made Jewish lives hefker in our own country.
With all the justification to fight this war – please realize that the way our current leadership is running it, it is yet another derelict policy proving how Jewish blood is hefker – the government has already gone on record that it doesn’t intend to win the war, rather cause as much damage as possible to the Hizbullah before a ceasefire. Hence the Hizbullah (who will continue to get rockets from Iran and Syria after a ceasefire) will have won regardless of the media spins our politicians will come up with.
Yes, we must beat the Hizbullah, AND Syria AND Iran (the real handlers behind the Hizbullah) – but that is not what this war is about unfortunately.
I pray for the safety for all my friends and comrades who are up North fighting – for those who disagree with my action and for those who agree with me but told me that they are too afraid of the consequences for joining me in my act.
Screaming this at the top of our lungs after the war would be too late – Am Yisrael needs to hear this now to hopefully help stop this from all happening and sometimes drastic actions are necessary to get messages across. Believe me, this step is most painful for ME and not for any of you who have the luxury of throwing your two cents into an email and not paying any consequences. This is a well thought out life decision that will have repercussions on my life today and in the future in ways that are impossible for me to know today – but I took the decision anyway because I thought it was the correct thing to do.
Disagree with me if you must but also please show respect for a fellow Jew, neighbor and possibly friend who took a life effecting decision for the benefit of Am Yisrael.
Achdut is very very important, it is what I strive to achieve day in and day out as a Jew, but when that feeling of “achdut” and our actual LIVES, as civilians and soldiers, are being manipulated and used cynically by politicians and army generals, then I believe it is better to cause a ruckus to help people realize that true achdut will only come when the leadership in the country is true and moral then go along with the charade. The current “achdut” that everyone wants to preserve in this time of war is only bringing the country to an even lower level of security and morality than it was at before.
As a little kid in New York City I dreamt of one day serving as an Israeli soldier and defending the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. I fulfilled that dream by becoming an infantry soldier in Golani. I have now taken a decision that stops me from being able to serve again to defend my country on the battlefield. I cry as I write these words, it is not something that I'm proud of, not at all. I will have to explain this act to my children whom I hope will one day be proud soldiers in an Israeli army based on true morality and Jewish pride. But I will no longer be a pawn of a crooked establishment that has, and continues to make Jewish lives hefker.
No more.
I'm willing to act and pay the price for my decision - what about you?
"I have not read any of the comments posted about my action on any of the lists and nor do I intend to. However, I did get some updates as to what was posted and I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you what made me take the drastic action that I did. (I do not plan on making any more posts or replies on this matter to any list).
First of all Olmert and Chalutz have already publicly declared that they can not promise that they will be able to stop the Hizbullah rockets falling on Northern Israel.
In addition, the UN is now working on a draft resolution that will allow a multi national force to patrol South Lebanon and give Lebanon a protected country status – which means that if any other country attacks it, the international community can then attack back.
Basically, put together, this all means that once the multi-national force is in South Lebanon and the Hizbullah continue to shoot rockets on Israel, Israel can NOT defend itself because, if it did, the international community would have the “legal” right to attack Israel. This is the ceasefire Israel will be forced to accept with the direction of the current political leadership.
What does this all have to do with my refusing to serve in the war up North?
Because the best of our soldiers are fighting and dying in house to house combat in Lebanon and millions of Israelis are refugees because our government places the lives of the enemy civilians over the lives of our own – this is not a way to fight, period, and definitely not a way to fight a war that must be won.
Because our government no longer intends to stop the rockets in the North, just like it has made peace with the fact that the rockets in the South are a fact of life that Israelis have to live with as well. Because Olmert is already on record saying that this war is being used to ensure that an international recognized border is implemented on the East as well, via the destruction of more yishuvim and the expulsion of more Jews from their homes in Yehuda and Shomron. Because this war is allowing Olmert to assist the Hizbullah in setting up rockets in destroyed communities in Yehuda and Shomron to then fire on Tel Aviv and the Mercaz.
I’m all for beating the Hizbullah, but wake up and realize that is not what Olmert is trying to do! He already admitted that dismantling the Hizbullah is no longer a demand in any future ceasefire and Israel is not even demanding that the international force disarm them – but the demand concerning the Hizbullah will be some lukewarm demand that basically means the Hezbullah will stay put in Lebanon (maybe a few kilometers away from the border - a lot of good with rockets that fly 150 kilometers)!
So why are we fighting this war?
Our brave soldiers are dying STAM fighting house to house in a war so that Olmert can prove to Israelis that we need to destroy yishuvim in Yehuda and Shomron in order to place a border on the West Bank – an act that will then allow the Hizbullan to fire rockets from the hills of Yehuda and Shomron on the rest of Israel.
I have taken the very uncomfortable step of refusing to serve in this war in order to give across a message to the rest of Israel – wake up! This war is more about disinformation and public statements (JUST LIKE THE GERUSH) and less about actual victorious results.
The government has already given up the fight, the fighting now is just to “look victorious” before a cease fire is implemented, but the Hizbullah has already won – they have proven to the Arab world that rockets could be shot on Israel and Israel WON’T do what is necessary to stop it.
Israel CAN do what is necessary, but Israel’s current leadership is focused making ourselves look good in the eyes of the world and not about protecting its citizens or soldiers. The political echelon and the army leadership no longer have the moral capacity to defend us as a country.
This is what I protest!
Unless the leadership leading this war changes and the target becomes to beat the Hizbullah so that NO more rockets fall on Israel in the future from the North (or from the South) using all military means necessary (and NOT placing the lives of civilians protecting the enemy before the lives of our own civilians and soldiers) then I call on the Israeli government to stop this war now instead of using Israeli civilians and soldiers as pawns in the war to ensure re-alignment, that will put all of Israel in danger.
Somehow this message has to get across because not enough of us are seeing through the media spins, so I took it upon myself to take this drastic action so that people can hopefully start to wake up.
Olmert’s public statement on his real purpose of the war (to ensure the re-alignment plan) allowed me to finally get up the guts to take off my uniform. He finally revealed the truth for everyone to hear and I thought it would be an immoral act to let it get by without any upblic outcry against the way this war is being manipulated.
I know many of you will disagree with me, but I have had enough of the years of derelict Israeli policy that has made Jewish lives hefker in our own country.
With all the justification to fight this war – please realize that the way our current leadership is running it, it is yet another derelict policy proving how Jewish blood is hefker – the government has already gone on record that it doesn’t intend to win the war, rather cause as much damage as possible to the Hizbullah before a ceasefire. Hence the Hizbullah (who will continue to get rockets from Iran and Syria after a ceasefire) will have won regardless of the media spins our politicians will come up with.
Yes, we must beat the Hizbullah, AND Syria AND Iran (the real handlers behind the Hizbullah) – but that is not what this war is about unfortunately.
I pray for the safety for all my friends and comrades who are up North fighting – for those who disagree with my action and for those who agree with me but told me that they are too afraid of the consequences for joining me in my act.
Screaming this at the top of our lungs after the war would be too late – Am Yisrael needs to hear this now to hopefully help stop this from all happening and sometimes drastic actions are necessary to get messages across. Believe me, this step is most painful for ME and not for any of you who have the luxury of throwing your two cents into an email and not paying any consequences. This is a well thought out life decision that will have repercussions on my life today and in the future in ways that are impossible for me to know today – but I took the decision anyway because I thought it was the correct thing to do.
Disagree with me if you must but also please show respect for a fellow Jew, neighbor and possibly friend who took a life effecting decision for the benefit of Am Yisrael.
Achdut is very very important, it is what I strive to achieve day in and day out as a Jew, but when that feeling of “achdut” and our actual LIVES, as civilians and soldiers, are being manipulated and used cynically by politicians and army generals, then I believe it is better to cause a ruckus to help people realize that true achdut will only come when the leadership in the country is true and moral then go along with the charade. The current “achdut” that everyone wants to preserve in this time of war is only bringing the country to an even lower level of security and morality than it was at before.
As a little kid in New York City I dreamt of one day serving as an Israeli soldier and defending the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. I fulfilled that dream by becoming an infantry soldier in Golani. I have now taken a decision that stops me from being able to serve again to defend my country on the battlefield. I cry as I write these words, it is not something that I'm proud of, not at all. I will have to explain this act to my children whom I hope will one day be proud soldiers in an Israeli army based on true morality and Jewish pride. But I will no longer be a pawn of a crooked establishment that has, and continues to make Jewish lives hefker.
No more.
I'm willing to act and pay the price for my decision - what about you?
Avi Abelow"
Just a mere few weeks ago, the left in Tel Aviv barely had a few hundred people protesting our self-defense. Depending on the paper you read, up to 5000 people were out last night demanding we pull out our troops and stop defending ourselves!
Haaretz reports it at 5000. Ynet, more accurately perhaps, at just 3000, but mentions that they were also throwing excrement at the police, so I guess 3000 leftwing protesters and their excrement equals 5000.
The point is, momentum is gathering.
The sicko, radical left (led by the Arab MKs) will soon be calling up their 4 mothers to demand we let Hizbollah hit us harder. Olmert must be getting it big-time from his family, while nothing at all from his wife.
For the past few years Leftists couldn't get a large protest together without free music and food. They've since learned to bring their own food.
Regardless, something always stinks at these lefty protests - at least we now know what it is.
Haaretz reports it at 5000. Ynet, more accurately perhaps, at just 3000, but mentions that they were also throwing excrement at the police, so I guess 3000 leftwing protesters and their excrement equals 5000.
The point is, momentum is gathering.
The sicko, radical left (led by the Arab MKs) will soon be calling up their 4 mothers to demand we let Hizbollah hit us harder. Olmert must be getting it big-time from his family, while nothing at all from his wife.
For the past few years Leftists couldn't get a large protest together without free music and food. They've since learned to bring their own food.
Regardless, something always stinks at these lefty protests - at least we now know what it is.
I came across this blog (actually he seems to have come across mine).
Good reading: http://s-p-q-a.blogspot.com/
Good reading: http://s-p-q-a.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 05, 2006
It has been asked of me what is my solution for defeating Nassralah and Islamic Terror. Napalm aside, the answer is obviously in expanding our empire. Benevolent Occupation if you will.
Let’s face it, Israel is in a bad neighborhood, where less than 100 years ago the British and French took a bunch of sheiks and put crowns on their heads, and they’ve had nothing but assassinations and trouble since. Hardly any Middle East state is much older than the current State of Israel.
People tend to assume that Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and even Saudi Arabia have been around forever, but they haven’t been, they were just backward provinces making up part of the Ottoman Empire (the JoeSettler overly simplified history of the Muddled East) until some upstart broke away and took control or control was given to him.
But it’s obvious that they don’t know how to rule themselves.
Lebanon is one big, violent internecine fight (and Syria is more in charge there anyway). Syria was taken over by a coup years ago, and who knows whether it is a military junta or the unfavored son who is the dictator in charge. Jordan is another dictatorship (called a monarchy). Iraq is a mess, and Saudi Arabia is run by a bunch of, well we know who runs Saudi Arabia and what they’ve done for their population.
Perhaps it is time that Israel starts getting Imperial. Half the leaders of these countries have nothing in common with the people they are oppressing anyway. 80% of Jordan is "Palestinian". Assad of Syria is Ba’ath, while the majority of his countrymen aren’t. I can go on, but what is the point.
The solution is Benevolent Occupation. Kick out their rulers, dictators, and despots from the Middle East and bring in some Jewish brains to run the show. Start with some shows of force to get rid of their weapons, and then bring them some civilization.
“They” like to say we run the world, well, it’s about time we started and showed them how it’s done.
Let’s face it, Israel is in a bad neighborhood, where less than 100 years ago the British and French took a bunch of sheiks and put crowns on their heads, and they’ve had nothing but assassinations and trouble since. Hardly any Middle East state is much older than the current State of Israel.
People tend to assume that Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and even Saudi Arabia have been around forever, but they haven’t been, they were just backward provinces making up part of the Ottoman Empire (the JoeSettler overly simplified history of the Muddled East) until some upstart broke away and took control or control was given to him.
But it’s obvious that they don’t know how to rule themselves.
Lebanon is one big, violent internecine fight (and Syria is more in charge there anyway). Syria was taken over by a coup years ago, and who knows whether it is a military junta or the unfavored son who is the dictator in charge. Jordan is another dictatorship (called a monarchy). Iraq is a mess, and Saudi Arabia is run by a bunch of, well we know who runs Saudi Arabia and what they’ve done for their population.
Perhaps it is time that Israel starts getting Imperial. Half the leaders of these countries have nothing in common with the people they are oppressing anyway. 80% of Jordan is "Palestinian". Assad of Syria is Ba’ath, while the majority of his countrymen aren’t. I can go on, but what is the point.
The solution is Benevolent Occupation. Kick out their rulers, dictators, and despots from the Middle East and bring in some Jewish brains to run the show. Start with some shows of force to get rid of their weapons, and then bring them some civilization.
“They” like to say we run the world, well, it’s about time we started and showed them how it’s done.
20 minutes past when Mincha was supposed to start on Friday - still no minyan. Finally, someone walked in and Mincha got started.
Shabbat morning had fewer people in our Settlement than Friday night, as people received their emergency call-ups on Shabbat and had to leave Friday evening (during Shabbat)!
The talk of the day was Avi.
And people had (very) strong feelings going both ways.
I won’t discuss the heated arguments here and now (perhaps another time), but I would say that everyone had somewhat of a valid opinion, but some opinions were more valid than others.
I would say that the opinion I agree with is that I personally wouldn’t/won’t do it as this is a war which I think can be classified as a Milchemet Mitzva (regardless that it was the Left that directly brought us into this bad situation) and we have an obligation to fight , but knowing how much the events of last summer touched Avi personally and ingrained themselves into his psyche, he didn’t have any other choice if he were to remain whole with himself.
Shabbat morning had fewer people in our Settlement than Friday night, as people received their emergency call-ups on Shabbat and had to leave Friday evening (during Shabbat)!
The talk of the day was Avi.
And people had (very) strong feelings going both ways.
I won’t discuss the heated arguments here and now (perhaps another time), but I would say that everyone had somewhat of a valid opinion, but some opinions were more valid than others.
I would say that the opinion I agree with is that I personally wouldn’t/won’t do it as this is a war which I think can be classified as a Milchemet Mitzva (regardless that it was the Left that directly brought us into this bad situation) and we have an obligation to fight , but knowing how much the events of last summer touched Avi personally and ingrained themselves into his psyche, he didn’t have any other choice if he were to remain whole with himself.
Friday, August 04, 2006
There not much difference between Avi and Rechavam when it comes down to it. Both love the People and Land of Israel. Both freely and generously donate of their time to wonderful causes. Both were active during the Expulsion. Both are excellent role models of good Jews. Both serve in special units in the reserves.
Last week Avi was up in Lebanon fighting, while Rechavam was waiting for his emergency call-up.
Suddenly Olmert the Idiot (Hassan Nassrallah’s words, not mine) said that this war will be the driving force to forward his plan to expel more Jews from their homes.
Suddenly Avi and Rechavam found themselves in a dilemma.
Ignoring that Olmert is restraining the IDF’s fighting options, Avi and Rechavam asked themselves, should they fight in a war which the Leadership of the Left explicitly plans to exploit in order to kick these same reserve soldiers out of their own homes?
At the end of the week, they each made their decision.
Avi told his commanders that he is quitting the war and they should put him on trial. He will not risk going home in a body bag so Olmert can then have his body dug up from its grave a few months later after Olmert destroys his settlement. (They let him go without a trial).
Rechavam said that G/d is obviously in control here and not Olmert. Rechavam’s job is to protect the people in the North, and G/d will worry about Rechavam’s home.
Rechavam is now up in Lebanon fighting.
As a potentially very relevant question, I am asking what would you now do in this same situation?
Last week Avi was up in Lebanon fighting, while Rechavam was waiting for his emergency call-up.
Suddenly Olmert the Idiot (Hassan Nassrallah’s words, not mine) said that this war will be the driving force to forward his plan to expel more Jews from their homes.
Suddenly Avi and Rechavam found themselves in a dilemma.
Ignoring that Olmert is restraining the IDF’s fighting options, Avi and Rechavam asked themselves, should they fight in a war which the Leadership of the Left explicitly plans to exploit in order to kick these same reserve soldiers out of their own homes?
At the end of the week, they each made their decision.
Avi told his commanders that he is quitting the war and they should put him on trial. He will not risk going home in a body bag so Olmert can then have his body dug up from its grave a few months later after Olmert destroys his settlement. (They let him go without a trial).
Rechavam said that G/d is obviously in control here and not Olmert. Rechavam’s job is to protect the people in the North, and G/d will worry about Rechavam’s home.
Rechavam is now up in Lebanon fighting.
As a potentially very relevant question, I am asking what would you now do in this same situation?
Thursday, August 03, 2006
I just came across the blogger "Digital Irony" and he has there this unbelievable video of a missile hit in Haifa.
Jameel wrote this important post which is being reprinted here:
You can send Olmert and his staff your comments at the following locations:
Rachael Risby-Raz
Diaspora Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister
Phone; 02-6706182
Fax: 02-6706179
risbyraz@it.pmo.gov.il
It's the evening of Tisha B'Av now in Israel. The day Jews mourn the destruction of the Jewish Temples and other calamities that have befallen the Jewish people.
I already sat on the floor of our shul, and heard "Eicha" -- The Book of Lamentations, and thought long and hard about this posting.
The stated cause of the destruction of the Second Temple 2000 years ago, was that of "sin'at chinam" -- baseless hated among the Jewish people. For the past 3 weeks since the start of the war, I have tried to to put politics aside, and let the Israeli Prime Minister run the war as best as he sees fit.
I have encouraged a united front, and encouraged Jews around the world to unite against our common enemy -- so that we bring our kidnapped IDF soldiers safely home, remove the missile threat of Hizbolla from South Lebanon, and instill the fear of the IDF into the Palestinians in Gaza, so that they realize it's not worthwhile to shoot rockets at Israel.
However, tonight, I can no longer remain silent.
As awful as it is to write this on Tisha B'Av, I have checked and rechecked myself to make sure that the source of this posting is not based on sin'at chinam -- needless hatred.
Today, the Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, has showed the world his true colors -- that the unity of Israel is unimportant to him. Olmert said:
I already sat on the floor of our shul, and heard "Eicha" -- The Book of Lamentations, and thought long and hard about this posting.
The stated cause of the destruction of the Second Temple 2000 years ago, was that of "sin'at chinam" -- baseless hated among the Jewish people. For the past 3 weeks since the start of the war, I have tried to to put politics aside, and let the Israeli Prime Minister run the war as best as he sees fit.
I have encouraged a united front, and encouraged Jews around the world to unite against our common enemy -- so that we bring our kidnapped IDF soldiers safely home, remove the missile threat of Hizbolla from South Lebanon, and instill the fear of the IDF into the Palestinians in Gaza, so that they realize it's not worthwhile to shoot rockets at Israel.
However, tonight, I can no longer remain silent.
As awful as it is to write this on Tisha B'Av, I have checked and rechecked myself to make sure that the source of this posting is not based on sin'at chinam -- needless hatred.
Today, the Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, has showed the world his true colors -- that the unity of Israel is unimportant to him. Olmert said:
"Israel's victory in Lebanon will give a new momentum to complete the disengagement from the Palestinians by evacuating most settlements in Judea and Samaria." YNETNEWS
At a time when Israel needs its unity the most, when rightwing/leftwing, secular and religious soldiers are fighting shoulder to shoulder in South Lebanon and Gaza, when rockets are falling on civilians of all walks of life and shades of Israel -- more than anything we need unity, NOW.
And yet, Olmert decided that now, the day before Tisha B'Av, on the one year anniversary of the destruction of Gush Katif, is the perfect time for him to announce that his "convergence" plan of the evacuation and destruction of many more settlements in the West Bank, will be served by a victory in Lebanon.
There were many who said that the national-religious youth would shun the IDF as a result of the Disengagement, yet they are still signing up in droves for the most elite of combat units. This war is being fought by the IDF -- the unified army of Israel, for the protection of the State of Israel.
And yet, Olmert has ulterior motives for this war?
There's a story running around in my head since last week, that I can't let go of.
Major Roi Klein...IDF combat officer...who gave his life fighting last week in Bint Jebail, South Lebanon.
Major Roi Klein...just shy of his 31rst birthday from the hilltop settlement of Eli. He was married with 2 young boys...and went off to battle in South Lebanon.
While leading the charge against a Hizbolla terrorist position, a grenade was thrown at his IDF platoon, and Roi made the decision to jump on top of the grenade. Falling flat over it, his body absorbed the explosion -- saving the lives of the soldiers under his command.
What goes through the mind of a soldier, a husband, a father when he sees the grenade being thrown at him, and the split second decision that will end his life, yet save those around him?
This noble Jewish soldier not only sacrificed his life, Al Kiddush Hashem, for the sanctification of G-d by defending the Jewish State, but in the process, saved the individual lives of his fellow soldiers around him. Every soldier's life he saved was a world in and of itself.
And those soldiers whose lives were saved all told the same story...that as he jumped on the grenade, everyone was able to hear him say, "Shma Yisrael, Hashem Elokaynu, Hashem Echad." (Hear O Israel, Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One)
Over the past week, Olmert has cynically invoked this story of Roi Klein and now professes that the purpose of the war is to promote his political plan of the "convergence". Olmert knows perfectly well that bombastic statements at this point in time will only serve to rile up the right wing. Roi Klein's widow and children live in Eli -- a settlement slated for destruction by Olmert's convergence plan -- and now he says that the war in Lebanon -- Roi Klein's heroic death, will serve to springboard that PLAN?!
This week, Olmert sent the Israeli Police to "unauthorized" hilltop outposts -- the very same ones that Ariel Sharon encouraged to be built -- and the police served destruction/eviction orders. Unfortunately, many of the husbands of those caravans didn't receive the "orders" and their wives did instead. That's because their husbands are currently fighting in South Lebanon in the IDF.
We can not be silent any more. There is a limit to how much Am Yisrael can stomach for the sake of unity, when the Prime Minister of Israel is purposely acting divisively to achieve his own narrow political goals...during wartime!
And you know what? Olmert is entitled to his political opinion as Prime Minister, and he is even entitled to try and push his plan forward.
However, to do so now, during wartime, intentionally targeting the settlers who are showing incredible loyalty to a State which turned it's back on them last year, who are fighting as one in a war of survival for the Jewish State -- shows incredible cynicism, small mindedness, and I'm sad to say...evil.
And for Olmert to say so on the day before Tisha B'Av...shows that he is not worthy of leading the Jewish State.
I seriously suggest you take a minute to send PM Olmert and his staff a comment on how the Prime Minister of Israel is acting. And if you really are incensed by his words and actions -- then pass this along to others.
And yet, Olmert decided that now, the day before Tisha B'Av, on the one year anniversary of the destruction of Gush Katif, is the perfect time for him to announce that his "convergence" plan of the evacuation and destruction of many more settlements in the West Bank, will be served by a victory in Lebanon.
There were many who said that the national-religious youth would shun the IDF as a result of the Disengagement, yet they are still signing up in droves for the most elite of combat units. This war is being fought by the IDF -- the unified army of Israel, for the protection of the State of Israel.
And yet, Olmert has ulterior motives for this war?
There's a story running around in my head since last week, that I can't let go of.
Major Roi Klein...IDF combat officer...who gave his life fighting last week in Bint Jebail, South Lebanon.
Major Roi Klein...just shy of his 31rst birthday from the hilltop settlement of Eli. He was married with 2 young boys...and went off to battle in South Lebanon.
While leading the charge against a Hizbolla terrorist position, a grenade was thrown at his IDF platoon, and Roi made the decision to jump on top of the grenade. Falling flat over it, his body absorbed the explosion -- saving the lives of the soldiers under his command.
What goes through the mind of a soldier, a husband, a father when he sees the grenade being thrown at him, and the split second decision that will end his life, yet save those around him?
This noble Jewish soldier not only sacrificed his life, Al Kiddush Hashem, for the sanctification of G-d by defending the Jewish State, but in the process, saved the individual lives of his fellow soldiers around him. Every soldier's life he saved was a world in and of itself.
And those soldiers whose lives were saved all told the same story...that as he jumped on the grenade, everyone was able to hear him say, "Shma Yisrael, Hashem Elokaynu, Hashem Echad." (Hear O Israel, Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One)
Over the past week, Olmert has cynically invoked this story of Roi Klein and now professes that the purpose of the war is to promote his political plan of the "convergence". Olmert knows perfectly well that bombastic statements at this point in time will only serve to rile up the right wing. Roi Klein's widow and children live in Eli -- a settlement slated for destruction by Olmert's convergence plan -- and now he says that the war in Lebanon -- Roi Klein's heroic death, will serve to springboard that PLAN?!
This week, Olmert sent the Israeli Police to "unauthorized" hilltop outposts -- the very same ones that Ariel Sharon encouraged to be built -- and the police served destruction/eviction orders. Unfortunately, many of the husbands of those caravans didn't receive the "orders" and their wives did instead. That's because their husbands are currently fighting in South Lebanon in the IDF.
We can not be silent any more. There is a limit to how much Am Yisrael can stomach for the sake of unity, when the Prime Minister of Israel is purposely acting divisively to achieve his own narrow political goals...during wartime!
And you know what? Olmert is entitled to his political opinion as Prime Minister, and he is even entitled to try and push his plan forward.
However, to do so now, during wartime, intentionally targeting the settlers who are showing incredible loyalty to a State which turned it's back on them last year, who are fighting as one in a war of survival for the Jewish State -- shows incredible cynicism, small mindedness, and I'm sad to say...evil.
And for Olmert to say so on the day before Tisha B'Av...shows that he is not worthy of leading the Jewish State.
I seriously suggest you take a minute to send PM Olmert and his staff a comment on how the Prime Minister of Israel is acting. And if you really are incensed by his words and actions -- then pass this along to others.
A Meaningful Tisha B'Av to the Entire Jewish People,
Jameel.
You can send Olmert and his staff your comments at the following locations:
By Web Form: Here
By Email: pm_eng@pmo.gov.il
By Fac: [+972]-2-670-5475
By Phone: [+972] -2-670-5555
Rachael Risby-Raz
Diaspora Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister
Phone; 02-6706182
Fax: 02-6706179
risbyraz@it.pmo.gov.il
Erez Halfon
Advisor to the Prime Minister
Phone; 02-670-5235
Fax; 02-651-0630
pm_eng@pmo.gov.il
Advisor to the Prime Minister
Phone; 02-670-5235
Fax; 02-651-0630
pm_eng@pmo.gov.il
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Olmert said today that the war police action (?) in Lebanon will provide momentum for his Expulsion plan. The man is delusional.
HaAretz reports that ten Settlers who were supposed to be doing their reserve duty today said they won’t go fight in Lebanon to help Olmert throw them out of their homes.
Meanwhile, I don’t know if we’ll even have a minyan this Shabbat in our settlement as a significant number of our Settlers have received their emergency call-ups to go ‘North’.
I posted a week or two ago about Eidan in Golani. Last week, Harry his brother was sent into Lebanon, and today Rechavam received his Tzav-8 and is on his way.
G/d protect them all from Hizbollah and Ehud Olmert.
HaAretz reports that ten Settlers who were supposed to be doing their reserve duty today said they won’t go fight in Lebanon to help Olmert throw them out of their homes.
Meanwhile, I don’t know if we’ll even have a minyan this Shabbat in our settlement as a significant number of our Settlers have received their emergency call-ups to go ‘North’.
I posted a week or two ago about Eidan in Golani. Last week, Harry his brother was sent into Lebanon, and today Rechavam received his Tzav-8 and is on his way.
G/d protect them all from Hizbollah and Ehud Olmert.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Not quite sure who this is, but I responsed to his interview and here is the post.
http://jarrarsupariver.blogspot.com/2006/08/in-t-view-israeli-bloggers-on-israeli.html
And here is a comment I wrote there in response to a Lebanese reader:
http://jarrarsupariver.blogspot.com/2006/08/in-t-view-israeli-bloggers-on-israeli.html
In this In T View we present Joe Settler, writing from somewhere in the liberated land of Israel, and telling us about life there, the war, Israeli society and politics in the aptly named Joe Settler blog.
MG: How does your routine or perception change during a crisis like this? Do you become a news junky, call frequently to check on your family members and friends, worry a lot, spend more time with your loved ones?
Joe Settler: I follow the news slightly more, but that's about it.
MG: Do you think it's an accurate assessment to say that while Israel appears to be winning the actual war they are losing the propaganda battle?
Joe Settler: Israel will only win the Lebanon aspect of this war against Islamic terrorism if Hizbollah is destroyed and the Lebanon government takes responsibility for (South) Lebanon and what goes on in general inside its borders. I can't say that we are winning or losing the actual war or the propaganda war as only the final results will tell.
MG: If you had the chance to watch any of the international coverage of the war like CNN, BBC, or Fox, do you think their coverage has been fair and objective?
Joe Settler: I have not been watching them.
MG: What would you say to your compatriots in the Lebanese blogosphere?
Joe Settler: This is your window opportunity to rid yourselves of the Syrian and Iranian influence in your lives and create a free society and government that you (hopefully) want with the full aid and support of the rest of the world. You can decide to use this opportunity to create a society free of terror and Islamic Fundamentalism with massive global opportunities, or you can sit back and let Syria and Iran via Hizbollah continue to manipulate your lives. The choice is yours.I hope you choose to take this opportunity.
MG: So what's your biggest complaint with the Omert government's handling of this crisis?
Joe Settler: Olmert's not using enough air power ahead of the ground troops arrival, and he hasn't learned the underlying lessons of this war – this is a religious war of fundamental Islamic terrorism against not just the Jewish State, but the entire world. His 'realignment' plan is doomed to return us to the same situation after he implements it.
MG: When a ceasefire is declared, what would you be more comfortable with, UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon or NATO forces? And why?
Joe Settler: A ceasefire without the eradication of Hizbollah beforehand will just return us to the same situation in a matter of time.I prefer neither.
As an independent sovereign entity the Lebanese government must take full control and responsibility for what goes on inside its borders. If it can't and either UN or NATO troops are required to be deployed, then Lebanon might as well be dissolved as it simply can't justify its own existence anymore.
I might not have no problem with NATO troops assisting Lebanese troops secure their interior against Hizbollah and other Syrian/Iranian internal influences as it would be clear that this is part of the global battle against Islamic Fundamentalism, but long term it is very bad for both Lebanon and Israel.
Either way, their entry into Lebanon would be bad for Israel as it would limit our response capability if Hizbollah wasn't destroyed before their introduction.
MG says: Our thanks go out to Joe.
And here is a comment I wrote there in response to a Lebanese reader:
Interesting comment but one unfortunately full of historical and factual errors.
I have no interest in dissolving Lebanon.
Without the Syrian and Iranian influence, much less Islamic Fundamentalism, Lebanon can return to being the Arab Jewel of the Middle East. On the other hand, remaining a proxy of the Axis of Evil negates any reason for it to remain. Lebanon as a state is only 5 years older than the Third Jewish Commonwealth in Israel , and the region certainly doesn’t need another state steeped in Islamic terror.
That the Arab states don’t accept our existence is far more a statement of their failures and autocratic repressive regimes rather than the issue of Israel’s existence. It is unfortunate that you actually believe that the Arab states that offensively attacked Israel from 1948 onwards were somehow on the defensive.
It is also unfortunate that you don’t realize that the Shaba farms actually belonged to Syria and not Lebanon and all maps indicate this. While Syria just recently ‘ceded’ the farms to Lebanon they have still yet to provide the UN with any collaborating documentation that they have actually done so. Nor will they, as Syria, as you are well aware, views Lebanon not as an independent state, but as Syrian controlled territory and therefore they would never write a document that indicated any independence of their Lebanese province.
Unfortunately, Lebanon chooses to, or is unable to manage what goes on inside its borders, and what goes on inside your borders is directed against Israel. Whether the decision is willful or not, it requires that we in Israel defend ourselves against your impotency, incompetence, or malice – you select your motivation.
Accept that Hizbollah have gotten you into this current mess, and the decision to remove this cancer from your midst is your own.
Israel nearly signed a peace treaty once with Lebanon on May 17, 1983 but the Syrians and your internecine problems ultimately prevented its ratification. Remove your ties to Islamic Fundamentalist terrorism and the Axis of Evil and I’m sure peace and its remunerations would quickly follow.
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