Winds of War, Jerusalem 7-14-06

I am out of harms way in Jerusalem. Life is completely normal here. The streets were full of Shabbat shoppers and the cafes were crowded with tourists and locals. Of course, everyone is talking about the 'matzav'. Most Israelis I talked to said, "It is about time." Israel has restrained itself vis a vis Hezbollouh for several years, despite various provocations. In general you do not find anyone in an apologetic mood, even with the deaths of civilians on the other side. Most of the Israelis feel they have no choice because Hamas and Hezbolouh operate amongst civilians, making them hostages. Hezbolouh has made all of Lebanon hostage to its actions.

I do not fear for my personal safety, but I am glued to the internet and the tv like everyone else. My perception which is backed up by several articles I have read is that moderation in the Arab-Islamic world is in retreat and that this past week is a vivid example of how extremist groups can instigate a conflagration. The statements coming out of Iran are odious and everyone in the world should be very concerned about the prospect of that nation getting a nuke. It appears very likely that Iran is behind the actions of Hezbolouh and the Hamas militants.

The challenge for Israel is not to go crazy and to act effectively and pragmatically. That is the debate here. How do you deal with weak states which allow for rampant terror? How do you deal with governments that deny your right to exist. This was a problem for Israel from its inception and it is used to dealing with it. But now the enemies have missles that can hit Haifa and other population centers. The enemies use terrorism and target civilians. They are engaged in a war of terror and attrition.

We are entering a new period which will require Israel to be aggresive before its uncompromising enemies. This is not going to be pleasant. This is not a time for weakness. It is also not a time to bow to our own extremists who would have us sink to the level of the haters of Israel . This will require tremendous and historic leadership. I hope we have it.

My concern is that Americans will give up on the Middle East and on Israel and will let the Islamicists be victorious. I think this would be terrible for Israel, but for the West. Bush has shot himself in the foot with Iraq and American weakness is palpable in the region. That is another reason you see Hezbolouh doing what it is doing. Iran through its proxies is poking America in the eye.

I think American Jews need to come here to witness the courage and the determination of Israelis. It is impressive on many levels. I am reminded of it while we are here in the middle of a major crisis. Israelis refuse to be cowed. I heard a story about a young woman who was at a coffee shop during the worst of the intifada. A suicide bomber had entered the place and was wrested down by the guards and the waiters before he had a chance to explode his package. Everyone had evacuated the restaurant and it was closed for several hours. The young woman had just received her order when the incident took place. So she left, but made sure to come back when the restaurant reopened and reordered her plate.

I saw the same thing. Last night on TV we saw a building ablaze in Naharia from a direct hit by a missle from Lebanon. This morning the we saw the charred building and on the first floor was the fruit and vegetable stand open for business. It was crowded with Shabbat shoppers. The Israelis are brave and not intimidated. It is worth coming over here to see that.

Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
July 14, 2006 18 Tammuz