Leon's Latest News Comment. (16)

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Israel's right to exist

I agree with my cousin Ruth Rabinowitz, a member of the South African Parliament, that, when arguing an issue like Israel's right to exist it's always better to present the facts, rather than make accusations.

Accusations, especially in a hostile environment, where they appear to be most applicable only intensify hostility and usually lead to violence.

In this spirit I'm forwarding to you an abbreviated copy of her speech on the occasion of a debate concerning a censure motion against Israel in the SA Parliament.

https://jerusalemwalks.tripod.com/mythsfacts.html (click the link or send me an e mail and I'll send you the article)

In addition to these facts I'd like to add that Israel's right to exist in the Land of Israel is not only supported by past events but by present activities:

Today Israel provides a safe environment for people who speak out against injustice everywhere in the world. In this way Israel provides the ideal way to fight injustice; by attacking it from outside, in a safe, accepting environment.

Just to name a few organizations set up in Israel to fight injustice in other countries;

an organization fighting for justice for the Tibetan People

(http://www.tibet.org/Resources/TSG/Groups/iftip.html)

an organization fighting against the injustice in Darfur,

(http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArtVty.jhtml?sw=darfur&itemNo=775554)

the organization for recognizing the Armenian Genocide. http://www.chgs.umn.edu/Histories__Narratives__Documen/Armenian_Genocide/Israeli_Minister_Affirms_Armen/israeli_minister_affirms_armen.html

In addition to the establishment of Israel being an act of justice, this state now contributes its share to promoting justice throughout the world.

I think that this is an important point when we discuss Israel's right to exist.

In his speech at the opening of the Winter session of the Knesset Olmert made three important points that show Israel's intention to develop a better environment for all the citizens of Israel.

He insists on a new deal for the Arab citizens of Israel. His logic is that they suffered together with Jewish Israelis in the recent war against Hizbullah so they should benefit equally with the Jewish citizens of Israel.

The advantageous situation of Israeli Arabs speaks volumes for the right of Israel to exist in the Land of Israel. I refer you to some notes I made on this subject several months ago.

Exerpts from Olmert's speech

https://jerusalemwalks.tripod.com/exerptsolmert.html

Israel Foreign Ministry website

http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa

Wishing you a good day.

Leon.