Next post will be something for you Terminator fans out there - you know who you are. For now, it's my turn to weigh-in on the mayhem in Gaza. As you know by now, I am Jewish and thus have very particular views on Israel and it's place in the world. In my youth I was very active in a number of Zionist youth moments whose avowed existence
hinged of directing Jewish youngsters to Israel and specifically Kibbutzim. My personal feeling is that the presence of a Jewish state in Israel is vital to the well-being of Jews as, for once, there is an entity willing and able to stand up for and protect Jews anywhere in the World. However, and this is important, being Jewish does NOT necessarily mean that I support the State of Israel in everything it does. I am a proud Canadian and not an Israeli citizen. The current situation is difficult, as I am able to see both sides points of view. In Israels defense, I can see that they have become totally fed-up with being a target. Consider, they did pull out of Gaza with much pain and grief, but did it stop the attacks and missile launches - of course not. When Hamas, a known terrorist group, seized power (elections or not), it seemed inevitable that conflict would continue with the innocent suffering. In Gaza, the constant fear of Israeli attacks and the desperate conditions caused by the closing of the borders with
Israel created a mood of defiance and fear that allowed Hamas to take power. I won't go on as I could write a book. I will close with part of a quote from a Hamas spokesperson about the UN cease-fire resolution. It says a lot about their caring for 'their' people: '...we were not consulted about this resolution and they have not taken into account our vision and the interests of our people'. Say what! Don't you want the killing to stop? Israel should unilaterally pull back, stop all attacks and see what happens next. If Hamas shows some sense, they will stop as well and perhaps some peace will break out. Naw! Wishful thinking.
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