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July 27, 2001/Av 7, 5761, Vol. 53, No.42
Letters to the EditorJuly 27, 2001
Hate rhetoric dims hopes for peaceEditor:Article 22 of the 1995 Oslo Agreement, signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, states that the two sides should foster mutual understanding and tolerance and abstain from incitement, including hostile propaganda against each other. Yet, it is evident that anti-Israel sentiment generated by the Palestinians has resulted in terrorist-caused deaths and injuries in the past six years, raising serious questions about continuing negotiations. Anti-Israel rhetoric and propaganda is aimed at the youth population in schools, religious settings and at terrorist organization training camps. The history book used by Palestinian children teaches that Jews are the enemies of the prophets and believers. Anti-Jewish hatred is preached in the mosques, denying the validity of the agreements and imploring congregants not to befriend Israelis nor to have mercy on the Jews, but to fight and kill them. Soon after the suicide terrorist bombing of 21 young Jews in Tel Aviv, it was revealed that the bomber Saeed Hotari had attended Hamas-run classes on Islamic study. He and other young men were recruited to become suicide bombers, told that the Islamic prophet Mohammed calls for Muslims to wage war against infidels and to kill idolaters wherever they find them. These men are lured by financial gain for their families, eternal martyrdom and unlimited sex in the afterlife. Most, however, go on the missions because of their devotion to God and their desire to die with Jewish blood on their hands. It is not heroic; it is holy. A month after Hotari died in the bombing incident, his parents had a party to celebrate the event. His father's prayer was that his brothers, friends and fellow Palestinians will sacrifice their lives too. The best way to show love of God is to kill the enemy. With its Arab neighbors supporting the Palestinians, how can Israel continue to talk about peace with those who are committed to wiping them out? Bill Epstein Sun City West Where were the people?Editor:On Tuesday, July 17, a meeting was held at Congregation Har Zion, organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. The purpose was to inform the Jewish community about the dire nature of events in Israel and to mobilize people into action. A speaker from the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles flew in. The total turnout was 49 people. Where were the Jews of Greater Phoenix? At a time when Israel is fighting to live in peace and security, 49 Jews show up for the meeting. What a disgrace. Events to support Israel are being planned all over the country and in Phoenix, 49 Jews show up. Now is the time Israel needs us. It is crucial that we all pitch in together and help, now, not later. I sincerely hope that at the next meeting more than 49 Jewish people can find the time to show up to help support their brothers and sisters in Israel. Steven Rosenbaum Scottsdale |
