Bar Kochba no role model

CARL ALPERT

The Jewish settlers in the Gaza Strip and in border settlements scheduled to be evacuated are waging a well-organized campaign seeking to avert their fate. They argue that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's program to withdraw all Israelis from Gaza is tantamount to succumbing to terrorist pressures and will encourage more terrorism followed by more withdrawals.

Most Israelis appear to endorse withdrawal. The dominant Likud party is split on the issue, but the new coalition government will undoubtedly proceed to implement it.

However, the anti-withdrawal campaign has support from many circles. Some fear the move will bring the anti-Israel border closer and make new population centers easy targets for terrorist attacks. Critics argue that Sharon led the program to establish the settlement on the grounds that Israel had rights to the land and needed it for security.

The settlers' appeal to Zionist loyalties and sometimes refer to heroes in the country's history, like Bar Kochba. It's an unfortunate reference, for the lesson of that chapter in the country's history is contrary to what the settlers seek.

The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in the year 70 CE. As Jerusalem lay in ruins, most survivors put down roots in other parts of the country, awaiting a change in circumstances. Friction with the Romans continued, and insurgents organized to fight them. With Bar Kochba as their leader, they "liberated" more than 50 towns and villages.

Bar Kochba ruled with an iron hand, overcoming objections from his own people who warned that it would be suicidal to challenge the mighty Roman Empire. Sixty-two years after the destruction of the Temple, he proclaimed the re-establishment of the Jewish state. He issued coins bearing the message "Year One of the redemption of Israel," and then "Year Two of the freedom of Israel."

Roman Emperor Hadrian responded with force and within three years crushed the rebellion. Most of the Jews remaining in the country were massacred, with no hope of revival until modern times.

Many Israelis and friends of Israel are now asking if it would be wise to follow the Bar Kochba example and defy world public opinion and the advice of our American friends urging the withdrawal from Gaza. Economic pressures could be brought to bear that would undermine our vaunted security.

There are more fundamental issues on which Israel will be called upon to make a determined stand, and many believe it is unwise to compel a showdown on what they consider a relatively minor issue.

The settlers undoubtedly are motivated by a sincere and deeply felt ideology, but Ben-Gurion's basic rule applies: In time of danger, security and military logic trump ideology.

Despite differences in ideology, there is practical unanimity in the Israelis' firm determination that the existence of the state is justified, both historically and contemporarily.

Carl Alpert is a free-lance writer in Haifa, Israel.

Home