August 3, 2001

"Israel - What America and Bush Must Do"

I attended meetings in Washington yesterday in support of Israel.  Repeatedly, I heard members of Congress and White House staff ask, "What can we do now to help Israel?" If the Bush Administration actively intervenes, it will be doing what Clinton did, and, like Clinton, Bush will be severely criticized, but staying away from the conflict or taking a "hands-off"  position would result in even greater criticism. Some want our government to unilaterally declare total support for Israel and physically remove Arafat  and his cohorts. . .an unrealistic and preposterous demand. What, therefore, should or could this government do at this very critical time?

The Bush Administration should seek the arrest of those responsible for the murder of eighteen American citizens killed by Palestinian terrorists in the intifada. Since when is the murder of an American citizen tolerated? Do different laws and policies apply to Jews? Do these Arab murderers have license to do what Osen bin Laden does? Why is there no reward for their arrests? President Bush makes repeated commitments to support Israel.

He needs to speak loud and clear, assuring Israel and the rest of the world that the United States will not stand for dismantling the Jewish state through violence and incitement. Bush needs to warn Mubarak against his press and media. American taxpayers pay almost three billion dollars a year for Egypt's cooperation and peace with Israel. Yet, Mubarak permits his state-controlled newspapers and television to spew continuous anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial and anti-Israel propaganda. Official government publications on the internet attack the United States and incite Egyptian masses to hatred.

President Bush cannot ignore this. Mubarak can't have his cake and eat it, too, and his people cannot bite the hand that feeds them. And if Sharon finds it necessary to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, it is Egypt, armed with American technology and weaponry, more than any other Mid-Eastern country, that must be told to "stay put."

Bush needs to seriously caution the Saudis to avoid meddling. Above all, he must tell the Persian Gulf countries, who were saved by America from Saddam's cruel attempt to conquer, that they are indebted to the United States and must therefore stop encouraging Arafat, Iraq's cheerleader and strongest proponent when scuds fell on Israel and killed American soldiers in Saudi Arabia.. 

President Push continues to defend his past in the oil business. He assures everyone that he will not surrender Israel because of his and his father's relationship to the industry, and I want to believe him. However, the New York Times reported a telephone conversation between George Bush, Sr. and the Saudi Crown Prince in which the President's father, while in the same room with the President, assured the Saudi leader that his son supports the Arabs. This is disturbing news, but the younger Bush can refute it by his actions.

An American President visiting Israel at this time would make a powerful statement and help lift the morale of a nation long trounced by Arab violence and media hostility. Bush needs to make the trip. His presence in Israel would motivate many tourists to follow suit, but more significantly, it would demonstrate that the world's leading super power is strongly allied with Israel.

The Bush Administration demands restraint, and Sharon has shown great restraint; however, in the process, he has alienated many within his own party. Now, it's pay-back time. . .Sharon's restraint deserves much greater support from Washington. Israel cannot put its hands behind its back while facing terror. Colin Powell makes a fool of himself every time he talks about a reduction in violence. This is nonsense. A few dead is the same as many.

Jews will never accept the expendability of "just one life." Our State Department should drop its unjustified warning against travel to and within Israel. I, like many others, have just returned from Israel. I felt as safe there as I would have in New York or Washington, DC where violent crime exceeds that in Israel, even under the present circumstances. Americans have a sacred obligation to encourage our government to take the just path that will benefit Israel. America's treatment of its ally, and the only democracy in the Mid-East, is a benchmark for other nations who are urged to align with the United States. Failing to come to Israel's aid will discourage aspiring friends from aligning with America. America needs Israel; we need each other.

Shabbat Shalom