FROM WHERE I STAND - December 29, 2001 The controversy that swirls around the nation of Israel has not just been an issue of the past decade, but rather has been a hotly contested issue even prior to her statehood and achieving independence. As each war has come and gone, as each terrorist act has been perpetrated, and as each Arab nation has clamored for the right of an independent state for the Palestinians, people are being forced to make a decision. As it becomes a social-economic, political or religious issue that causes controversy, our decision to stand with Israel should not place us in a quandary of choosing between our duty or our dilemma.
First - our duty lies with Israel. She has been our one true, long-time and steady friend in the region, regardless of how many times American policy or public opinion has wavered or changed. We cannot help but see Israel’s stability, not just as a democracy with true pro-western interest, but also in her battlefield experience that has provided a wealth of priceless intelligence data along with an arena to test American weaponry in actual combat conditions.
Second - Israel’s ability to show goodwill around the world should be commended. She has sent medical teams to Kosovo, absorbed hundreds of thousands of immigrants, and even recently provided medication to Palestinians in the autonomous region to resolve the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
Third - our duty to support Israel comes in the reality of our need to shore up all areas of Israeli life, as they battle the cancer of terrorism that is not only draining the lifeblood out of the Israelis, but the Palestinians as well. Israeli leaders have conceded land, cried for peace, and extended their hand of trust; only to be met with their discotheques, market places and public transit systems being fair game for terrorist lunatics seeking martyrdom and elevation in paradise for their “sacrifices”.
Fourth - contrary to public opinion, Israel is still the David and “Palestine” is the Goliath, even though the Palestinians would attempt to make it appear they are the only victim. Look at a map of the Muslim/Arab world and compare population, landmass, and the wealth of these oil rich countries supporting the Palestinian cause. Who is the victim?
Follow the decisions of the U.N., the European Union, and the World Council of Churches and ask again, who is boycotted, who has sanctions brought against them, and of who is it demanded to make concessions? You will find the tiny nation of Israel. These people attempt to draw up Israel’s policy and implementation of same, into the arena of discussion in order to place doubt in the people’s minds. Realistically, we do not deny Israel has made mistakes in her short and controversial history, however, there are two points that must be made regarding this belief.
1) Israel has been judged many times by her responses to her neighbors, but her neighbors precipitating the events are never discussed. While this has been proved during this past Intifadah (uprising), it also has most certainly been the case through out Israel’s history. One example the world decried was Israel’s attack of the OSIRIK nuclear reactor in Iraq. It was viewed as overly aggressive and unnecessary, yet ten years later, as the U.S. led coalition gathered against Sadam Hussein’s forces, people now have most likely re-evaluated Israel’s actions. Also, it was not until years after the Israeli incursion into Lebanon June 5, 1982 did the world learn of the international cesspool of terrorism being funded, trained, and sent out from Lebanon to threaten world security. This action, almost twenty years ago, truly has relevance today. We are as a world, finally starting to see the scope of international terrorism.2) Israel has made mistakes in the administration of what is called the “occupied areas” of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, but who could do better given the circumstances and dynamics? In more than two decades of studying and following the Middle East, I have yet to find an Israeli person serving in either a military or government capacity that is happy or even comfortable with some of the things their government has done.
But could we not say the same about U.S. policy and procedure? As a Christian and American citizen, I can say ? of my country’s handling of affairs here and abroad. Does that compromise my feelings for my country at its leaders? Absolutely not, I am still proud to be an American and a Christian because of America’s overall record. I will say the same of Israel. She has not been perfect, but her heart and intentions are in the right place. The more issues that come up with the responses that are required, denoted and expected – obviously - there will be both good and bad situations.But looking at the history of all the other nations that surround Israel, it is not hard to see how she still shines as a beacon of hope, kindness and stability. She has been a true friend to America, even when we have done so many things detrimental to her.
If there is a dilemma regarding your stand with Israel, please do some research at the library, or on the Internet. You will find that it is not a dilemma, but a pleasure to stand with Israel. Again, if you feel there is conflict between duty and dilemma regarding Israel, consult the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, you will not find a dilemma, but rather a mandate from G-d Almighty, as to how we should treat His people and feel about their land.
Truthfully, if there is a dilemma, it is how I feel when I hear the lies, feel the hate, and realize the indifference relating to Israel, from people in the church, and even those not in church. But let me close by saying in spite of problems and controversies, Israel is still Israel. Whether it is popular or not, there is no dilemma supporting and standing with Israel. It is our duty and privilege.