ISRAEL UPDATESeptember 2, 2001 - Before the cries of condemnation come against Israel for its "occupation" of Beit Jallah, please take a trip with me. Look across the ravine at the suburb of Gilo and you will see sandbags on the widows of people’s apartments.
You will also see concrete parapets that shield motorists and pedestrians from the sniper fire that continually rains down on the winding road of this quiet piece of real estate.
Consider the frustration of the Israeli army, knowing Palestinian terrorists will go into the homes of the Christian population and open fire from the nurseries of the poor victims.
Since this area known as Beit Jallah is part of the "Palestinian controlled" area, these people who perpetrate violence on civilians have up till now been safe, as Israel has honored their part of the treaty by not invading it.
Yet as the death toll continues to mount on both sides, a group of some 50,000 protestors have taken to the streets firing automatic assault rifles in the air, declaring that this occupation will only escalate the violence.
I have been to Gilo and have seen the fear of those who live there. I have looked across at Beit Jallah and realized its volatility, and can only say – Arafat, put a stop to the violence and let peace reign.
September 2 , 2001 - It was Aristotle who wrote, "In short the habits we from childhood make no small difference, but rather they make all the difference."
Our local paper bore this out in the Sunday, August 26, 2001 edition, as it told the story of Izzedine al-Masri who walked into a restaurant in Israel and detonated a bomb strapped to his body, killing eleven people including himself.
While one of his uncles lamented the tragedy that took innocent lives, his parents rejoiced in the "ultimate sacrifice" of their son with the rest of their family.
In fact, in the city of Jenis, sweets were handed out to the children in a festive celebration, and adults greeted this "martyr's" family at their house with cheers.
Hard to comprehend children being given candy to honor a heinous act of violence perpetrated on the innocent civilian populace of Israel.
But this is not uncommon, especially since the signing of the Oslo Accords, as children are trained to use assault rifles, knives, explosives, and handguns as well as kidnap Israeli soldiers.
Palestinian TV has used "kids programs" to teach children to bite the heads off snakes and be willing to spill the blood of Jews, then to be kissed by Chairman Arafat for such behavior.
It is no wonder men like Izzedine al-Masri are willing to sacrifice themselves in such a manner, after being taught this behavior is acceptable, not just as a child but as an adult. The tree grows as the twig is bent.
To be continued…