ISRAEL UPDATESeptember 28, 2003 - Recently I found a newspaper article in my office dated this same week during the year of 1998, describing the Oasis Casino. . . ready for completion by the Palestinian Authority.
The concept was simple – have a place for both Arabs and Jews to leave the turbulent pressures of the region behind, socialize and gamble. This was a situation expected to be profitable, drawing foreign investors with the “gold mine” they expected it to be.
Alas, there was one problem - the investors, the Arab workers and Israeli citizens did not factor in the self-serving dictator of the Palestinian Authority - Yasser Arafat.
Just like the Madrid talks, the Oslo Accords, the Wye River agreement, Camp David meetings, and the Sharm El Sheikh summit, Mr. Arafat and his cohorts have shown total disregard and contempt for the lives of innocent civilians… and the economies of both groups of people.
Travelers coming from nations outside of Israel have all but ceased going to the Oasis, while locals are afraid to travel any distance due to violence. So, the Palestinian people are feeling one more phase of oppression in the lives. . . not because of Israel, but rather due to Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, and all the others whose terror activities go unrestrained, all in the name of nationalism.
Just as all the above mentioned efforts at peace were the building blocks of a solid future for Israel and the Palestinians, the foundation has been ripped to shreds by a Palestinian leadership that doesn't care.
Now the Road Map for peace appears to have allowed a runaway bus driven by Arafat to go where it pleases. Through efforts by Arafat and his henchmen – blatantly ignoring all the warning signs on the road, places such as the Oasis Casino have gone by the wayside, or have become a sewer of despair.
September 28, 2003 - Wilhelm Marr, a German agitator, coined the term anti-Semitism in 1879, designating the anti-Jewish campaigns then so prevalent in Europe.
By definition, the term has been universally applied to any form of literature, behavior, or activity that promotes hostility toward the Jews.
But even before 1879, anti-Semitism had been manifested without title in the actions of Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian, Haman, the Caesars, the Czars, Kaiser, Hitler, along with numbers of cardinals, bishops, priests, Popes, and pastors.
While we can see fear, ignorance, hate and insecurity in all those that embrace anti-Semitic beliefs - these are actually just the fruit of an evil root.
People that are anti-Semitic are that way because they have been unable to come to grips with G-d, His personality, and His plan for mankind.
Martin Luther turned negative towards the Jews because of their rejection of his salvation attempts – somewhat comparable to Mohammed's experiences.
Christians that cannot grasp G-d choosing and using both the Church and Israel, are unable or unwilling to respond appropriately to the people and land that G-d Himself chose.
It is spiritual insecurity that is the basis of anti-Semitism, as people cannot resolve their own personal issues with G-d, thus the anger and frustration becomes placed upon the Jews.
Those Christians who love Israel and the Jews have found a resolve in the Scriptures and with their Creator. . . as they have found the heart of G-d and choose to be a blessing – ultimately understanding G-d and His plan. They are truly at rest with Him.
To be continued . . .