November 29, 2012

THE PALESTINIANS SEEK A STATUS UPGRADE AT THE UNITED NATIONS 

If the Palestinian Authority succeeds today in gaining United Nations approval for an upgraded status (non-member state), what will that mean?

--While the Palestinians may accomplish their objective at the United Nations, the average Palestinian in the West Bank and elsewhere may eventually be disappointed as no 'facts on the ground' leading to a better life for them are certain to result from this action.

--Secondly, the U.N. vote does nothing to move Israelis and Palestinians closer to peace. 

--Finally, if the Palestinians  are looking for a dramatic move beyond today’s quickly fading spotlights and headlines generated at the U.N., let them immediately return to the negotiating table with Israel for direct talks.

[Israel Action Network]

A LOCAL COMMENT ON THE ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT 

The Oakland Press (theoaklandpress.com), Serving Oakland County

GUEST OPINION: Moral equivalency missing in Israeli-Hamas conflict 

Thursday, November 29, 2012 

By Rachel Kapen

Being an Israeli-American, I am naturally perceived as being pro-Israel relating to the prolonged and festering Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and indeed I am. I have an unequivocal commitment to the right of the Jewish state to exist in peace and tranquility, something its leaders have desired since its establishment on May 14, 1948, which created the modern manifestation of the old kingdoms of Israel and Judea. However, I also possess a measure of objectivity allowing me to acknowledge the validity of the claims of the other side. That’s something, I admit, not all my Israeli brethren possess, but I believe it is essential to fruitful negotiations hopefully leading to a lasting peace.

Alas, as far as the current fight of rockets between the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and Israel, there is only one way to look at it. Israel’s only aim is to destroy the launching pads of destructive and deadly rockets which has made life unbearable for many months in the southern towns and cities of the country. The rockets have the ability to reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which are located in the center of Israel.

Because of the daily carnage in Gaza causes greater casualties than those on the Israeli side, many question the validity of the Israeli government’s motive of defending its citizens, which places the terrorist organization Hamas and the Israeli government on the same moral equivalency. But nothing can be further from the truth.

The simple reason for the many Gaza casualties is that Hamas purposely places its launching pads in the midst of crowded civilian venues, such as apartment buildings, schools and even hospitals. No amount of Israeli caution can prevent the death and injury of citizens including women, children, and the elderly.

Before pointing an accusatory finger at the the Israeli Defense Forces, one should understand the true nature of this unfortunate fighting. No government can sit idle when its citizens are bombarded for many months. The Israeli government is doing what a democratic government is supposed to do: take care of its population. There is no equivalency whatsoever between the bombing by Hamas of Israeli population centers with the express aim to destroy and kill and the targeted destruction by Israel of the deadly rockets and its launching sites that make life in Israel increasingly unbearable.

With a ceasefire in effect, there is celebration in Gaza and mostly an air of skepticism in Israel. Only time will tell how durable this ceasefire will be.

Rachel Kapen, of West Bloomfield Township, was born and raised in Israel. She has taught Hebrew in Israel and in the United States. She has written for New York’s Lamishpaha Hebrew Monthly. 

URL: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/11/29/opinion/doc50b69439ed8ad929250470.prt 

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