Fatah Cleric: PA in Islamic War with 'Apes, Pigs' - Middle East - News - Israel National News

Fatah Cleric: PA in Islamic War with 'Apes, Pigs' 

What does the Koran really say about Jews and the Land of Israel?

The Koran recognizes that Israel is the land of the Jews

Professor Abdul Hadi Palazzi, Director of the Istituto Culturale della Comunita Islamica Italiana (Cultural Institute of the Italian Islamic Community) in Rome, who will speak on the sanctity of Jerusalem to the Jewish People.

The sources he intends to quote, from both the Bible and the Qur'an, indicate that, just as Mecca is sacred to Islam, so is Jerusalem sacred to Judaism. He sees no contradiction in the fact that Jerusalem, also sacred to the Muslims, should be under Jewish sovereignty.

As he tells us, he is no politician; he is merely giving us the benefit of his opinion as a theologian, a religious scholar: There is nothing wrong, he says, with Jerusalem being the undivided capital of the Jewish State, under Israeli sovereignty.

Here is ample illustration of my conviction that our ideas may be corroborated from various directions. And this is, I repeat, only one of the topics to be discussed here.

I am indebted to President Weizman for hosting the opening session of the seminar. Let me express the hope that our discussions will be interesting and fruitful.

Jerusalem: Three-Fold Religious Heritage for a Contemporary Single Administration

Any discussion of the problem of sovereignty over Jerusalem necessarily means involvement in a kind of investigation that has political, cultural, psychological and religious implications. For Jew or Muslim, religious or secular, thinking of Jerusalem means to feel reason and sentiment mingled together.

In this paper I do not want to enter into specific features directly connected with politics; but, as a Muslim scholar and man of religion, only to try and determine whether, from an Islamic point of view, there is some well-grounded theological reason that makes it impossible for Muslims to accept the idea of recognizing Jerusalem both as an Islamic holy place and as the capital of the State of Israel.

Professor Abdul Hadi Palazzi, Director of the Istituto Culturale della Comunita Islamica Italiana (Cultural Institute of the Italian Islamic Community) in Rome, spoke on the sanctity of Jerusalem to the Jewish People.

The sources he quotes from, both the Bible and the Qur'an, indicate that, just as Mecca is sacred to Islam, so is Jerusalem sacred to Judaism. He sees no contradiction in the fact that Jerusalem, also sacred to the Muslims, should be under Jewish sovereignty.

There is nothing wrong, he says, with Jerusalem being the undivided capital of the Jewish State, under Israeli sovereignty.

Jerusalem: Three-Fold Religious Heritage for a Contemporary Single Administration

Any discussion of the problem of sovereignty over Jerusalem necessarily means involvement in a kind of investigation that has political, cultural, psychological and religious implications. For Jew or Muslim, religious or secular, thinking of Jerusalem means to feel reason and sentiment mingled together.

In this paper I do not want to enter into specific features directly connected with politics; but, as a Muslim scholar and man of religion, only to try and determine whether, from an Islamic point of view, there is some well-grounded theological reason that makes it impossible for Muslims to accept the idea of recognizing Jerusalem both as an Islamic holy place and as the capital of the State of Israel.

1.1 Sovereignty belongs to God

First, I would like to emphasize that the idea of considering Jewish immigration to the Land of Israel as a western “invasion”, and Zionists as new “colonizers”, is very recent and has no relation to the basic features of Islamic faith. According to the Qur'an, no person, people or religious community can claim a permanent right of possession over a certain territory, since the earth belongs exclusively to God, Who is free to entrust sovereign rights to anyone He likes and for as long as He likes:

قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِي الْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَاء وَتَنزِعُ الْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَاء وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَاء وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَاء بِيَدِكَ الْخَيْرُ إِنَّكَ عَلَىَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

“Say: 'O God, King of the kingdom, Thou givest the kingdom to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off the kingdom from whom Thou pleasest; Thou endurest with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest; all the best is in Thy hand. Verily, Thou hast power over all things'”.

Qur'an, Sura Al-i-Imran (“The Imrans”), 3:26 (Palazzi translation)

From this verse one can deduce a basic principle of the monotheistic philosophy of history: God can choose as He likes as to relationships between peoples and countries. Sometimes He gives a land to a people, and sometime He takes His possession back and gives it to another people. In general terms, one might say that He gives as a reward for obedience and takes back as a punishment for wickedness, but this rule does not permit us to say that God's ways are always plain and clear to our understanding.

1.2 Anti-Zionism is un-Islamic

The idea of Islam as a factor that prevents Arabs from recognizing any sovereign right of Jews over Palestine is quite recent and can by no means be found in Islamic classical sources. To see anti-Zionism as a direct consequence of Islam is a form of explicit misunderstanding which implies the transformation of Islam from a religion into a secularized ideology.

This was originally done by the late mufti of Jerusalem, Amin al-Husseini, who was responsible for most of the Arab defeats and during World War Two collaborated with Adolf Hitler. Later, Jamal el-Din Abd el-Nasser based his policy on Pan-Arabism, hatred for Jews and alliance with the Soviet Union. All these doctrines were the real cause of Arab backwardness. Most of Nasser's mistakes were afterwards corrected by the martyr Anwar Sadat.

Following the defeat of Nasserism, “fundamentalist” movements made anti-Zionism an outstanding part of their propaganda, trying to describe the so-called “fight for liberation of Palestine” as rooted in Islamic tradition and derived from religious principles.

1.3 Both the Bible and the Qur'an confirm that God gave the Land of Israel to the Children of Israel, and that He will bring the Children of Israel back to the Land of Israel at the End of Days

This plan for the transformation of Islam into an ideology of political struggle nevertheless encounters a significant obstacle, since both the Qur'an and the Torah indicate quite clearly that the link between the Children of Israel and the Land of Canaan does not depend on any kind of colonization project but directly on the will of God Almighty.

We learn from Jewish and Islamic Scriptures that God, through His chosen servant Moses, decided to free the offspring of Israel from slavery in Egypt and to make them inheritors of the Promised Land. Whoever claims that Jewish sovereignty over Palestine is something recent and dependent on political machinations is in fact denying the history of revelation and prophecy, as well as the clear teachings of the holy books.

The Qur'an cites the exact words with which Moses ordered the Israelites to conquer the Land:

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَى لِقَوْمِهِ يَا قَوْمِ اذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ جَعَلَ فِيكُمْ أَنبِيَاء وَجَعَلَكُم مُّلُوكًا وَآتَاكُم مَّا لَمْ يُؤْتِ أَحَدًا مِّن الْعَالَمِين يَا قَوْمِ ادْخُلُوا الأَرْضَ المُقَدَّسَةَ الَّتِي كَتَبَ اللّهُ لَكُمْ وَلاَ تَرْتَدُّوا عَلَى أَدْبَارِكُمْ فَتَنقَلِبُوا خَاسِرِينَ

“And (remember) when Moses said to his people: 'O My People, call in remembrance the favour of God unto you, when he produced prophets among you, made you kings, and gave to you what He had not given to any other among the peoples. O My People, enter the Holy Land which God has assigned unto you, and turn not back ignominiously, for then will ye be overthrown, to your own ruin”.

Qur'an, Sura Maida (“The Table”), 5:20-21 (Palazzi translation)

Moreover – and “fundamentalists” (Wahhabis) always “forget” this point – the Holy Qur'an quite openly refers to the reinstatement of the Jews in the Land of Israel before the Last Judgment, where it says:

وَقُلْنَا مِن بَعْدِهِ لِبَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اسْكُنُواْ الأَرْضَ فَإِذَا جَاء وَعْدُ الآخِرَةِ جِئْنَا بِكُمْ لَفِيفًا

“And thereafter We said to the Children of Israel: 'Dwell securely in the Promised Land. And when the last warning will come to pass, We will gather you together in a mingled crowd'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Isra (The Night Journey) - Bani Isra'il (Children of Israel), 17:104 (Palazzi translation)

1.4 Jewish Sovereignty over Jerusalem

The most common argument against Islamic acknowledgment of Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem is that, as al-Quds is a holy place for Muslims, Muslims cannot accept its being ruled by non-Muslims, because such acceptance would be a betrayal of Islam.

Before expressing our point of view on this question, we must reflect upon the reason that Jerusalem and the al-Aqsa Mosque hold such a sacred position in Islam. As everyone should know, the definition of Jerusalem as an Islamic holy place depends upon al-Mi'raj, the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to heaven, which began from the Holy Rock.

While remembering this, we must admit that there is no real link between al-Mi'raj and sovereign rights over Jerusalem, since when al-Mi'raj took place the city was not under Islamic, but under Byzantine administration. Moreover, the Qur'an expressly recognises that Jerusalem plays the same role for Jews that Mecca has for Muslims.

We read:

مَّا تَبِعُواْ قِبْلَتَكَ وَمَا أَنتَ بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَتَهُمْ وَمَا بَعْضُهُم بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَةَ بَعْضٍ

“They would not follow thy direction of prayer (qibla), nor art thou to follow their direction of prayer; nor indeed will they follow each other's direction of prayer”.

Qur'an, Sura Al Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:145 (Palazzi translation)

All Qur'anic commentators explain that “thy qibla” is clearly the Ka'ba of Mecca, while “their qibla” refers to the Temple Mount (bayt al-maqdis) in Jerusalem. To cite just one of the most important of them, we read in Qadi Baydawi's commentary:

“Verily, in their prayers Jews orient themselves toward the Rock (sakhrah), while Christians orientated themselves eastwards”.

M. Sheikh Zadeh, Hashiyya ala tafsir al-Qadi al-Baydawi, (Istanbul: 1979)

As opposed to what Islamic “fundamentalists” (Wahhabis) continuously claim, the Book of Islam – as we have just now seen – recognises the Temple Mount (bayt al-maqdis) in Jerusalem as the Jewish direction of prayer. Some Muslim exegetes also quote the Book of Daniel as proof of this:

“And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house -- now his windows were open in his upper chamber toward Jerusalem -- and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime”.

Daniel 6:11

After reviewing the most relevant Qur'anic passages in this connection, one easily concludes that, as no one wishes to deny Muslims complete sovereignty over Mecca, from an Islamic point of view there is no sound theological reason to deny Jews the same rights over Jerusalem.

If we see ourselves as religious men, we must necessarily include justice among our qualities. As regards the argument, we have to admit that the same idea of justice requires that we treat Jews, Christians and Muslims equally. No community can demand for itself privileges that it is not ready to recognise for others.

We know that Roman Catholics see Rome as their own capital. The fact that Rome has the largest mosque in Europe and an ancient Jewish community does not alter its role as the world center of Catholicism. Even more can be said of Mecca: It is the main religious center for Muslims the world over and is completely under Islamic administration.

Respecting this principle of fair-mindedness, we necessarily conclude that Israelis as a nation and Jews as a religion must have their own political and religious capital, under their sole administration, even though it contains certain places regarded as sacred by the other two Abrahamic faiths (Christianity and Islam).

To my mind, this is the only realistic ground for any discussion of the future of the Holy City. The other parties must understand that Jews will never agree to have less rights than other religions, and that Israelis will never agree to see David's City divided into two parts.

If everyone was happy to see the Berlin Wall destroyed, it was because the very idea of forced separation within a single city is something objectionable to human sensitivity. We cannot even think of creating another Berlin in the heart of the Middle East. Of course, the idea of “two Jerusalems”, if ever realized, will by no means be a solution, but a source of new troubles and conflicts.

It is quite clear that the future of Jerusalem requires general agreement. In our opinion, the only reliable partners for Israel seem to be the Holy See and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. They must understand that Israelis will never agree even to discuss the possibility of dividing their capital and spiritual center, while Israel must grant Christians and Muslims considerable autonomy in the administration of their respective Holy Places.

Those who speak of Jerusalem as the future capital of “two different states” know very well that this kind of proposal has no basis in reality. It is time to suggest imaginative solutions, and to become involved in a global project for the development of the Middle East as a whole, so that peaceful coexistence with Israel can make a real contribution to overcoming the backwardness of most Islamic countries.

1.5 Prohibiting Jews, Christians and other non-Muslims from praying on the Temple Mount (bayt al-maqdis)

The administration of the holy places in Jerusalem is a very complicated issue, and it is not possible here to enter into details. We would nevertheless like to mention something that appears unbearable for any person of religious conscience: The fact that at present the Islamic administration of bayt al-maqdis (Temple Mount) permits Jews to visit the Temple Mount but not to pray there. There are special officials in the area whose task is to ensure that Jewish visitors on the Temple Mount are not moving their lips in prayer.

To my mind, this is clearly opposed to Islamic prescriptions and rules. We have seen that the Holy Qur'an declares the Rock a qibla (direction of prayer) for Jews. How then, is it possible that – in the name of Islam – someone dares to forbid Jews to pray in the place that God has appointed as their qibla?

This is a clear example of a case in which pseudo-religious principles may work against the real spirit of religion. Moreover, we must ask: Is it possible for someone who believes in God to forbid another human to pray? What kind of religion can let us interfere in the relationship between the Creator and His creatures?

On this point the Qur'an says:

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُواْ لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُواْ بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

“When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close to them: I answer the prayer of every suppliant who calleth on Me”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Cow”), 2:186 (Palazzi translation)

This verse explains that God is always close to His servants when they are praying. Wherever we are and whoever we are, according to the Qur'an we can be sure that God is listening to our prayers and will answer them, although, of course, we are not always able to understand His response.

This being the case, no one who believes in God can possibly prevent others praying, notwithstanding the fact that they belong to another religious tradition.

The very idea of opposing someone's prayers reveals a really deep lack of faith.

1.6 Jewish-Muslim Relations

As to Jewish-Muslim relationships, we heartily agree with the decision of Samuel Sirat, President of the Council of European Rabbis. Until now, interreligious dialogue has been hampered for political reasons; but, from a theological point of view, dialogue between Jews and Muslims is easier than, say, dialogue between Jews and Christians.

In the past, Ibn Gabirol (Avicebron), Maimonides, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Ibn Rushd (Averroes) were not isolated intellectuals, but part of a world of discourse transcending confessional links. If we reflect on the level of interreligious dialogue in past centuries, we must frankly admit that in this respect we have been moving backwards.

True, one can blame this on the political situation, but that does not free intellectuals and men of religion from their responsibility. Today, looking toward the future, we must again create the same kind of intellectual atmosphere, until it will become common for Islamic theologians to read Buber and Levinas, and for Jewish scholars to study the works of Sha'rawi and Ashmawi.

Israeli intellectuals, for their part, must be ready to understand that a new attitude is emerging among some Islamic thinkers. Many of us are now ready to admit that hostility for Israel has been a great mistake, perhaps the worst mistake Muslims have made in the second half of this century.

1.7 Obligation of Muslim leaders in democratic nations to speak out

For those Muslim leaders who live in Europe, in democratic countries and not under dictatorships, this declaration is not so dangerous as for those of our brothers who live in Arab countries. We know that, in those countries too, there is a certain part of the educated population that does not blindly accept anti-Israel propaganda; but freedom of expression is considerably limited in their societies.

It is very important for us to verify that we are not alone in our cultural activity. In our efforts not to repeat past mistakes; we must know that there is someone else who appreciates and shares our goals.

Readiness to understand the signs of the times requires us to recognise that it is now possible for Jews and Muslims to recognise one another once again as branches of the single tree of monotheism, as brothers descended from the same father, Abraham, forerunner of faith in the Living God.

In the field of comparative studies, there are broad prospects for common work. We can investigate the past and understand common features in the development of kabbalah and tasawwuf(Jewish and Muslim mystical traditions). We can study the respective influence of halakhah and sharia (Jewish and Islamic law and jurisprudence).

Apart from these examples, our general guideline must be the principle that, the more we discover our common roots, the more we can hope for a common future of peace and prosperity.

The Zionist Imam -

The Zionist Imam -  Finally a Muslim who wants to fulfill the will of ALLAH

~ Eli Kohen ~ 1

New initiatives for peace

I have been remiss in publicizing about a new initiative for bringing peace in the Holy land. I too presented the Peace Settlers Pragmatic peace plan and hope to post the video as soon as I receive it.

The uniqueness of this approach is that it is not political but rather a grassroots initiative started by an Israeli and a Palestinian American. Whatever the outcome, the fact that an ongoing people to people dialogue is happening is good. For a change, I am happy to say, there are many proposals (22 in all!) that were presented by what would be considered "right wing" Israeli's as well.

See more here: http://www.thebestplans.org/

Haniyeh: Our Objective is to Eliminate Israel - Defense/Security - News - Israel National News

Haniyeh: Our Objective is to Eliminate Israel - Defense/Security - News - Israel National News

Places of Worship to G-d must not be desecrated

There have been several cases of desecration of Mosques lately. I want to make the point as clearly as possible - this is a desecration and unacceptable. I do not know who is responsible but there is no support for these heinous actions and I call upon all men of G-d and reason to act to make sure that such actions do not happen. It is a crime and an affront against G-d, humanity and decency.

I sincerely state to all of our brothers of other faiths; We are totally against these actions - do not let them cause hate and dissension. We are the children of Abraham the beloved of G-d.

To any Jews who may have participated in such actions; you are doing a great חילול השם . The burning and destruction of Jewish Holy Places does not justify the wanton destruction of other places of worship.

Jordanian Journalist Mudar Zahran Says Jordan is Palestine - Radio - Israel National News

Jordanian Journalist Mudar Zahran Says Jordan is Palestine - Radio - Israel National News

Palestinians To Evangelicals: Zio... JPost - Opinion - Columnists

Palestinians To Evangelicals: Zio... JPost - Opinion - Columnists

Rice reveals concessions in 2008 ... JPost - Diplomacy & Politics

Rice reveals concessions in 2008 ... JPost - Diplomacy & Politics

'Construction freeze would be eth... JPost - Diplomacy & Politics

'Construction freeze would be eth... JPost - Diplomacy & Politics

College class and Fatah summer camp group named after terrorist Mughrabi - PMW Bulletins

College class and Fatah summer camp group named after terrorist Mughrabi - PMW Bulletins

Palestinians Will Use the UN to Launch Third Intifada - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News

Palestinians Will Use the UN to Launch Third Intifada - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News

Is Palestinian unity in peril because of Fayyad?

No. The unity was a result of very brittle interests that seemingly came together. Or rather almost came together. It was clear from day one that Fayyad would not be acceptable to Hamas.

So why is Fatah pushing on the issue now? It is clear that Hamas will not capitulate.
And this is precisely what Fatah wants.

Understanding now that with a US veto, the UN will not really help move their agenda for a Palestinian state forward. Hamas has all of a sudden become a liability.

Pushing for Fayyad, wily Abbas can internally put the onus on Hamas for the cancelled unity while presenting to the outside world that Fatah has not given in to the Hamas terror organization and so should be received in a more favorable position. They are back to being a "respectable" partner for peace, giving the world an excuse to go back to unilaterally pressuring Israel.

You see in in the Arab world, a win-win proposition really means a loss for the people.

Arabs for Israel - Muslims for Israel - Hamas leader's son

Big news in Washington

Netanyahu's Big Revelations - An Analysis

While some people found nothing new, the Congressional speech was unique in laying down the red lines towards peace - No compromise on security and no transfer of Jews from Their Homeland

There was a lot of hot air blowing in Washington this past week, and while many people take the view that nothing is new, there are a few key issues that I think have been finally addressed.

Point one is that it seems like mainstream Israel (and by that I mean the electable leaders of the political center) seems to have really reconciled to the notion of a Palestinian state coming into being. I do not necessarily agree with the solution but it seems clear that if the Palestinians were to be pragmatic and reasonable, Israel would really deliver, just as they did with Egypt.

Point two is that finally, an Israeli leader has finally, and fairly clearly spelled out what the end would look like. The invariable fogginess of the Israeli red lines which was abused by the left and stupidly misused by the right these past 18 years since Oslo has been belatedly lifted.

Those whose vision of a continual collapsing of Israel’s positions until a capitulation of its basic security needs are clearly disappointed now. But to those who truly seek a viable, pragmatic solution, we finally get down to the nitty gritty.

The question is whether the Palestinians really are capable of the compromises needed to gain something or whether they will continue their historic track of demanding all and gaining none.

Netanyahu spelled things out clearly. Jerusalem shall remain undivided. (If things were to progress, I wouldn’t be surprised if some east Jerusalem neighborhoods were annexed to the Palestinian state. The old city in its entirety will remain a part of Israel. The Jordan valley, almost entirely devoid of any Arab presence (other than the Jericho area) will remain in Israeli control.

I can see a lot of wisdom in shifting the Palestinian state a couple of miles westward to incorporate more avowed Palestinians in its boundaries. It might even end up increasing the total land measurement of the new state beyond that of the 67 borders! (There are other options, such as stated in the Peace Settlers plan from 17 years ago. I hope to publish an updated version soon).

Point three – I think overlooked by many -  is immensely interesting and a point that I have been addressing for years. Netanyahu’s said in congress: “The status of the settlements will be decided only in negotiations.  But we must also be honest.  So I am saying today something that should be said publicly by anyone serious about peace.  In any peace agreement that ends the conflict, some settlements will end up beyond Israel’s borders. “

The real significance of this is that it affirms that the part of the Land of Israel that might be carved out to appease the Palestinian aspirations will not become Judenrein. There will be no more uprooting of Jewish residents in their homeland. Those towns and villages not incorporated into Israel will continue to exist in the Palestinian state. And this means that as part of the overall settlement and establishment of a Palestinian state, the Palestinians must find a way to make sure that the rights and security of the Jewish residents are taken care of, and that they have the same potential to flourish and prosper as their Arab neighbors.

This might look like the hardest part of the settlement. However, if the Palestinians truly desire peace, it should not be an obstacle. True peace is not attained through walls or fences or treaties. It is caused by goodwill, consideration, respect and the desire to live together in harmony. The continued presence of Jews in their heartland, living in peace once again with their Arab neighbors is the best test and best proof of a real peace.

This will require some major changes.

The settlers will have to revert back to the mindset of their pioneering days, when relationships and reciprocal visits were the norm between neighboring Arab and Jewish villages. They will have to courageously set aside their grievances for those who were murdered in cold blood by cowardly terrorists.

The Palestinians will have to make a severe reversal of the hate indoctrination going on even to this date in official school curriculum. They must reverse their hatred of Jews and be taught of the indigenous connection of the Jews to the land.

The prime minister laid down the preconditions clearly. If the Palestinians want a state, it is there for the taking. If they hold out expecting to get more, they will continue on the path of unrelenting setbacks. The UN has no mandate to impose anything. If they chose to win the battle of hot air by losing the battle on the ground, that’s their prerogative. At the end of the day, it takes two to tango. An ancient proverb states; "you cannot move the caravan forward if the camels stay in place...". 

Statistically speaking, the odds are that the Palestinians will continue to make the wrong decisions. Optimistically speaking, whatever G-d desires shall be. We shall see whether it includes an Islamic presence in the Land HE promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob , or not. Time will tell…




    

is Palestinian unity really a good thing?

Hamas and the PLO kissing cousins again

But is this really good for the Palestinians? Those who have no notion of the social dynamics in the Arab world would say yay. Those who know that the extremists are those who invariably control the agenda in the Arab world realize that this is another significant nail in the coffin of the Oslo peace plan.

What do you think?

A spring visit to the home of the Patriarchs

I was in Hevron yesterday. As always, a visit to the site of our forefather’s burial is an occasion for reflection. As is the bloody history of the city, including my old roommate Yaakov Zimmerman, HY”D.

This Pessach marks 43 years since the return of Jews to heron. The ancient Jewish community of Hevron dates back some 3400 years! (over 2000 years before Muhammad founded his Islamic empire). The first years of King David’s monarchy were spent in Hevron. After the destruction of the temple and the exile of majority of Jews from the land, the Jewish community was small but no less tenacious than today.  The Jews were expelled by the crusaders in the eleven hundreds, but returned. In the census of 1895, they numbered 10% of the population.

But in 1929, some of their Arab neighbors rose up and mercilessly slaughtered 67 people. (The duplicitous British authorities stood aside). Irregardless of the danger, Jews trickled back into their beloved town but in 1936, the British removed the remaining Jews from the city.  

In 1948 the Jordanians captured Hevron. In 1967 it finally returned to Jewish governance, after some 1900 years!

This should have been the start of a wonderful partnership. Mostly religious Jews returning to the mostly religious city of the forefathers. But instead of welcoming the returning Jews with friendship and reconciliation, the local Arabs started to murder again. Instead of recognizing an opportunity for asking forgiveness and building a joint future together, they sought to destroy. Much like the century past.

The cave of the Patriarchs - Me'arat HaMachpela in Hevron 

The potential for Hevron as a place of worship, tourism and spiritual light is immense. It is a pity that in the shadow of our common ancestors, we cannot find a common agenda that would make them proud of their offspring.

There are extremists on both sides that desecrate the legacy of our forefathers.

It is time to try again. 


The Arabs need to understand that this is the Jew’s G-d given land. The Jews need to help the Arabs understand that their personal property and civilian rights are recognized and respected. The Arabs need to feel secure in the knowledge that they can maintain their religion, culture and language in the Land of Israel.

With mutual respect and understanding, the future could be paradise on earth. I feel sure that the Forefathers would agree.

37 DAYS LATER, IT TURNS OUT THAT THE OCCUPATION IS TO BLAME

The murder of the Fogel Family in Itamar, the neighbors in Awarta and what we need to understand about the facts as opposed to the myths in the west bank / Judea and Samaria

It took the Israeli security forces exactly a month and a week to put their hands on the Heinous murderers of sleeping children. That seems a long time since the tracks led to the village of Awarta and Palestinian society was beside itself in proclaiming their supposed shock at the murders, so you would have figured that their environs would readily give them up if not to the Israeli forces, then to the Palestinian security forces who were supposedly hot in pursuit. 

Meanwhile, all this time, local and international "civil rights" groups were braying about the Israeli security activity in the village. "The village suffered harsh collective punishment at the hands of the military...". How miserable their lives seem to be under occupation. 

After the murderers were caught, village council chief Kais Awad "refused to address the fact that the two received assistance in hiding the evidence from one of the families in the village" and only agreed to say that "Israel wishes to cover up the crimes it committed in Awarta over the last month". So much for shock at barbarity and complicity uncovered in his village.

It looks like occupation is the real cause. Let me point out some irrefutable facts to help you gain a better perspective.

Night view of Har Bracha from Awarta

Awarta was an Israeli town, settled by the tribes of Joseph. After the expulsion by the Assyrians, the Samaritans took over the town and it held one of their major Synagogues. With time, due to the violent Arab occupation of the area the town became an Arab village. Instead of respecting the holy shrines of prominent Jews (Pinhas the high Priest, his sons Itamar and Elazar and the 70 sages from the time of Joshua, the sites were repeatedly desecrated. These are some of the sad stories of the occupation.

Tomb of Itamar the Priest in Awarta

I was in Awarta a few months ago together with a friend and fellow priest, to visit the graves of our ancestors. It saddened me that due to the occupation of the village and the violent nature of its current occupiers, this visit had to be paid at night and with armed escort. 

When you put this in perspective, you can understand  how painful the occupation is for Jews who have returned to the land they were temporarily driven off of, to find it occupied by people of a violent nature, who want to make ludicrous claims to justify their racist, apartheid philosophy of usurping the land that belonged and still belongs to others. 


Unfortunately, all the attempts to try and let them live in the villages they have occupied expecting them to live in peace with their Jewish neighbors have resulted in continued atrocities, the latest, the brutal slaying of the Fogel family.

Contrary to the belief of some, time is running out not for the Jews, but for the Palestinians. They are going to have to decide whether they want to live in peace and harmony in our land or whether they will be removed by the wrath of G-D for their moral digressions.

There are some positive alternatives to a Palestinian State

There are some ideas here that would be worth considering if they were intended seriously. The problem, unfortunately with the Arab Citizens around the world and in the Land of Israel is that they do not want to face the real facts. When Nour writes about "indigenous population" she forgets (or doesn't know?) that the Jews are the natural inhabitants of the land !!! This land was promised to Abraham  (who bequethed it to Isaac,then Jacob then on to the Tribes of Israel for eternity. Our forefathers lived and ruled  in this land nearly 2000 years before Muhammad roamed the dessert. When they were forcibly expelled from their land, they never forgot where home was, and the return to Israel and its eternal capital Jerusalem are part of the daily prayers since then.
Hypocrisy does not create legitamacy!
Ignoring the facts cannot change history!
However, if the Arab nation wants to attain peace and progress, they can begin by doing G-d's will and stop trying to userp the land that HE has given to the "Jews". Isn't doing ALLAH's will what being a pious muslim is all about?