Dateline Jerusalem — The calm before the storm. Literally and figuratively. A few days ago, the temperatures were in the high 80s. Air conditioners blew cold air 24/7.  Now heaters blast warm air as Israel's skies open up with non-stop rain, lightning and thunder.  The sudden change from calm to storm in both weather and international relations makes the perfect backdrop for this week's essay.

As Israelis and Jews throughout the world prepare to celebrate the festive holiday of Purim, which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people in ancient Persia (Iran) from extermination and genocide almost 2,400 years ago, this week a new threat. A simultaneous barrage of 60 rockets was shot from Palestinian Gaza into southern Israel in one day.  As I sit writing, the sound of sirens can be heard as far north as my town.  At first I thought it was from a police show on TV. The sirens were real although the threat was not realized in my area. A few days before, a shipload of missiles and rockets from Iran to Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli Navy.  For 2,400 years the Persian/Iranian goal of the genocidal extermination of Jews has not abated, whether it be by decree of its ancient rulers or by missiles and nuclear bombs of today.

Thank G-d, most of the rockets that struck Israel were in unpopulated areas. Some were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system.  Again, thank G-d, there were no casualties.  The Iron Dome has become a lifesaver in Israel.  It intercepts short range mortars and rockets. The Arrow Missile Defense system destroys long range rockets and ballistic missiles. The Iron Dome and the Arrow Missile Defense systems are essential to the safety and security of Israel. 

Fortunately in the past, the Israeli government had the backing of the United States, both politically and financially.  Unfortunately that is no longer the case.  The U.S. just announced that it intends to slash funding for Israel's defense shield in half and increase American aid to the Palestinians.  The immediate response to that announcement was the barrage of Palestinian rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. The Palestinians feel emboldened by current U.S. policy.

While the sparks are flying, alleged negotiations are continuing.  Initially the Palestinians demanded prerequisite concessions from Israel before even sitting down at the negotiation table. Israel, acting in good faith, reluctantly released hundreds of Palestinian terrorists from its jails. Some of those released immediately went back to committing terrorist acts against Israel. Israel had no prerequisite demands but made it clear that in the final peace agreement, the Palestinian Authority must recognize Israel as a Jewish state. 

The New American Stance

Although the U.S. has stated that Israel is a Jewish state, all of a sudden it has publicly announced that there is no need for the Palestinians to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.  With a public announcement like that, why should the Palestinians ever agree to one of the most important requests of Israel in a peace agreement?  With the U.S. pandering to the Palestinian demands, no wonder the Palestinians keep escalating their demands and their rocket and terror attacks.  No wonder the Israeli public is confused about American rhetoric when one minute they hear “We have your back” and the next they are told that if the negotiations fail, it will be Israel's fault. What incentive is there for the Palestinians to negotiate anything?  They know that Israel will be blamed no matter what. 

Why should recognizing Israel as Jewish be so difficult?  Many countries of the world are recognized as Catholic such as France, and most of the Arab countries are recognized as Islamic. Why can't the only Jewish country in the world be recognized as Jewish?  Although Israel is a Jewish state, it allows people from all religions, races, nationalities, and creeds to live and worship freely.  The fact that the Palestinians demand that no Jews be allowed to live in Palestine means that it is the one discriminating, not Israel.  Yet, the world considers Israel an apartheid state and says nothing about the Palestinians.

Although I was a student of political science, and international relations in college, and a mediator as an attorney, I find it difficult to understand how only one side must use restraint and make concessions. What is there to negotiate when the outcome is determined beforehand?  I hope the peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians won't be another fragile Neville Chamberlain “peace in our time” calm before the storm of war erupts.

L'hitraot.  Shachar