There are subjects which are difficult to think about. And also to talk about, or write about. Sometimes the issues are so complex that you're not even 100% sure that you know what your opinion is, or whether you're right or wrong.
But then, such topics can reach a boiling point when you cannot avoid them.
The headlines about 'the soldier who shot in Hebron' continue to dominate Israeli news. Their seem to be differing and contradicting accounts of what actually happened, or why it happened. There are a few versions of youtube videos floating around, in attempts by different sides to prove their point of view, that the soldier is guilty of murder/manslaughter/??? or what they'll charge him with next, or innocent/a hero/victim.
I'd like to enumerate some of what bothers me. I hope I'll remember everything, or at least the most significant points.
Yesterday, Netanyahu spoke with the soldier's father, telling him that he 'understands' the parents' feelings, and urging them to 'trust' the IDF examination and conclusions about the incident.
This is the same Netanyahu who condemned the soldier's actions almost before he was arrested. And the same Netanyahu, who a few days later, stated that conclusions shouldn't be reached before the IDF examination is finished.
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon began, and continues to walk in the shadow of evil, declaring time and time again that the soldier is not a 'hero,' rather 'he stinks.' Yaalon has nothing but criticism for anyone and everyone, private citizen, MK or Minister, who shows any support for the soldier.
Israeli C-I-C Eizenkott from the outset, exclaimed that the soldier's act was immoral, contradicting the ethics of the IDF.
He then wrote and distributed a letter to all soldiers, expressing support for 'any combatant who errs in the heat of battle' but will prosecute to the full extent of the law 'any combatant who disregards and acts in contradiction to IDF morals and ethics.'
The IDF prosecutor continues to behave as other Israeli law enforcement officials we've become accustomed to over the years, with big teeth, similar to fangs, and claw-like finger nails, in order to nail the soldier any way possible. Yesterday a military court ordered him released to 'limited arrest in an army base, without a weapon.' The IDF prosecutor appealed, claims that he is 'dangerous' and must remain in the famous, or infamous, IDF prison 4. (The appeal was rejected and he will, it seems, be released to limited arrest in an army base.)
And then today, an article published in the Israeli press, about a pamphlet issued by the IDF Educational Unit, praising and encouraging soldiers to practice 'self-sacrifice' (i.e. risk losing their lives) in defense of Palestinians. .
One simple fact, that in my opinion, has been totally overlooked. That is, that the soldier in question, as well as most of those in the field who today face imminent attacks by Arab terrorists, with knives, guns, or who knows what else, are between 18 to 21 years old. Their exposure to such attacks, as members of the military, in active service, ranges from 3 months to two or three years. In other words, for many of them, they must deal with life-threatening experiences for the first time, making virtually instant decisions, based upon – based upon what? What their eyes see (an attack on them or their comrades), what they feel, (a knife or bullet entering their body), what people around them shout out (TERRORIST), or, what they stop to think about?
After the terror attack outside Beit Hadassah, when a terrorist attacked a soldier, and was shot dead by Hebron security officer Yoni Bleichbard, I asked him: "You were ten feet from the terrorist who was straddling over the soldier. There were other people there. How could you shoot, without thinking about hitting someone besides the terrorist?"
His answer was very simple. "If I didn't shoot, the soldier was dead. I didn't have time to run up closer to the terrorist. I took all the other possibilities into account. But I didn't have any other choice if I wanted to try to save the soldier. " In other words, his thoughts and actions came together as one, instantaneously.
Yoni has dealt with security issues for many years. He was involved in the terrorist attack which left 13 dead, between Hebron and Kiryat Arba over a decade ago. He has about as much experience as one can have, in his field.
But an 18 or 19 year old has none of that experience. So what must he rely on? Must he stop and think, that is, hesitate, and ask himself, is this the right or wrong thing to do? Will I wind up in jail? Am I being ethical or immoral?
That second, or two or three seconds could very well cost him, or others, their lives. And what will the headlines then scream out: IDF Chief: This is not the kind of soldier we train! The Defense Minister: Soldiers are taught to fight, not to stand by and watch! The Prime Minister: Hero's act; Cowards cower.
I have three sons, all of whom have served in battle units. I always thought that this is what Israel is all about. The preservation of the State, the ability to defend ourselves nationally, after a 2,000 year exile. This is what makes us a free people in our homeland. At any cost.
But in truth, I'm not sure, if my kids had to go into the army today, whether I'd encourage them or not. Because what we are seeing and experiencing is not a demand for self-sacrifice opposite our enemy. Rather it is wishy-washy expressions by bleeding hearts, who, rather than lead, hide behind symptoms of cowardice, unwilling to stand in the forefront, as Israeli warriors have been known to do from time immemorial and lead the charge forward.
What do they concern themselves with? Presently, the IDF leadership is dealing with the issue of soldiers having beards. I have in my possession a copy of an IDF 'permit,' issued to a religious soldier, in which it is written that he may keep his beard, but only if it is 'bushy.'
This is Israel – facing Iran, Syria, ISIS, Hizbullah, Hamas, the PA, the EU, the UN, the US – 2016.
But, no, don't shoot!!! And measure that beard!!
Heartbreaking. Heartbreaking.
But then, such topics can reach a boiling point when you cannot avoid them.
The headlines about 'the soldier who shot in Hebron' continue to dominate Israeli news. Their seem to be differing and contradicting accounts of what actually happened, or why it happened. There are a few versions of youtube videos floating around, in attempts by different sides to prove their point of view, that the soldier is guilty of murder/manslaughter/??? or what they'll charge him with next, or innocent/a hero/victim.
I'd like to enumerate some of what bothers me. I hope I'll remember everything, or at least the most significant points.
Yesterday, Netanyahu spoke with the soldier's father, telling him that he 'understands' the parents' feelings, and urging them to 'trust' the IDF examination and conclusions about the incident.
This is the same Netanyahu who condemned the soldier's actions almost before he was arrested. And the same Netanyahu, who a few days later, stated that conclusions shouldn't be reached before the IDF examination is finished.
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon began, and continues to walk in the shadow of evil, declaring time and time again that the soldier is not a 'hero,' rather 'he stinks.' Yaalon has nothing but criticism for anyone and everyone, private citizen, MK or Minister, who shows any support for the soldier.
Israeli C-I-C Eizenkott from the outset, exclaimed that the soldier's act was immoral, contradicting the ethics of the IDF.
He then wrote and distributed a letter to all soldiers, expressing support for 'any combatant who errs in the heat of battle' but will prosecute to the full extent of the law 'any combatant who disregards and acts in contradiction to IDF morals and ethics.'
The IDF prosecutor continues to behave as other Israeli law enforcement officials we've become accustomed to over the years, with big teeth, similar to fangs, and claw-like finger nails, in order to nail the soldier any way possible. Yesterday a military court ordered him released to 'limited arrest in an army base, without a weapon.' The IDF prosecutor appealed, claims that he is 'dangerous' and must remain in the famous, or infamous, IDF prison 4. (The appeal was rejected and he will, it seems, be released to limited arrest in an army base.)
And then today, an article published in the Israeli press, about a pamphlet issued by the IDF Educational Unit, praising and encouraging soldiers to practice 'self-sacrifice' (i.e. risk losing their lives) in defense of Palestinians. .
One simple fact, that in my opinion, has been totally overlooked. That is, that the soldier in question, as well as most of those in the field who today face imminent attacks by Arab terrorists, with knives, guns, or who knows what else, are between 18 to 21 years old. Their exposure to such attacks, as members of the military, in active service, ranges from 3 months to two or three years. In other words, for many of them, they must deal with life-threatening experiences for the first time, making virtually instant decisions, based upon – based upon what? What their eyes see (an attack on them or their comrades), what they feel, (a knife or bullet entering their body), what people around them shout out (TERRORIST), or, what they stop to think about?
After the terror attack outside Beit Hadassah, when a terrorist attacked a soldier, and was shot dead by Hebron security officer Yoni Bleichbard, I asked him: "You were ten feet from the terrorist who was straddling over the soldier. There were other people there. How could you shoot, without thinking about hitting someone besides the terrorist?"
His answer was very simple. "If I didn't shoot, the soldier was dead. I didn't have time to run up closer to the terrorist. I took all the other possibilities into account. But I didn't have any other choice if I wanted to try to save the soldier. " In other words, his thoughts and actions came together as one, instantaneously.
Yoni has dealt with security issues for many years. He was involved in the terrorist attack which left 13 dead, between Hebron and Kiryat Arba over a decade ago. He has about as much experience as one can have, in his field.
But an 18 or 19 year old has none of that experience. So what must he rely on? Must he stop and think, that is, hesitate, and ask himself, is this the right or wrong thing to do? Will I wind up in jail? Am I being ethical or immoral?
That second, or two or three seconds could very well cost him, or others, their lives. And what will the headlines then scream out: IDF Chief: This is not the kind of soldier we train! The Defense Minister: Soldiers are taught to fight, not to stand by and watch! The Prime Minister: Hero's act; Cowards cower.
I have three sons, all of whom have served in battle units. I always thought that this is what Israel is all about. The preservation of the State, the ability to defend ourselves nationally, after a 2,000 year exile. This is what makes us a free people in our homeland. At any cost.
But in truth, I'm not sure, if my kids had to go into the army today, whether I'd encourage them or not. Because what we are seeing and experiencing is not a demand for self-sacrifice opposite our enemy. Rather it is wishy-washy expressions by bleeding hearts, who, rather than lead, hide behind symptoms of cowardice, unwilling to stand in the forefront, as Israeli warriors have been known to do from time immemorial and lead the charge forward.
What do they concern themselves with? Presently, the IDF leadership is dealing with the issue of soldiers having beards. I have in my possession a copy of an IDF 'permit,' issued to a religious soldier, in which it is written that he may keep his beard, but only if it is 'bushy.'
This is Israel – facing Iran, Syria, ISIS, Hizbullah, Hamas, the PA, the EU, the UN, the US – 2016.
But, no, don't shoot!!! And measure that beard!!
Heartbreaking. Heartbreaking.
Everywhere, the world has completely lost its bearings
ReplyDelete* 'the soldier who shot in Hebron': This is the first profound and unquestionable analysis I did come across on this much unnecessarily controversial and much irritating subject in the headlines in Israel and abroad! Well done! You really have the guts to shake up sleeping consciences, at an hour , just as you made the point, when Israel is all alone (not so true: B'ezrat HaShem!)having to take in the blame and at the same time facing the rest of the goyim armed like "giant Goliath" and scorning and shouting at (once again not true!) "little David", who once again got (not really, Israel is NOT alone!)! But it is not so: G-d will once again raise up and make the nations to fear at His fierce anger, and when Judgement is coming from on high, then will those who are being thus humbled have to learn again righteousness on earth! The world hate you because you are the People of the Book (here no indirect reference to the dark and evil Quran!), and this is so because it is His holy Book, ! FaceBook is something weird compared to it, even if we are taking into account that without the Jews, there would be no Google, no Facebook, and even no Computers, not Laptops, Notebooks and Tablets, no Mobile Phone and Internet devices, yes no Internet at all! And even at the address of these arrogant Arabs and would-be "Palestinians" ( a dirty historical lie created by the Roman Emperor Adrian, as an expression of his hate and despising of the Jewish People in the days of the Roman Empire: so this is not something new at all!),if they going all the way in their expression of such a blind hate against Israel and against the Jews, then they should stop using the inventions of the modern end-time Jews in the fields of agronomy, biology, medicine, technology and of research in many other fields concerning health, military and genial inventions helping many people in practical life. And by the way, when they are bleeding after they have attacked your wives, your parents, your sons, daughters and grand-children, then they should fly in to Mecca and rub their wounds against the calling aloud after their : but may be he is too weak, he is sleeping or on holiday, like all the idols of the earth, which have not created heaven and earth! Shalom, Jean-Claude (Kornwestheim)
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