By Harold Witkov
The first time I heard reference to a "pound of flesh," I was only a young teenager. At the time, I was not privy to the whole Merchant of Venice story. All I knew was that a criminal was to be punished by forfeiting a pound of his flesh.
Silly me, what did I know? I thought he was to select his own pound. So in my mind, I began to picture myself as the unfortunate criminal deciding what pound of flesh I would sacrifice. I decided that the first thing to go would be a pound's worth of my buttocks. Then I wondered, if convicted of the same crime a second time, what I would turn to next, and so on. Eventually I created my own sacrifice priority list: tuchus, appendix, kidney, foot, hand, etc.
It was only later that I discovered what Paul Harvey called "the rest of the story": that in The Merchant of Venice, you do not get to pick your pound of flesh. Someone else does it for you -- even if it means cutting out your heart.
For years, the world has been clamoring for Israel's pound of flesh. Ariel Sharon, thinking himself clever and insightful, thought that he could appease the hungry lions of the world with the pound of flesh of his choosing: Gaza. No doubt, in his mind, Gaza was the tuchus of Israel that could be removed with the least amount of pain.
As a consequence of Ariel Sharon's misguided Gaza surgery, however, Israel came away with three hard lessons. The first lesson learned was that even safe and simple surgeries could result in bloody and disastrous complications. The second lesson learned was that Israel's one pound of flesh was not enough. The third lesson learned was that Israel was not entitled to choose her own pound of flesh.
Just as I believe Ariel Sharon was coerced into his Gaza tuchus surgery, I am convinced that the Obama administration is doing what it can to get Netanyahu to perform a West-Bankectomy. (Do you remember how George Mitchell and Hillary Clinton nodded with approval over Bibi's ten-month construction freeze last November?)
Of greatest concern, however, is that the Obama administration will not be happy until they get to decide Israel's pound of flesh. And based upon the unprecedented verbal chastisement and outrage from V.P. Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the poorly timed announcement of the building of 1,600 housing units in the NE Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo, it is becoming clear to everyone that the president's mind has been made up in advance: Operation Jerusalem is on the menu.
Jerusalem is not only Israel's capital, but her heart as well. Jerusalem, the City of David, was founded as the capital of the Jewish nation almost three thousand years ago. David's son Solomon built the First Temple there. Jerusalem references can be found hundreds of times in the Hebrew Bible. And every year during the Passover Seder, Jews from around the world lament, "Next year in Jerusalem." Despite all of this, Jerusalem is the one pound of flesh that the world and President Obama must have.
In order to perform heart surgery, Dr. Obama has to make his patient, Israel, ready. Such outbursts of indignation from a suddenly thin-skinned Obama administration over the announcement of 1,600 housing units in Ramat Shlomo are part of the patient preparation. Considering how candidate Obama once told a cheering AIPAC conference that "[Jerusalem] will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided," I can only wonder why President Obama doth protest so much.
Of course, there will be kissing and making up with Israeli leaders between this and future outbursts -- but the die has been cast. Unfortunately, the real prep for Israel's heart surgery will fall not with just "outbursts," but witih getting Americans and American Jews to help coerce the unwilling patient along. These willing Obama-helpers are the ones already telling themselves that America can work with a nuclear-armed Iran, but there will never be peace in the Middle East until there are enough pounds of flesh extracted from Israel, including half of Jerusalem.
The wise of America (and Israel) know that one pound of flesh leads to another, and that eventually, Israel's last pound of flesh will be Jerusalem. Of course, President Obama will one day assure his patient and explain that only half of Jerusalem needs removing. But what man can survive with half a heart, or what nation?
With Passover just around the corner, I was thinking about all the hoopla that took place last Passover regarding Obama being the first president to ever host a Passover Seder in the White House. My fear is that one of these days, President Obama will host another Seder, but with an altered script:
"Next year in half of Jerusalem."
Comments on American Thinker:Posted by: Savage
Comments on American Thinker:Posted by: Savage
Mar 23, 02:53 AM
Israel is not going to keep on giving up more land for false promises of peace... that game is over. The Arabs have milked that one for all that it's worth... and the rules of the game are changing...
God will shape, and manipulate the course of history, to his ends (whatever they may be). Have no doubt... God is in complete control, and whatever he does is for the best. Just remember, Whatever happens, God has the last word... "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."- Proverbs 19:21. Those who start up with Gods chosen people...do so own their own peril. Take a look at history, and read about what happened to those who decided to start up with the Jewish people. All those who started up with the Jewish people, are no longer around, while we are still hanging in there.
Whatever America's ultimate fate... Israel will survive regardless. God promised the people of Israel, that they will never be destroyed, and that they are an eternal people. Just read the Bible, it is very clear about what God has planned for the nation of Israel. Israel will not be driven into the the sea regardless of whether or not America survives. Israel's survival is not based upon "nature"... we are "above nature"... (see Genesis 15:5) The history of the Jewish people will fundamentally not unfold by the natural laws of politics, economics, military, and social forces which generally determine the fate of nations. Israel is to be guided by a supernatural course, by a Divinely miraculous providence, on the basis of which it will survive, thrive, and prevail... "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."- Psalm 20:7
It looks like the Obama Administration is determined to end up on the Ash Heap/Dustbin of History...unfortunately, he may drag America down with him... "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse..."- Genesis 12:3. "God Sees the Truth, But Waits."
God will shape, and manipulate the course of history, to his ends (whatever they may be). Have no doubt... God is in complete control, and whatever he does is for the best. Just remember, Whatever happens, God has the last word... "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."- Proverbs 19:21. Those who start up with Gods chosen people...do so own their own peril. Take a look at history, and read about what happened to those who decided to start up with the Jewish people. All those who started up with the Jewish people, are no longer around, while we are still hanging in there.
Whatever America's ultimate fate... Israel will survive regardless. God promised the people of Israel, that they will never be destroyed, and that they are an eternal people. Just read the Bible, it is very clear about what God has planned for the nation of Israel. Israel will not be driven into the the sea regardless of whether or not America survives. Israel's survival is not based upon "nature"... we are "above nature"... (see Genesis 15:5) The history of the Jewish people will fundamentally not unfold by the natural laws of politics, economics, military, and social forces which generally determine the fate of nations. Israel is to be guided by a supernatural course, by a Divinely miraculous providence, on the basis of which it will survive, thrive, and prevail... "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."- Psalm 20:7
It looks like the Obama Administration is determined to end up on the Ash Heap/Dustbin of History...unfortunately, he may drag America down with him... "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse..."- Genesis 12:3. "God Sees the Truth, But Waits."
| Mar 23, 04:36 AM |
Mr. Witkov,
I think you're right about Pres Obama demanding Jerusalem from Netanyahu, but I think the ultimately he will demand all of Jerusalem, not just half. If he can get the Israelis to concede half of Jerusalem, he can certainly get them to concede all of it. I also don't think the Arabs in Samaria and Judea will be satisfied with half of Jerusalem, either. Once they get half of it, they will start agitating for the rest of it.
I think you're right about Pres Obama demanding Jerusalem from Netanyahu, but I think the ultimately he will demand all of Jerusalem, not just half. If he can get the Israelis to concede half of Jerusalem, he can certainly get them to concede all of it. I also don't think the Arabs in Samaria and Judea will be satisfied with half of Jerusalem, either. Once they get half of it, they will start agitating for the rest of it.
| Mar 23, 06:48 AM |
As someone whose MANY relatives were expelled from Gush Katif-AKA Gaza-their homes, businesses, schools, synangogues, even GRAVES for heavens sake were 'removed', they intuitively knew that giving up their pound of flesh would NEVER satiate the Islamic beasts.
Ariel Sharon, old warrior that he was, was way out of his depth in political matters. As a matter of fact he was an awful Prime Minister, mostly because he was so mired in his own political corruption that he was unable to do what PM Begin was able to-to ward off Washington arm twisters, refusing to leave Osarik intact. He basically told Washington's anti-Israel cabal to go to hell. He was not ripe for blackmail.
In any case, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Currently PM Netanyahu is having the screws applied to his throat, this time by a third world aligned President, hell bent on re-aligning Washington OUT of Israel's orbit. It is under this malevolent paradigm that Obama has set his third world sights on Judea and Samaria(AKA the West Bank,renamed by our haters, cheered on by our fifth column within Israel, all in order to extricate Jewish history going back over 3,000 years ! from our heartland) having decided the time is ripe to go in for the kill, FINALLY destroying Israel under the banner of 'peace' .
BY placing our heartland on the chopping block, Obama and the rest of the world crew believe that Israel will finally disappear, via a slow death, or a massive onslaught-whichever comes first.
Not satisfied though to wait for the above death spiral, Obama has decided to go for broke. By attacking Jerusalem, by demanding that Jews not build in their capital, he has officially declared war on Israel, and by extension world Jewry. It MUST be noted that at the same time that Obama sent 'greetings' on the Persian New Year to the Iranian Hitler's regime, stating emphatically that he has no interest in interfering in their internal affairs-huh and duh?-he has decided that it is okey dokey to NOT only interfere in Israeli domestic policy via ... (350 word limit)
Ariel Sharon, old warrior that he was, was way out of his depth in political matters. As a matter of fact he was an awful Prime Minister, mostly because he was so mired in his own political corruption that he was unable to do what PM Begin was able to-to ward off Washington arm twisters, refusing to leave Osarik intact. He basically told Washington's anti-Israel cabal to go to hell. He was not ripe for blackmail.
In any case, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Currently PM Netanyahu is having the screws applied to his throat, this time by a third world aligned President, hell bent on re-aligning Washington OUT of Israel's orbit. It is under this malevolent paradigm that Obama has set his third world sights on Judea and Samaria(AKA the West Bank,renamed by our haters, cheered on by our fifth column within Israel, all in order to extricate Jewish history going back over 3,000 years ! from our heartland) having decided the time is ripe to go in for the kill, FINALLY destroying Israel under the banner of 'peace' .
BY placing our heartland on the chopping block, Obama and the rest of the world crew believe that Israel will finally disappear, via a slow death, or a massive onslaught-whichever comes first.
Not satisfied though to wait for the above death spiral, Obama has decided to go for broke. By attacking Jerusalem, by demanding that Jews not build in their capital, he has officially declared war on Israel, and by extension world Jewry. It MUST be noted that at the same time that Obama sent 'greetings' on the Persian New Year to the Iranian Hitler's regime, stating emphatically that he has no interest in interfering in their internal affairs-huh and duh?-he has decided that it is okey dokey to NOT only interfere in Israeli domestic policy via ... (350 word limit)
| Mar 23, 07:17 AM |
Having been to Jerusalem, I can't imagine Israel giving it up to anyone. As sacred places go, Jerusalem is an axis mundi. Can God make a Jewish state that is too heavy for Him to carry or to protect from danger? I don't think so.
Not too long ago obama told some ministers that he was "partners with God in life and death." Remember that moment of insanity? Those who consider themselves to be on an equal footing with Almighty God can be said to be absolute fools. They are asking for a heaping helping of "whoop- you- know- what." I hope that Israel will not kow-tow to our anti-semitic president. Just be as wise as a serpent when the dove in the WH intends to peck out your eyes.....!!
Not too long ago obama told some ministers that he was "partners with God in life and death." Remember that moment of insanity? Those who consider themselves to be on an equal footing with Almighty God can be said to be absolute fools. They are asking for a heaping helping of "whoop- you- know- what." I hope that Israel will not kow-tow to our anti-semitic president. Just be as wise as a serpent when the dove in the WH intends to peck out your eyes.....!!
| Mar 23, 09:00 AM |
The problem with Israel is that it is a melding of European and Levantine ideas - and has been for centuries, but moreso now. There are still a large number of Israelis welding power who were directly affected by the Holocaust and pogroms. Due to this, they are willing to do anything for peace and walk a precarious line because of that while trying to maintain their freedom and national strength.
I do not know what will happen to Jerusalem, who or how it will be controlled, but I believe that a "real" peace accord of some sort will be hammered out in the very near future. I suspect that it could be a peace of last resort (for some). To be sure, it won't last - peace has never lasted in the Holy Land - but it'll be a lot firmer and realistic than the Oslo Accords.
All of that said, daily I get the growing feeling that the US will play little to no part when Israel finally acheives the peace it has been struggling to attain for decades. I think we will see Europe and/or Turkey fill the role that the US has played as mediator - though to be sure neither will truly be Israel's ally.
No, the peace that will come will be seen as real, but it'll be almost fleeting. It'll last at least a few years, and it'll be a peace of necessity, just as most peace treaties are in the Islamic world. No sulha will this be, a lasting reconciliation... no, this will be yet another temporary truce in the mold of Mohammad's hudna, still practiced today. Perhaps the treaty will be done on the cusp of Israel attacking Iran, or in the aftermath.
I do not know what will happen to Jerusalem, who or how it will be controlled, but I believe that a "real" peace accord of some sort will be hammered out in the very near future. I suspect that it could be a peace of last resort (for some). To be sure, it won't last - peace has never lasted in the Holy Land - but it'll be a lot firmer and realistic than the Oslo Accords.
All of that said, daily I get the growing feeling that the US will play little to no part when Israel finally acheives the peace it has been struggling to attain for decades. I think we will see Europe and/or Turkey fill the role that the US has played as mediator - though to be sure neither will truly be Israel's ally.
No, the peace that will come will be seen as real, but it'll be almost fleeting. It'll last at least a few years, and it'll be a peace of necessity, just as most peace treaties are in the Islamic world. No sulha will this be, a lasting reconciliation... no, this will be yet another temporary truce in the mold of Mohammad's hudna, still practiced today. Perhaps the treaty will be done on the cusp of Israel attacking Iran, or in the aftermath.
| Mar 23, 09:23 AM |
It appears that Netanyahu finally may be aware that the US, at this time, is NOT Israel's ally.
The Muslim Obama is trying to dismantle the state of Israel and Israelis had better wake up to this reality.
As for the lefty American Jews, they're too far gone. They are Judenrats.
The Muslim Obama is trying to dismantle the state of Israel and Israelis had better wake up to this reality.
As for the lefty American Jews, they're too far gone. They are Judenrats.
| Mar 23, 10:00 AM |
I fear much of Israel will not wake up until it's too late. So scarred - and rightly so - by the Holocaust and desirous of peace at any cost, they've stuck to a very European concept of diplomacy vis-a-vis the Muslim world.
The US will turn its back on Israel. Whoever mediates the next peace accord for Israel might been seen as an ally or friend of Israel, but certainly it is a feigned friendship. Israel may have no choice though. The peace accord will be due to the fact that both sides are backed into a corner, but while one side seeks a sulha, the other will see it as a hudna.
The US will turn its back on Israel. Whoever mediates the next peace accord for Israel might been seen as an ally or friend of Israel, but certainly it is a feigned friendship. Israel may have no choice though. The peace accord will be due to the fact that both sides are backed into a corner, but while one side seeks a sulha, the other will see it as a hudna.
| Mar 23, 10:03 AM |
I totally agree agree with Savage's comments as well as others which are stated so well. What worries me is that so many Jews seem oblivious and unconcerned with what is even happening today. I pray that people wake up to the meaning of Israel, Jerusalem and G-d.
| Mar 23, 10:54 AM |
Hey elisheva14, thanks for the kind words... what is happening now, is a wake-up call to the Jewish people... that we should get our act together, and return to G-d... you mentioned being concerned that so many Jews are oblivious and unconcerned with what is going on around them... when the Jewish people left Egypt, only 20% survived (that's according to the highest, opinion... some say 1/50, or even less actually survived... do you know the teaching of "b'chamushim"?) the rest were too immersed in the worship of idolatry, so they were killed during the plague of darkness... What makes you think that this is going to be any different?
Have you ever read Jerusalem: The Eye Of the Univers by Aryeh Kaplan?
Jerusalem isn't just a place, it is much more than that...
The eternal message of Jerusalem accompanies the Jew every day of his life... More than a city, Jerusalem is a basic Jewish concept which affects theb heart of Jewish life in every age... The Ramban (Nachmanides) stated in 1268: "The glory of the world is Eretz Yisrael; the glory of Eretz Yisrael is Jerusalem; the glory of Jerusalem is the Holy Temple."... In about a week, we are going to say (at the conclusion of the Seder) "Leshana Haba B'yerushalayim;"Next Year in Jerusalem!
Have you ever read Jerusalem: The Eye Of the Univers by Aryeh Kaplan?
Jerusalem isn't just a place, it is much more than that...
The eternal message of Jerusalem accompanies the Jew every day of his life... More than a city, Jerusalem is a basic Jewish concept which affects theb heart of Jewish life in every age... The Ramban (Nachmanides) stated in 1268: "The glory of the world is Eretz Yisrael; the glory of Eretz Yisrael is Jerusalem; the glory of Jerusalem is the Holy Temple."... In about a week, we are going to say (at the conclusion of the Seder) "Leshana Haba B'yerushalayim;"Next Year in Jerusalem!
| Mar 23, 11:38 AM |
Our muslim leader Obama will stop at nothing to impose his will on us and the rest of the world. Jerusalem is a central city in the story of Christianity and Judaism. Remember what Obama said before, "We are NOT a Christian nation" So it seems that if Jerusalem is not controlled by the Israelis or Christians, you guessed it the Muslims will take over. Israel is our ONLY ally in the Middle East. Why is Obama trying to help the Muslims destroy them? The Palestinians dont want peace or a democratic process, they want blood. Look what happened when they voted for their own representatives, they elected known terrorists and Hamas leaders. What really baffles me is why all the Jewish people in this country support Obama and the Dems.
| Mar 23, 12:34 PM |
Please do not consider the American Jews who back Obambi as being Jewish in any real sense of the word. They are perhaps Jewish by birth but that is pretty much as far as it goes. They are secular, having invested themselves in the ideology of the democratic party they have forgot their historical and Biblical roots of Judaism.
I hope that by now the Israeli government has figured out that Obambi is a danger. They should stand fast, refuse to relent or give any a single inch of territory or anything else. The Muslim loving socialist that the lefties have put into power in this country is going to destroy Israel if he can.
Jerusalem is the heart of Israel and of the Jews. And for the record, not all the Jewish people in this country support Obambi and the Democrats.
I hope that by now the Israeli government has figured out that Obambi is a danger. They should stand fast, refuse to relent or give any a single inch of territory or anything else. The Muslim loving socialist that the lefties have put into power in this country is going to destroy Israel if he can.
Jerusalem is the heart of Israel and of the Jews. And for the record, not all the Jewish people in this country support Obambi and the Democrats.
| Mar 23, 01:45 PM |
Obama is no doubt planning on trying to force a "peace" upon Israel, and I have no doubt that surrending Jerusalem will be part of the plan. This is a difficult time for this country, but I fear the election of Obama signals the beginning of an even darker hour for the nation of Israel. Let's hope that Bibi has a better backbone that Bart Stupek.
| Mar 23, 01:51 PM |
Savage..AMEN Committed Christians are one with Israel's survival..we pray for Israel. They have a Protector that will only allow so much. I've often thought that Ezekial 38 is on the horizon..Note to Barry Soetoro..Israel WINS!
His attitude towards Israel is another reason why he must be removed from office, his sympathies are directed towards Islam..he was raised in that atmosphere. He's said the most beautiful words in the world are the Islamic call to prayer and he can recite it in perfect Arabic..something only the most devout Muslims are taught.
I pray that God will remember the prayers of Americans, that He will not visit his wrath upon our people because we have a HATER of Israel occupying the White House. We know nothing of this persons background with some exceptions such as his Indonesian schooling that got out in public before his minions scrubbed the information..and he sealed the rest from the sight of his Employers, We The People.
Since when does an employee or job seeker have the luxury of hiding their information from an Employer?
That hidden information could be the rope Barry has to hang himself..you don't spend millions and use thuggery to hide something benign. "For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest nor anything secret shall not be known and come to light." Luke 8:17
God will reveal the truth about this usurper in HIS GOOD TIME.
Adina..I love your posts, you give us a look at Israel from the inside..know this there are millions of committed Christians praying for the Peace of Jerusalem..we are with you. Our God REIGNS.
His attitude towards Israel is another reason why he must be removed from office, his sympathies are directed towards Islam..he was raised in that atmosphere. He's said the most beautiful words in the world are the Islamic call to prayer and he can recite it in perfect Arabic..something only the most devout Muslims are taught.
I pray that God will remember the prayers of Americans, that He will not visit his wrath upon our people because we have a HATER of Israel occupying the White House. We know nothing of this persons background with some exceptions such as his Indonesian schooling that got out in public before his minions scrubbed the information..and he sealed the rest from the sight of his Employers, We The People.
Since when does an employee or job seeker have the luxury of hiding their information from an Employer?
That hidden information could be the rope Barry has to hang himself..you don't spend millions and use thuggery to hide something benign. "For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest nor anything secret shall not be known and come to light." Luke 8:17
God will reveal the truth about this usurper in HIS GOOD TIME.
Adina..I love your posts, you give us a look at Israel from the inside..know this there are millions of committed Christians praying for the Peace of Jerusalem..we are with you. Our God REIGNS.
| Mar 23, 02:13 PM |
DHS58... you mentioned something that struck a nerve...
What's happening now, is EXACTLY what the Bible prophesied would happen... The Bible prophesied way back through the prophet Ezekiel that Israel would regain its nation status in 1948, would never lose that existence again, and the land does in fact belong to Israel because God gave it to them. Unfortunately, the Bible also prophesied that in the future, Israel would lose all of its allies and would stand alone against its enemies as it has done throughout history, but would prevail because God is in control and another fact liberals will not recognize, the fact that in the end, God will win, and anyone who opposes God, or Israel, will lose as well.
What's happening now, is EXACTLY what the Bible prophesied would happen... The Bible prophesied way back through the prophet Ezekiel that Israel would regain its nation status in 1948, would never lose that existence again, and the land does in fact belong to Israel because God gave it to them. Unfortunately, the Bible also prophesied that in the future, Israel would lose all of its allies and would stand alone against its enemies as it has done throughout history, but would prevail because God is in control and another fact liberals will not recognize, the fact that in the end, God will win, and anyone who opposes God, or Israel, will lose as well.
