The walls of Jerusalem at night
To: Prime Minister Netanyahu
From: Real Americans Defend Israel
Date: December 15, 2010
Shalom! Greetings from America!
Tevet 10 is upon us and as the Jews mourn, repent and remember the victims of the Holocaust, we who live outside the Land of Israel have been grieving over Israel for reasons I wish to express to you today.
Perhaps with the hope that you will have a better understanding of how Americans look upon Israel and its leaders, from a distance.
While reviewing the history of the Siege of Jerusalem, I came upon the following:
Coming under siege is a horrible experience. A literal siege brings famine, plague and bloodshed. But also figurative "sieges" are predominantly negative, engendering feelings of helplessness and victimization. Beneath all that negativity, however, lies the liberating and empowering realization: We're in this together! Despite our differences, despite the animosities and quarrels that strive to drive us apart, we share a common fate, a common identity, a common goal. Being under siege brings to light a truth that was always there but which we had hitherto been prevented from or have avoided seeing -- the truth that we are all one.
By Yanki Tauber
Immediately, I thought of these past two years and the agreements and disagreements between Israel and the Obama Administration. Americans have listened carefully to your responses to demands and sacrifices made by Israel, to demonstrate to the world that Israel seeks peace with the Palestinians. We have heard you state more than once that relationships between the United States and Israel are "good"; we have watched from afar your decision to "freeze" the building within the settlements and East Jerusalem; listened to the cries of Israelis, having to cease from building within their own neighborhoods, for the "sake of peace"; watched helplessly, while Hamas continues to send rockets into Israeli citizens; wept when the family was murdered along the highway by terrorists; prayed for the safety of the firefighters, while Mt. Carmel burned; read the false promises to Israel from our own Administration, in order to persuade Israel to continue "freezing" for another three months just to get Abbas to the negotiating table - again, for the sake of peace talks, and while I am cetain you must feel the frustrations of keeping Israel safe from her enemies at all times, you should be aware that there are many here in America who feel the same frustrations.
For those who have not practiced the art of politics, for those who look up to their leaders, our feelings of helplessness grow stronger, daily, because from a distance, what we see and hear must be similar to how the Jews felt when the Temple was destroyed by the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar when he laid siege to Jerusalem. Thirty months before the walls were breached and the Temple destroyed - and soon, it will be "thirty" months that you have worked with the Obama Administration for the sake of peace.
However, peace between the Palestinians Authority, concessions between the United States and Israel are nothing more than another siege upon Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. You were quoted this week as saying you would have "agreed to yet another freeze", if that were possible. I cannot speak for your citizens, but from those watching from afar, I must say your intention to allow another freeze is disheartening.
Why?
Because at this point in time, after two years of fighting to maintain the legitimacy of the State of Israel, in the process of discussions that would give more land to the very people who wish nothing but the destruction of Israel, you should know that we weep for Jerusalem.
Prime Minister, every word you speak, every action you impose upon Israelis, you do for or against the Jews throughout the world. While we look to G-d for our hope, we rely upon you, as Israel's leader, to do all in your power to protect and secure the Land of Israel. With our most holy Protector of Jerusalem watching from Above, we expect strong leadership within the gates of Jerusalem; we look to Israel's leaders to speak for the Jews without compromising the City of David and the land under your protection.
Instead, we hear about the compromises and concessions for peace - when there is no peace. Surely, you understand that after two years of this on-going siege against Israel, it is time to for Israel to take the lead and do what is right for Israel - not what is right for a world that wishes evil against your citizens and all Jews.
Truth does not come out of the mouths and intentions of Israel's enemies. Truth must come from the leaders of Israel, for Israel and especially, for the sake of Zion.
The sole purpose in writing to you, is to say that we look upon Israel as "our" land; our "hope", our "safety", and while we cannot be with you in person, you must understand that we are with you and our beloved land, heart and soul, no matter where we live upon this earth.
We are "one" dear sir and we pray that you gain strength and courage, knowing that we support you and Israel.
Sincerely,
"Real Americans Defend Israel"
Bee
