Recognizing “Palestine”

The only good thing to come out of Brazil and Argentina’s recognition of “Palestine,” as an independent country, and Uruguay’s plan to do so, is that these absurd government decisions make certain recent Israeli government decisions, and then their reversal, look less stupid. (http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=198279) Recognizing “Palestine,” not only does nothing to bring peace to Israel and the Palestinians, but it pushes the prospect of peace further away. It rewards the Palestinians for decades of violence and terror. It disregards all the Palestinians’ obligations since the November 1947 UN resolution to create a Jewish and an Arab state. It is racist. It lends credence to the Palestinian and other Arab claims that Israel has no legitimacy. It helps give birth to yet another country at war with Israel. And it creates the farce of “Palestine” as one state whereas, in fact, an extremist terrorist group that is at war both with Israel and the PA government controls territory that encompasses almost half of the would be citizens of the state that they are recognizing. Since even before its own statehood, Israel has not known one day of peace. It has been subject to terror and war for more than six decades. Palestinian leaders have ignored international agreements and UN resolutions to try to bring peace to the region as if it were their national pastime. Anytime the Palestinians don’t feel that they are getting a fair shake, they resort to threats of violence and actual terror. Why would any country make such an absurd unilateral gesture as to recognize “Palestine” at all, much less in territory that remains disputed, and absolve the Palestinians of the responsibility to come to an accommodation with Israel and make peace once and for all? What incentive do the Palestinians have to join the world of nations if they get a free pass at shirking their responsibilities and aren’t expected to behave in a manner that is according to international standards? Making the Palestinians any less accountable to live in peace and civility as a member of the nations of the world is racist because it says that we just don’t expect normative civil and peaceful behavior from them. How are the Palestinians expected to rise to the occasion and behave as the rest of the nations of the world when there are those who simply don’t expect that of them? The Palestinians deserve better. Recognizing “Palestine” unilaterally according to the 1949 armistice lines is also racist against Jews and goes against the very nature of the 1947 UN Resolution 181 which calls upon Jews and Arabs to live together in peace and harmony, as residents of one another’s countries but citizens of their own. Is it possible that these nations which recognize “Palestine” now believe that Jews are expected to host an Arab minority (some 20%) in their country, but that Jews are forbidden to reside in a Palestinian Arab state, and that their presence is unjust and an alleged obstacle to peace? Why is the same not said of Israel providing full citizenship and equal rights to its Arab minority? Why the one sided racism and delegitimizing of Israel? As long as there has been a territorial dispute in the Middle East, the Arabs have sought to undermine Israel’s very legitimacy. The Palestinian (and others’) claims that there is no historical or religious connection between the People of Israel and the Land of Israel is not just wrong and offensive, it contradicts the very foundation of Judaism and Christianity, and is yet another lie upon which they are building their society, by discrediting ours, rather than by coming to terms with us as neighbors, and our right to be here. All but two (of 22) Arab countries are still in a state of war with Israel. This does not include other “inspired” Muslim countries like Iran, which also don’t recognize our right to exist, and threaten us with war, terrorism, boycotts, and one sided condemnation. What justification does any country have in serving as the midwife for the birth of another country that will not uphold international standards and that will be (remains) at war with a third? Assuming none of the above are really issues, what I’d love to know is which “Palestine” these esteemed countries are recognizing. Is it what’s often referred to as the West Bank which is still (nominally) ruled by the elected Palestinian Authority, whose president has long out served his term and not called for new elections? Is it Gaza which is ruled by terrorists that overthrew the PA in a bloody coup and now rule with an iron hand over nearly half of the Palestinians? Is their recognition of “Palestine” as a state anything more than a game of international make-believe in the hope that by putting a diplomatic band aid on a problem with global implications it will all just be OK? If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, this road is paved in abject stupidity. This decision, at this time, lends reason to think that Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are competing to be the leader of the banana republic of nations. Perhaps they would like to adopt the Palestinians as neighbors and see just how friendly their leaders are. Then again, they welcomed any number of Nazi war criminals, so Israel bashing, anti-Semitic terrorists would be right at home. Recognizing “Palestine” without holding the Palestinians accountable to the responsibilities that statehood brings, will not only do nothing to bring peace, but it will push peace further away, laying the foundation for more bloodshed rather than anything resembling a resolution.

Expressing our thanks to those who helped put out the fire

Expressing our thanks to those who helped put out the fire Now that the devastating Carmel Forest fire has been extinguished, in Israel must mourn the dead and rebuild, while reinforcing emergency preparedness for this and other sort of national disaster. It’s unusual for Israel not to be one of the first countries sending aid to others and, in this case, being on the receiving end. The international support is most noteworthy and appreciated. Those who love and support Israel, and who are grateful for the international support that Israel received, should take a minute to express their gratitude to the following countries’ embassies and leaders in Israel and around the world. With two exceptions, the list below is of the countries and bodies that provided direct aid, what they provided, and their respective embassies and consulates in Israel. If anyone would like to take time to compile a list of the contact information for the respective Presidents/Prime Ministers/Foreign Ministers/ and/or other government representatives and sent to me. I will post on my blog and distribute as well. Please feel free to send these updates to me at no1abba@gmail.com and copy me on your notes of gratitude to these countries for their support. Azerbaijan – 2 helicopters Bulgaria – 1 plane and 92 firefighters Croatia – 1 plane, 8 firefighters and fire repression materials Cyprus – 1 plane and 1 helicopter Egypt – fire repression materials France – 5 planes and fire repression materials Germany – 1 plane, 7 experts in firefighting and fire repression materials Greece – 7 planes, 34 firefighters and fire repression materials Holland – 5 experts in firefighting Italy – 1 plane and fire repression materials Jordan – 3 truckloads of firefighting equipment and materials Palestinian Authority – 21 firefighters and 3 fire engines Russia – 3 planes and 22 experts in firefighting Spain – 5 planes Switzerland – 1 plane, 3 helicopters and a team of 14 Turkey – 2 planes UK – 2 helicopters US – 5 planes, 11 experts in firefighting and fire repression materials Azerbaijan does not maintain an embassy in Israel. Please contact the: Executive Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku city, AZ1066, Istiglaliyyat street, 19, "The President Palace" Fax: (0099412) 492 35 43, 492 06 25 E-mail: office@pa.gov.az Bulgarian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Bulgarian Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel send edits 21 Leonardo Da-Vinchi Str. Tel Aviv 64733, Israel City: Tel Aviv Phone: (00972 3) 696 13 61 Fax: (00972 3) 696 14 30 Email: telaviv@mfa.bg Croatian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Tel-Aviv, Israel send edits Canion Ramat Aviv 40 Einstein St. Tel Aviv 69101 Israel City: Tel Aviv Phone: 00972 (0)3 643 8654 00972 (0)3 643 8655 Fax: 00972 (0)3 643 8503 Email: croemb.israel@mvpei.hr Office Hours: Working hours: Monday-Friday 9.00-17.00 Working hours of Consular Section (with clients)/phone: 00972 (0)3 641 3508/: Monday-Friday 10.00-14.00 Croatian Consulate in Jerusalem, Israel Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Jerusalem, Israel send edits Shaarei Ha'ir Building, 5th Floor 216 Yaffo Street Jerusalem 94 383, Israel City: Jerusalem Phone: +972 (0) 77 777 92 77 Direct No. +972 (0) 50 777 45 00 Fax: +972 (0) 77 777 92 05 Email: honorary@consul-croatia.com Cypriot Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel Embassy of Cyprus in Tel-Aviv, Israel send edits 50, Dizengoff Str. Top Tower 14th Floor 64332 City: Tel-Aviv Phone: + 972 3 5250212, 6292546, 6297033 (Amb.), + 972 9 9500948 (Res.) Fax: + 972 3 6290535 Email: tel_avivembassy@mfa.gov.cy Office Hours: Ambassador: H.E. Mr. George Zodiates Office hours: 08:00 15:30 (Mon. Fr.) Egyptian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of Egypt in Israel 54 BAZEL Street, City: Tel Aviv Phone: (009723) 5464151-5464152 Fax: (009723) 5441615 Prime Minister of Egypt - primemin@idsc.gov.eg French Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel Embassy of France in Tel-Aviv, Israel 112 Promenade Herbert Samuel BP 3480 - 63572 Tel Aviv City: Tel-Aviv Phone: [972] (3) 520 83 00 Fax: [972] (3) 520 83 40 Web Site: http://www.ambafrance-il.org Email: diplomatie@ambafrance-il.org French Consulate in Jerusalem, Israel Consulate General of France in Jerusalem, Israel 5 rue Paul Emile Botta PO box 182 91001 Jerusalem City: Jerusalem Phone: [972] (2) 629 85 00 Fax: [972] (2) 629 85 01 / 629 85 02 Web Site: http://www.consulfrance-jerusalem.org Email: diplomat@france-jeru.org German Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of Germany in Tel Aviv, Israel 3, Daniel Frisch St. 19. Stock 64731 Tel Aviv Israel City: Tel Aviv Phone: 03-6931 313 / (00972 3) 693 13 12 Fax: 03-6969 217 Web Site: http://www.tel-aviv.diplo.de Email: ger_emb@mail.netvision.net.il Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: 8:00 - 16:00 Friday and Holidays: 8:00 - 12:30 Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of Greece in Tel Aviv, Israel Tower Building 3 Daniel Frisch St. 16th floor 64731 City: Tel Aviv Phone: (009723) 6953060 or 609 4981 or 6951088 Fax: (009723)6951329 Email: gremil@netvision.net.il Greek Consulate in Jerusalem, Israel Consulate General of Greece in Jerusalem send edits 31 Rachel Immenu, Katamon, Jerusalem City: Jerusalem Phone: (009722) 5619583, 5619584, 5828316 Fax: 5610325, 5325392 Email: greconje@netvision.net.il Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of Italy in Tel Aviv, Israel send edits Trade Tower Building 25 Hamered Street 21 City: Tel Aviv Phone: 972 3 510 4004 Fax: 972 3 510 0235 Web Site: http://www.ambtelaviv.esteri.it Email: stampa.telaviv@esteri.it Jordanian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of Jordan in Tel Aviv, Israel send edits 14, Rehov Abba hillel Silver Ramat Gan 009723 City: Tel Aviv Phone: 9-723-751-7722 Fax: 9-723-751-7712 Email: jordan1@barak.net.il Office Hours: Monday - Thursday:9:00-3:00 Sunday:9:00-3:00 The Palestinian Authority does not maintain any diplomatic office in Israel and initial searches did not find any address for contacts of the President or Prime Minister in Ramallah. Please contact the: Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United Nations 115 East 65th Street New York, N.Y. 10065 Telephone: (212) 288-8500 Telefax: (212) 517-2377 e-mail: palestine@un.int Spanish Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of Spain in Tel Aviv, Israel send edits Dubnov Tower, 3 Rehov Daniel Frisch, Floor 16 Tel-Aviv 64731 City: Tel Aviv Phone: +972-3-6965210/8/9 Fax: +972-3 -6952505/6965217 Email: embespil@mail.mae.es Spanish Consulate in Jerusalem, Israel Spanish Consulate General in Israel send edits Ramban, 53 City: Jerusalem Phone: (+972) 2 563 34 73 Fax: (+972) 2 563 20 59 Email: conspjer@mail.mae.es Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of Switzerland in Tel Aviv, Israel send edits 228 Hayarkon St. Tel Aviv 63405 City: Tel Aviv Phone: 03 546 44 55 Fax: 03 546 44 08 Email: vertretung@tel.rep.admin.ch Office Hours: 9am - 11am Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of Turkey in Israel send edits Rehov Ben Yehuda 1 City: Tel Aviv Phone: +972-3 517-1731 / +972-3 517-6157 Fax: +972-3 517-6303 Back to Top of the Page Turkish Consulate in Jerusalem, Israel Consulate of Turkey in Israel send edits City: Jerusalem Phone: (+972-2 532)-1087 / 2396 / 3310 Fax: +972-2 582-0214 Email: turkudus@netvision.net.il British Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel British Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel send edits 192 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63405 Consular Section 1 Ben Yehuda Street Migdalor Building, 6th Floor Tel Aviv 63801 City: Tel Aviv Phone: +972 (0)3 510 0166 Fax: + 972 (0)3 725 1222 Web Site: http://www.britemb.org.il/ Email: webmaster.telaviv@fco.gov.uk Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 08:00 - 13:00 Friday 08:00-12:30 American Consulate in Jerusalem, Israel Consulate General of United States in Jerusalem, Jerusalem 18 Agron Road Jerusalem 94190 City: Jerusalem Phone: +972.2.622.7230 Fax: +972.2.625.9270 Web Site: http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov Email: UsConGenJerusalem@state.gov Office Hours: 08.00-16.30 American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of United States in Tel Aviv, Israel 71 Hayarkon Street Tel Aviv Israel City: Tel Aviv Phone: (+972) 3-519-7575 Fax: (+972) 3-517-3227 Web Site: http://telaviv.usembassy.gov Email: nivtelaviv@state.gov Office Hours: 08.00-16.30