From my point of view, last week's most meaningful event was my participation in the AIPAC conference which took place in Washington. AIPAC is the biggest and most significant pro-Israel organization that exists in the United States. It acts as a lobby to the Senate and Congress and it succeeds, almost always, in passing legislation that is favorable to Israel.
It is no wonder then, that half of the Senate and half of Congress make an appearance at the annual conference, which represents an impressive show of friendship and support for Israel. For the two and a half days of the duration of the conference, I spoke six times: once at the opening ceremony attended by over 6,000 representatives and participants and five more times in sessions related to Israel's security and its internal affairs.
The main event at the conference was Senator Barack Obama's speech. The night beforehand, Obama succeeded in securing the numbers necessary to become the Democratic nominee, placing him a step closer to the White House. According to the polls, he has a very good chance of becoming the next President of the United States.
In Israel, his nomination aroused great suspicions. These suspicions derived from Obama's commitment to open negotiations, immediately after his election, with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in an attempt to reach an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue.
From our point of view, this is an unnecessary and dangerous move. Unnecessary, since the US - despised by Ahmadinejad and his regime - does not possess the power to change the nature of the regime nor its strategic goals with dialogue. Dangerous, since it is a prolonged process in which the Iranians will have more time to delay the efforts for sanctions against them and in the meantime can continue to produce enriched uranium for nuclear weapons. I voiced these concerns in a conversation with one of Obama's closest advisors.
On Wednesday morning, Obama spoke at the AIPAC conference. His speech was a pleasant surprise even if he did not go back on his word to apply the dialogue option in dealing with Iran. However, he added a number of important clarifications:
- He has no naive illusions regarding the nature of the Iranian regime
- He would not allocate much time to the process since he recognizes the urgency of the matter
- A diplomatic process would justify additional sanctions and other steps if it were to fail
- He believes that an unsuccessful diplomatic process will soften China and Russia's positions on sanctions and military processes.
- He would prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and stresses that a "military option remains on the table"
The electoral system in the US and the shaping process of a new government allows for a situation in which no presidential initiatives are presented between the end of the summer and the end of fall - 8 months approximately. This is a critical time to reach decisions regarding the prevention of a nuclear Iran. Obama's important speech alleviated some of our fears but did not completely allay them.
While the crowd loudly applauded Obama during his speech, I stepped out of the hall and hurried to the airport to make my flight home. Essentially, in order to prevent the Iranians from obtaining a nuclear weapon, the necessary steps must be taken here in Israel. If we are not prepared to do what is necessary ourselves, even the most agreeable and friendliest of presidents will not be able to save us.
Israel cannot do it alone. Israel's gas masks were recently collected. If a surprise attack would be done, Israel's population would be first Iranian target for reprisal and with no gas masks you figure it out. Also where there are cameras, lights, it's always pro-Israel which means nothing since without same lights and cameras other things are said about Israel and negatively so. You're right about Israel having to get its act together first. But it does nothing down south so why should it be different about about up north. As Rabin was remarked, "the democrats promise, the republicans deliver
2 | Nate, Sunday Jun 08, 2008
Sad to say that the blank warning words of late by Israel's secularists in gov't. to Hamas and Iran make Israel the laughing stock in the eyes of Israellis and the world.
Perhaps same words coming from religious leaders instead would pack greater belief, power, and action.
The other side's fanatics don't mince words. If it is only power they respect, then Israel sadly doesn't get the message.
Electoral process must be changed if situation is to change.
3 | Morton Friedman Lanham, MD USA, Sunday Jun 08, 2008
Did it allay ANY fears? Any suggestion of a 'Timetable'? Any idea of what would constitute successful diplomacy? Any idea of what would influence Russia or China? Any idea on a method for 'prevention'? In short, nothing of substance, but that is not surprising in the least. It is not a matter that one should truly advertise one's tactics, but it is important to show one's attitude. I am afraid, very afraid, that he speaks only to his audience at the time, and in words that are cleverly ambiguous.
4 | gail weinstein Florida, USA, Sunday Jun 08, 2008
I was privileged to hear Mr. Sneh several times during the AIPAC Conference and he was very inspirational. What he has that the bloggers lack is a sense of hope and a realization that most people just want to live their lives in peace.
The comments calling Mr. Sneh a dreamer - is that a bad thing? Weren't all the Zionists dreamers? Herzl said "If you will it, it is no dream" - the non-dreaming bloggers attitudes will plunge Israel into a hopeless darkness - hooray for Mr. Sneh!
5 | the Minuteman, CALiF, USA, Sunday Jun 08, 2008
Obama said nothing he would have to keep at a later date. Saying Jerusalwm is Israel capital does not mean much. The fact that Hamas, Hazbala, Iran, and Hugo Shavez, & other tirents are hoping for him is a clear sign he wil nol be Israel freind.
6 | Silas Lycium, Monday Jun 09, 2008
Words are one thing, but intentions are another. My father always said "Water seeks it's own level". This is essentially another way to say, "Birds of a feather flock together"...the kind of people you hang out with are most likely the kind of person you are. Who does Mr. Obama surround himself with? Extremists. And not one of them would be good for Israel. In fact, many of them (if not all) are anti-semetic and anti-Israel. If Obama is elected, he will be bad for not only the USA, but also HaEretz Yisrael. Words are not important -- actions and associations are.
7 | H.H Israel, Monday Jun 09, 2008
Mr. Sneh article is a joke. One day after Obama gave his speech one of his advisers retracted his words regarding Jerusalem. What a pleasant surprise,
8 | leo solomon, Monday Jun 09, 2008
It's no surprise that Obama would say anything he thought was necessary to win the support of the people he addressed.it's no surprise that what he said was in complete variance with what is telling about his past associations and the virulently anti zionist foreign policy advisers he selected to help him formulate a foreign policy.The suspension of disbelief required to accept as true what he is saying now borders on insanity.
9 | John B, Europe, Monday Jun 09, 2008
I fear his actual policies on becoming president will be an unpleasant, but all too easily foreseable ,surprise. Same old story, say anything, do anything, to achieve the goal, and bury the results with the help of a complicit media and a gutless public.
10 | Joe Kay Nigeria, Monday Jun 09, 2008
It is a welcome speach but the govenment of Israel too must not fold arms too. Do same as you have done to Syria and keep quite over it.God's promise is with you.No weapon formed against Israel shall prosper and any tongue that rises up agaist you shall be destroyed.
11 | david singer, Monday Jun 09, 2008
Mr Obama - like President Bush - has now given his unequivocal support at the AIPAC conference to IsraelÂ’s rejection of the 40 years old demand by the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) - endorsed by the 22 member States of the Arab League - that millions of former Arab residents or their descendants be allowed to emigrate to Israel.
He may have backtracked on Jerusalem. He certainly hasn't done so the right of return.
His speech has effectively torpedoed the creation of a Palestinian State during his Presidency if he is elected.
12 | Graniteman, New Hampshire, USA, Monday Jun 09, 2008
Don't fool yourself. Barack Obama, speaking before a Jewish audience, said he favors an "undivided Jerusalem." The next day, he retracted that statement. Also, he has been friends in Chicago with Rashid Khalidi, former PLO operative and vehement opponent of Israel. I am a lifelong Democrat who would have voted for Hillary Clinton because I trust her not to betray Israel. Now my choice is John McCain.
13 | vinny, NYC, Monday Jun 09, 2008
Have you read Obama's retractions? Have you seen the virulent antisemitism on Obama's official web site? This jackal is being promoted by every muslim terrorist and petty dictator in the world. You just placed yourself into the same category and the people of Israel should drag your rotten hide out of public life. You are a contemptible liar who doesn't deserve a public platform.
14 | Ken Besig, Kiryat Arba, Israel, Monday Jun 09, 2008
I am not sure which Obama speech is referred to, the one where Obama promises to keep Jerusalem united or the one where Obama promises to support the division of Jerusalem. The Senator has in fact made both statements.
15 | Ephraim Rubinger, Miami FL, Tuesday Jun 10, 2008
Barak Obama comes from and is supported by, the extrreme left wing of the Democratic Pary which comprises folks such as George Soros and Jummy Carter. For all kinds of reasons these folks are very hostile to Israel. Barak is savy enough to know how to make the right sounds that will keep the Jewish community within the womb of the Democrtaic party.
For lovers of Israel to support him on the basis of his AIPAC speech would be very naive. To wit the day following the speech, Obama retracted his statements on Jerusalem .
Sometimes the Emporer REALLY does not have any clothes!
16 | Lungisane , Cape Town , SA, Tuesday Jun 10, 2008
I am a Staunch Christian that doesn't belong to any religious group. I believe 200% in my Holy Bible. If my Holy Bible required me to jump 100 times up and down I would do it, that is how staunch I am. Christians today should be more seriouse about their time of Salvation, because Jesus Christ is at the door. The True Jews ( I pray every day for them) is suffering everyday because of me (us). All nations will soon TURN their back's on Israel the promise people. I was overjoyed when I heard the speech of Barak Obama , taking a stand for the Jews. My question is for how long?
17 | Danford David,Tanzania, Tuesday Jun 10, 2008
Israel's survival does not depend on nice promises of any prominent world figure but on the promises of The Heavenly Father.
18 | Dan Hoffman, Miami Florida, Wednesday Jun 11, 2008
If you believe Israel is safer, stronger and her future more secure then it was 7 years ago then you should vote for the person who will continue those policies. Yet, if you believe that she is less safe, that the Iraq war has strengthened Irans hand and that the threats to Israel are greater now then ever, you must vote for a new direction. There are many Senators, Representatives and friends of Israels who know Sen Obama very well and are adamant about his commitment to jewish issues and to not believe them either is to look beyond fact and use fear and bias as the deciding factor.
19 | Robert M. Glueck, M.D. Leawood, Kansas, USA, Thursday Jun 12, 2008
My whole family heard Senator Obama at AIPAC Policy Conference and we could not believe a single word he said. In view of his previous statements and actions, the speech was simply not credible, but crafted to hit all the "hot buttons" for an AIPAC audience his speechwriters could imagine. Given Obama's immediate retraction of the applause line supporting an "undivided Jerusalem" our circumspection was validated. We support Senator McCain, and will work for him and contribute heavily to his campaign in this election of immense historical importance (and danger) for both Israel and America.
20 | peterzap USA, Thursday Jun 12, 2008
Mr. Sneh hurried to the airport so he did not hear Obama talk about undivided Jerusalem ... ONLY his advisers re-tracked that the next day. And this was a PREPARED SPEECH. What a panderer with the American-Israeli pin in his lapel. Who are the fools to fall for that?
21 | Robert, Boston, US, Sunday Jun 15, 2008
Obama is an empty suit. After I casted my vote for Clinton at the primaries, I changed my party affiliation. As a former Democrat I, as many sober thinking Jews realized that Obama cannot be trusted about Israel. Fraknly, I was astonished and disgusted when the people at the AIPAC meeting went into a frenzy when Obama said what the crowd wanted to hear. I am extremely proud of the thank you letter that I received from Senator McCain for my modest contribution to his campaign. I hope that sober minded peopel who care about Israel will come to their senses before it is too late.
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The Weekly Portion
Former Deputy Defense Minister Dr. MK Ephraim Sneh comments on the headlines of the past week.
David: Mr Sneh once again proves why we need not new Arab leadership in Israel, but new JEWISH leadership in Israel. Once again, the myopic leaders speak co-existence with a 5th column that is simply waiting for the day to make Israel greater Palestine. Trying to buy off the Arab population with "reverse discrimination" (i.e discrimation against JEWISH employment in Israel) is a futile effort which just testifies as to the total stupidity and lack of vision of our Jewish leadership. The Arab ultimate goal is coexistence with us only so long as necessary until they have the upper hand.
Daniel Pinner, Kfar Tapuach, Israel: Yona Geitel, try to learn history: In the era of Bayit Sheni, it was not "fanatic Judaism [that] brought destruction on Israel" - it was the Roman invasion. It was the "fanatic Judaism" of Rabbi Akiva and Shimon Bar Kokhba that defeated the Roman Empire and restored Jewish sovereignty for three tears - a unique feat in the entire history of the Roman Empire. And the Center/Left is not working hard to ensure the survival of Israel: they are working hard to collaborate with terrorists to advance their own political agenda. Such are the facts without historical revisionism or denial.
gary littwin: So do Israeli Jews. New leadership and new leaders as well. Any suggestions, Ephraim?
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