The two state solution as the only unhappy alternative

Some readers objected to the end of my last column on the lessons of Oslo. Most of the column argued that Arab and particularly Palestinian rejectionism destroyed Oslo yet most Westerners could not fathom Palestinian political culture's destructive and self-destructive addiction to violence. Nevertheless, I concluded, the only solution remains a two-state solution. Critics deemed this claim contradictory.

The two-state solution remains the most logical solution for Israelis and Palestinians because, like the infirmities of old age, it beats the alternative, or in this case, the alternatives. Extremist Palestinians advocate the one-state solution, trusting that masses of Palestinian voters in a secular democratic state would overwhelm Israelis. Across the spectrum, since 1967, many right-wing Israelis have endorsed the status quo, ignoring the psychic, moral, diplomatic, military, political, and economic costs to Israel of controlling millions of hostile non-citizens. A two-state solution can take many forms, including federations with Egypt and Jordan that would mean a three-state or a one and two half-state solution. Somehow, Israel must stop governing millions of Palestinians.

Remember the terror victims at the Seder

Once again, we will celebrate our joyous holiday of liberation this seder with heavy hearts. Even as we revel in our freedom as Jews today, even as we marvel at Israel's steadiness amid the terrorist onslaught, even as we begin celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary, too many Israeli families are in pain. This year, as we think of three Israeli hostages in a Mitzraim, in dire straits, and think of an entire region, the western Negev, including the city of Sderot, held hostage, we must reclaim our symbols, remember our losses, reaffirm our commitment to Israel, to the Jewish people, and to a true peace.

In the bloody, unnecessary war the Palestinians began by turning away from negotiations toward violence, too many died, too many have been injured, on both sides. And too many seders now have empty chairs - missing husbands, fathers, brothers, sons; missing wives, mothers, sisters, daughters.

'April Fools' report minimizes Palestinian anti-semitism

I usually don't like playing bash-the-journalist. I try avoiding the ritualistic Tirade against the Times, which keeps pro-Israel New York Times readers' blood flowing. But an April 1, 2008 front-page article was so ridiculous it could have been an April Fools joke. "IN GAZA, HAMAS'S FIERY INSULTS TO JEWS COMPLICATE PEACE EFFORT," the headline ever so delicately proclaimed - as if there was much of a peace effort with Hamas to complicate, and as if the bombs raining down on Sderot or hundreds of cold-blooded murders over the years did not first "complicate" matters. Even the usually hostile International Herald Tribune reprinted the article under a more accurate headline "HAMAS RATCHETS UP ANTI-JEWISH RHETORIC." Equally absurd, the one line the Times website highlighted pronounced:  "While the Palestinian Authority under Fatah has made significant, if imperfect, efforts to end incitement against Jews, Hamas feels no such restraint." Moral obtuseness is one of the great crimes of our times and of the Times.  The editors too easily forgive Fatah's "imperfections" in fighting anti-Semitism.

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Center Field McGill history professor Gil Troy - a passionate moderate - looks at the American presidency, American history, Zionism, Judaism and Israel today.

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glrex in Los Angeles, CA: Alan G., sadly, there are some scholars who signed on, Elliot Dorff, for example. He has always been a flaming liberal, but he knows his stuff despite the fact that he often reaches conclusions with which many would disagree. Rene, in L.A., you should check out my Conservative synagogue, Sinai Temple. It is not politically conservative per se, but its rabbi (Wolpe) does not advocate for politicians. He's a staunch & vocal advocate for a strong Israel. (He's not a flaming liberal like the rest of them). There are actually conservatives at Sinai, which is unusual outside the Orthodox movement.
Glenn Sonnenberg, Los Angeles: To Rene Jacobs: There are reform synagogues in Los Angeles that have rabbis with views outside the mainstream of the liberal elites. We belong to Stephen S. Wise, which has rabbis with a variety of political views. The clergy does not shove their views down the congregation's throat in sermons. Our clergy is learned, thoughtful, passionate, supportive of Israel and, most importantly, regardless of their personal beliefs, patient and tolerant of the views of others. I commend our temple and community for your consideration. We also are former members of your congregation.
Sally in Marin County: To Michael and Rene: We have tried to leave our super liberal conservative 'gogue but we live in Marin County and there is only one conservative temple. We still have one more child to bar mitzvah, but we hate it and often leave services angry and disturbed. Since we can't leave, I have started to organize conservatives at our temple, so we have a stronger voice. We are few, but just beginning to unite. By the way, community organizers have infiltrated our 'gogue. I'm sure they are in others. Anyone out there w/ experience dealing w/ this? The lines are truly blurred.