Weekly Quotes
“It’s very simple. In the U.N. Security Council resolution passed on Libya, there is an arms embargo that affects Libya, which means it’s a violation for any country to provide arms to anyone in Libya.… It would be illegal for the United States to do that. It’s not a legal option.…”—U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley, justifying the Obama administration’s tepid handling of the crisis in Libya by claiming it would be illegal for the U.S. to provide tactical support to the Libyan opposition in its struggle against Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi. In response, U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued a statement refuting Crowley’s assertion, saying “the arms embargo imposed by UN Security Council Resolution 1970…does not impose an arms embargo on ‘Libya,’ but rather on the ‘Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,’ which is the self-proclaimed name of Qaddafi’s regime.… President [Obama] has consistently…said that ‘all options are on the table’ in Libya. If the State Department’s statement today is correct, however, it means one of the most effective options to help the Libyan people has been taken off the table. We urge the Administration to clarify its position on this important issue.” (Foreign Policy, March 8.)
“If the [Western powers seek to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya] it will be useful for Libya, because the Libyan people will see the truth, that what they want is to take control of Libya and to steal their oil.… The Libyan people [are prepared to] take up arms against them.”—Libyan leader MuammarGadhafi, warning the West that Libya would respond in kind, should foreign entities interfere militarily in the country’s intensifying civil unrest. Pro-Gadhafi militias and security forces continue to engage rebel fighters in bloody battles throughout the country. Reports suggest that upwards of 6000 civilians have died thus far, and that approximately 250,000 individuals have been displaced, creating a massive humanitarian crisis. (Jerusalem Post & Wikipedia, March 9.)
“Until recently, Libya was a member of the UN Human Rights Council, the same Council that condemned Israel for its actions during Operation Cast Lead, in the Goldstone report; thus the absurdity, the lies and the hypocrisy ran amok. Today, the true faces of Libya and its ruler have been revealed.… I try to describe a world in which the Libyan ruler, the one who is massacring his own people and does not respect human rights, would be armed with nuclear weapons; who knows what might have happened. Indeed, there is another regime that massacres its people, tramples human rights and exports terrorism around the world, and this regime is developing nuclear weapons. This regime is that of the ayatollahs in Iran.…”—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the hypocrisy which runs rampant in the UN, and providing “moral clarity”by recognizing the need, as is presently the case in Libya, for “determined international action against the tyrannical and brutal regime in Iran.” (Independent Media Review and Analysis, March 6.)
“If the events of the past two months in the Middle East should have taught us anything, it is that peace agreements reached with Arab dictators are as substantial as sand dunes; the next strong wind that blows across the landscape can easily obliterate them.… In addition to giving up land in the [1979 peace treaty with Egypt], Israel gave up oil and gas reserves which it had discovered and developed. Israel gave up those vital reserves because the Egyptians promised to supply Israel’s natural gas needs. One of the first casualties in the wake of the events that have swept Egypt in the last weeks has been a key component of the Israel/Egyptian accords; the promised energy supply from Egypt. There was a terrorist attack in Sinai which blew up the gas line. The current military government of Egypt has confirmed that even once the pipeline is repaired, the flow of natural gas to Israel will not be resumed. In terms of that vital component, the Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt has already been undone. No one can predict whether, nor how long, the rest of the components of that Peace Agreement will continue to stand.”—Excerpts from Dan Gordon’s article entitled A Time for Soul Searching, describing the dangerous uncertainty which accompanies forging agreements with unstable despotic regimes, a reality that is exemplified by the new Egyptian leadership’s refusal to continue supplying natural gas to Israel, a move that constitutes an abrogation of the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace accords. (American Thinker, March 9.)
“I commend you for forcefully rejecting, in your recent book, a false charge that has been a foundation for the hatred of the Jewish People for many centuries. My fervent hope is that your clarity and courage will strengthen the relations between Jews and Christians throughout the world and help promote peace and reconciliation for generations to come. I look forward to seeing you again soon and to expressing my deep appreciation for you in person.”—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a letter of appreciation sent to Pope Benedict XVI, praising the pontiff and his new book, in which he exonerates the Jews of responsibility for Jesus’s death. (Independent Media Review and Analysis, March 3.)
“The report that the Palestinian Authority is seeking to have Hamas removed from the U.S. and EU lists of terrorist organizations is a reminder of one of the striking aspects of the ‘peace process’—there is never a penalty for any Palestinian failure to abide by it. Phase I of the Roadmap required the Palestinians to dismantle their terrorist organizations; the Palestinians elected their premier terrorist group to control their parliament, and the group now rules Gaza. Phase II contemplated a state with provisional borders; the Palestinians have consistently refused even to consider it. Phase III requires final status negotiations based on UN resolutions calling for secure and recognized borders and a withdrawal from an unspecified portion of the territories. The Palestinians refuse to negotiate anything more than a de minimis change to the indefensible 1967 lines and will not recognize a Jewish state even in a final agreement. When you cannot implement Phase I, will not implement Phase II, and refuse to engage in Phase III, the Roadmap has effectively been discarded without penalty.”—Excerpts from Rick Richman’s article Peace Process Penalties, describing the Palestinians’ ongoing rejection of their fundamental commitments to Israel (as outlined in the binding agreement “A Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution”) and the international community’s complete failure to hold the Palestinians accountable. (Contentions, March 8.)
“No minister among the seven [inner cabinet members] believes that an agreement with the PA can be reached in the foreseeable future. We have seen it in their refusal to accept our three conditions—a willingness to recognize Israel as a Jewish nation, a willingness to recognize the arrangement reached as the end of the conflict, and a willingness to accept our security needs, especially in light of the Oslo experience that led to over a thousand dead and to the abandonment of Gaza which became an incubator for terrorists. These requirements have been met with absolute refusal.… They prefer to educate [their children] to explode, they deny our existence, and their maps [including Israel] are all covered with the flag of Palestine, so there is nothing to discuss regarding conceding space or, G-d forbid, dividing Jerusalem. It is clear that any paper we sign will be lit with the fire of terrorism.”—Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya’alon, in an interview with Besheva magazine, describing the immediate prospects for reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians. (Arutz Sheva, March 7.)
“We live in a world that is undergoing a very major shake-up. As I have said, the entire region around us is in a state of instability, and is undergoing a political and security earthquake which we have not seen the end of. In this situation, more than ever, we need to ensure that we have solid security foundations upon which to defend the State of Israel. Our security border is here, on the Jordan River, and our line of defense is here. If this line were to be broken, this would mean that it would be possible to bring in terrorists, missiles and rockets, and infiltrate them into Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be’er Sheva and throughout the country.… Therefore, in any future situation, and I say in any future arrangement as well, the IDF must stay here, i.e. along the Jordan River.…”—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing Israel’s changing security reality resulting from the widespread and ongoing Arab uprisings, and reinforcing Israel’s legitimate territorial claim to land extending to the Jordan river. (Independent Media Review and Analysis, March 8.)
“The administration of the Al-Amari youth center has announced its plans to launch a youth tournament [for 19-year-olds] to be named ‘Shahida [Martyr] of Honor, Wafa Idris.…’ [The tournament] will commence on March 10. Twelve teams will be participating.”—Excerpts from an announcement published in the official Palestinian Authority daily, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, describingthe West Bank-based Al-Amari youth center’s upcoming football tournament, which has been named after the first Palestinian suicide bomber, Wafa Idris. According to Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), the PA has repeatedly presented Idris as a hero and role model, naming after her a summer camp for youth funded by UNICEF, a Fatah women’s military unit, and a Fatah “educational” program. The Al-Amari center is purportedly funded by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, an organization which provides full monetary support to approximately 5 million Palestinian “refugees.” (Palestinian Media Watch, March 8.)
Short Takes
EGYPT’S MILITARY COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW PM—(Jerusalem) Amidst increasing civil unrest, Egypt’s governing military council has appointed Essam Sharaf, a former transport minister, as Prime Minister, and has mandated him with the responsibility to form a new government. Sharaf’s inaugural speech, delivered in conjunction with Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed El-Beltagy, was highlighted by a heartfelt salute to the Egypt’s revolutionary “martyrs.”
U.N. RIGHTS COUNCIL PULLS REPORT SINGING QADHAFI’S PRAISES—(Geneva) Responding to an international campaign spearheaded by UN Watch, the UN Human Rights Council has announced that it will shelve a report—prepared prior to the current massacres in Libya—that lavishly praises the Libyan regime for its human rights record. Although the UN had previously suspended Libya from the council, the overwhelmingly pro-Qadhafi report remained scheduled to be presented on March 18, and then adopted by a council resolution. (UN Watch, March 6.)
ISLAMIST KILLS 2 U.S. AIRMEN, INJURES 2 OTHERS IN GERMANY—(Washington)
A young man stands accused of shooting two U.S. airmen to death, and wounding two others, at an airport in Frankfurt, Germany. According to authorities, the man has confessed to deliberately targeting American military personnel, and that his actions were “motivated by Islamism.” Witnesses reported that the gunman shouted “Allahu akbar,” before opening firing and continued to scream the phrase as he was being detained. (Washington Post, March 3.)
POLL: AMERICAN ATTITUDES FAVORABLE TOWARDS ISRAEL—(Jerusalem) The latest Gallup Poll reveals that American support for Israel stands at 63%; contrastingly, only 17% of Americans favor the Palestinians, while 20% are impartial. The all-time record for Israeli support in the U.S. is 64% following the First Gulf War in 1991, whereas the lowest ever support rate was recorded in 1998 when only 37% expressed a favorable opinion of Israel. Israel’s popularity has been on the rise in the U.S. since 2001, when Israel received a 51% support rate. (Ynet News, March 1.)
BRITAIN UPGRADES STATUS OF PALESTINIAN DIPLOMATS—(Jerusalem) Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague has announced that the UK will upgrade the status of Palestinian representatives in London, ahead of talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. “It remains more vital than ever that we press for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We want to see an urgent return to negotiations, based on clear parameters including 1967 borders,” Hague said. He told lawmakers that the Palestinian representation would be recognized as a full diplomatic mission, rather that its previous status as a delegation. The UK’s Foreign Office said it planned to inform other nations, including Israel, of the change. (Ynet News, March 7.)
SWEDISH FM: WE WON’T UNILATERALLY RECOGNIZE PALESTINIAN STATE—(Jerusalem) According to Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Sweden will not consider unilaterally recognizing a Palestinians state within the 1967 borders. Bildt’s comments are significant since Sweden is widely considered in Jerusalem as being among the most pro- Palestinian states in the EU. Bildt’s words come amid reports that a number of European nations are preparing to follow the lead of various South American states by declaring recognition of an independent “Palestine.” (Jerusalem Post, March 3.)
IDF ARMOR-DEFENSE SYSTEM FOILS ATTACK ON TANK FOR FIRST TIME—(Jerusalem) The Israel Defense Forces Armored Corps has successfully operated its new armor-defense system for the first time, defending one of its tanks from a missile attack near the Gazan border. When an anti-tank missile was fired at a Merkava 4 tank, the tank crew activated the defense system, coined Me’il Ruach (Windbreaker), and successfully foiled the attack. The “Windbreaker” system employs sensors and radar to identify an incoming missile, and dispatches interceptor missiles which neutralize the incoming weapon before it can strike the tank. (Haaretz, March 1.)
GIULIANI: OBAMA SHOULD BE MORE SUPPORTIVE OF ISRAEL—(Jerusalem) Former New York mayor and potential Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani has called on the Obama Administration “to be more supportive of Israel,” and more realistic about what the Jewish State is facing. Giuliani rejected the notion that Israel is responsible for the stagnation in the peace process, saying “the ball is in the Palestinians domain to solve this problem.…” Giuliani also addressed Iran’s nuclear program, stating that he didn’t believe the military option should be taken off the table. (Jerusalem Post, March 3.)
OPRAH TO HOST SHOW IN CAIRO’S TAHRIR SQUARE—(Cairo) According to reports,
U.S. television talk show star Oprah Winfrey will host a live show from Cairo’s Tahrir Square. Egypt’s new tourism minister Munir Fakhri Abdelnur was quoted by the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper as saying Winfrey had accepted an invitation “without hesitation.” The publicity stunt is part of a campaign to revive tourism in Egypt after the huge uprising that forced Mubarak to resign on February 11 after 30 years in power, the paper said. Winfrey representatives have yet to confirm the veracity of the report. (Ottawa Citizen, March 4.)
12 JEWS HONORED ON AFRICAN STAMPS AS APARTHEID FIGHTERS—(Jerusalem) The postal services of Liberia, Gambia and Sierra Leone have simultaneously issued a set of three commemorative postal sheets in memory of 12 Jews who fought Apartheid and racism in Africa. According to one of the commemorative sheets, Jews were overrepresented in the struggle against South African Apartheid by 2,500 percent in proportion to the governing white population. The text on one of the commemorative sheets reads: “This stamp issue acknowledges the extraordinary sacrifices made by Jews to the liberation of their African brethren.” (Jerusalem Post, March 1.)
AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST JEW TURNS 110—(Sydney)Australia’s oldest Jew, Mary Rothstein, turned 110 on March 6.Rothstein celebrated the historic milestone surrounded by her daughter, two grandchildren, three of her six great-grandchildren and other relatives at her Melbourne nursing home run by Jewish Care.According to Robert Young, a senior researcher at the U.S.-based Gerontology Research Group, which specializes in verifying centenarians and super-centenarians, Rothstein is not the oldest Jew in the world; the oldest verified living Jew is Evelyn Kozak of New York City, born Aug. 14, 1899. (JTA, March 6.)
ANTI-BOYCOTT BILL PASSES FIRST READING IN KNESSET—(Jerusalem) Israel’s Parliament has voted to advance a bill that would place heavy sanctions against bodies that advocate a boycott against Israel. The bill, which easily passed in its first reading by a vote of 32-12, defines boycott as “an intentional avoidance of economic, cultural or academic relations with a person or another agent, solely because of their ties to the State of Israel, its institutions or areas under its control.” The bill will now be returned to the Knesset’s Law and Constitution Committee, where it will be prepared for its second and third readings. Coalition MKs are confident that they will be able to maintain support for the bill throughout its legislative process. (Jerusalem Post, March 7.)
JEWISH LEADERS APPEAL TO CUBA TO FREE ALAN GROSS—(New York)
Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations have issued a humanitarian appeal to the Cuban government to release Jewish U.S. government contractor Alan Gross, who has been held in a Cuban prison for more than 15 months. Cuban authorities detained Gross in late 2009 on his way out of the country, and accused him of being an American spy. Gross’ family and U.S. State Department officials say he was in the country on a U.S. Agency for International Development contract to develop infrastructure that would enable the country’s 1,500 Jews to better communicate with each other via the Internet. Gross, 61, who is in ill health, faces up to 20 years in prison. (JTA, March 8, 2011.)
HURVA SYNAGOGUE IS HOME TO FIRST WEDDING SINCE 1948—(Jerusalem) The Hurva Synagogue, which was officially rededicated a year ago, has celebrated a milestone; for the first time since its destruction by the Jordanian Arab Legion in May 1948, the synagogue hosted a wedding ceremony as an operational house of worship. The Hurva, located in the Old City of Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter, was originally built in 1701 but was later burned down 20 years later. The Hurva was reopened in 1864 after a seven-year rebuilding effort, but was again destroyed by Jordanian soldiers during the War of Independence. Before 1948, the Hurva hosted Zionist leaders Theodor Herzl and Ze’ev Jabotinsky. (Jerusalem Post, March 9.)
U.S. POSTS HIGHEST MONTHLY DEFICIT IN HISTORY—(New York) According to preliminary numbers released by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, the U.S. federal government posted its largest monthly deficit in history, an estimated $223 billion in February 2011. Despite public calls to curb spending, the Obama administration recently proposed a “Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2012” that would add an additional $1.1 trillion to the U.S.’ total national debt of nearly $15 trillion. In 2007, the full-year U.S. deficit was $161 billion, or $62 billion lower than the deficit for last month alone. (U.S. Office of Management and Budget & Contentions, March 7.)
