When we speak of Israel and Judaism, opinions run from one extreme to the other. However, personal prejudices aside, what do we really know about this culture and their history? If history is correct, and by and large, I believe it is; why do most Americans of Jewish ancestry vote for Democrats when Democrats such as Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and especially, Barak Obama; have abandoned the nation of Israel? Why does Rahm Emanuel turn his back on his heritage?
We know the stereotypes of Jewish people in America and while some people may consider it to be real enough to criticize this culture, other people, such as myself, see it as light-hearted and endearing. From the Family Guy portrayal of "Mort", picking up pennies in the street, to Mrs. Walowitcz (Big, Bang Theory), smothering her son and many similar examples. I laugh at these portrayals and know they are not true. I laugh at the over-mothering example often used to portray a Jewish mother because as a child of Italian heritage, I can relate. I was raised with an Italian Grandmother who was very loving and while my mother did not exhibit these traits with me, she did with some of my siblings.
My impression of the Jewish people is much different than what is portrayed on television. Over the years, I have been privileged to know some Jewish people. What I've come to believe about this culture:
1. Having faced a centuries long struggle, the Jewish people are strong, proud and resillient.
2. Facing a level of hatred around the world, the degree of which not felt by any other culture, as a group, the Jewish are fearless and close; which makes it more difficult to understand the actions of Rahm Emanuel.
3. The Jewish people are strong in their faith in God!
4. The Jewish people are well educated, as they have learned long ago that education is strength and strength is power.
5. The Jewish people are selfless. In a nation the size of Israel, surrounded by people who not only want to hurt, but want to extinguish the entire population and their culture from the world, the people of Israel learned long ago that there is no room for selfishness. It is not a "me" culture, but an "us" culture. They live by a concept long abandoned in our nation, that "united we stand, divided we fall!"
The bible speaks of the Jewish people being "the chosen". In many biblical verses, including, Zechariah 12:1-14 (below), the bible tells of punishment or curses to be brought on those who would turn against Jerusalem. This to me, is reason enough to be against Islam, particularly the radical sects. This is also reason enough to be against Naziism, White or Black Supremacy or any other group who would go against God's chosen.
Through our 2014 years of progress since Jesus died for all of us, we have learned many lessons. Among them includes tolerance for those who have different beliefs. I have learned that while I do not agree with their beliefs, I respect the right for Jews to believe Jesus was not God's son. I respect Islam's right to believe in Ala as their God and Mohammad as a prophet. I respect the right of Hindu's to worship hamburgers and I respect the right of the narcissists to believe there is no God. Unfortunately, not all cultures have opened their minds, and not only disagree with those who do not believe as I believe, but want to vanquish non-believers from the earth.
Over the decades, our nation has been allied with Israel, not simply because of our religious obligation, but because it is the right thing to do. Today unfortunately, our nations leadership has changed directions. Our strong support for Israel has been diluted in deference to radicalism. We see example after example in our media every day with the current state of unrest.
Several days ago, Israeli teens were kidnapped by Palestinian militants, and were brutally murdered. In retribution for this act, Israel launched a military campaign. It should be understood that the Palastinian agressors do not operate as a military organization, but as a terrorist organization. To this end, they shield themselves in residential areas and base their operations in homes. By doing this, they intentionally put innocent children in harms way. To minimize the inevitable smear campaign, Israel sends out notices before they bomb in an effort to get innocent people out of the area. The radical militants however, indiscriminately bomb Israeli cities, with no concern for innocent people. The other difference between the two is how Israel protects it's citizens by intercepting the incoming missiles versus the Palastinian people allowing their "shields" to die in the name of Ala.
In our nation, we are told about a Palastinian youth who was killed by Israeli teens in retribution for the Palastinian murder of the Jewish teen. What we have not been told is how the Palestinians who killed the innocent Jewish teens were celebrated and held up as heroes by their leaders. We are told only by a brief mention here and there, that the Israeli teens who killed the Palestinian youth were not only, not hailed as heroes, but charged by their police with the murder. What we are being told is how Obama is criticizing Israel for their aggression against the Palestinians. Once again, we are watching our terrorist supporting President as he abandons our greatest ally in the middle east.
There have been many accusations in this country, many by me alone, about the integrity and character of our current president. I have called him a terrorist sympathizer, an enemy of the state, a socialist and a few other choice names, and I stand behind them all. There are also those who would call Obama the anti-Christ - the most evil of evil. I have always felt that if this guy is not the embodiment of evil, he certainly has evil coursing through his veins. His actions and attitude not withstanding, his eyes, deep and dark, are chilling to the soul.
Nothing speaks of the source of Obama's motivation more than his early and ongoing choice to support radical Islam while turning his back on God's chosen people in God's earthly home. I still will not call Obama the anti-Christ as it is not up to me to make this determination. I will however, continue speaking against him and his actions. I will continue to believe that he is motivated by evil. I will continue to praise and worship God, knowing that he will always guide me. As for you, you can make your own decisions, but understand that when it comes to Israel, being chosen is not a choice, but an honor!
Zechariah 12:1-14
The Lord Will Give Salvation
12 The oracle of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus declares the Lord, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. 3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. 4 On that day, declares the Lord, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 5 Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the Lord of hosts, their God.’
No comments:
Post a Comment