It doesn't matter

Submitted by Mike (United States), May 14, 2008 at 17:09

The most pertinent lesson that we Jews need to learn is that our good works don't matter to those who hate us. It doesn't matter that Israel has achieved great ."stable, liberal political culture, dynamic economy, cutting-edge high-tech sector, lively culture, and impressive social cohesion.accomplishments."

It doesn't matter that the regional politics are unsettled and that Israel is the scapegoat for all that is wrong in the region. It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter.

What matters is the reality that in every generation Jewish survival is challenged by one or more entities. What matters is that Israel as a Jewish state is thought to be our best chance for long term survival or at least the opportunity to fight for our survival rather than to be marched like sheep into murder camps.

Israel as a solution for Jewish survival is now being called into question, but I doubt that any other neighborhood (other than the USA) would be kinder to the Jewish people whether we organized as a state or live as individuals within states. Our good works will not buy us acceptance into the world community, more of whom appear to hate us than love us or at least more extremists are willing to annihilate us than there are who would rescue us. Few would probably miss us and our accomplishments and most would probably believe they can get along just fine without us.

One can only conclude from the history that is well chronicled on this website and many other sources that our survival is up to us and that once again we are perhaps our own worst enemy. The enemy is not the issue. The issue is whether we Jews will unite in our defense with a clear vision of what it will take to survive and thrive in a world that has been hostile to us for millennia.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".