What Happened to Never Again?

by Diane Bederman

For centuries, for millennia we have always had Jews who believed if they just lay low, acculturate, assimilate, they would be liked and respected.

Jews had lived in Germany since the Middle Ages. And, as in much of Europe, they faced widespread persecution there for many centuries. It was not until the 19th century that Jews in Germany were given the same rights as Christian Germans.

Despite being integrated into German society, Jews faced discrimination in Germany, including many university student clubs, banned Jews from membership. Some political parties, including the Nazi Party, were openly anti-Jewish. Negative stereotypes of Jews appeared in the press.

Today, we have Jews standing with Progressives who accuse Israel of apartheid and a genocide in Gaza: forgetting the barbaric attack by Muslims who invaded Israel during a ceasefire October 7, 2023, and captured and abused, assaulted and murdered Jewish hostages, including babies.

These are Jews proudly standing with those who stand against Israel, protesting on the streets of America and college campuses against the Jews. They think of themselves as progressives more than they think of themselves as Jews.

Does it sound at all familiar? When will we ever learn?

(Many Jews have tried to suck up to those in power thinking they would be accepted, even back to Roman and Greek times. It never has worked.)

Food for Thought: by Steven Shamrak

Quite often, when I argue Israel’s case with non-Jews or self-hating Jews, they play “Yes, but game”. They brush off any factual pro-Israel argument and come with emotional statements, like “poor Palestinians”. In a climate of modern political correctness any form of discrimination, be it racism – homophobia and even Islamophobia – are vigorously confronted by public, and even prosecutable by law in many democratic countries. Anti-Semitism, often hiding as anti-Zionism or anti-Israel, is the only ugly tradition international Jew-hating bigots and governments are unwilling to get rid of!

Negotiation with Iran is Procrastination

Iran, whose leaders are sworn to destroy Israel, says it does not seek nuclear weapons, but enriches uranium to a level far beyond what is necessary for a civilian nuclear program and a short step away from weapons-grade. Iran said it will never agree to dismantle uranium centrifuges, or eliminate stockpiles. While both Tehran and Washington have said they are set on pursuing diplomacy, they remain far apart. (Iran’s nuclear program has to be neutralised, and the change of the despotic regime must be facilitated!)

Israel to Indict 22 Hamas Terrorists

Israel’s prosecution prepared indictments against 22 Hamas terrorists from the Nukhba force, who took part in the massacre at Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. The charges were made possible after new evidence was obtained by the military intelligence and the Shin Bet in the Gaza Strip. Israeli law enforcement requested that the Americans hold off on indictments on their part, to first allow Israel to press charges.

Lebanon Detained Terrorists

The Lebanese military detained a group of so-called Palestinians who were involved in firing rockets in two separate attacks toward Israel in late March that triggered intense Israeli airstrikes on parts of Lebanon. Lebanon’s Hezbollah terrorist group denied at the time it was behind the firing of rockets. Under a shaky ceasefire deal, the Lebanese army has increased its deployment in the country’s south over the past few months, confiscating Hezbollah’s arms and dismantling its positions under the terms of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he hopes Iran-backed Hezbollah can be disarmed this year. (Let’s hope that real change comes to Lebanon.)

Trump Delayed Israeli-US Joint Attack on Iran

US President Donald Trump quashed Israeli proposals for a series of joint strikes next month on Iranian nuclear facilities, opting instead to try for a diplomatic solution to the problem of Tehran’s nuclear program. Initial plans for the strike would have combined a joint Israeli-American bombing campaign with Israeli commando raids on underground nuclear sites. But such an operation would have required months of planning. Israeli and American officials, particularly Netanyahu, wanted to expedite the process. (Iran will not give up its nuclear program – delay is just a waste of time. Do what is right for Israel.)

Hamas Rejected Netanyahu’s ‘Partial Deals’

Hamas publicly rejected an Israeli proposal for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, reiterating that it opposes any truce deal that does not lead to an end to the war. Israel had sought the release of 10 living hostages held by Hamas for a 45-day ceasefire. The proposal also included the freeing of 1,231 Palestinian security prisoners (terrorists) from Israeli jails and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. (By now, it should be clear that only decisive and swift destruction of Hamas in Gaza will secure the release of most hostages and prevent future attacks from Gaza.)

Breaking Stupid Status quo at the Temple Mount

Religious Zionism Knesset Member Zvi Sukkot ascended the Temple Mount Thursday morning during the intermediate days of Passover and was filmed praying and prostrating himself – both in violation of the longstanding status quo at the site. Other Jewish worshippers joined him in prayer, while a police officer stood nearby and did not intervene. Since the current government took office in late 2022, incidents of Jewish prayer and rituals on the Mount have grown.

Jordan Arrested 16 Hamas Terrorists

Jordanian authorities arrested of sixteen individuals linked to Hamas. The operation uncovered rockets, explosives, and a facility used for manufacturing drones. At least one rocket was ready for launch. (No wonder that Jordan does not want terror infested Gazans. They know the true nature of fake Palestinians.)

Quotes of the Week:

“Yet there’s one thing Khamenei’s regime fears more than Israel. You know what it is? It’s you – the people of Iran. The regime wants to destroy your future as they seek to destroy our state. Well, we won’t let that happen. I have no doubt that one day in a free Iran, Israelis and Iranians will build together a future of prosperity and peace. That is the future Israel deserves. That is the future Iran deserves. Together, let us turn this beautiful dream into a reality.” – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to overthrow the Islamic Regime – Israel and the US can help them, but Iranian people must be ready to do their part.

Do not Diminish Israel Victory

by Daniel M Rosen

As Jewish people around the world celebrate Passover, they commemorate the deliverance from slavery into freedom. They celebrate with full hearts and heavy hearts. There are still 59 innocent souls, 24 of them believed to be alive, held hostage by Hamas.

Nevertheless, as tragic as the hostage crisis is, it must not be allowed it to obscure the stunning, historic victory that Israel has achieved in recent months.

While the pain of the hostages is real and must never be minimized, it cannot be allowed to eclipse the extraordinary, history-altering victory of epic proportions that Israel and the Jewish people are experiencing right now.

When weighing what Israeli next strategic moves ought to be, the majority of focus should be on the current and future security of the 10 million Israelis.

It is not a sustainable or admirable value to trade the current and future safety of 10 million people for the current livelihood of 24 people. We want the hostages back and hope we will get them back – and the bodies of 36 others. It’s not because the individuals don’t matter, but because the welfare of the whole, trumps the welfare of the few.

Read previous Editorials here.