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Israel - Do as I Say, Not Do as I Do!

By Ian Brockwell  

A United Nations vote that condemned Israel for War Crimes in the recent Gaza conflict, passed overwhelmingly.

As expected, Israel responded in an angry manner as if surprised that any country should dare to question their actions, or suggest that they could possibly have done anything wrong.

Whilst the original report by Richard Goldstone (a South African Jew) indicated that crimes may have been committed by Hamas and Israelis, it would seem that the largest proportion of the blame has been placed on Israel.

Yes, Hamas have been firing rockets into Israel for some time, and whilst these have caused Israeli casualties, the response by Israel (and some of the weapons used) was clearly disproportionate to the offence (with more than 1,000 Palestinians killed in the Gaza attack).

Even the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, who is widely seen as a puppet for the US and Israel, endorsed the Goldstone report (under pressure from the Palestinian people).

The British Prime Minister Gordon Brown failed to give Israel the support it was seeking, but would have done so if Israel had agreed to three concessions that he believed could help to rescue the peace process. These were: a freeze on all settlement activity, an independent Israeli investigation and an immediate lifting of the blockade on Gaza. Not unreasonable demands, except when you are dealing with a country like Israel who refuse to consider a compromise.

We should remember that at this point, the question of War Crimes are only "alleged" and not yet proven. If Israel is so confident that these charges are unfounded, why are they so worried about further investigations?

Unfortunately, Israel have a long standing habit of trying to exterminate criticism before it even appears, usually by referring to an event that happened more than 60 years ago, an event that can place critics in prison (in some countries) if questioned.

We have frequently seen people barred from entering Israel, if they utter words that are not considered complimentary to the State, or severely attacked in other ways so as to damage their reputation (or livelihood), as a form of punishment.

Israel is one of the strongest critics of Iran and their alleged plan to develop a nuclear weapon, yet have more than 200 nuclear weapons of their own. Of the 189 countries that have signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (which includes Iran), four "sovereign states" have not, which are: India, Israel, Pakistan and North Korea. With the exception of Israel, the other three have openly tested and declared that they possess nuclear weapons.

Israel now tell us that the United Nations vote could seriously damage the Middle East peace process, in what is no more than a thinly disguised threat. Since the creation of Israel, there has been little peace in the region, and if this can not be achieved in 60 years, is it ever likely?

In order to obtain peace, there must be give and take on both sides, but with Israel that seems to be more "take" than give.

If the rest of the world treated Israel as they would any other country, instead of turning a blind eye everytime they bend or break the rules (that others have to follow), maybe peace would come more quickly? But with so many politicians appearing in government circles that have either dual nationalities (Israeli passports), or strong sympathies with Israel, is it any wonder they get away with so much?

Perhaps Israel should be forced to fend for themselves for a change, instead of accepting financial and military "handouts" from countries like the US. Why should the American taxpayers support a country that refuses to follow the rules? If Israel insists on ignoring world opinion and refuses to take advice, let them face the consequences of their actions alone. If they truly want to do whatever they like, so be it, but don't expect everyone else to shed any tears when the you-know-what hits the fan!

No other country in the world (and that includes the old Soviet Union) has ever put so much effort into promoting themselves than Israel. They have an army of people "working" the internet, posting pro-Israeli messages on forums, they have special organizations dedicated to promoting their country, and the world is constantly reminded of the Holocaust and told that this is to prevent such an event ever happening again.

Unfortunately, such events have been repeated and the Gaza response was hardly a good example to set. Yet despite the obvious failure in promoting the Holocaust, we continue to see more Holocaust Memorials erected (at the taxpayers expense) and an increase in restrictions on "hate speech", which is mainly designed to punish those who are critical of Jews or Israel.

Even though this article is simply stating the facts, you can be absolutely certain that this information will not appear in the mainstream media, and the author will automatically be branded as "anti-Semitic". The fact that I write equally critical articles about other countries, politicians and religions, will not be taken into account, as free speech is only acceptable if it does not mention Israel or its people.

I feel sorry for the majority of Jews who play no part in this "self-promotion", yet it is they who have to suffer the consequences of their leader's actions. This has been true throughout history and may well have helped to develop (in part) Hitler's hatred for Jews.

Sadly, this hatred has appeared many times in the last couple of thousand years, with Jews sometimes being ordered to leave the countries they had made their homes. This was not because people are born with a hatred for Jews, but clearly because of a situation that a minority of their own people create. Whether this is right or wrong is obviously something that can be debated, but there is no doubt that this is the case.

Many Jews do accept this as the problem and realise that the actions of a few can affect them as well. Instead of attacking those who try to highlight this problem, in the hope of ending this cycle of hatred, we should be supported for our courage to speak out and tell it as it is.

In order to see a more peaceful planet, we have to ensure that there is a balance in every respect. This should include a military balance between countries and regions, and a respect for their cultures and religions. We must accept that some cultures are very different to our own and allow countries to develop in their own way, and in their own time.

Once we try to dictate terms to others and profit from their resources against their will, we become bullies and tyrants, and we all know what happens to such people when the hate for them becomes intolerant. Tyrants and dictators have always been overthrown throughout history (with no exceptions), it is only a matter of time.

The sensible thing is to remember history and choose a different path for the future, repeating our mistakes will not provide a solution.

Ian Brockwell writes straight talking, honest stories that engage readers. Contact Ian through NewsBlaze.