In face of the Flotilla of Lies that has unleashed a wave of hatred toward the Jewish State the likes of which we have not seen in recent decades, Israel’s technical response was excellent: footage was made available in real time, her spokespersons are working around the clock and numerous individuals partake in battles raging on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social networks.
New entities were formed in places where they should have been operating long ago (like in the Ministry of Public Diplomacy and its outreach to American Jewry). New initiatives are being invented, formulated and implemented. Better late than never.
Despite all the efforts, and at times unintended consequences like that of 16 year old student from Beverly Hills High School who alone stood against the hatred and savage behavior of the anti-Israel mob and now has become the face of innocence against evil, Israel is failing.
Yet Israel has no luxury to fail. Success is essential. How can she survive when not a single voice is heard in her defense? When Turkey demands an apology, compensation and the end of the blockade and threatens breaking diplomatic relations? When Iran is yet to take action (by, for instance, directing her cronies to attack)?
The next vessel is en route, determined not to stop and definitely not to arrive for inspection in Israel. An agreement between Ireland, under whose flag the vessel sails, and Israel to reroute the ship to the port of Ashdod in Israel will be overlooked (and then forgotten). Israel, again, will be blamed. This time, however, the vessel may be loaded with explosives or the “humanitarians” on board may be waiting to redeem themselves in sacrifice to Islam.
There are already voices that Israel may allow the vessel access to Gaza. “Damned if you do, damned if you do not.” The blood of the instigators will once again be on Israel’s hands, smeared across every TV and computer screen around the world. Israel was viciously attacked, and she stands to be hit once again within the same week.
A member of the Israeli Parliament participated in the first Convoy of Terror against Israel and her fellow Arab MKs share her positions. Israel is about to capitulate on every front. The rioters who lynched the soldiers on the Mavi Marmara were released. After a short break in their Mediterranean tour, they boarded a free flight to Turkey to a heroes welcome. There are now hundreds of new spokespersons for the Flotilla of Lies, continuing their holy Jihad against the Jewish State.
An argument is being made that Israel has no choice since the President of the United States is applying undue pressure on her to act against her will. I contend that Israel has lost her will, and thus she is not acting rationally or responsibly.
Israel must quash all internal opposition. This is war and Israel should be fighting for her very survival. Israel must further call reservists to service, for the day of reckoning is near. Everyone else must join the fight, under a new command: Israel’s Public Diplomacy.
We must make no mistakes. We knew the Convoy of Terror was arriving, and we prepared nothing for the hour of calling. We then rushed to react. Even the soldiers, under directive of the political echelon were (capable but) not ready: AN ENEMY MUST BE DEFEATED, NOT ENTERTAINED ON HIS TERMS.
Why is Israel continuing to transfer thousands of tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza every week? Abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, goods from all around the world and luxuries are stacked on every shelf. Employment under UNRRA or Hamas guarantees a steady income, and millions in aid are flowing to Gaza from the EU and other sympathizers. Electricity is supplied primarily by Israel. Is there anything wrong in this picture, for Gaza is supposedly under Blockade and a Siege that must be broken?!?
On the Public Diplomacy Front, each of us is a soldier. We must disseminate information, speak, participate and engage our family, friends, business associates and colleagues.
It is time to put aside all differences and work together to save Israel – first from herself, then from the world. This is not the time to be gentle or caring. This is the time to fight back with as much force, ingenuity, cleverness and courage as we can. Our survival depends on us and only us, and we owe it to those who couldn’t fight back to stand up and shout to the world, in deeds and action, “NEVER AGAIN.”
This point-and often-counter-point presentation is sprinkled with humor and sadness and attempts to tackle serious and relevant issues of the day. The series began in 2008, appears both in print in the USA and on numerous websites and is followed regularly by readership from around the world.
(c) “Postcards from Israel-Postcards from America,” June, 2010
