Just Say No
Prime Minister Netanyahu was invited to speak to a joint session of Congress about the importance of furthering sanctions against Iran. Accepting the invitation is a colossal mistake. I urge the Prime Minister to just say ‘no….thank you.’
My counsel is not based on the timing of the upcoming Israeli elections and the optics of the incumbent Prime Minister standing before Israel’s most valuable ally and its elected leadership.
My counsel is not based on the role of pawn the Prime Minister might be being played into by Republican Congressional leadership against a Democratic President.
My counsel is not based on the poor timing of the invitation being extended and accepted just hours after the State of the Union address and breaking protocol with the White House.
My counsel is based on one simple, critical and undeniable fact: Iran sanctions are in the best interest of the United States. We do not need a leader of a foreign country coming to tell the United States the benefits of enacting these sanctions. While true, these sanctions help the United States and all of its citizens. De-facto, that helps Israel, and all of America’s allies.
Do we want Angela Merkel standing before our elected officials explaining how best to deal with immigration or Francoise Hollande on what is the best vehicle to stop terror? Our countries are and should remain staunch allies. We should learn and grow and even challenge each other. Still, our legislation should not appear to be decided upon solely by its interests to our allies and be devoid of our own benefits. That is a very dangerous card to play and picture to present.
Legislation that benefits the interest of America is paramount. Let me be unambiguous. Sanctions on Iran are critical and vital to America’s interests. Allow me to repeat that: Sanctions on Iran are critical and vital to America’s interests.
Iran achieving nuclear capability is an irrevocable catastrophe that needs to be stopped by all measures. A nuclear bomb in the hands of Iran would pose imminent threats to every western-value based country. This includes Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Brussels all within “arms” reach of Iran, not to mention Canada, Mexico and the United States.
If Iran were to become a nuclear capable country, it would undermine all of the non-proliferation treaties (NPT) and forward progress that has been earned through years of hard negotiations. These treaties were brokered to dismantle the threat of annihilation by other countries, hostile one to the next. Is that a place we want to return towards? Has the frostbite of the cold war thawed from our memories?
Inevitably, with growing tensions between Sunni and Shiite countries, Iran’s newest addition of a nuclear bomb would stoke an arms race in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, perhaps even oil-rich Qatar and Kuwait would all follow suit with bombs of their own. The Middle East is a dangerous and volatile neighborhood. In what is a very cold winter following an unsettling Arab spring, having rogue, militia based governments with the ability to put their fingers on the button is terrifying to the entire world.
Iran is one of 13 countries that comprise the council of OPEC – the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. This group of 13, almost all Arab countries, is responsible for more than 40% of the world’s oil. If one of those countries had nuclear capabilities, it could hold the world hostage on oil prices. Under $2.00 a gallon is a wonderful reprieve these days. However, imagine $7.50 a gallon just because Iran has the muscle to enforce a price gouging and no one country could stand up to it?
When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990 it wanted to capture more oil fields and simply, get richer. America AND Israel stopped that from happening: America by sending troops and letting Saddam Hussein know in word and deed the world will not sit by idly for his audacious thievery. Israel is to be applauded for secretly bombing the nuclear reactor at Ossirik, Iraq ten years earlier. I am not a fortuneteller nor adept at the ‘what if’ games, but I am pretty sure that were Iraq to have had a nuclear bomb the allied countries response in 1990 would have been dramatically more timid, if at all. Kuwait might have fallen to Iraq and gas prices would have soared while Saddam would have built more palaces with bars of gold. Thankfully, that was thwarted. Do we want to make the same mistake again?
Iran is the largest sponsor of world terror. Iran is a source of funds and weaponry to Hamas and Hezbollah, two terrorist organizations operating in Gaza and Lebanon, respectively. Its fingerprints are linked to the AMIA bombing in Argentina where more than 65 people were murdered. Iran even offers compensation to surviving families whose children murdered Israeli civilians. Should we allow the neighborhood bully to upgrade its artillery? Logic tells me such a bully would only create exponentially more crime.
The current iteration of the Kirk-Menendez bill should be signed by all members of the US Senate in a demonstration of bipartisan support. The proposed bill is prospective. That means it only takes effect IF the negotiations with Iran fail. In essence, it holds the Iranians feet to the fire at the negotiation table. Should they stall or walk away, the US government need not go through the time consuming exercises of drafting and voting on sanctions all while Iran spins its centrifuges.
Iran sanctions must happen for all the reasons stated above, and many more. Making the sanctions appear that we are making them solely or even primarily for the sake of Israel is a dangerous optical illusion.
So, Mr. Prime Minister, just say ‘NO, thank you’ to the gracious invitation and come back (if you are victorious in the coming elections) to address congress and thank them for our special, unique and shared value based relationship.
The Stars in the Sky
This afternoon, I saw the most magnificent stars in the sky. You might ask, how could we see stars in the afternoon? Doesn’t nightfall bring out the stars? Ordinarily, you would be right. But the stars we saw were not ordinary at all. They were extraordinary!
Our Temple Emanu-El returners trip to Israel was fortunate to gain entrance this afternoon to graduation ceremonies for the Israeli Air Force pilots. 33 young men and one young woman earned their wings to fly and protect our shared homeland. At the end of the ceremony, loaded with pageantry and dignitaries, an impressive airshow took place showcasing the oldest and newest planes of Israel and their capabilities. Sitting in the outdoor amphitheater, looking skyward we saw aircraft of all shapes and sizes; some refueling in mid-air and others doing amazing acrobatic feats. Each plane had on the underside of the wing, the Star of David, the symbol of Israel. That star was one of the most magnificent I have ever seen.
In what is tantamount to a blink of an eye in Jewish history, 66 years, the Jewish people have its own state. We boast not only a sovereign military power within that state, but one that is of the most elite in the world. Less than two generations ago much of the Jewish people of Eastern Europe were herded to their death. Sadly, no country came to our rescue. Today, that could never happen again.
Rest assured, I am not cut of the cloth that rings the “holocaust reference” bell regularly. Yet, when I see those stars in the sky I understand too well their pivotal role in the latest war, Protective Edge along with countless other operations since our independence.
These are the stars that shined in the night of the Sudan sky when rescuing thousands of Ethiopian Jews and repatriating them home to Israel. Which other country has picked up black people from Africa and moved them to freedom? Only Israel. All of the other countries in history moved Africans from freedom to slavery!
These stars twinkled in the Ugandan sky at night when it rescued the hostages in Entebbe during a surprise attack. These stars still burn brightly each day and night helping refugees from Syrian oppression and bringing aid in the wake of natural disasters across the globe.
These stars created a secretive formation of a passenger jet in the early 80s. They then stealthily flew to Iraq, to destroy the nuclear reactor in Osirik.
The psalmist speaks of a time when we lift our head and seek direction, (Psalm 121). The psalmist knew that our reflex when thinking of tomorrow and defining aspirations is to look upward. When we do, know that the men and women of the Israel Air Force – the stars in the sky – are brilliant and give us light towards our path of peace and a better tomorrow.
Onward and upward
In May of 1991, I was a freshman in college studying abroad outside of Tel Aviv. One Saturday afternoon I saw an El Al jumbo jet circle over head seemingly 20 times. I assumed, since El Al did not fly on Shabbat, that it was the same plane flying over and over on some type of maintenance test run.
About 4 hours later, when Shabbat had ended, the news broke. In the quiet of the Shabbat night, Israel sent all of its El Al planes to Ethiopia to pick up Jewish people yarning to come home. It was called Operation Solomon. 36 jets, El AL and C-130s were filled with Ethiopian men, women and children totaling more than 15,000 in all. In fact, there were more that landed then took off because some pregnant women gave birth in the air!
When these new Israelis landed, most were overwhelmed. They laughed because they had never seen white Jews before! Also, you must understand that they had never seen electricity, thus they did not know the purpose of a light switch. They had never used a toilet, yet alone flush one. Cars and planes and technology was something even their imagination had yet to absorb. Their palate had to be slowly integrated into Middle Eastern fare. Hummus and falafel were something their digestive systems could not handle right away.
The next day after those planes landed, I along with some friends from college went to the center where many of the new olim were living. It was a giant shelter in a large warehouse; cots strewn everywhere, lots of noise, sections for kids to play with toys and food being served while doctors made rounds checking on the ill.
It was clear when we walked in and around we were NOT from the flight but were part of the local team. Ethiopian kids clung to our legs and men and women hugged us and smiled from ear to ear. In broken Hebrew they said, “todah” meaning, thank you. We could not share much spoken language but we all were able to communicate in the shared dialect of hugs, smiles and laughter. It was a moment that will forever be imbedded in my mind.
Perhaps most overwhelming and pride-filling is the fact that Israel was the only country in the history of the world that took black people from Africa towards freedom. Every other country took black people from Africa to enslave them.
Nary a time passes that I am in Israel where I do not see an Ethiopian mother walking the streets or a young soldier standing a post and I wonder, was it he that laughed with me? Was it she that hugged us to say thank you? Did I cut up boiled potatoes for that one to share?
This morning, our group did three amazing things, all which jogged this sweet memory in my mind.
First, we met with Miss Israel, 2013, Titi Aynaw. She shared her story with us about her pilgrimage to Israel and her discovery of herself and her rich history and unbridled future. Titi is stunning to see but her deepest beauty is on the inside.
From there we shared in Buna with Avi and Mimi, two Olim, (émigrés) from Ehtiopia. Buna is the traditional Ethiopian bread and coffee that is shared with the elders and friends in the community. In Netanya, a center was established where Ethiopian boys and girls, born in Israel can come once a week and learn about their Ethiopian culture.
That is not a typo. I wrote it correctly.
These boys and girls are such a part of the Israeli systems and culture that the Ethiopian community did not want their lush history to be lost for the sake of integration and assimilation. Elders in the community meet weekly and share customs, teachings and foods so the influences of Ethiopian can continue for future generations.
Our day capped off meeting Sivan Yaari in the Google campus of Tel Aviv. Sivan founded a program called Innovation Africa that simply brings Israeli technologies to underserved communities in Africa, including Ethiopia. Her work includes solar panels, electricity, drip irrigation and running water pumps. This helps with education, refrigeration, medicinal needs and safer water for consumption. It is Israeli technology and the Jewish spirit teaming up to save lives. Wow.
These innovations, acceptance and leadership are all just small bricks that have laid the foundation of us being a gorgeous community that indeed is a light unto the nations.
Of course, this country is not perfect. Like all other places, it has problems and warts. But, I will take the good of this country any-day and I wear my Zionism proudly on my sleeve knowing this country’s leadership and citizenry are committed to improving the world each day.
Onward and upward!
A Land of a Thousand Cheeses
To cast your eyes upon me is to know I like food. Some people eat to live. Not me!
Over the years I have been more than a fresser or a nosher. I have matured into a bona-fide foodie. In fact, rarely do I go on vacation without researching restaurants more than attractions. I am the first to try a new eatery in town to broaden my palatial choices. When I cannot make up my mind on the menu, I will frequently order both. Perhaps that is one of the many reasons that I have such a deep love for Israel. To be in this land is more than stones and soldiers. It is a place of a thousand cheeses and award winning wines.
Israel wasn’t always this way. My first time in this country was 1990, when Israel was not fully baked, only 42 years young. Those were the days when Israel had 2 kinds of cheese; yellow and white. Wine options were limited to a red, sweet Manischewitz that brought us back to Passover Seders. Mc David’s was the fast food place of choice – with greasy fries and thin burger patties that made any patron, undoubtedly kosher from birth, excited to have something close to a Big Mac. In those days, people came to Israel and spoke about climbing Masada and kissing soldiers on the street while suffering through bad falafel – just to be here.
Almost 25 years later, Masada is still the same, soldiers get perpetually younger but the cuisine here is nothing like it was. In fact, I would argue it rivals the likes of New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan and Rome. Many are even claiming Israel is a foodie destination spot.
To illustrate this point, I will share some menus from 24 hours. This evening, I broke bread with an amazing group of people in downtown Tel Aviv at a premiere steak house called Goshen, the likes of which gives Peter Lugar’s a run for its money. From Merguez and Chorizo sausages to beef Carpaccio, flanken steak, prime rib, seasoned kebabs, entrecote, tornedos and more – were enough to fill the table and the belly. To say it was wonderful is an understatement. The best part, it was all kosher! Another amazing place on the other side of town in Tel Aviv is DECA, known for its seafood. A few years back it was ranked as one of the best seafood restaurants in the Middle East. And while the food is a 10, the décor and ambience are a 12!
Tomorrow night we will taste the ambience and flavors of Jacko Street restaurant in the hip section of Machane Yehuda. The atmosphere is half of the appeal and the music playing gets everyone humming along, even if you do not know the words.
The food is all farm to fork – in the sincerest sense of the word. The chef walks the bustling halls of the central market each day for the freshest ingredients that were on vines the day before it is on your tongue. The wines that are paired with dinner are vast. Today, any wine store in Israel could boast 40 varieties of Merlot alone. Whites, reds, ports, blends all contribute to an amazing array of award winning wines from coveted cellars and vineyards that continuously win awards and recognition, despite the fact that it is kosher.
In that very same market where the Jacko Street chef walks you can find a cheese store that offers more than 70 assortments of cheese, all kosher. The pungent stench when passing takes our noses from France to Italy to the United States and of course, Israel. These cheeses come in all shapes, sizes, colors, tastes and price points.
Like my belly, I could go on and on, even though we are full.
One marker of arrival is cuisine. This country has indeed arrived. If you plan to come here for the first time or the first time in a long time, come hungry. There are many more cheeses, wines, meats, fruits and yummy things to fill your belly and soul and give us a collective sense of pride in knowing we are part of a delicious country.
God tells Abraham to come to a land that is flowing with milk and honey. I guess God was speaking literally?!
Betayavon. Bon appetite!
Juxtaposing Polarities
Umschlaggplatz is a simple place, easy to miss if you are not looking for it. A few decades ago only a small bronze placard outside of a working a gas station in downtown Warsaw marked the spot, where 70 years before a slab of concrete and a ramp immediately outside the ghetto walls once stood. It was not the place of a an ancient synagogue or a mass grave or home to resistance fighters.
The memorial, modest in its design, is made up of marble slabs in black and white to symbolizing the talis/shawl that enwraps us during prayer. Common societal given names of men and women from that time period are etched into the walls, as if a private memorial to all who shared a particular forename. A small sliver of the back wall of the monument is open with a tree growing behind it. It is about the small sliver of hope that existed and allows the sun to still shine through.
The memorial monument does not make this place special. Today, memorials are strewn all around the 20 by 4 square blocks that made up the ghetto. Umschlaggplatz gains its sanctity for being the final deportation place for 270,000 Jews, all systematically liquidated from the Warsaw ghetto and transported to murder at Treblinka.
The people that boarded the train there were told they were being resettled in the east. They boarded the train optimistic about their future naïve to their fate.
Temple Emanu-El’s women’s mission left Poland this morning. We drove out of our way, via Umschalggplatz, the final platform. For 270,000 Jews that place took them to their death. For us, we boarded a plane to Israel which each time our feet touch the soil there, we are reborn and improved. Our stop took us to life. Thiers to death.
This juxtaposition of polarities has defined our 5 days in Poland. We absorbed the rich history of the Jewish people of Eastern Europe, centered in Poland while learning of its systematic evaporation. We saw the places where synagogues still stand and once stood and prayed in those very places today. WE laid stones and uttered prayers at the cemeteries of rabbis that codified laws we still follow today along with Yiddish writers and Jewish playwrights yet, we were a group large enough to say Kaddish. We tasted the origins of recipes and delicacies that have trickled down to our kitchens and compared how we tweaked and changed it in our kitchens, keeping the customs alive. We bore witness to the factories of concentration, torture and death and the nameless memorials to the unidentified souls that were taken from the world but we embraced and uttered the Aramaic words from the Talmud, “Eekah Anah” – I am here.
This trip takes us from darkness to light. We will take a stone from Birkenau and touch it on the Kotel. In essence, it takes us from a time of God’s deafness to hearing our collective prayer. Even the feelings that live within us are not linear. Naomi Shemer sings, we bless the bitter and the sweet; the honey and the sting of the bee.
As the sun sets ushering in Shabbat, it brings a new dawn to our lives that have been regenerated and our souls that have been rekindled. This trip does not bring back the dead or make their memories any closer or distant but, as fewer survivors grace this world, the obligation to continue the teachings of a time that has shaped our collective identity is critical. If indeed we are to say and believe, Never Again, we start by seeing first hand what was lost to ensure our safeguarding for the future.
