UN provides diplomatic, moral and legal umbrella to Hamas to fulfil its goal of eliminating Israel
By Harris Zvi Green
October 27, 2023, 8:43am
My dearest friends,
The last week has been a challenge I could have done without. Last Friday night we had Shabbat dinner with our two daughters and their families. As usual, the company was outstanding and the food was good. Our three children have provided us with a total of six representatives on the different fronts. Our thoughts were, and remain, focused on their safety. Our kids were doing their best to project an atmosphere of calm and composure for the sake of our younger grandchildren.
I sat there admiring my flock recognizing how blessed Phyllis and I are to experience special moments like these. I pondered my responsibilities as the “old man” in the family. At times like this, it’s my duty to demonstrate leadership and to provide inspiration, calm and guidance. I felt powerless. My kids had the situation under control.
And then the phone rang.
We were advised that Ariel, our granddaughter’s husband, was injured by an anti-tank missile fired at their look-out position on the Lebanese border. We were told he had been flown by helicopter to Rambam Hospital. His condition was described as stable. I was in shock. Within minutes, my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter organized themselves and drove to Haifa to be at his side.
To cut this long and traumatic story short, Ariel has since been released to his parents’ home near Beersheva. He makes daily visits to Soroka Hospital where he is being treated for shrapnel wounds, broken ribs and a perforated ear drum. Thank God, he is recovering well and we are hoping and praying for his complete and speedy recovery.
On the diplomatic front, it took 18 days for António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, to return to his comfort zone. His claim that the Hamas attack on October 7 in which 1,400 people were ruthlessly murdered “did not happen in a vacuum,” is nothing less than an outrage and an affront to the liberal values of the free world.
His remark that “the Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation,” is a deliberate distortion of the truth. Israel withdrew its military and civilian presence from Gaza in 2005. Given what’s happened over the past 18 years, this appears to have been a disastrous error with terrible consequences.
The statements made by the Secretary-General are nothing less than a concerted effort to whitewash and mitigate the genocide and war crimes perpetrated by Hamas. The UN is providing Hamas with the diplomatic, moral and legal umbrella it needs to fulfil its goal of eliminating Israel. The UN is a key player and accomplice to this genocide. The free world must demand the immediate removal of the UN’s chief honcho.
On Tuesday afternoon, we were forced to take cover following the sounding of a missile siren. As the crow flies, Gaza is 86 kilometers from where we live. On Wednesday afternoon, rockets from Gaza were fired on Haifa — 152 kilometers away — and into the Eilot Regional Council, just north of Eilat — 159 kilometers away. How many countries can boast this capability?
Friends, despite what the UN and the misguided so-called “human rights organizations” want you to believe, there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
An entity that has managed to accumulate such a sizeable and sophisticated arsenal of lethal missiles for use against civilian targets clearly has considerable resources and strong ties with generous allies. An entity that prioritizes these weapons of destruction ahead of providing their “innocent civilian” population with food, water, energy, clothing and social services, doesn’t need assistance from the international community.
Such an entity is most certainly not in the throes of a humanitarian crisis.
Absolving Hamas from the responsibility of having to provide basic services to its “innocent civilian” population will only perpetuate the conflict and ultimately lead to even more bloodshed on both sides.
Friends, I’ve said this before. We will prevail. We have no choice. We’re in this war together.
I wish to convey my condolences to those mourning their nearest and dearest and send my wishes for a complete and speedy recovery to those who have suffered injuries. May God protect our brave soldiers.
Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom and better times ahead.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Harris Zvi Green
About the writer:
Harris Zvi Green, born in Cape Town / South-Africa. Graduated from the University of Cape Town with a B. Com. degree and immigrated to Israel 53 years ago. He served as the Chief Financial Officer at a number of Israeli hi-tech companies. He is now retired. Married with three married children and is the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO)
Defenders of the state of Israel, woman heroes in the line of fire
By Rolene Marks and Marc Kahlberg
When police in Israel’s southern community first started to receive calls from terrified residents in the kibbutzim and small communities that came under brutal attack by Hamas terrorists, Israel’s police responded as quickly and forcefully as they possibly could.
Israel’s valiant police defended as hard as they could with the limited firepower they had at the time – and many paid with their lives. Hamas murdered at least 58 police officers and women – and that number is expected to rise. Brave women joined their male counterparts, fighting with all their might to eliminate the enormous threat of Hamas.
As the days go on, we learn more details about that horrific day when Israeli civilians were murdered, tortured, raped and kidnapped in the most barbaric and depraved way. We are also starting to hear the stories of those that were first on site, the first responders of the Israel Police alongside local community security personal, who witnessed the carnage and fought it with all their might.
Israel is now at war against Hamas and the police are in the frontlines of not only classic policing, but also dealing with an existential daily terror threat.
Many police officers have been called up for reserve duty in the army. It is the women of the Israeli police that are our frontline of protection in our cities and communities across the country as most of their male counterparts move from protecting our cities and communities to protecting our borders.
Those that serve in the Israel Police represent a cross-section of Israeli society – Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Bedouin, Druze and are a mosaic of the diversity that is Israel.
These are a few of the Israel Police real life heroes;
Meet Israel’s Policewomen:
Major Moran Etedgi (Picture Credit: Israel Police International Spokespersons Unit)
Saturday morning 7 October 2023, a Jewish holiday celebrating happiness, “I woke up together with my family to the sound of the sirens indicating that we were yet again under rocket attack from the terrorists in Gaza. I quickly gathered my family and hurried downstairs to the protected and sheltered area. After a few minutes the alarms blared again, and then again and again and at this point, I understood something unusual was happening; I realized that the rockets being launched were far beyond that which we have grown accustomed to in such situations.”
Moran Tedgi, is a major and in charge of operations at the Aror police station in the Negev. She lives in Ofakim, and is the mother of two young children.
“I received a report that there were dead and injured in the Aror community, a predominantly Bedouin community and began to give instructions to strengthen our station and alert off duty officers, after fully understanding that we were under attack by terrorists.
At the same time, I turned on the walkie-talkie and listened in on the Ofakim [a large city] police radio channel, and heard commanders and police officers reporting on various encounters with terrorists. I made an instinctive decision to put on my uniform to protect myself and go out. On my way, I picked up another police officer from my station and together we went to the scene.”
Arriving at the first scene:
“we became aware that three police officers were murdered and many police officers were injured. The sight was one of immediate shock. The initial picture of the situation was four terrorists in a house with civilian hostages. As I took command, it was only a matter of seconds before we receiveda barrage of automatic weapons fire that included grenades and a RPG.
During this never-ending battle, an officer and a police officer were injured and were rescued under fire. We then faced a standoff – not uncommon in a hostage situation – until the arrival of our skilled tactical units.”
When the senior commander of the area arrived at the scene, “I briefed him of the situation while still under attack and returning fire , when suddenly an officer appears and reports that there are three terrorists in his friend’s house on the opposite street. I asked him to show me the photos he took on his cell phone.
The commander of the area asked me to take some police officers and take command of the situation. We approached very carefully until we understood fully which house it was.
I examined the area from all angles to understand where it was possible to counter attack until we became aware that the terrorists were hiding in the backyard of a house.
During this chaos and in the middle of a battle, I had to stop and call my children and tell them that I love them and that their mom is taking care of herself. We surrounded the house in the initial phase from two directions; we saw a body in the house lying lifeless through a hole in window.
In the initial phase, we managed to get some of the family members out safety.
I gathered strength and gave instructions to fire to try to draw out the terrorists that were hiding and waiting to surprise us. We opened up and the terrorists returned the fire wounding an officer. Then the terrorists threw a grenade which injured several more police officers. I was struck in the face by a fragment of the grenade but I knew must keep calm, and I give a directive to retreat and reorganize.”
Constantly reporting on the dire situation:
“I asked for help from our helicopter to size up the situation from above, relay photos, and to instruct residents not to leave their homes due to the security situation. I decided to enter again and this time we encircled the house completely.
The challenges were many, continues Moran with, “constant terrorist fire, grenades, injured police officers, hostages, and logistics, trying to control the additional officers and now IDF soldiers that arrived, over 50 in total. It was imperative that we were all on the same page and to prevent friendly fire between the Police and IDF. My first thoughts were constantly Command and Control, even under fire.
Ordering the firing each time from a different direction, Moran had to scream “since we were barely able to talk on the walkie-talkie and not everyone had walkie-talkies. I also had to ensure I screamed the orders clearly. We then used grenades accompanied by aggressive firepower.”
During one of the firefights, “we shot two terrorists. Another officer was on the roof and started shouting at the last terrorist to surrender, who refused. After further confrontation, the terrorist became visible and I give instructions to shoot him.
Once we neutralised all the terrorists, our bomb squad sappers arrived and disabled several booby traps and other lethal devises designed to kill us. Then it was the job for the medical teams.”
The place now secure, Moran gathered her officers, reorganized and proceeded to the previous scene.
“At this point, I assumed command of the entire city of Ofakim under the direction of the commander of the area. Together with other forces, we responded to dozens of events that happened throughout the city on what can only be described as a bloody Saturday.”
Attending a situation assessment together with the mayor and the commander of the IDF officer’s school, “we divided the city into combat and reaction sectors.”
Reflecting back starting from Saturday 7 October at 7.30 am when the war began, “I participated at the battles of Ofakim, and then continued until Tuesday 10 October and then went back to aid my police station. Certainly, the longest days of my life.”
Every day the brave officers of the Israel Police protect us on the home front. We owe these exceptional men and women a massive debt of gratitude. They would never ask for it or expect it, but they deserve it.
MajorHodaya Loyani
“The late Major Hagai Bibi told his soldiers before he fell in battle in the Kissufim area:“Some will call us fools, but I call it Zionism, giving and true love,” recalls MajorHodaya Loyani, Commander of Municipal Police, Jerusalem district municipal policing.
Major Hodaya Loyani. Commander of Municipal Police, Jerusalem distric municipal, Israel Police, (Picture Credit: Israel Police International Spokespersons Unit).
“In these complex and difficult days, the State of Israel and in particular the Israel Police, experienced a great disaster and lost some of the best of its sons and daughters.
The Israel Police officers, who responded first, directly into the line of fire, sacrificed their lives as heroes.
For the past 14 years, I have been privileged to wear the Israel Police uniform every day with pride and true love for the people of Israel and the State of Israel.
As a woman and as a commander in the urban policing unit in the Jerusalem district, I have the privilege to lead the police officers who do holy work.
The people of Israel have known quite a few wars and many battles, but have never been defeated, and this time too, we will win with God’s help.
We will stand at the front and be called to stand up for whatever it takes to protect the citizens of the country. We will maintain governance in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel and in the country because the people are determined and not afraid of the difficult long road ahead.”
Inspector Sharon Cohen
“For me, ever since I was recruited into the Border Guards,” says 23-years-old SharonCohen from Pardes Hana, “I had no doubt that I was going to stay a soldier until the end. I would do the officer’s course and, above all, advance in the core duties”.
Inspector Sharon Cohen (Picture Credit: Israel Police International Spokespersons Unit)
Sharon enlisted in November 2018 and serves in a reserve unit of the tactical brigade team in a command position.
“Following the war that befell us on 7 October, I realized that this was the moment for which I enlisted, for why I am an officer.
The sense of mission deeply embedded in me, even at times of great duress, did not leave me for a moment, saving the lives of residents in the State of Israel. All that I was trained for and taught since enlistment, as a soldier, served me well and allowed me to do my duty and save as many lives as I could.
More than ever, I am proud to belong and proud to serve. I am a defender of the State of Israel.”
About the writers:
Rolene Marks – Freelance Broadcast Journalist & Marc Kahlberg Israel Police (retired)
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond
Also available on YouTube@The Israel Brief – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.
They Came, they Killed, and they Carried off our loved ones
Israel unleashed – They will not do it again!
What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africa and millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.
LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche
To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
The Israel Brief – 23 October 2023– A fiery update on Israel’s war with Hamas.
The Israel Brief – 24 October 2023– Two hostages released and more updates on Israel’s war with Hamas.
The Israel Brief – 25 October 2023– Updates on Israel’s war with Hamas and a rant at Rania.
The Israel Brief – 26 October 2023– PM addresses the nation and more updates on Israel’s war with Hamas.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO)
A brother of a daughter’s friend went to a party with fifty and returned with three – navigating through a nightmare.
By Dov Yarden
Friday afternoon, Erev Shabbat, October 13, 2023
It has been a week since the war started, and I feel a need to write. I am not a writer. I am not writing this for any specific audience. I don’t even know who I will send this to. I am however a father, a husband, and a citizen of Israel for over 37 years, since the age of 18. I grew up here. I served in the army. I married and raised a family. I worked for 20 years in hi-tech and now 16 years in the pro-Israel advocacy arena. I need to express what I, an ordinary citizen, am currently experiencing. What I write may just be the ramblings of a worried father, or may assist others to better understand what is happening on the home front. My wife Rivka and I have five wonderful children. Our eldest Yoeli is 32 years old and with special needs. He lives in an assisted living apartment in Jerusalem with five other boys but as his counselors have all been called up to the front lines, he is now living with us. Next is our daughter Abigail (Abby) who is married to Eitan and they have two nine-month old twin girls. They live on the fourth floor of an apartment building in Jerusalem. Their Miklat (communal safe room) is on the ground floor. When the air-raid sirens sound in Jerusalem to warn of incoming missiles they have less than 90 seconds to grab the girls and run down four flights of stairs. We have asked (actually begged) them to come and stay with us but they still prefer to be in their own home. Abby is an EMT and trainee ambulance driver for MDA (Magen David Adom) and prefers to stay in their neighborhood in case of emergency. Danieli and Avishai are our 21-year-old twins. Danieli is doing hesder – a combination of Yeshiva study and army service and recently, Avishai completed three years of army service as a combat medic in the Combat Intelligence Unit on the Gaza border. Our youngest, 18-year-old Shironi, began as a first-aid giver at MDA at the age of 16 and by the age of 17 was certified to teach the first-aid course to youth and put in charge of assigning youth to ambulances. She was awarded one of Jerusalem’s top 10 youth influencers and received an award from the mayor. Having over the past few months buried a number of friends killed in terror attacks around the country, she is enlisting to a combat unit and has signed on to do an extended service, the same as men, instead of the shortened service that women can do. She is also training to try out for a commando unit. Sorry for the long introduction, but I need to explain the background prior to getting into what happened this week.
Under Fire in Jerusalem. People take shelter in Jerusalem on Monday, October 9. (Photo Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times/Redux)
My in-laws and a friend from England joined us for Shabbat/Simchat Torah. Our three youngest, Danieli, Avishai and Shironi were at home which doesn’t happen often due to their army/MDA commitments. Friday night/simchat Torah, I had the joyous pleasure of dancing in shul (synagogue) with my boys while their grandparents watched and enjoyed lots of nachas. We had a wonderful family dinner with singing, divrei Torah and delicious food. On Shabbat morning I went to shul. And then all hell broke loose. Air raid sirens kept going off. We kept on taking cover in shul, but there was no safe room. Avishai hurried to shul to inform me that Danieli, Shironi and Shironi’s friend (Talia – also an EMT) who was also with us for Shabbat, received emergency calls from MDA to come immediately to MDA. Prayer services are cut short. The kiddush is cancelled. Singing and dancing with the Torah is deferred. I “run” home with my 86-year-old father-in-law who walks extremely slowly with a walking stick… Danieli returns home. He had assisted MDA set up a blood donation station at their Headquarters. Shironi and Talia had jumped into an ambulance. Danieli has been ordered immediately back to his army base. As I prepared to drive him (on Shabbat) to the meeting point, he was asked to pick up another soldier who was not answering his phone. We drove to Bayit Vegan. The soldier was not home, he was in shul. We drove to the shul to find him, and on the way passed another soldier who had been ordered to report to the pickup point. I took all three of them to the pickup point. With a hug and the priestly blessing, I said goodbye to Danieli.
Blood and Tears. War raging, Israelis show up to donate blood across the country. (Photo taken in Tel Aviv, Moti Kimchi)
There are no words. Only tears.
He called later that day, on Shabbat, to say that he had arrived at his base. He said that he is doing this for his nieces, for us, for his family and all of Am Yisrael – the people of Israel. He has to give his phone in to his commander and we won’t be able to talk. He is calling to say “goodbye”.
How is a father meant to respond when he has tears running down his face? There are no words.
Danieli is now down south. His unit assisted in clearing out and securing one of the yishuvim (settlements) next to Gaza. He is now at a staging area near Gaza training and waiting for the order “to go in”.
Avishai spent five days badgering the army to call him up for reserve duty. He called all of his commanders up and down the chain of command, who all told him to be patient. “I just want to be with Danieli and go into Gaza with him”, he says.
There are no words. Only tears.
Over the past few days we had a number of conversations. Should he just go to his base and see what happens? There is a group of medics getting together to go down and volunteer, should he join them? What is a father meant to answer? I love having him at home, knowing that he is safe. Why on earth should I voluntarily send him to war? On the other hand, he spent three years of his life training for this. He knows the border area as well as anyone. He is a Zionist, an Israeli and he loves his country.
The bottom line is I made aliya at the age of 18 from Sydney, Australia. It was a one-way ticket. I left my home and family for what I believed in. And that is what I told him. We all must make decisions in life in which there are no guaranteed outcomes. The choice is his and I will understand, love, and support him in whatever he decides. Yesterday his wish came true – he was called up. Once again, with a never-ending hug and the priestly blessing we said goodbye.
There are no words. Only tears.
Arriving at Bakum (the army mobilization base), he told them that he only wants to be sent to Gaza and not up north. This morning he called to say that they called out a list of names and were told that if their name was called to get on the bus. His name was called, he had to get on the bus, and the bus was going north.
Prior to departing, they read through the list of names again to ensure that everyone was on the bus. They called out his name and when checked, told my Avishai to get off the bus! Getting off the bus he met up with four other boys who had done the medics course with him and all put on Tefillin and davened shacharit – the morning prayer service. Ten minutes later they were all instructed to go home. He was processed and entered into the system as a reservist. He was given a uniform, a medical checkup and they x-rayed his teeth. For the non-Israelis reading this, the meaning of this is that the army has a way of identifying our children if G-d forbid the worst happens to them. As I type this, Avishai is on his way home and on stand-by for further orders.
There are no words. Only tears.
Since Shabbat morning, Shironi helped set up and operate the blood drive station in the Malcha sports arena. They have been collecting blood from approximately a thousand people each day. People have been lining up for up to 5-6 hours a day in order to donate. She has been volunteering from 9.00am in the morning until midnight each and every day. On Monday night, after returning home from MDA, she broke down. The tears were unending. She wanted to wake up from this nightmare. She wanted the nightmare to stop.
Why couldn’t we turn the clock back and prevent this from happening?
Where is G-d???
She had seen the videos of the atrocities Hamas inflicted on innocent civilians – men, women, children, and babies. She saw the videos of what happened to the hostages. She was the first one to tell us that the reported numbers of murdered people are far less than reality. Her friends’ brother was at the Supernova music festival and was originally reported missing for two days until he was found to be alive. He went to the party with fifty friends. He came back with three.
There are no words. Only tears.
Which brings me to the incredible morale that is taking place in Israel. Last week we were fighting over whether we could dance in the street in Tel Aviv on Simchat Torah. Today we are united. Speaking/whatsapping Danieli intermittently, we hear and understand his and our soldier’s willingness to do whatever is necessary to wipe out Hamas. The pictures and videos that are going viral of our children singing and dancing on their army bases are true reflections of their morale. They understand the importance of the moment and will give everything for their country. There is no limit as to the amount of food, underwear, army supplies, and protective gear that has been collected to give to our soldiers. A special unit in the army has been set up to receive and distribute the goods. Everyone has opened their houses to host people, whether it is family or complete strangers from the South, North or soldiers serving nearby. The outpouring of love, unity and responsibility for each other is overwhelming. There are no words. Only tears. By now, we have all seen the horrific pictures and videos of the terror attacks that took place. I am unable to put into words my feelings and emotions. It is, in all honesty, too traumatic. There are no words. Only tears.
We have suffered unbelievable losses. Over the past 30+ years, I have buried way too many friends and neighbors killed in terror attacks. I cry every time an Israeli is killed or injured by terrorists. Over 1300 murdered is simply incomprehensible. I cannot wrap my head around it.
There are no words. Only tears.
The ground incursion in Gaza will not be easy and not without cost. But we have no choice. We do not have another country. We have full faith in G-d and in our army. The government has many tough decisions ahead of them – not just regarding Gaza, but also Hezbollah and Iran. There is not a family in Israel that does not know someone who has been killed. Rivka’s second cousin, Colonel Yonatan Steinberg commander of the 933rd “Nahal” Brigade. Danieli and Avishai’s classmate, Cpl. Ofir Testa, 21, a soldier in the 7th Armored Brigade. Many of Avishai’s unit (414) that he served with until 6 weeks ago and were on the Gaza border last weekend, were killed. One of Shironi’s medics father, Arthur Markovichi, who was guarding the music festival in the south was killed. His body was identified yesterday. Our 18-years-old Shironi was appointed the point person to coordinate between the family and the Jerusalem municipality regarding all forms of assistance. She is currently at his funeral.
Murder of a Medic. People mourn at the grave of paramedic Amit Man during her funeral in Netivot, Israel, on Tuesday, October 10. She was fatally shot along with patients she was treating in Be’eri, Israel. The self-sustaining farming community near Gaza was one of the first places targeted by Hamas killer squads on Saturday. (Photo Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times/Redux)
Our family are due to move to Ashkelon in three months. This war has only strengthened our resolve to join our brothers and sisters in defending our country. What is a father and husband to do? I have been pushing off writing this and left it till last because it is too difficult to even contemplate, let alone attempt to put something coherent in writing. I don’t know. I honestly do not know. I don’t have an answer. I have spent my life raising and protecting my family. What now? I am unable to do anything. These events are beyond my control. All I can do is give out hugs. My name is Dov. It is Hebrew for “bear”. When Shironi is having nightmares, I give her a bear hug. When I take my sons to the army meeting point, I give them a bear hug. When we light Shabbat candles, and throughout the endless ups and downs, I give my wife a bear hug. I wish my father was still alive. I also need a hug.
And through it all, there are no words. Only tears.
This Shabbat we are lighting an additional Shabbat candle in memory, in hope, in prayer, in thanksgiving, in solidarity and in the pursuance of lasting peace. We are also lighting a yahrzeit/memorial candle in memory of our murdered brothers and sisters. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families who have lost loved ones; the families of those who do not know the fate of those missing or taken hostage, and our injured. May G-d grant a full and speedy recovery to our injured, and comfort those who have lost loved ones. There is also not a family in Israel that does not have a member of family in the army. Walking along our street, neighbors greet each other with a hug and inquire about their sons and daughters that are somewhere out there protecting us. We are all one family. We are all in this together. May G-d protect all of our brave soldiers and security personnel and return them home safely. And when they do, I will be here to hug and to hold them as tightly as I can.
With blessings of peace from Jerusalem,
Am Yisrael Chai
Dov Yarden
About the writer: A hi-tech entrepreneur for over 20 years, Dov Yarden was one of the founders of Unicorn Solutions, a software development company for metadata management that was acquired by IBM. After completing high school in Australia, Dov made Aliya to Israel in 1988 and served in the IDF. A Business Entrepreneurship graduate from Hebrew University, Dov is today Chief Operating Officer of Jewish News Syndicate (JNS.org), responsible for all aspects of JNS’s operations.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO)
Week two as Israel takes on the proxies of Iran and the malignment in the international media
By Harris Green
October 20, 2023
My dearest friends, Another week has passed. The cruelty and magnitude of the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas on October 7 are becoming more evident. The death toll continues to rise. Many of the victims have not yet been identified. The numbers of those injured don’t yet include those who will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The events of October 7 will plague them forever.
The barbaric acts of terror as related by the survivors are so gruesome and unimaginable that they negatively impact the authenticity of the horrors.
We are on the brink of war on multiple fronts. Our citizens will be called upon to pay an even greater price to ensure our freedom. This is not a war of revenge. It’s a war to rid the world of the forces of evil who have infiltrated our society and corrupted our most basic values.
Friends, I know you all mean well. Israel is hurting. I know we have your shoulders to cry on.
But Israel doesn’t need your sympathy. What Israel needs, is your empathy. Israel needs your understanding and for you to share this with us and with the rest of the troubled world in which we live. Your support will provide us with the moral strength and the fortitude we need to make our world a better place in which to live and a much safer place for our children and grandchildren.
We are appalled by the double standards applied against Israel. Over the past 10 years, I have written countless articles protesting the smear campaigns aimed at demonizing Israel and delegitimizing her right to exist as the nation state of the Jewish people.
The aim of these campaigns, I claimed, was to create the public opinion to facilitate yet another Holocaust. Some of you may have thought I was over-reacting. Others may have even written me off as another hysterical, fear-mongering paranoid. Friends, what happened on October 7 proves I wasn’t paranoid, over-sensitive or wrong. I wasn’t even exaggerating.
What’s currently considered politically correct is far from right. It’s hypocritical to the extreme. I’m fine with holding Israel to the highest standards. But that implies holding Hamas, the Palestinians and the rest of the world to the same standards. All the military conflicts over the past 80 years have shown that none of the warring parties, with the exception of the IDF, ever bought into upholding these standards.
I’m shocked and disgusted that the international community continues to let us down in our hour of need. It’s par for the course. Twelve of the fifteen members of UN Security Council voted in favor of censuring both Israel and Hamas for the civilian casualties in Gaza. Where’s the moral equivalence between the wanton genocide of Hamas and the urgent need to destroy the lethal military infrastructure so carefully embedded by Hamas in Gaza’s crowded civilian areas?
The United States used its veto to block the resolution. Russia and Britain abstained. The French couldn’t even manage that. Are these the forces who determine what’s right and what’s wrong? Are these the forces who determine what’s moral and what’s immoral? The United Nations and all its redundant agencies are ineffective and dysfunctional. The UN is an affront to the inhabitants of our planet regardless of their race, color, creed or sex.
I’m shocked and disgusted that the BBC has yet to determine whether the genocide perpetrated by Hamas even constitutes an act of terror. This glorified pontification is not only offensive. It’s a downright abomination. We’ve grown accustomed to the warped double standards and shoddy reporting from propaganda platforms like Pravda and Al Jazeera. The basic freedoms of speech and the press are predicated on intellectual integrity. The BBC is clearly lacking in this.
I’m shocked and disgusted that the academic and student leaderships at Harvard, Columbia and NYU are blaming Israel for the war crimes committed by Hamas. Just how did they get there? Are such warped ideas fundamental to academic freedom? I’m glad none of my children studied at any of these brain-washing bot-like production lines.
I’m shocked and disgusted with the insensitive and ignorant remarks made by the leaders of Russia, China, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa to mention but a few.
As I said last week. We will prevail. We have no choice. We will rebuild what our animalistic neighbors destroyed. We owe it to those who were so mercilessly slaughtered in their homes. We owe it to ourselves. We only have one country. As a people, we don’t have anywhere else to go. We also have every reason to stay and continue building our national home. Israel has always been, is, and will always be, our future.
We’re in this war together.
May God protect our brave soldiers.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Harris Zvi Green.
About the writer:
Harris Zvi Green, born in Cape Town / South-Africa. Graduated from the University of Cape Town with a B. Com. degree and immigrated to Israel 51 years ago. He served as the Chief Financial Officer at a number of Israeli hi-tech companies. He is now retired. Married with three married children and is the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO)
By Catherine Perez-Shakdam – Director Forward Strategy Ltd, Research Fellow at ACLS
In recent times, social media platforms have become fertile ground for influential rights activists who propagate a narrative that rationalises violent acts committed by Hamas and similar groups as a manifestation of ‘desperation’ rather than what they really are – a reflection of deep-rooted antisemitic and anti-Zionist ideologies. Such a narrative is not only misleading but exceedingly dangerous, as it risks legitimising acts of terror.
The logic employed to somewhat “understand” or “rationalise” the acts of terror is deeply flawed. Take, for example, the tweet by Peter Tatchell that reads, “War. What did Israel expect? It has confiscated Palestinian homes & farms.” The subtext implies that violence against Israel, including the abhorrent acts of kidnappings, sexual assault, and cold-blooded murders, is essentially a ‘reaping what you sow‘ scenario. This line of argument is not only rife with bias but also perpetuates a dangerous double standard. It echoes past instances where influential voices like Noam Chomsky and Norman Finkelstein have argued that Israel’s policies have ‘provoked‘ acts of terrorism (Norman G. Finkelstein, “Beyond Chutzpah,” University of California Press, 2005).
If we were to extend this logic, we would be saying that violence and brutality, even against women and children, are permissible expressions of political grievances. Notably, such allowances are seldom made for other contexts; for instance, the well-documented atrocities of ISIS are rarely, if ever, explained away as the fruits of Western foreign policy. The inconsistency is glaring and serves only to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and legitimise acts of terror.
While it is crucial to critique and analyse the policies of the Israeli government, blaming them for acts of terror committed against their civilians dangerously misconstrues the nature of the conflict. The use of terrorism as a tactic is not a spontaneous reaction but the product of a deep-rooted ideology that is both antisemitic and anti-Zionist. Such acts should be viewed through the lens of extremist ideologies, much like the 9/11 attacks were seen as the result of al-Qaeda’s radical beliefs, rather than a direct consequence of U.S. foreign policy (Bruce Hoffman, “Inside Terrorism,” Columbia University Press, 2006).
The dangers of this skewed narrative cannot be overstated. At a time when antisemitism is surging globally, such a discourse does more than simply misinform; it contributes to a climate where hatred and bigotry can fester and grow. In line with Iran’s broader objectives, it shifts the focus away from the core issues and the nuances involved in a complex conflict that has bedeviled the region for decades.
Blaming Jewish Victims. Gunshots and bloodstains are seen at a house in Kfar Aza where members of a family were murdered in an attack by Hamas terrorists but are blamed in skewed narratives for their murders. (Phto Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Finally, framing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in a way that rationalises terrorism undermines legitimate peace efforts. This narrative not only vindicates extremist groups but also deters the Palestinian Authority and other more moderate elements from coming to the negotiation table, a sentiment echoed by experts such as Dennis Ross and David Makovsky (“Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East,” Viking Press, 2009).
The narrative that frames acts of terror against Israel as stemming from ‘desperation‘ rather than ideological extremism is perilous and warrants immediate challenge. Such a perspective turns social media platforms into a fertile ground for propagating a new form of hate. This not only gives a veneer of legitimacy to acts of terror but also pushes a peaceful resolution further out of reach.
The responsibility falls on all of us – policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public – to scrutinise the information we consume and share, particularly on incendiary topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By refusing to legitimise or rationalise acts of terror, we take a stand for peace, justice, and the value of human life.
About the writer:
A co-founder and director of UK-based media and consultancy company ‘Forward Strategy’, Catherine Perez-Shakdam is a frequent contributor to i24NEWS, Al Jazeera, the BBC, The Jerusalem Post, Politico, the Daily Express, and the Daily Mail. In 2021, Chatherine gained international attention when news broke of her decade-long infiltration of the Iranian regime, during which she was able to gain access to the highest echelons of the regime’s inner circles. Despite the danger following being labeled an ‘enemy of the state’ by Iran, Catherine utilized her extensive knowledge and close-encounter insight to expose a system that had long operated under a shroud of secrecy. Her revelations have provided a unique perspective on Iran’s actions, challenging its narrative and exposing the true nature of its operations.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
The world needs to join not undercut Israel in a global war against evil
By Neville Berman
In 1979 two events occurred that would have serious long term unintended consequences for the world. The first was the fall of the Shah of Iran, and the second was OPEC unilaterally raising the price of oil from $12 to $30 per barrel. At the time Henry Kissinger, the American Secretary of State, remarked that “The camel traders have taken over the world.” Unfortunately, he did nothing to oppose OPEC. Let us look more closely at the effect of these two events.
From Bricks to Bombs. Obsessed with killing Israelis today, pre-revolution Iranians commissioned Israelis to design and build. Seen here is a brochure for Taj Towers in Tehran, 1977, designed by Aharon Doron. (Credit: Aharon Doron/ Courtesy of Archive Architecture Israel)
Before the overthrow of the Shah of Iran, Israel had an embassy in Tehran. There were direct flights between the two countries. One of Israels largest building companies, Solel Boneh, built many high-rise apartment buildings in Tehran. Israel bought oil from Iran. Everything changed in 1979 when Ayatollah Khomeini emerged as the Supreme Leader of Iran. He rejected outright all the values of democracy and human rights that are the basis of western civilization. Instead, he implemented a strict Shiite interpretation of militant Islam. He promoted the concept of martyrdom and the spreading of Islamic rule over the world. “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” soon became the slogans of the regime. Ever since 1979, Iran has brought nothing but destruction and poverty to every part of the Middle East. Iran is the world’s principal supporter of terrorism.
Changing Times in Tehran. Today, Iran screams “Death to Israel”, while in the 1970s, a brochure for Tehran’s Eskan Towers, designed by Moshe Bashan and built by Solel Boneh. (Credit: Gideon Nordman/Moshe Bashan and Amira Galile)
The organization of petroleum exporting countries known as OPEC was established in order to ensure that the oil exporting countries would be in control of the world’s oil market. OPEC would henceforth determine the amount of oil exported and the price. By limiting the supply of oil, OPEC created artificial shortages that resulted in additional massive increases in the price of oil.
One of the basic theories of economics is that demand and supply determines the price. The Sherman Act outlaws monopolies and price fixing. American oil companies succeeded in getting Congress to prevent the Department of Justice from ever applying the Sherman Act to OPEC. What followed was the largest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind. The major oil exporting countries in the Middle East would soon be transformed from some of the poorest countries on earth, to countries of fabulous wealth. While the world is facing deficits and inflation, the major oil exporting countries are wallowing in wealth and surpluses.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar are using their wealth to build Mosques and Islamic Cultural Centers all over the Western world. They are also financing the establishment of Departments of Middle Eastern Studies on all the major university campuses in America and Europe. All of these institutions have the common aim of promoting Islam and of undermining western liberal democracies. The Imans that control the mosques are preaching a non-stop tirade of hatred against Israel and the West. The American concept of freedom of speech has become a “get of jail free card” to disseminate hatred.
The results are clear: Jews are facing intimidation and even violent acts across the world.
The exponential growth of the Muslim communities across Europe and America are a direct threat to the culture and way of life in the countries that have welcomed them. The war against Hamas should act as a wake-up call to the civilized world to change its policies.
Threat to Society. France ordered the closure of a mosque in Beauvais, northern France in December 2021 following the Iman there “ targeting Christians, homosexuals and Jews” in his sermons. (Photo AFP)
Just imagine what an incredible place Gaza would be if the vast majority of its inhabitants were Jews. Gaza would be a thriving democracy with human rights for all its citizens. Freedom of religion, women’s rights, gay rights and the rule of law would protect minorities from discrimination and abuse. Top rate universities and hospitals would be developed. High-tech industry and tourism would flourish. Property prices would skyrocket and unemployment would plummet. The water shortage would be solved by building desalination plants and sewerage would be transformed into agricultural water that would be used by farmers using drip irrigation. The beaches would be packed with families enjoying life. This is what the Palestinians could have achieved when Israel withdrew from Gaza.
Instead, the Palestinians chose to depict themselves as victims and promoted a culture of terrorism and hatred. The image of young children in summer camps wearing make believe suicide vests and the subsequent brainwashing at schools run by UNWRA has resulted in what we are seeing today. The world needs to face the reality that Hamas is like a dangerous virus that has no positive benefits to offer mankind. All the hostages need to be freed.
Streets of Sderot. Hamas massacred more than 1,400 Israelis (a number equivalent to 60,000 Americans if counted per capita, 12 times 9/11), mostly civilians including elderly, women, and children.
In 1995, Samuel P Huntington wrote a book entitled “The Clash of Civilizations.” He predicted exactly what is happening now. If Hamas is allowed to survive, the world will be sanctioning behavior that is akin to barbarism. This is not just a war against Hamas. This is a war to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and Al Quada. This is a war against Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah, a war against the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade and the Muslim Brotherhood, a war against Boko Haram and every other murderous Islamic organization that threatens the civilized world. It is a war against individuals that support any of the above terrorist groups. Anyone with a sense of morality and human dignity should understand that Israel needs the full support of the civilized world. Israel will do its part to ensure that Hamas is defeated. Now is the time for countries to step up and support Israel. Iran needs to be held accountable for the funding, training and arming of the terrorist organizations that are destroying any hope of peace in the Middle East.
About the writer:
AccountantNeville Berman had an illustrious sporting career in South Africa, being twice awarded the South African State Presidents Award for Sport and was a three times winner of the South African Maccabi Sportsman of the Year Award. In 1978 he immigrated to the USA to coach the United States men’s field hockey team, whereafter, in 1981 he immigrated to Israel where he practiced as an accountant and then for 20 years was the Admin Manager at the American International School in Even Yehuda, Israel. He is married with two children and one granddaughter.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond
A nation mourns what was and worries what will be. A protest in Trafalgar Square in support of Israel. Jews around the world are uniting in solidarity and a wounded Israel will emerge from this nightmare. (AP Photo Frank Augstein)
Articles
(1)
ISRAEL’S “DAY OF INFAMY”
Death squads from Gaza murder, mutilate and rape before carrying off their Jewish hostages. They carried off as well any chance of peace for generations.
Poet Fonda Dubb from Eilat who as a former dance teacher defied Apartheid in her native South Africa, prophetically penned her thoughts and “hopes” in January 2023, 10 months before war erupted on our holy landscape
LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
Israel is up against the spiritual heirs of Nazism
By Dr. Efraim Zuroff
It appears that the events of last week have finally convinced the Israeli government that hope of a solution for peace begins with the elimination of Hamas and replacing the leaders of the PA.
As a historian who has devoted many decades to studying the Holocaust and has spent more than 40 years trying to facilitate the prosecution of its perpetrators, I am very careful about comparing the Shoah (Holocaust) to other tragedies and causes.
While I find the false comparisons by organizations such as PETA (animal rights) and opponents of abortion to be baseless and far more wishful thinking than historically factual, there are incidents which do deserve to be compared to antisemitic crimes committed by the Nazis.
One such tragedy took place on October 7, when Hamas, the Islamic terror organization which rules the Gaza Strip, invaded Israel and murdered more than 1,400, mostly Israeli civilians, and raped, tortured, and took hostage Israeli women whose fate was filmed and screened on YouTube.
They also tortured and killed children, who were forced to witness the murder of their parents before being murdered themselves, or abducted to Gaza as hostages.
They burned many of the victims’ bodies beyond recognition. This pogrom, which claimed more Israeli lives than any other attack on Jews since the Holocaust, was reminiscent of Nazi atrocities committed during the Shoah. And the fact that it was carried out on Israeli territory added to the shock and horror.
After all, Israel was primarily established to be a safe haven for Jews, a secure home for a people who had suffered so terribly in the Diaspora.
Yet the large number of victims and the exceptional cruelty of the terrorists should not have come as a surprise.
Shared Visions. Palestinian Arab nationalism and Nazism find common ground at this meeting in Germany in 1941 between the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini (left) and Adolf Hitler where the Mufti expressed his hope that the Nazis would conquer the Middle East and implement the “Final Solution” in Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel). Hamas is committed to fulfilling this shared vision.
Hamas: The spiritual successors to Hitler’s Arab allies
The history of Hamas, the Islamic resistance movement, is one of staunch opposition to the existence of the State of Israel, and continued armed resistance to end the Israeli “occupation”. It was established in 1987, shortly after the outbreak of the First Intifada led by Hamas founder sheikh Ahmed Yassin, and from the start was connected to the Islamic fundamentalist and virulently antisemitic Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood.
Thus Hamas has in principle – both religious and political – opposed any compromise which would recognize the legitimacy of the State of Israel in its current territory.
They are, in that respect, the spiritual heirs of Haj Amin al-Husseini, the Mufti of Jerusalem, who hoped that the Nazis would implement the Final Solution in Palestine and spent most of World War II in Berlin, spreading Nazi propaganda in Arabic, and helping recruit Bosnian Moslems to join the Waffen-S.S.
Bloodied and Butchered. Bloodstained body bags on the lawns of kibbutz Be’eri near Gaza after the Hamas massacre. (PHOTO: AFP)
Needless to say, they refused to accept the Oslo Accords, which were signed by their secular rival Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat’s Fatah, which officially recognized Israel, and renounced “terrorism and other acts of violence.” Arafat never abided by this renunciation of terrorism.
In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative election, and a year later took control of the Gaza Strip from the Fatah. Even before gaining control of Gaza, Hamas carried out countless terrorist attacks against Israel, killing and wounding hundreds of Jews in suicide bombings, shootings, stabbings, and car rammings, as well as shooting tens of thousands of rockets into Israel.
As Palestinian journalist Khaled Abu Toameh explained in a recent article on jwire.com.au, Hamas leaders have never, ever hid their goal of destroying Israel by jihad, or “holy war”. In fact, several days before their latest attack on Israel, Hamas urged all Muslims to “continue the legitimate struggle in all forms” until Israel is defeated and expelled from “our historical land.”
Savage Sinwar. Only months before the Hamas massacres in Israel, Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar fires up his followers against the Jews at a rally marking Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) in Gaza.(photo: IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA/REUTERS)
YET DESPITE the numerous acts of terror carried out against Israel by Hamas, Israel decided in 2005, to evacuate its army bases, 20 settlements, and 9,000 settlers in a move ostensibly designed to strengthen the peace process, and reduce the number of Palestinians under Israeli control.
A year later, however, Hamas defeated Fatah in the Palestinian elections and took over control of the Gaza Strip.
But instead of treating Hamas like the religiously fundamentalist terror organization that it was, Israel preferred to foster good relations with Hamas at the expense of Arafat’s Fatah, ignoring Hamas’ charter and ideological support for jihad.
Many of those supporting the two-state solution, indeed harbored optimistic predictions about the future of Gaza, and supported the government’s efforts to achieve practical agreements with Hamas, but in practice, Hamas never changed its ideology.
Instead of turning the Gaza Strip into a version of Singapore, Hamas diverted its resources into acquiring weapons, building tunnels to help invade Israel, and turned Gaza into a version of Afghanistan.
Twice during the past two decades, Israel was forced to invade Gaza, but in each case, we only gained a temporary respite, because we did not want to recapture Gaza, and assume full responsibility for its rapidly growing population (which is currently over two million inhabitants). In fact, apropos the Holocaust, I often had the feeling that we were primarily appeasing Hamas, rather than destroying them, for lack of a practical solution.
From Gaza with Hate. Having murdered an unharmed family, blood stains the floor of a house in Israel’s Be’eri kibbutz. (PHOTO: AFP)
In that context, I was reminded of some advice Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal imparted to me several decades ago. He related that when he was a student in Prague in the latter half of the 1930s, he and his friends would often make fun of Hitler, an attitude which he later very much regretted. “When fundamentalist extremists threaten you, don’t laugh them off. Take them seriously, and be ready to fight against them.”
It appears that the events of last week have finally convinced the Israeli government that if there is to be any hope of a solution for peace with the Palestinians, it begins with the elimination of Hamas, and the replacement of the leaders of the Palestinian Authority.
In the meantime, we can only hope that the IDF is successful in doing so as effectively and quickly as possible.
About the writer:
Dr. Efraim Zuroff is the chief Nazi-hunter of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and director of its Israel Office and Eastern European Affairs.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
