Hamas War

Saturday, September 3, 2005

Gush Katif and New Orleans, a connection?

I've been reading all sorts of posts and articles claiming connections between the suicidal destruction of Gush Katif by the Israeli Government and the destruction of the American city of New Orleans by hurricane and the resulting floods.

There are those who write that American President George Bush is being divinely punished for forcing Israel to destroy Gush Katif.

I have a real problem with such a philosophy. There are many reasons.

One, I don't blame George Bush for destroying Gush Katif. He's not the elected ruler of Israel. Personally, I didn't even elect him President of the United States. In principle, I don't vote in American elections, even though I'm a full citizen and may according to American law.

The government and politicians who should be punished and will be punished by G-d, whether in this world or the next, are Israeli. Only the Israeli government is responsible.

If there's any connection, it's G-d's message to the world reminding us of His power. And then He allowed us to see the evil in man, when the rioting, looting and shooting began in New Orleans. The man-made violence endangered the rescue operation. And going a little deeper, not meant as a pun, why was New Orleans so vulnerable?

New Orleans is built, or was built in a part of the earth not meant to be a city. It's existence is against the laws of nature. Dikes and dams were constructed to keep the land dry for people. They held well in normal weather, but this last hurricane was too strong and they just couldn't hold back the massive floods.

Men, with their knowledge and engineering skills were sure that they could overrule the topography, the earth created by G-d.

In the war of man against G-d, G-d won. And maybe there is a connection to Gush Katif. I correct myself.

G-d is reminding all of us, that He has power over all.

6 comments:

NRK said...

I agree. Some Christians are seeing it as punishment for New Orleans "Decadence Festival" which was apparently held before the storm. Some religious Zionists see it as you said, as connected with the destruction of GK & NS. Some Muslims see it as connected with the US takeover of Afghanistan and Iraq. Pagans see it as revenge for an offense against "Gaya" or some such. To each his own.

Anonymous said...

I don't believe any of us (even the greatest of our scholars) can even guess why God does things. Tragedies and setbackes should be taken as signs but for our own soul-searching. What should we be doing differently and how should we be be behaving.

Batya said...

nrk, interesting that all the main religions may be agreeing on something...

Risa, yes, trying to figure out the "why" is impossible or chutzpadik, but that shouldn't stop us from learning from each situation.

Marcel said...

There is one superpower which dictates what Israel will do or not do.
Israel no longer has any sovereignty whatsoever.
A fact that is ignored by most in Israel is that the Bush led and inspired Road Map intends to make a Palestinian state on much of what is now Israel. Gaza is nothing compared to the end solution of Washington for the Middle East dilema.

There is no guessing about what is happening if you take the time to read and study the Jewish prophets.
A clear example God's judgment on Mr. Bush and my country for dividing up Israel from the Jewish prophet Joel 3:2
(we're getting a head start on everyone else)
...Then I will enter into judgment with them there On behalf of My people and My inheritance,Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations,AND THEY HAVE DIVIDED UP MY LAND.
President Bush is a the forefront with his Palestinian state solution ,this you cannot ignore much longer.
Another Jewish prophet ,Zechariah wrote about the Bush fix it plan with these words in chapter 12:3
"all who lift it will be SEVERELY INJURED"
I believe the Jewish prophets and make no apologies for God's philosophy revealed to us today thru these men of old.
It is clear and unambigious that Mr. Bush and the U.S.A. will be SEVERELY INJURED.
This is nothing (Katrina) compared to what is coming very,very soon to this nation (USA).
Eventually, there will be an awakening in Israel to the dire reality that it connects with the U.S.interference in the AGENDA of Israel's God for His people and land. The arrogance of this fool president in assuming to lift Israel,Jerusalem will be brought to an end .Watch and see !

Serena said...

I agree also with the prophets of old and with what Marcel said. I live in this land that is now facing judgment for its own wickedness and also for pretending to be Israel's friend and knifing her instead. I don't like the prospect of going through what that means, but I know my G-d will get me through. He will also use this to bring more of His people back to their land as they flee their comfortable lives gone awry in this land. I hope the Jews who fled Katrina will make aliyah instead of starting over here.
Shalom,
Serena

Unknown said...

My Dear Batya,
It was a hurricane. That's the entire story. Storms happen. Unfortunately due to rotten planning and poor management at the top, many people died and suffered needlessly. Now things are finally beginning to get under some semblance of control, and it is an unbelievable job. But as I said earlier, the bottom line is that Katrina was a hurricane. Not a new, never before seen monstrous event. I think the Fundamentalist Christians and Jews have gotten a hold of this situation and decided to use it for whatever political purposes they might have.

Very sad indeed.

Michael