Musings #110 NO EXCUSES-- The Buck Stops at Arik Sharon!

Musings #110
April 12, 2005
3rd of Nissan

No Excuses
The Buck Stops…
At Arik Sharon!

I did something foolish, dangerous and even masochistic last night, but in the end it was important. I watched some news on the TV and saw and heard my prime minister.

After my husband came home from work, the TV was on. As many of you know, he’s a news addict and has a high tolerance for those broadcasts. I’m more sensitive, just a few words and images and I’m either rabid, or running for refuge to the keyboard or both. In professional education lingo, I’m a quick processor, so it doesn’t take me much to get the main idea and take it yonder.

Just my luck, a very rumpled Ariel Sharon easily filled the screen. Considering how careful he usually is with his public appearance, I was shocked. He looked better in the famous wartime photo, when he was crowned with a bandage. Unlike US President Bush, Jr., who was well dressed with his “born to it” flair, my prime minister looked more like he was dragged out of bed and stuffed into clothes that had been stored in an old duffle bag. It had nothing to do with the strong winds that were battling with him over his prepared text. It’s easy to believe that he was literally fighting with G-d over what to do with the speech.

I don’t know who actually wrote the speech, but it was obvious that Sharon wasn’t well rehearsed, since he struggled over the words. And there were some very important words in his speech. Ariel Sharon, Israeli military legend and hero, Prime Minister of Israel, took full-responsibility (or credit) as initiator of the Disengagement from Gaza Plan.

Simplistically, we can take this two ways and consider both the truth. First of all, let’s give Sharon some credit. He’s not blaming anyone but himself, when the entire country is now in danger. But then again, he hasn’t yet admitted that the country’s more in danger now than before his plan. Also, he hasn’t given a convincing rationale that his plan will benefit the country.

Remember, the Arabs have not promised peace, true or any other flavor or variety, in exchange for the destruction of Gush Katif and northern Shomron, the Jewish homes, businesses, farms and educational institutions, etc. The fact that the Americans, UN, Europe, Peace Now, the media—that’s right—almost everyone at best hopes that this will satisfy the terrorists, at least for awhile. Then why is Israel doing it? Good question.

Ariel Sharon admitted that nobody asked him to destroy Gush Katif and the Jewish communities in northern Samaria. Then why is he inviting the Arab terrorists to set up their military structure, mortar launchers, on the outskirts of Israeli cities? Why is he making it easier for the Arab terrorists to strike at all major Israeli population centers? Why is the Israeli Prime Minister promising, pledging, to banish Jews from the most strategic hills and mountains in the Holy Land?

Yes, this “disengagement” policy brings up lots of questions. And they are very disturbing questions. One important question is answered. Is the United States involved in the formulation of the Disengagement Plan? No, it isn’t. At least, that’s what I heard last night.

I sawThe show last night was a carefully written insurance policy by the United States to cover their – if and when Israel, G-d forbid, is destroyed.

If only Arik Sharon had the dignity and foresight of Vashti, the Persian queen who preferred giving up the perks and limelight of royalty rather than exposing herself to ridicule. Yes, ridicule, because the terrorists, anti-Semites et al are joyous and amazed that the Israeli government is committing national suicide. The main theme of that press conference was that nobody was forcing Israel to “disengage,” but now that it has promised to, much more will be expected.

We are now in the month of miracles, Chodesh Nissan, the month that signifies the first mitzvah, commandment, given the Jews as a nation. We must pray to G-d, beseech Him, convince Him to make another miracle for us. And this time we mustn’t waste it by worshipping the “Golden Calf.”

Chodesh Tov and Chag Kasher V’Sameach,

Batya Medad, Shiloh

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