gdp's Comments

The Israel Situation : Health Care Israeli Style

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:51:26 +0000

Leah, thanks for your comment. I am sorry to hear of your experiences, and that the quality of your medical treatment in Israel did not live up to your expectation, nor to the standard that could be reasonably expected for somebody in your situation. I think it would be fair to say that all countries have their fair share of individual doctors who do not treat patients in a professional way. The number of malpractice suits in the US each year bears testament to this fact. The intention of my blog was to say how accessible and reasonably priced medical care in Israel is, relative to some other places around the world. Despite your story and bad experiences, I still feel that this is the case. I wish you a refuah shleima and a complete recovery.

The Israel Situation : Riots Erupt Around Jerusalem

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 11:45:53 +0000

Even though I know there was continuing trouble in Jerusalem yesterday, it was difficult to feel this when in the city. I went to Jerusalem for the traditional Sukkot priestly blessing which took place at the Western Wall - the Kotel. I estimate that I was one of approximately 50,000 who thronged to this event. Security was tight, police were in evidence throughout Jerusalem and armed soldiers were stationed around the entire Western Wall area. But I felt that my safety was only threatened by the possibility of being crushed by people pushing and shoving around me to get to where they wanted to go. Jerusalem was filled to capacity wherever we went with people making their Sukkot pilgrimage from near and far. But never did we feel threatened by riots or unrest. Hats off to the police and security teams for a job excellently done.

The Israel Situation : How Do We Respond to the Gilad Shalit Video?

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 21:20:55 +0000

Thanks for your comment Elizabeth. I was wondering to myself whether I wanted to see the video or not. I wondered whether it would be good for it to be released to the media or not. Now that I have seen it, I am glad that I did. Like you, I cannot forget the sad eyes and the longing that I see in them for him to be home. Let us pray that this will be soon.

The Israel Situation : The Goldstone Farce

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:31:45 +0000

Andrew, I am not sure that we need to go as far back as 70 C.E. I do believe, however, that we need to go back sufficiently far to take into consideration matters that are relevant. There is no doubt in my mind that the only reason why Hamas continue to fire rockets indiscriminately into Israel is to pursue their agenda of destroying the Jewish state.

The Israel Situation : Fact or Fiction? Either is Good.

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:05:54 +0000

I think the point is that it was not a regular \\\"trade\\\" shipment with the full knowledge of the Russia government. It seems as though the Kremlin was not aware of it. Hence the roundabout routing. I agree that it is all very mysterious.

The Israel Situation : Welcome to the new Israel Situation!

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:39:07 +0000

Well done on the new website Eric. It looks really great. Thanks for all the effort that you put in to ensuring that Israel gets a fair hearing out there. But what happened to the flag? It would be good to have one on the new site.

The Israel Situation : Iran Ready to Build Nuclear Bomb

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 07:44:00 +0000

I am not familiar with France's threat to use nuclear weapons. Whilst terrorists have no specific countries, there are certain countries that are recognised as supporting terrorist groups and activities. Hence the war in Afghanistan. Iran is fairly universally recognised as being as supporter of terror and terrorist groups. This is clearly why there is so much focus on Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. Like you, I would prefer for all countries to respect each other's right to exist and for there to be no need to have nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, there are still many Arab countries (including Iran) who deny Israel's right to exist. Surely this recognition is a basic requirement to create an environment of trust and mutual respect between nations? Not only do these Arab countries deny Israel's right to exist, they have in the past exercised this denial by attacking Israel with a view to destroying her. Under the circumstances, Israel has no choice but to be ready for military attack at all times, and to view all actions by these nations and the groups that they are linked to with suspicion and as a threat to Israel. As soon as the Arab world is prepared to acknowledge Israel's right to exist, the environment to build trust and mutual respect will be progressed. As the famous saying goes "If the Arabs lay down their weapons, there will be no war. If Israel lays down her weapons, there will be no Israel."

The Israel Situation : Iran Ready to Build Nuclear Bomb

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 13:10:27 +0000

Ahmed, whilst it may be true that Iran never had a DIRECT war with Israel, it is well known that Iran was involved indirectly in many previous wars with Israel which were fought on its behalf by others. This includes the current ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah and Hamas where it is no secret that Iran is arming and financing both organisations in their attempts to destroy Israel. In addition, Iran has threatened Israel via outbursts by President Ahmadinejad by stating that Israel does not have a right to exist. No sane person could ignore this. I cannot recall an occasion in Israel's history when the President has called for the destruction of another country, or questioned whether its existence is legitimate. Your argument is severely weakened by omitting these important points.

The Israel Situation : On Tisha B'Av

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:58:40 +0000

Eric, thanks for this pertinent article. I write this comment with about 15 minutes of the fast left in Israel. It has been hot and dry but many people in Israel have fasted today. It is believed that the destruction of the temple was caused by the breakdown in the social fabric of society, by people not caring about and respecting one another. It would be interesting to analyse our current society against these standards to understand whether we are doing better or worse. To me, it is not clear. On the one hand I see so many positive things that are happening with people really caring for one another. On the other hand, there are many disappointing things to witness. I would be interested what other readers think on this subject.

The Israel Situation : A Brief History and Future of Land For Peace

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:45:23 +0000

One thing that sceptics like you and I need always to remember is that the land for peace arrangement did work with both Egypt and Jordan. We don't have a "warm" peace, but we have a peace that has lasted for many years and saved countless lives. Menachem Begin was regarded as crazy when he signed the peace with Egypt, but his risk-taking and foresight has borne amazing fruits. Whilst we have justification in being sceptical with the Palestinians for good reasons, this should not cause us to be sceptical to the point where no peace is possible.

The Israel Situation : A Brief History and Future of Land For Peace

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:17:28 +0000

Eric, an interesting subject and an interesting piece that you have written. I am opposed to the land-for-peace deals for two additional reasons which you do not mention. 1. What happens if the peace is broken in the future? Do we get the land back? 2. By entering into such an arrangement, we acknowledge that the Palestinians value peace less than land and the land is really what they are after. Talk about going into a situation with your eyes wide open. I am not sure that the Gaza withdrawal was a "test" for a land-for-peace deal with the Palestinians. I believe that we had no choice but to pull out of Gaza irrespective of what may happen in the future. It was the right thing to do, and I am glad that my government no long has responsibility over 1 million hostile Palestinians. You may wish to read my blog on the subject. http://www.israelsituation.com/2009/01/gaza-withd...

The Israel Situation : Iranian Revolution 3

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:12:41 +0000

Eric. Thanks for your interesting piece on Iran. It provides a useful backdrop to the current unrest there. I found it very interesting that Iran is dominated by Shiite Muslims, whereas approximately 80% of the world's Muslims are Sunni. Iran is one of the only Muslim countries with a Shiite majority, in this case about 90% of the inhabitants. Also interesting is the fact that Iraq too has a Shiite majority, although in Iraq it is marginal at about 65%. As I wrote in a previous blog, I believe that Shiite Muslims are on the rise despite their minority status. I believe that a lot of that is due to Iran's rising power and status. It is interesting to observe whether this will continue or not following this unrest. Remember, Hamas' power is directly linked to Iran's.

The Israel Situation : Lebanon Goes to the Polls

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 06:34:33 +0000

It seems inevitable that Hezbollah will form a significant part of a national unity government with the commensurate power that comes with this. In the previous government, they had a right of veto. It seems possible that Hezbollah's power in the new government may even be greater.

The Israel Situation : Lebanon Goes to the Polls

Sun, 7 Jun 2009 18:17:22 +0000

Lebanon was once regarded as the Riviera of the Middle East. Unfortunately the civil war ruined all of that. Hezbollah has certainly not helped to fix this, and it it is not obvious to me that its policies going forward will help to rebuild Lebanon into what it once was.

The Israel Situation : What About the Pollard Case Do I Not Understand?

Mon, 18 May 2009 06:23:38 +0000

I am not sure that this view can really be justified. It is not like there was a lengthy list of Jews who tried this before. And to make an example out of a Jew seems disproportionate when there is no shortage of others who are serving jail time for spying.

The Israel Situation : http://www.theisraelsituation.com/2009/04/120-years-and-little-has-changed.html

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:06:03 +0000

You are correct. At least the Jews have learned a few things about the hatred and indifference displayed by the world community.

The Israel Situation : Don't Worry America, Israel Has Your Back

Sun, 5 Apr 2009 11:24:41 +0000

I have never been "selected" for additional questioning - as an Israeli citizen, I guess that this is less likely although probably not impossible. I have noticed from the line of questioning offered to various guests that I have helped to usher through the security process that the focus on the person rather than the luggage is at a number of different levels. I get the impression that they try to establish a motive (or lack of motive) for somebody to cause trouble on a flight. Also to establish who may have been unwittingly exposed to somebody trying to set them up. The worst off in the security line are the tourists or business people who travel to Israel on their own without knowing anybody here (other than possibly a business associate). These are usually the people who get "selected". I once hosted an Indian business colleague living and working in the US, who visited Israel for the first time. He was given a horrible time. On a separate subject, on my recent return trip from South Africa, El Al in Johannesburg insisted that each and every checked bag be wrapped in the plastic wrap that you often see at airports. The reason is that there is so much theft from hold baggage in the airport, that there is a risk that somebody could put something into a bag (instead of take it out). It was crazy at the baggage reclaim as nobody could identify their bags - they were all plastic wrapped. I would love to hear more El Al stories.

The Israel Situation : 1000 Posts at The Israel Situation

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:27:02 +0000

Well done Eric on a job well done. This is a great resource.

The Israel Situation : Israel’s Covert Operation in Iran

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:12:20 +0000

There was also a report in an Israeli newspaper yesterday surrounding the fact that some of Iran's nuclear scientists have died recently under highly unusual circumstances. The finger of blame was immediately pointed at the Mossad, claiming that the secret service has been poisoning the Iranian nuclear scientists. Sounds like an interesting approach.

The Israel Situation : Ask The Readers: Is Jerusalem Worth It?

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:03:44 +0000

Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel, and this is the way it should stay. I don't believe that half of Jerusalem is worth a peace deal. Which half would it be? And if the peace is broken, would the half be returned? Under Jewish rule, other religions have been granted free access to their holy sites in Jerusalem. The Israeli government has even protected the Muslim places of worship on the Temple Mount, despite the fact that they have been built on the holiest site in Judaism. Under the rule of other religions, Jews were not granted access to their holy sites in Jerusalem and many of these sites (including both Temples) were destroyed. For me, this is reason enough for the Jews to continue to rule over the whole of Jerusalem.