Do you know your neighbor's political agenda? Are they Democratic or Republican? Do they promote gay rights or abortion? Do they wear bandanas that say, "Cut property tax!"?
Well, what would you do, if they wore a bandana saying, "Kill Jews?" If your children were being indoctrinated with this message? If the media spoke it unabashedly. Because that is what many do in Gaza. Think I'm fundamentalist? Look here. And here. And here.
Still, these are only the views of the extreme, and it would be racist to assume everyone holds these beliefs. The Israelis have their own selection of extreme fundamentalists. Him for example. Or him.
The obvious difference that Jewish extremists' acts of terror are not tolerated by its people. They are seen not only as a danger to Palestinians, but as a danger to Jews. Furthermore, the IDF goes out of its way to protect civilians, even going so far as to warn the terrorists of their intentions.
The real difference, though, is not in the way Jewish extremists treat Muslims and the way in which Muslim extremists treat Jews. The difference is how they treat their own children.
Israeli soldiers with families who are potential targets do all they can to protect their children. Soldiers themselves go out of their way to walk amongst their threatened people and ensure they are not damaged. If there is any chance of getting their people to safety, they take it. The lives of their children are precious. Making Shaheeds of children is not part of Israel's agenda.
Can you imagine anyone placing children in danger by using their school to launch rockets? Especially while attacking women and children and men who pose no danger to them. Can you imagine anyone keeping their 3-year-old child in their house knowing they're likely targets for the IDF?
This by no means is a symbol of me condoning the killing of innocents. It is two things:
It is first and foremost a plea to the Palestinians to condemn your terrorists openly. If not for the sake of the Jews, for the sake of your children.
It is second, a request to those criticizing Israel to look further than the end of your nose. To see that Israel tries its hardest to protect not only the Jews and its other citizens but Muslims and citizens of Gaza. Nevertheless, when faced by a network of terror that is not afraid to place its own children in danger to hurt it, a measure of self-defense is necessary. Unfortunately, to protect its people, there must be some collateral damage. Don't condemn Israel for the killing of innocents, praise Israel for its restraint.
This danger was highlighted further with yesterday's attack in Eilat and rocket fire that has followed. I pray for all of the victims injured or killed, innocent or while trying to protect their children. In the words of Golda Meir, "There will be peace when they learn to love their children more than they hate us!"
