Comments on Two Articles in the Jewish Journal

I found two very thought provoking articles in the recent issue of the Jewish Journal (Los Angeles, California) about which I would like to comment.

One interesting article by Jacob Wirtschafter concerns Israel, Nigeria, and the Ebola epidemic. Apparently, Israel has developed good relations with Nigeria, and Nigerians make up the largest group of tourists from Africa to Israel. Nigeria has been able to prevent the Ebola outbreak from taking over as it has in other West African countries with less developed health systems. The USA has requested that Israel send army field hospitals to West Africa to help fight the Ebola epidemic, but Moshe Yaalon, the Israeli defense minister blocked it, claiming his defense budget is too low. However there is in Israel an NGO organization IsraAID that will be sending teams to fight Ebola in West Africa. Mr. Yaalon is short sighted (He is also the guy who has insulted the USA, Israel’s best friend). Sending Israelis to do mitzvahs in underdeveloped countries is the positive stream in Israel. Building friends for Israel is an important part of Israel’s defense. I have now included IsraAID as one of my favorite objects for donations along with Ben Gurion University, the American Jewish World Service, and the Joint Distribution Committee. Unfortunately Mr. Yaalon and people who think like him are the negative stream.

Another interesting article is “The West Bank and Gaza: Give Economics a Chance.” Essentially it says that a Marshall Plan-like aid to build up the economy of the West Bank and Gaza Strip would help solve the problems between the Israelis and the Palestinians. I agree that this is a goal that should be worked toward. But there are some big problems getting in the way of reaching that goal. Loosening the blockade on Gaza would help to improve the Gaza economy, but it would also allow in weapons and materials like cement to line tunnels to send terrorists into Israel. That is not theoretical. It actually happened. But it happened in spite of the blockade. The economic situation on the West Bank has improved, but the growing West Bank settlements and an attitude by some far right Israelis of a Greater Israel including the West Bank with no concern for the interests of the Palestinians creates an impossible situation. The fence blocks commerce but keeps out terrorists, but it is part of a situation that can not last forever. There are many facets to solving the problem. It will happen gradually and in steps, but in order to happen it has to start. The Palestinians need hope. Neither side will get a perfect solution. Perhaps autonomy for Palestine or confederation with Israel should be the first goal. This could end up being the best final solution for both sides, or it could be a step toward complete independence for both. As for Gaza, in order to be helped peacefully, they need a government that wants it and respects it. So far Hamas has not done that. But who knows? Things can change with or without Hamas.