Father Forgive Them

Norma Zager

“Calves are easily bound and slaughtered

Never knowing the reason why:

But whoever treasures freedom

Like the swallow has learned to fly.”

From the Israeli Folk Song “Dona Dona”

Oftentimes even the most ardent supporter of the human race must face reality. Saving the world from itself is too great a task for any one person or any thousands of persons. Human nature in its inimitable way will find the least resistant path toward self-destruction and no force on earth is great enough to prevent people from achieving their goal. In 1964 the United States enacted the Civil Rights Act to outlaw segregation and bring equality to all Americans despite color, sex, ethnicity or religion.



Yet today, despite the fact Jewish people marched beside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., funded the NAACP and were among its organizers, anti-Semitism among blacks and its leadership runs rampant throughout our nation.



The first high-profile revelation of the extent of hatred and resentment blacks feel toward Jews was apparent when Jesse Jackson slipped and called New York “Hymietown.” The heinous comments by the Farrakhans and Reverend Wrights are evidence of the incredible disdain and hatred some in the African-American community bear toward Jews who battled and died for black rights.



The Civil Rights act has done little to legislate hatred and anti-Semitism between two cultures that should be great allies and compatriots. Why hasn’t it? Perhaps gratitude and loyalty prove no match for political agendas. Post racism? Those who oppose President Obama’s ideology are immediately branded racist and Nancy Pelosi calls engaged Americans partaking of their rights to free speech Nazis. Now there are two “N” words in America to demean people and their rights as citizens. Civil rights laws? How can this be progress?



I hear a great deal of talk about a “two-state solution,” dividing Jerusalem, Palestinian demands of Israel, Saudi refusal to even speak or recognize Israel and of late calling the mere idea of a Jewish state “racist.” A two-state solution would be wonderful if it does not come at the expense of Israeli security or actual existence.



When bombarded with both sides yelling and angry, I must ask myself one question: is it arrogance or optimism that fuels man’s delusional nature?



Much of it I am afraid is fueled by a liberal media that ultimately divides and promotes its own efforts.



I was speaking with a Jewish friend recently. He pointed out Israel’s murderous Gaza incursion toward innocent Palestinians. I sighed deeply before answering. I have found it calms and curbs my anger.

I reminded him of the time-tested Hamas ruse of using women and children as shields and hiding their leaders among innocents to directly place them in harm’s way. He applauded this tactic, saying it was a highly effective weapon of war propaganda.



When I mentioned the fact that although there was constant bombing of Israel despite an ongoing truce, he chided Israel and said they could have better handled the situation. After all, he noted, no Israeli children had been killed yet.



It was then I reminded him firmly and with passion, that until he had sent his children out for pizza and they didn’t return because some lunatic had strapped a bomb to his chest, had walked into the restaurant and murdered his kids, he was in no position to judge Israel’s desire to protect her people. If Israel had waited until someone was killed, would he have been as laissez faire had it been his family member who’d been sacrificed by the waiting? Finally, he shook his head and admitted there were no easy answers.



This great denial, the refusal of people to accept the fact they haven’t the ability to legislate or mediate hatred out of existence, only fosters greater consequences.



I choose to believe that not every Muslim wishes to destroy Israel. But unfortunately there seem to be enough haters to get the job done. When I see the same people who are supposed to be partners for peace showing videos of little children learning how to kill and hate Jews daily over PA airwaves, I wonder how can any sane rational person believe their intentions are honorable or sincere.



As most Jews, I want to believe some type of agreement would end the fighting, the hatred, the never-ending terrorism and murderous attacks on innocent people. Yet no evidence exists that this is or ever was possible.



Last week in Israel two terrorists faked car problems and Israelis pulled over to help. They received bullets instead of a thank you for their efforts.



Israel agreed to a truce with the Gazans and the entire duration of the truce there were constant bombs lobbed across to Israel daily.



All day every day hatred and anti-Semitism is spewed across Arab airwaves. The Palestinian leadership’s deeds speak volumes and belie their peaceful rhetoric.



The U.S. constantly insisted Arafat’s anti-Israel speak was only to appease his followers, but they knew better; he actually meant otherwise. He didn’t, and they were wrong. This wishful thinking cost everyone dearly.



Israelis are tired. So are we all.



So what is the answer?



The new American Administration thinks it can coordinate some type of peace accord. Mazel tov! I would celebrate that success forever. However, perhaps if the United States walked away and said, “You guys duke it out,” peace may be better served. America cannot change the rule of civilization that has proven only the strong survive.



We passed a civil rights law and yet hatred reigns supreme in this country. Not long ago a man walked into a building in Washington and killed a young black security guard who had simply stepped up to help him open the door.



How’s that civil rights law working for us, huh? Has it stopped people from hating or trying to destroy and murder? Unless someone invents a magic wand that will erase evil from the human psyche, I wouldn’t bet money on love reigning supreme anytime soon. And sadly this sentence comes from a member of the Woodstock generation. The mantra “peace love and rock ‘n roll” is now “where did we go wrong?”



I understand why people want to be optimistic and hope for a better, brighter world. I simply can’t fathom what makes them think talking to madmen will usher in Utopia.



Time and again throughout history the Jews have suffered for their own arrogance or delusion. I am not certain which it truly is, but no matter, the result remains the same. Ultimately, we find destruction and annihilation at the hands of our enemies. Pogroms, Nazis, Spanish Inquisitions, the list is endless. Are you sensing a pattern here, people?



In 1948 the Jews who returned to their homeland were allowed to form an independent country. Now too many are willing to give it up under the auspices of peace.



When has there ever been peace among Jews? They can’t even get along amongst themselves. The liberals hate the conservatives, religious and the reform are at odds, pro-Israel versus pro-Palestinians. Enough already with the constant arguing! We have been forced out of almost every country in the world throughout history. Now our people have their land back and they are all too willing to give it away to people whose very philosophy is written in capital letters for all to see: “Destroy Israel and the Jewish people.”



I wish I could share the delusions. Life would be easier and indeed far less frustrating. I wouldn’t want to shake so many people and say, “What are you thinking?” I could go on my merry way singing, “Oh boy, my people are safe and accepted at last. We can all rest easy now.”



Sadly, that isn’t reality. Nor do I ever believe I shall see such a day in my lifetime.



Those who refuse to support Israel’s need to fight for its existence, by whatever measures need be enacted, are either incredibly arrogant or frighteningly delusional. Neither of these traits will help Israel or the Jewish people.



I’m going to close with an appropriate quote from Jesus Christ about my fellow Jews who just don’t “get” it, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”