The Morning After or The Day Before
Welcome to the New Era of Peace! Today only one Jew (a
Yeshiva student from Yeshivat Ateret Cohanim) was
seriously injured in the Old City in Jerusalem, stabbed
in the back by a peace-loving Arab who couldn’t control
himself and only two firebombs were thrown into the
Avraham Avinu Neighborhood in Hebron.
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Yesterday afternoon, and into the evening, thousands
marched from the Caves of the Patriarchs to the Avraham
Avinu neighborhood in the heart of Hebron, expressing
their love for Eretz Yisrael and continued support for
the Jewish Community of Hebron.
Those of you who have had a chance to read the
paragraphs in the agreement concerning Hebron,which I
sent out last night, will notice that the Jewish Quarter
is called “the Old City.” It is considereded to be a
reminant of the past – an anachronism. So, it seems,
according to some, Eretz Yisrael is an anachronism.
Minister Benyamin ben Eliezer exclaimed in joy: “the
signing effectively ends the dream of a greater Israel –
Eretz Yisrael HaShlema ” .
Not only that – it seems that the enemy is greatly
admired – Shula told Kol Yisrael this morning that those
imprisoned for murdering Jews aren’t really murderers –
they are freedom fighters who were following the orders
of their commanders, ie, government. Therefore they may
be released from jail – they simply are not criminals (as
opposed to Jews who killed Arabs – they can’t be released
– they are criminals).
That’s the way it is – the enemy has turned into the
brother and the brother has been turned into the enemy.
Everything has been turned upside down.
Some clarafications concerning some of the sections
dealing with Hebron:
In my opinion paragraph No 11 is the most dangerous – it
effectively opens the door to any action the government
deems necessary to maintain stability and security – NOT
OF THE JEWS – BUT OF THE AREA AND THE PEACE AGREEMENT!
The `tnuva road’ is the main street in Hebron leading
from Ma’arat HaMachpela to the Avraham Avinu neighborhood
and then on to Beit Hadassah- it has been closed to Arab
traffic for the last year and a half.
The wholesale market, being transformed into a retail
market, borders the entrance to the Avraham Avinu
neighborhood – anyone entering or leaving that area must
go thru the market area – there is no “bypass” – Needless
to say, if this area is filled with Arabs, it will
greatly increase risks to the Jews in Hebron.
I’ve spend much of today going through the agreement
– it is really unbelieveable – `plainclothed arab
policeman – armed with pistols and rifles – with the
authority to stop anyone and ask for identity papers -‘
– next week I’ll print some choice selections.
In any case, on Sunday Ma’arat HaMachpela will be
opened including Ohel Yitzhak, which is usually only open
to the Arabs – as it will be on Yom Kippur and on Tuesday
and Wednesday of Chol HaMoed Succot – This morning there
were over 40 buses of people at the Ma’ara –
At the demonstration-rally in Hebron yesterday a
number of people spoke – but more than the words said –
the atmosphere was so very impressive – upbeat, in spite
of everything – We realize that it’s not going to be easy
– but as much as Rabin, Peres and Arafat think it’s all
over – we know that it’s just beginning – and are
preparing accordingly.
There are those who woke up this morning thinking-
this is the morning after the “great event” – but there
are others who see today as the day before – not the end,
rather the beginning…
Tomorrow we read from the book of Hosea – “Return
Israel to the L-rd your G-d” – When we do look back, it is
not to the events of yesterday, rather it is
to our roots – to the source of our strength, to the source
of our rights, privileges and obligations in Israel.
The Shabbat between RoshHaShana and Yom Kippur
is Shabbat Shuva – the Shabbat of
Return – We have returned and we are staying – Pray with
us that all Israel should return – return in body and in
spirit. Then look forward.
Shabbat Shalom.