As things heat up in days leading up to the demand by Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbasfor full UN membership, Egyptian leaders have apparently added some fuel to the fire. According to The Jerusalem Post, “In an interview with a Turkish television station Thursday, the Egyptian prime minister said the peace treaty with Israel is not sacred, and is always open for discussion.”
Meanwhile, a group in New York City has started something of a billboard war in the New York City subway system in support of the Palestinians, according to New York Daily News.The Westchester County-based WESPAC Foundation has put up ads that read: “Be on our side. We are the side of Peace and Justice. End U.S. military Aid to Israel.”
The ads have not only sparked the ire of New York City Councilman Lewis Fidler, but also the pro-Israeli group Stand With Us.
Fidler said that, “This is a highly political campaign with a controversial underlying anti-Israel message.”
CEO of Stand With Us, Roz Rothstein said that a response is necessary to the ads. NY Daily notes that, “The answering ad shows two small boys with their arms over each other’s shoulders: ‘The Palestinian Authority Must Accept The Jewish State & Teach Peace, Not Hate.’”
Multiple church groups in Texas are also showing their solidarity with Israel, according to the Christian Newswire. On the weekend of September 23rd -25th people all over Texas and the southwest region will participate in an event called “One With Israel”. This event is a personal call to action for solidarity and prayer for lasting peace and stability in Israel. Around 200 churches and synagogues throughout Texas and the southwest have made their commitment to join One With Israel to prove that Israel has great friends during these difficult times.
As the only true democracy in the Middle East, Israel has become the lone refuge for those who wish to live in peace. Despite multiple attacks, Israel has held fast with the support of its friends and allies who are a true blessing.
In September, Israel will face another major challenge to Israel's legitimacy. The Palestinian Authority will seek a unilateral declaration in the United Nations where, unfortunately, they find an almost automatic majority of support. These actions are designed to impose upon Israel a Palestinian plan that will essentially strive to bring Israel back to the indefensible 1967 borders and to further isolate Israel within the international community by delegitimizing the nation. Therefore, the groups seek to stand in the gap on behalf of Israel and call on a Greater help for them in this difficult time.
The Consul General of Israel, Ambassador Meir Shlomo states, "True and lasting peace can only be achieved by direct negations between the Palestinian Authority and the State of Israel. Anything short of a mutual agreement on key issues, such as the designation of borders, is counterproductive to a lasting peace. Morality, fairness, and common sense dictate that direct dialogue between the parties is key and to halt the UN vote for unilateral statehood. The State of Israel has confirmed its unrelenting commitment to peace and has been willing to go back to the negation table. Regrettably, these cries have fallen on deaf ears."
The Consulate of Israel to the Southwest calls for everyone who supports democracy, peace, and freedom to demonstrate support for Israel in the "One With Israel" solidarity event that weekend. For further resources please email onewithisraelsw@gmail.com.
