When Men Say Peace

If you think the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is ready for the next round of peace talks consider this quote: “I say this clearly; I do not accept the Jewish State.” Thus spoke Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stated, “Netanyahu’s demand that Palestinians recognize the Jewish State is ruining the chance for peace.”

While I could continue to document the hate filled rhetoric of both Palestinian and Arab leaders, I chose the above two examples specifically.

Abbas is the head of the terror group that is reportedly the representative of the Palestinian people, thus if he does not recognize Israel as a legitimate sovereign nation, then the Oslo Accord and all subsequent agreements are null and void.

As the leader of Egypt (a so called moderate Arab nation and a nation supposedly at peace with Israel)  it is clear that peace through a two nation system inclusive of the Israelis and Palestinians is neither a reality nor the ultimate goal.

Israel’s obligation was to exchange land for peace. They gave up the land but have not gained peace. The powers that be refuse to acknowledge their legitimate existence are the same ones doing the killing.

Since Hamas has driven Fatah out of Gaza and is trying to remove Fatah from the Judea-Samaria area,  there is a two nation existence that of Fatah and Hamas with Israel caught in the middle. The apostle Paul wrote of men crying peace and safety being followed by sudden destruction. Today is that very time.

Nothing is Sacred

Israeli Statesman Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he fears the church of the Holy Sepulcher very likely could be the target of a blatant attack from Islamic terrorists.

Netanyahu maintains that such an attack could spark a series of global attacks in retaliation for violation of a Holy site revered by many Christians.

Netanyahu’s assessment is not only relevant and realistic but it also strikes deep into the dynamics of world religions. We are supposed to be living in an age of love, peace and tolerance, a time when the ecumenical bonds stretch beyond personal beliefs uniting us to our similarities rather than our differences.

However, the Holy sites of Judaism within the borders of Israel be it synagogues, cemeteries, even the tombs of the Patriarchs have seen destruction and desecration under the guise of religious fervor and frustration.

Christian churches around the world likewise are gutted by fire and explosions on a regular basis as they stand as a representation of the conflict with radical Islam.

The sad truth of our world is that many agree until they disagree and then, when they do, destruction seems to be the only action that is taken.