Fruits of Enlightenment

After the barbaric attack on civilians in Israel, where in proportion to the population 20 times more civilians died than in America on September 11th and 200 hostages were taken, it seemed that if there were any defenders of the terrorists, they would only be similar to them in their way of life and thinking.

But here are the students of the world’s best Harvard University, famous for its mass production of leaders and experts in science, politics, jurisprudence, and culture, making a statement: “We… hold the Israeli regime fully responsible for the escalation of violence.””

This is not a unique testament to intellectual and moral decline. Student organizations from New York, Pennsylvania, Columbia, California, and many other elite universities responded in a similar manner to the tragedy. Particularly shocking was the reaction of many students and professors from elite law faculties and schools, shaping future politicians and jurists. Can one imagine them in the roles of judges and experts at the Nuremberg Trials? At the trials for Al-Qaeda and ISIS?

In these days, demonstrations and rallies calling for the destruction of Israel are taking place in many countries around the world. Attacks and vandalism against Jews have become daily occurrences, but only France and Germany have taken effective measures against the accomplices of terrorism. The number of participants in pro-Palestinian actions far exceeds those in support of the Jewish state. In these days, anti-Semitism has clearly shown its global scale.

It’s not surprising that the Muslim world supports the Palestinians. But even in North America and Western Europe, there is widespread support for Palestinian terrorism, which, aimed at the destruction of the Jewish state, is proclaimed as a resistance movement for rights and justice.

In America, alongside Islamic organizations, prominent politicians and major public organizations are involved in justifying terrorists. The “Democratic Socialists of America” and “Black Lives Matter” see in the recent events a “Desperate act of self-defense” and a “Clear parallel between the Black and Palestinian people.

Leading liberal media are trying to find a “balanced approach”, “present all viewpoints”. The New York Times published an article by a Palestinian poet: “The West and Israel deprive them (Palestinians) of their humanity.” Undoubtedly, terrorists are inhuman, dehumanized, but who is responsible for this? The Times’ columnist Michelle Goldberg laments that “The language of some Israeli leaders is too harsh.” Another columnist asserts: “It’s Israel’s duty to rebuild Gaza.” The fact that neighboring countries do not want to accept Palestinian refugees is not discussed. Not so long ago, Muslim countries accepted millions of Syrians. Why no one wants Palestinians, who have been repeatedly expelled by their Arab neighbors, is not raised as a question.

A CNN commentator emphatically states: “Either Israel will end the occupation, or the occupation will end Israel.” His colleague gives airtime to a Palestinian leader who insists that “Hamas does not harm civilians but only fights the Israeli army.”

In liberal media, it’s typical to hear arguments like “It’s not that simple”, “But you have to consider…”, “It’s complicated…” and again, peace-making solutions that have proven ineffective for decades are suggested.

You can’t accuse the Western liberal of lacking a good education or knowledge of history. They are aware of the lessons of the war against fascism when no one condemned the carpet bombings of German cities, which were accompanied by massive civilian casualties, the atomic bombings in a doomed Japan, whose purpose was to secure a victory with fewer American casualties and serve as a lesson to others. No one justifies the fascist regime by the fact that after World War I, Germany experienced hard times and a humiliation of national dignity. No one discusses the issue of territories that Germany lost after World War II and the 13 million Germans expelled from their homes. Still, Israel is demanded to review its borders, allow the return of refugees, without considering its security. The rights of Jewish refugees expelled from Muslim countries are not discussed. For many years, millions of Muslims in India, China, and other countries experience persecution and lawlessness, but their fate does not attract even a fraction of the attention compared to the Palestinians.

In response to a terrorist attack, America retaliated with wars thousands of miles away from its borders in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria, where hundreds of thousands of civilians died and tens of millions became refugees. Yet, Israel, constantly living under an existential threat, is expected to show restraint and tolerance.

Apart from Israel’s enemies, consciously seeking its destruction, there is a large portion of society in Western countries raised with the idea of a liberal world order, which aims to eliminate wars and conflicts based on justice and cooperation. Confronted with reality, liberalism falters. The failure of the ideology, institutions, and very way of life according to the liberal model is evident.

The bankruptcy of expectations for peace, justice, overcoming biases and hatred is especially hard on Jewish liberals. Yet, despite another tragedy, a large protest demonstration led by progressive Jews gathers outside the White House, urging the president to demand that Israel cease military operations. The most evident and cruel lessons have yet to help them shed illusions or overcome the “Stockholm syndrome,” which has grown into a clinical pathology.

Liberal enlightenment and behavior did not help make the world stable and safe, counter barbarism, or strengthen civilization. Today, we have to rely on American aircraft carriers.

In recent years, America has made many serious miscalculations in its foreign policy. Among them is the shift in attitude towards Israel by Obama and Biden, who saw it not so much as a natural and reliable partner, but more as a problem that hinders improving relations with the Muslim world. However, America is pragmatic, capable of considering reality, and adjusting its policy in line with new conditions and national interests. Appeasing Iran, its satellites, and allies is clearly not in America’s interests today. It will be necessary, once again, to revisit Middle Eastern policy regardless of which party and which candidate win in the upcoming elections. Strengthening ties with Israel is not only a moral obligation but also a policy that aligns with America’s long-term global geopolitical interests.