227 September, 2002

Letter to the Editor
USA Today

Letter to the Editor:

Recent events in the Middle East conflict have illustrated a fundamental difference between the two sides. It is just a matter of whether people are perceptive enough and honest enough to take notice.

Rami Hahamid, an Israeli-Arab, helped thwart the attempt of a suicide bomber. Although the bomber succeeded in killing himself and a policeman and injured Rami in the process, the death toll could have been much worse.

These events now have people declaring this is proof that Jews and Arabs can live together. However, the question has never been whether or not they can live together, but under what conditions and circumstances could it be possible.

To answer this, one need only compare Israel and Palestine. Rami is an Israel-Arab, one of many that make up 20 percent of the population of 6.6 million people in the country. Every honest individual should be asking themselves now "how many Jews could obtain citizenship and equal rights in Palestine?"

The media was quick to praise the actions of Mr. Hahamid (as well they should), but for the wrong reasons. They jumped on the issue because Rami is Arab and provides good press for Arabs as they attempt to show how they are the victims and Israel the oppressor. Notice how no credit or recognition is ever given to Israel for allowing equal citizenship for Arabs and how quickly they focused on the fact that Rami was shackled to his bed until suspicions of his involvement were dispelled.

We should all take notice of the fact that not only was Rami cleared of any suspicions, due to a just and rational political establishment in Israel, but he was awarded a certificate praising him for "saving life with great courage and initiative" and for "good citizenship." Can one imagine the Palestinian Authority doing the same for a Jew?

Furthermore, criticism of his actions comes not from Jews, but from fellow Israeli-Arabs. The difference between Israel and Palestine is obvious. Israel recognizes the rights of both Jews and Arabs, has a democratic government where all can participate, and has only acted in self-defense throughout this entire conflict. Meanwhile, Palestine recognizes nobody's rights, operates under a ruthless dictatorship, and continually initiates conflict with the goal of destroying Israel and claiming the entire region for Arabs.

The solution is obvious. Jews and Arabs can only live together in a nation where men, both Jews and Arabs are free. Israel has already established the conditions and criteria that make this possible. The dictatorship of Palestine must and should be dissolved. Any and all Arabs who want peace can find it and enjoy it in Israel where, even though they may be viewed with suspicion socially, they are at least equal politically.

Eric J. Lakits
D 78583 Bottingen Germany