Here’s my account (click the "continue reading" link to read the whole thing) of Ehud Olmert’s address to the Johannesburg Jewish community on Thursday night 22 October.
For the first time in South Africa’s ten year democracy we were addressed by a member of the Israeli Knesset. This, coupled with the troubling times that Israel is going through, manifested in a rapturous standing ovation for Israeli Deputy Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Olmert began by honouring the South African Jewish community, saying that, although not the largest of Diaspora communities, we are the warmest, most sincere, and most dedicated community when it comes to protecting the rights of Israel. Despite how strong Israel is, it is comforting for Israel to know that the South African Jews are at the forefront of the struggle for Israel’s fundamental right to exist.
Olmert described his visit as an opportunity to start new bilateral relations with South Africa. He spoke sincerely about how honoured he is that Thabo Mbeki selected him out of all the Israeli ministers for the first visit since our democracy began. Speaking very highly of our President, Olmert looked forward to the meeting in a realistic and practical manner. He knows that there will be many areas where South Africa will not be supportive and will be critical, but Olmert is honoured to open a new era of communications which will create much better relationships. A new relationship does not yet exist but Olmert hopes that South Africa is now on a new track. Attacking a nation at every international body will not help the building of bridges between Israel and the Palestinians. Only earnest discussions, honest debate, an open exchange of views, and a comprehensive understanding of the many difficulties permeating the conflict can foster a new reality in the Middle East.
Olmert was not surprised by the demonstrations that greeted him since most of the people here don’t know Israel’s side. He related that it is a natural desire to sympathise with the Palestinians and he understands that the large Muslim community here would side with them. Israel is thankful that the South African government did not yield to the pressure, even going as far as to accept an invitation to visit Israel next year.
The Israeli government is engaged in the greatest political battle in their history. The Likud believes that every single piece of land from the Jordan to the sea is part of the historic land of Israel. With resounding spirit Olmert reminded us that there has never been a nation so intimately linked with one piece of land than the Jews are with Israel. All of the land is part of Jewish history and all of the land will continue to be part of Jewish History.
With the audience, now on the edge of their seats, holding onto every articulately spoken word, Olmert then explained the stark reality of the situation. “Perhaps by the will of God”, Olmert said, “in this tiny piece of land there are also millions of other people. People who have needs and desires of their own. Israel must therefore make a choice.” A large state all under Israel control, maintaining democracy and equal rights for all, will eventually result in a Jewish minority. Do we want “Greater Israel” or do we want a Jewish state where Jews will be a majority, which can protect Jews all around the world from the atrocities that are so much a part of Jewish history?
Jews are fundamentally democratic and so there can only be one choice. And by no coincidence, at the time we have to make this choice, our leader is no other than the courageous Ariel Sharon. We have to now make more compromises, but we will never return to the dangerous borders of 67 which invited attack on Israel. (These were not even recognised international borders; rather they are merely the 1949 armistice lines that separated the Israeli and Arab armies after the war of independence.)
Olmert made a convincing case for the disengagement from Gaza. There are 7500 Jews living amongst 1.5 million Palestinians – “let’s protect Israelis where they can be protected”. Olmert favours pulling them out rather than exposing them to endless war.
Olmert couldn’t reiterate enough that Israel is not disengaging out of fear. In emphasising that Israel will continue to fight the war on terrorism, Olmert reminded me of something Rabin said in 1994 – “We will fight terror as if there is no peace process, and we will fight for peace as if there is no terror.” Referring to Jerusalem, Olmert said that it will continue to be the eternal undivided capital of Israel. Although, I do note that he has previously been willing to cede many Arab neighbourhoods that lie on the periphery of the Capital.
Regarding the Palestinian leadership, the message conveyed is that discussions will take place when they decide to be reasonable, when they end terror, end corruption, and introduce democracy. “We are ready and willing to make compromises if you are. If you are not ready then we will unilaterally start the compromises, we will pull out of Gaza and parts of Samaria without anything in return.” This has not been an easy decision and has literally torn Israel apart. If there is one man who hates giving up land it is Sharon, but he realises that to save some of the land we will need to give some of it up. It will be heartbreaking for Sharon to ask some of our best people, who have sacrificed so much for Israel, to leave there homes, their businesses, their schools, their playgrounds, their neighbourhoods, and to go live somewhere else. But Olmert says that this is necessary for the well being of both Israelis and Palestinians alike.
A government prepared to take the political risks and face the opposition of so many, lose the majority of the Knesset, and possibly face new elections – is a government that is dedicated to changing the dark reality of the Middle East, finally moving things forward.
If the Palestinians realise that the terror will lead them nowhere, then they will find Israel waiting to negotiate. If however, they continue to perpetrate atrocious acts of terror, they will find a nation ready to fight until the last terrorist is removed.
Finally, after a resounding response from much of the audience, Olmert concluded that Israel will emerge from the coming difficult weeks stronger and more united.
Hi,
I am the Call Centre Manager's assistant and the Product and Systems Trainer for our Call Centre Department in our company. We are an online company and our clients are internationally based. I am in need of two qualified Israel agents to work our day shift from 7:30am till 20:00pm, (not everyday)but shifts. We are based in South Africa, Rosebank.
If you know of candidates, please contact me on my e-mail address or on my office line on (011) 772-1735 to arrange for an interview.
thank you
Posted by: Natasha Bora | May 04, 2005 at 16:56
Hi Natasha,
I have forwarded your message on to the Israel centre in SA and they may know of some interested people.
Posted by: Steve | May 05, 2005 at 10:29