Sign our South African Jewish Declaration of Conscience! In response to the anti Israel "Call by Concerned Jews" (and now Lebanese) which lays all blame on Israel for the Lebanon crisis we call on South African Jews to publicly support our alternative declaration by posting their name and/or personal message in the comments section below. |
We declare that that all peoples of the Middle East, be they Jewish or Arab, have the right to live in free and prosperous societies. Terrorist organisations, such as Hamas and Hizballah, are the greatest obstacle to realizing this vision. Their incitement of hatred and indiscriminate acts of violence against Israel, do not only destroy the lives of the Jewish people that they so hate, but also poison the Arab societies within which they operate. Thus all terrorist organisations must be dismantled for there to be any hope of a better Middle East.
The Jewish state has consistently sought peace with its Arab neighbours. To this end, it has made painful concessions. In terms of its 1978 peace agreement with Egypt, Israel relinquished the entire Sinai Peninsula. In 1993, it entered into the Oslo Peace Process with the Palestinians and under these accords handed over much of Gaza, Judea and Samaria (West Bank) to PLO control. Israel unilaterally withdrew from Southern Lebanon in 2000. And most recently, it disengaged from all of the Gaza almost one year ago.
Yet despite these unprecedented gestures, Israel has not received peace. Terrorist organisations and certain rogue states throughout the region have continued their campaign for Israel’s destruction. And we support Israel’s right to defend itself against this unprovoked aggression.
We regret the loss of all innocent life on both sides of the conflict. However we recognise that there is a moral distinction between terrorist organisations that deliberately kill civilians and the Israeli Defense Force that inadvertently does so.
The terrorist organisations that use their civilians as human shields in blatant contravention of international law bear much of the culpability for Arab civilian deaths.
South Africa, with its significant accomplishments in nation building, could play a meaningful role in the development of sustainable Arab democracies in the region. Its vast experience in reconciliation could also serve to help counteract decades of anti-Jewish hatred that has permeated the Arab world.
We believe that a just and lasting peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours is possible. Israel’s peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan attest to this. But peace cannot cohabit with terrorism. Thus it is the duty of all who long for freedom and prosperity in the Middle East, to support the eradication of this scourge.
Update
The views in the comments do not necessarily represent the views of It's Almost Supernatural.
Admin Note: This entry will remain at the top of the blog for the next while. Normal blog posts appear under this entry.
Update @ 11/08/2006
A small number of Lebanese have now joined the terror supporting "Jews for peace". Read about the updated petition which apportions all blame for the crisis on Israel here.
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*Editor's Note:
Please scroll to the top of this page to read our declaration and scroll down to the bottom in order to post your message of support.
If you are struggling to post your message of support then please send an email to [email protected] and we will post it for you.
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Support
Posted by: Wally Miller | August 07, 2006 at 23:06
Support (South African living in Canada)
Posted by: Jacob Miller | August 07, 2006 at 23:32
Support
Posted by: Candice Miller | August 07, 2006 at 23:33
Support from a non-Jew (but from a Jewish family)
Posted by: Gareth | August 08, 2006 at 00:54
I support
Posted by: Roy | August 08, 2006 at 09:07
I support
Posted by: Frances | August 08, 2006 at 10:28
strongly support
Posted by: Michael Kransdorff | August 08, 2006 at 11:29
I support Am Yisrael
Posted by: gary shapiro | August 08, 2006 at 11:33
I support.
2 lines- If the Terrorists laid down their weapons today there would be immediate peace.
If Israel laid down their weapons, their would be no more Jews in this world.
Posted by: Justin Blend | August 08, 2006 at 12:25
I support Israel, and the fight to retain Israel's existence!
Posted by: leanne salant | August 08, 2006 at 12:38
Very strongly support Israel's right to live in peace and to defend itself
Posted by: Shirley Rubenstein | August 08, 2006 at 12:45
I support this declaration.
Posted by: Steven Magid | August 08, 2006 at 13:08
Strongly Support
Posted by: Dalit Marom | August 08, 2006 at 13:10
You have my support - from a Christian who doesnt support any side over the other but just wants peace.
Posted by: Sihle Phule | August 08, 2006 at 13:39
Support
Posted by: Gabi B | August 08, 2006 at 13:47
I stongly support Israel's defensive action in Lebanon, May G-d bless all the brave soldiers of the IDF.
Posted by: David Ronthal | August 08, 2006 at 13:52
support,.
Posted by: gersh | August 08, 2006 at 13:58
I FULLY SUPPORT ISRAEL !!!!
Posted by: Brett | August 08, 2006 at 13:59
I support Israel's defensive action in Lebanon
Posted by: Maurice | August 08, 2006 at 14:00
I strongly support Israel!
Posted by: Andrea | August 08, 2006 at 14:01
Strongly support
Posted by: Jonathan Lurie | August 08, 2006 at 14:04
Support
Posted by: Saul | August 08, 2006 at 14:04
Support
Posted by: Galia Durbach | August 08, 2006 at 14:06
i support Israel's right to defend its people and country
Posted by: Stephen K | August 08, 2006 at 14:06
Support
Posted by: Benny M | August 08, 2006 at 14:07
Support
Posted by: Wayne | August 08, 2006 at 14:10
I strongly support this!
Posted by: Rolene Marks | August 08, 2006 at 14:10
I support Israel's defensive action as well as her offensive action in an attempt to rid Lebanon of Hezbollah.
I call on Christians to also sign this declaration especially the large Christian Lebanese community in SA.
Posted by: Marc Whittington | August 08, 2006 at 14:12
i support
Posted by: Steven Kransdorff | August 08, 2006 at 14:14
Support
Posted by: Howard | August 08, 2006 at 14:14
How can we have peace when they deny our right to exist in the first place. Peace for them constitutes just them!
Posted by: Robert Zagey | August 08, 2006 at 14:18
Strong support for Israel. Israel is a nation defending itself against extremists. Which other country would not defend itself?
Posted by: Gavin Oster | August 08, 2006 at 14:23
The brave soldietrs of the IDF are fighting for all jews all over the world to keep other Jews in israel secure and our homeland secure for when other Jews want to come. I pray that Hashem should be with them and ask that all jews should see this as an oppurtunity to better themselves in their jewish observance as these things are not coincidences, we are being told to improve ourselves.
Posted by: Danny Joffe | August 08, 2006 at 14:28
Never Again!! I support Israel
Posted by: Mark | August 08, 2006 at 14:33
I stongly support Israel's defensive action in Lebanon
Posted by: Peter Dorfan | August 08, 2006 at 14:33
The IDF are fighting the war for all peace loving nations.
Posted by: Maish Stein | August 08, 2006 at 14:34
I Support Israel very strongly!!!!
Posted by: GavinM | August 08, 2006 at 14:50
Strongly support Israel's actions to defend its citizens and our freedom
Posted by: Nicole Sacks | August 08, 2006 at 14:54
I support Israel
Posted by: Cohen D | August 08, 2006 at 14:58
I STRONGLY SUPPORT!!
Posted by: Dalya | August 08, 2006 at 14:58
Strongly support
Posted by: Michelle F | August 08, 2006 at 14:59
I strongly support Israel.
Posted by: Andy Shub | August 08, 2006 at 15:01
I strongly support Israel's defensive actions in Lebanon. May Hashem grant them swift and decisive success, which will bring true peace to the region.
Posted by: Rabbi Ari Shishler | August 08, 2006 at 15:02
I strongly support Israel's actions
Posted by: Irwin | August 08, 2006 at 15:03
I unconditionally support Israel's right to defend itself
Posted by: Ivy Hesp | August 08, 2006 at 15:03
I strongly support
Posted by: Howard Croock | August 08, 2006 at 15:04
I strongly support our right to defend ourselves.
Posted by: Steve Zagey | August 08, 2006 at 15:12
I support every movement that the IDF makes in this war against terror! If no-one else does, then who will?! I stand behind Israel 100%
Posted by: Neville Starkowitz | August 08, 2006 at 15:13
I support
Posted by: Neil | August 08, 2006 at 15:14
I Strongly support Israel and her actions.
Posted by: Shaps | August 08, 2006 at 15:15
Support!
Posted by: David K | August 08, 2006 at 15:24
Strongly support
Posted by: Jonathan | August 08, 2006 at 15:25
I support Israel and her necessary actions against this murderous Islamist tyranny. The world must wake up to the danger of Iran and Syria behind Hezbollah.
Posted by: Miriam, from Australia | August 08, 2006 at 15:26
I strongly support Israel
Posted by: Ronen Goldstein | August 08, 2006 at 15:28
The remarks and actions of the fundamentalist Muslim world (as well as many non-Muslims, worldwide) remind me of our not too distant past - WWII, where calls for the Jews to be wiped off the map were heard and supported.
The only difference is: - then we did not have an army, we did not even have a state to call our own. However, now we have both and we will not let the same thing happen again...
I fully and emphatically support Israel in its defensive and offensive operations in the Lebanon.
Posted by: Ryan | August 08, 2006 at 15:36
I support Israel 100000%
G*d bless them all.
Posted by: Gill | August 08, 2006 at 15:50
Strongly support!
Posted by: Shmuel | August 08, 2006 at 15:52
Strongly Support
Posted by: Jamie | August 08, 2006 at 15:54
Any nation has a right to defend itself.
I have the utmost faith in the Israeli morality.
I also condemn the South African Govts response to the situation. There is NO collective punishment involved in this war. And no targeting of civilians.
The response of these Jews are incentives to terrorists to commit further acts of terror against innocent peace loving people.
shame on you !!!!
Posted by: Ryan Heitner | August 08, 2006 at 15:56
3 points :
1. How do you negotiate with people whose starting point is to attack you with a statement that they/their backers' object is your complete annihilation?
2. Israel has never deliberately targeted civilians, and goes out of its way to minimise these. Hezbollah makes civilians their prime targets.
3. Why are none of these people exprssing any regret at any of the human tragedies elsewhere in the world, where many more people are being mindlessly killed ?
Posted by: Peter Gower | August 08, 2006 at 16:17
I strongly support Israel's right to defend its very existence.
Posted by: Veronica Belling | August 08, 2006 at 16:45
History has unfortunately shown what will happen if the Jewish Nation does not defend itself. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will ALWAYS support Israel.
Posted by: Hasson | August 08, 2006 at 16:49
I support!
Am Yisrael Chai.
No concessions!
Posted by: Josh | August 08, 2006 at 16:59
Whilst I do not support Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories I do support Israel's efforts to dismantle Hizbolla.
I support that the killing must stop from BOTH sides.
Posted by: Justine J from Vancouver | August 08, 2006 at 16:59
I support this declaration
Posted by: Raymond | August 08, 2006 at 17:21
What type of animal sacrifices it's own child on an alter fashioned from hatred? This is the face of Jihad.
Those bunny hugging fools who put their names of that bleeding heart, fuzzy thinking, leftist nosense should be ashamed of themselves.
Posted by: Dan Shevel | August 08, 2006 at 17:27
I fully support Israel and their response is totally justified!
Posted by: Philip | August 08, 2006 at 17:30
To all the brave men and women of the IDF. You are not only fighting for Israel but for the entire Jewish nation.We all support you!!! ECHAD BISHVIL KULAM ! KULAM KULAM ! KULAM BISHVIL ECHAD!
Posted by: Pearla | August 08, 2006 at 17:45
support Israels right to defend itself
Posted by: ANITA | August 08, 2006 at 17:47
Israel has my support
Posted by: Mike Kalk | August 08, 2006 at 17:53
I am an Israeli who came here from South Africa in 1963 and live in Jerusalem. I do not support the occupation of the West Bank and I think it was the wisest thing to leave Gaza with all the problems involved. I support the war in Lebanon although I do not know if we did the wisest thing in involving ourselves to such an extent. But there is not one word in this manifesto that I do not support.
Posted by: Natalie Ginsburg | August 08, 2006 at 18:05
Kasrils and the other appeasers say "Peace is only possible when antagonists start talking on the basis of a just solution for all". Anyone who puts their name to this vague and misleading statement, either has no understanding of the core issues, or doesn't give a damn whether Israel survives or not. The moment that "a just solution for all" includes the universal recognition of Israel's right to exist as a sovreign nation at peace with its neighbours, there will be peace. Until then, Israel has to react to every act of aggression with a "Yad Chazak".
Posted by: Elliot Shevel | August 08, 2006 at 18:17
I strongly support!
Posted by: Sandy Geffen | August 08, 2006 at 18:23
Support.
I disagree with some of the sentiments in the above comment but am glad that people from the left and right can unite around the element that this boils down to - Israel's existence.
But this time its back to pre67 - its not about an occupation. Its about our right to live in Israel.
Posted by: Ethnie - Perth | August 08, 2006 at 18:24
I strongly support!
Posted by: Sandy Geffen | August 08, 2006 at 18:24
I strongly support!
Posted by: Nicky | August 08, 2006 at 18:28
I strongly support!
Posted by: Nicky | August 08, 2006 at 18:28
I fully and unconditionally support Israel's right to defend its borders,its citizens and its existence.
May G-d bless Israel and may our soldiers return home safely
Posted by: Darren Horwitz | August 08, 2006 at 18:29
I absolutely support Israel is disarming and standing up against these terrorists
Posted by: Karen | August 08, 2006 at 18:36
I strongly support
Posted by: Leon Ettin | August 08, 2006 at 18:47
I strongly support!
Posted by: Bev, Bolnick | August 08, 2006 at 19:06
.
Posted by: Oscar Goldstuck | August 08, 2006 at 20:22
I absolutely, unconditionally and without apology support Israel in its right to take whatever measures are necessary to defend its people and the holy land of Eretz Yisroel, including going beyond its borders, where and when needed, to do so.
Posted by: Mandy Yachad | August 08, 2006 at 20:28
I support Israel's defensive action in Lebanon 100%. The Hizbollah should be blotted out of the World for ever.
May G-d bless Israel and may our soldiers return home safely
Posted by: A.GINSBERG | August 08, 2006 at 20:44
Israel was attacked and is constantly having to defend her position... if she puts her weapons down the land will cease to exist.
Posted by: L. Gower | August 08, 2006 at 21:28
I strongly support Israel's right to defend herself
Posted by: Doron G | August 08, 2006 at 21:43
support from a hinjew. don't forget the Bomb in india just before this war. over 200 killed in one go.
I support the statement
Posted by: Naresh Govinder | August 08, 2006 at 21:55
Strong support!
Posted by: S.Melamed | August 08, 2006 at 22:03
I agree (English, but family live in South Africa)
Posted by: Snjstar | August 08, 2006 at 22:04
I support Israel 100%
Posted by: Avril Wolpert | August 08, 2006 at 22:30
I support the declaration.
I support peace for lebanon when they stop harbouring terrorists.
Posted by: Lance Kibel | August 08, 2006 at 23:21
As an ex-South African New Zealand Jew, I support this declaration
- Evan
Posted by: Evan | August 08, 2006 at 23:31
A very balanced declaration that has my full support.
Posted by: Barry | August 08, 2006 at 23:48
There is a time for peacemaking and a time for war and unfortunately our enemies demand that this is the time for war.
There is no occupation of Lebanon.
I support this very balanced declaration.
Posted by: Mark Cohen | August 09, 2006 at 00:21
Support.
Posted by: Osher Ben Nathan | August 09, 2006 at 00:30
I strongly support Israel's right to defend the safety of its citizens.
Posted by: Mervyn Myers | August 09, 2006 at 06:10
I fully support the actions taken to dimantle terrorisist groupings whose sole purpose is to create fear, destruction of life and the dismantling of the social fabric through the creation of an environment of fear and death in the Israeli civilian population. It is necessary to fight fire with fire and those who shirk from that stance are tacitly supporting the actions of these terrorist groupings. I wait daily to find out whether my civilian family, who live every moment of every day with rockets falling upon them from Hezbollah, have survived the day, as they are amongst the deliberately targeted civilians by Hezbollah. Am Yisrael Chai- Echad Bishvil Kulam, Kulam Bishvil Echad!!
Posted by: Larry M | August 09, 2006 at 06:29
support
Posted by: Helen Dufner | August 09, 2006 at 08:29
I will always support Israel!
Posted by: Tyrone Rubin | August 09, 2006 at 09:36
It is not apparent if the WHOLE of the offensive letter was re-printed above. Context has a lot of meaning. I accept your Declaration at the head of this note entirely. But we must not be blind to Israel's mistakes when made, whether historically or currently, but must try to correct them, preferably privately,but sometimes necessarily publicly. One who supports you, right or wrong, is no friend.
Posted by: Hugh I. Courts | August 09, 2006 at 09:49