Fred Maroun's Blogspot

Israel: Something for everyone

Arab antisemitism is not new. It is much older than modern Israel, but despite that checkered history, October 7 was a new low that can never be forgotten or forgiven.

This Jewish trait is perhaps the explanation behind the Jewish people’s longevity despite having faced discrimination, rejection, resentment, and violence throughout their long history

Airbnb titles its decision “Listings in Disputed Regions”, but it mentions one and only one “region”, which it calls “Israeli settlements in the West Bank”. Apparently, the Airbnb “experts” are not aware of other disputed regions that Airbnb still services

My birth on the Arab side of the Israel-Arab conflict was not my choice, but my moral stand is my choice, and my choice is Israel.

Once we recognize this obvious reality, let’s look at solutions other than a two-state solution

The Israeli paradox is that while Israel is thriving as a nation, it has no way to achieve a permanent status as a state whose borders are internationally recognized. It is stuck in limbo.

Everybody knows that Abbas is lying, but almost everybody pretends to believe it because it allows them to maintain some cherished myths

Despite its faults, Israel is still far more democratic, far more just, and far more respectful of life and human rights than its enemies (which include my native country Lebanon).

Considering that Israel has a consistent history of being extremely careful to avoid civilian casualties, a friend such as Canada would be expected to give Israel the benefit of the doubt, and not to make unproven accusations.

West Bank annexation means losing the country's Jewish majority or imposing apartheid; inaction is simply too costly

Whatever the future holds, whether it is two states, three states, a single state, or a confederation of states, the futures of Israelis and Palestinians will be associated and interdependent

I am not embarrassed that we Arabs lost. We deserved to lose, and I cannot even think of the massacres that may have ensued if we won. I am embarrassed that we started the war in the first place.

Israeli Arabs are noy affected negatively by the new law

An alternative perspective on the toppling of legends.

The 2006 election of Hamas was not a mistake that Gazans have learned from, Hamas remains the most popular party in Gaza. Gazans therefore cannot be considered the helpless victims of terrorists,

European leaders refuse to face the reality that the Palestinians are led by a charlatan and pretend that organizing a peace conference will deliver the ever elusive peace agreement

Just like those who did not stand with Israel in previous Israel-Gaza wars, those who did not stand with Israel this time will have blood on their hands.

If Arab leaders were wise, they would recognize that Palestinian nationalism is dead and that its artificially preserved corpse is a hindrance to peace and progress.

Metal detectors are used in many places in the world, including airports of course, but also Muslim places of worship. So why the big deal at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem?

If countries like Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and others cannot put aside their hatred of Israel, or any other country, at least for the duration of the Olympics, they should not be allowed to compete.

In the 69 years of this history, Israelis’ support for the two-state solution, however, has slowly eroded. The main reason is the realization that the Palestinians never wanted it and are not likely to ever want it.

After 69 years of obstructionism, the Palestinian leadership no longer deserves a seat at the table. It is time for Israel to behave as the victor of the conflict, and to win the peace.

Arab states who had a central role in starting the conflict, may end up being the catalyst that finally infuses the pragmatism that is needed for a solution.

It does not make sense to assume that all Palestinian refugees would move to a new Palestinian state. There are several possibilities for these refugees:

While the Lebanese terrorists’ phenomenal arsenal pointed at Israel is indication enough, the whipping up of hatred may be an even stronger indication that Hezbullah is itching for another war with Israel

Arabs devote their energies to stifling human potential in their own ranks; Jews, on the other hand, devote their energies to building a nation and making it greater every day.

If Israel had done what was in all fairness its right to do, Muslims would not today have had to worry about going through metal detectors to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque. They would not have to worry because no Muslim would be allowed on that ground and Al-Aqsa would have been desecrated and dismantled.

As an Arab, I wish that the Google Jewish employees would learn the history of the people that they claim to belong to.

Convict, and only then hold the trial and look at the evidence