Arab Parade Of Shame

Imagine a giant march in Jerusalem led by Avigdor Lieberman, alongside his faction members, various religious clerics, and settlers – a proud Israeli public; determined masses. Now, imagine the outcry across the country had Lieberman uttered statements such as "We'll be stepping all over MK Ahmed Tibi", "We'll be meeting MK Sarsur below the ground."…imagine what band of hypocrites would have emerged and screamed out.

Amir Peretz would have called for promptly indicting Lieberman and would even threaten to dismantle the coalition. Zahava Gal-On would have submitted to interviews with any available media and called for banning the Israel Our Home party. The country would have been in turmoil for many days, and sensitive social groups would have organized huge left-wing protests, submitted complaints, and demanded an incisive investigation, with Lieberman's head on a platter the only conclusion that would have calmed all the harsh critics.

Of course, the scenario I just described never happened. The opposite is true. Last weekend, a group of Israel haters, people who seek to wipe Israel off the map and the sooner the better, marched in a giant parade. This group was led by none other than "friend of Israel" Sheikh Raad Salah, known for his great "affection" to the country. Along with him we saw Arab-Israeli Knesset members who earn NIS 32,000 (roughly USD 7,000) per month, funded by the Israeli taxpayer.

Treat Salah like a Jew

The picture was lovely, no doubt, pastoral even. Everyone came together, held each other's arms, and with fantastic coordination listened to Salah's call for eliminating Lieberman.

And make no mistake about it, there is no other interpretation to the words uttered there: "We had thousands of Liebermans – and they disappeared. They're lying below the ground. Beit Hanoun will become your cemetery." Those were the words uttered, with great enthusiasm, before thousands of marchers including a large number of Muslim fanatics who would gladly translate the slogans and threats to deeds.

Where are all the bleeding hearts now, I wonder? How is it that the defense minister went silent, and what about the noble nature of MK Galon? None of them saw fit to speak up and condemn those harsh words, uttered in that pathetic, hate-filled parade.

There were days where officials in the State of Israel would treat harsh incitement severely, and arrest any person who dared say something against late prime minister Rabin or who threatened to kill Arik Sharon. Legal officials would immediately utilize the incitement clause in the law or the one about murder threats, and that person would spend a long time undergoing interrogations and under arrest. And rightfully so. The Israeli Left knows how to condemn, attack, and incite against Jewish settlers whoever they may be.

Yet when it comes to the Arab-Israeli public, those same legal bodies are cautious, moderate, and considerate. They claim that the Arab community is deprived and that not enough has been done for this sector. Are the ministerial committees on Arab affairs not enough? The total disregard to illegal construction? The forgiveness displayed by the attorney general in the face of visits and meetings of Arab Knesset members in enemy countries?

It should be clear beyond any doubt: The marches and protests by Raad Salah and his gang constitute a grave danger to the State of Israel. The law should treat Arab MKs as it does Israelis who meet with the enemy in a hostile country. Salah should be treated under the law just like any Jew detained over suspicions of incitement and threats. There are cases where there's no room for Left or Right; any Israeli with just little sense of patriotism must stand by Lieberman and condemn this parade of shame.

The writer is a former Israel Police Major General and a Knesset member on behalf of Israel Our Home.

Gamla
11.23.2006