Comment

Benjamin Netanyahu Praises Glenn Beck

11
Bob Levin11/22/2011 3:55:06 am PST

This is continuation of a previous conversation, that moved from doubt (see Sergey’s comment) about whether Netenyahu will speak as some forum to claims that Netenyahu has the blood of Rabin on his hands. It was a discussion that, to me, showed some emotional undercurrents here—undercurrents which would make some Jews very uncomfortable. I’ll just say, these discussions don’t feel…quite Kosher, especially the seeming glee expressed at attributing nefarious motives to Netenyahu, a graduate of MIT.

Being a graduate of MIT means little other than to give evidence, quite clear evidence, that Bibi is not stupid.

So why would he do this? Does it have to do with Israel’s geopolitical position? No. Any economy doing as well as Israel’s is not short on ties to other nations. They may not be strong and warm diplomatic ties, but they are the ties that diplomats listen to.

How about Bibi as being the agent carrying out some Israeli far-right agenda? That seems popular when attributing motivation. However, the only agenda in Israel is to survive one more day. Each day the goal is to survive one more day. Politics in Israel is not the same as politics in the US. There are people in Israel, Jews, who want to live in new homes with effective plumbing. That’s not quite so right wing.

Can it be that Bibi doesn’t know about these groups, how they really feel about Jews? No. Any Jew that cares about Judaism is fully aware how everyone across all political spectrums feel about Jews. It’s an issue that doesn’t go away.

So why would Bibi make such a statement, knowing full well who Glenn Beck is? The answer is quite benign, but to see this obvious answer, one would have to give up the idea of nefarious motivations, of attributing Rube Goldberg guilt over Rabin’s assassination.

Even if he speaks by video at the Awakening, he will be speaking about what he always speaks of—the evils of tyranny, and giving thanks for support. Political support? Not so much.

Because it’s all about tourism. If you don’t know the importance of tourism to the Israeli economy, then you don’t know Israel. And if you don’t know the demographics of the tourism industry, then you don’t know Israel. And if you don’t know Israel, then you don’t know Israelis. All that’s left are blind accusations.

re: #2 windsagio this comment:

Here are two stories that are a follow up. Sarkozy is retracting his statement and apologizing for the gaffe.