FROM THE EDITOR
(Continued from p.2)
Jerusalem Arabs to distribute illegally slaughtered meat from Arab areas to restaurants throughout Israel. The "Syrian Gang" as the smuggling ring is called, which does not even use refrigerated trucks, attaches forged Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary Service stamps to the meat, 70% of which, according to Ministry inspectors, is unfit for human consumption.
MORE QUESTIONS
ABOUT AIPAC
When legislation imposing sanctions on companies that deal with Iran was introduced in the House of Representatives earlier this year, AIPAC was all for it. Iran is an easy target; there's nothing unpopular or controversial about taking action against Teheran.
Then Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) decided to add on language targeting Libya too, and AIPAC got nervous, claiming that the Libya language might reduce support for the bill and impede its passage. It was not the first time that AIPAC's timidity was misplaced: despite AIPAC's attempt to get the anti-Libya language removed, the bill passed with both Iran and Libya included. In a display of petty vindictiveness, AIPAC then issued a press release praising the Congressmen who had backed the original language on Iran, but pointedly omitting Senator Kennedy and the other Congressmen who had supported the anti-Libya language.
Over the years, AIPAC has claimed that its actions on Capitol Hill represent the views of most American Jews. This has led some to wonder if AIPAC was indeed representing American Jewry when it refused to call for a U.S. veto of the U.N.'s anti-Jerusalem resolution in 1994, when it suppressed Congressional hearings on the stationing of U.S. troops on the Golan Heights, when it endorsed Israel-hater Strobe Talbott for Deputy Secretary of State in 1994, or when it refrains from criticizing the State Department's reports covering up PLO violations of the Oslo agreement.
Now, once again, the question must be raised: did AIPAC's attempt to sabotage the anti-Libya bill represent the feelings of most American Jews?
We doubt it.
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COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
(Continued from p.1)
Israelis and Diaspora Jews to grapple seriously with the need to take specific action to protect Israel's integrity as a Jewish State. The damage that Oslo wrought shouldIsrael against future threats. Will that mean enacting a formal Constitution that defines Israel as a Jewish State? Will it mean the passage of additional "Basic Laws," the special legislation that the Knesset has periodically enacted to enshrine basic legal rights and concepts? Will it mean enacting legislation to require special majorities for government actions affecting Israeli sovereignty over the Land of Israel?
Whatever the ultimate solution, one thing is clear: let us first define the problem. A Commission of Inquiry into Oslo can help do just that.
Herbert Zweibon is Chairman of Americans For a Safe Israel.
THE ISRAEL
DEFENSE FORCES, 1996
(Continued from p.5)
courage will become a lost item. Public criticism and continuous examination of what the army is doing are an essential condition for carrying out the qualitative transformation which is necessary for the armyÕs restoration. Support for a qualitative revolution in the IDF is the litmus test of patriotism, because for many years to come we are doomed to live by our sword, which today is dull and rusty, while those who carry it are feeble and unsuitable.
The kind of revolution needed in the IDF steps on many toes, people, authorities and special interests in the army and defense establishments and so will call forth much opposition from those defending their bailiwicks. They will do it by demagogy, and by arguing that uncovering deficiencies harms the security of the state. But only harsh criticism--with teeth--will make it possible to effect the qualitative revolution needed for recovery. Courage is required to take the necessary steps, before their absence brings calamity.
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